CAHNR Celebrates Community with Annual Awards & Honors Event

CAHNR faculty, staff, students, and alums come together to be recognized for their contributions to the College

Young Building

W.B. Young Building (Milton Levin/UConn Photo)

Every year the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources and the College Alumni Board (UCAHNRA) recognize the accomplishments of distinguished alumni, faculty, staff and supporters.

The event returned to an in-person format on April 13, 2022 after being cancelled in 2020 and held virtually in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

CAHNR Dean and Director Indrajeet Chaubey shared gratitude on behalf of the College for the contribution made by the year’s award recipients.

“This year like every year, there is a lot to celebrate at CAHNR. Faculty and staff continued to provide our students with transformational education that allows them to thrive and find fulfilling careers post-graduation. Our world-class researchers continued to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and advance knowledge in their fields. Our extension outreach continued to connect our communities with the programs, people, and resources they need in a variety of areas. And our alumni not only achieved amazing things, they also continued to give back to their alma mater, offering their time and expertise to students, their home departments, and CAHNR leadership. Thank you all for your steadfast support of CAHNR and our mission to serve and educate all. You are the foundation of our College, and with your support I know that CAHNR’s future is bright.”

2022 Recipients

Early Career Research Award: Abhinav Upadhyay ’14, Animal Science

Excellence in Research Award: Elaine Choung-Hee Lee ’02 ’06 ’09, Kinesiology

Graduate Student Research and Creativity Award (PhD): Danielle Hare, Natural Resource and the Environment

Graduate Student Research and Creativity Award (MS): Antoine Khati, Allied Health Sciences

Kinsman Early Career Teaching Award: Jessica Brandt, Natural Resource and the Environment

CAHNR Graduate Student Teaching Award: Minu Thomas ’18, Nutritional Sciences

Excellence in Engagement and Outreach Award: Jennifer Cushman ‘07 ’08 ‘12, UConn Extension

CAHNR Justice, Equity, Anti-racism and Inclusion Award: Kristen Cooksey Stowers, Allied Health Sciences

UCAHNRA Distinguished Alumni Award: Susan Yeargin ’07, Kinesiology

UCAHNRA Teaching Award: Christopher Blesso ’12, Nutritional Sciences

UCAHNRA Outstanding Staff: Sharon Aborn ’99, Animal Science

Spirit of the Land Grant Award: Steven Zinn, Animal Science

4-H Alumni Award: Andy Gilbert

Meritorious Service to 4-H Award: Ellen Paine ’75

4-H Leadership Award: Debbie Crosset

Faculty and staff were also honored for years of service. The College also recognized CAHNR Student Ambassadors who provide important outreach and engagement support with prospective and current students.

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