Recognizing faculty and students whose commitment to research, teaching, and engagement have contributed to CAHNR’s mission and supported the College’s strategic vision.

Early Career Research Award

Chaoyu Zhai, Animal Science
Dr. Zhai’s research program applies affordable dietary supplementation and food manufacturing strategies to improve the health of animals and minimize product quality defects in US meat production. The results of his research are immediately applicable to the US meat industry and redefine the fundamental linkages between biological adjustments and consumer preferences. He has received support from the world’s largest food and cattle producers, including JBS and Five River Cattle Feeding, to address these critical issues in animal food production. Dr. Zhai has received $3.59 million in research funding, including three USDA standard grants, published 12 peer-reviewed journal articles, and presented 12 scientific abstracts. His work has included research grant applications and project collaborations with 19 laboratories at seven R1 universities.

Excellence in Research Award

Douglas Casa, Kinesiology
Dr. Douglas Casa has built one of the most collaborative research networks in the field of sport safety and exertional heat illness. As CEO of UConn’s Korey Stringer Institute (KSI), he has cultivated partnerships across academia, industry, government, and athletics – including the NFL, Gatorade, U.S. Army, NASA, and CDC – to translate scientific discovery into lifesaving policy. Dr. Casa’s research exemplifies creative integration of physiology, data science, and public policy. His studies uniquely combine laboratory precision with field application, ranging from thermoregulation modeling to real time treatment in high-intensity athletic and military environments. He was among the first in the field to integrate multi-sensor wearable datasets with AI modeling to predict physiological collapse in real time – pioneering a new frontier in predictive safety science.

Graduate Student Research and Creativity Award

Sunni Chen, Nutritional Sciences
Ms. Chen is a third-year Ph.D. student and has been one of the most productive and excellent graduate students in the Luo Lab. She has demonstrated exceptional scholarly productivity and creativity throughout her doctoral dissertation research, titled Microalgal Cultivation Utilizing Acetate Derived from Cheese Whey Fermentation for High-quality Protein Production. Her research strength and scientific foundation provide her with great potential for future impact. She has expanded two projects, both recently submitted to the USDA for funding, which clearly demonstrate the breadth and translational value of her work in the agriculture system. After graduation, Ms. Chen will continue advancing her research projects as a postdoctoral fellow. In the long term, she aims to pursue a faculty position in the field of food science and nutrition.

Kinsman CAHNR Excellence in Teaching Award

Julia Smachylo, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
Dr. Smachylo’s teaching and research exemplify outstanding contributions to the Landscape Architecture program through her commitment to sustainability, resiliency, and inclusion in design education. She has developed entirely new materials for all of the classes she teaches, and she updates them frequently to reflect industry best practices and the integration of new technologies. She is deeply committed to continued professional development that enriches her teaching and the student learning experience. She meets students where they are, and her ability to cultivate each student’s passion draws out their most thoughtful and ambitious work. Her generosity and intellectual rigor have shaped a culture of curiosity, confidence, and care throughout the program.

Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award

Sarah Reed, Animal Science
Dr. Reed has a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching, using traditional and non-traditional activities to engage students and promote learning. To do this, she connects basic scientific principles with real-life applications, helping students understand both the physiological and practical relevance of the information they are learning. Dr. Reed challenges students to think critically through class activities and discussions, and she often uses student questions to direct additional learning. Dr. Reed forms connections with her students that allow her classroom to be a place for exploration of interests, and her active involvement and accurate advice have also made her a sought-after and respected academic advisor. Dr. Reed often mentors junior faculty on advising and has become a resource for many colleagues. Over the past year, Dr. Reed facilitated a committee that developed a cross-disciplinary, college-wide One Health minor which included faculty/staff from every CAHNR department.

Graduate Student Teaching Award

Korina Ehrlich, Allied Health Sciences
Ms. Ehrlich demonstrates mastery of the material and creativity in delivering content to students. She combines interactive lectures with guided discussions, and she creates an engaging and supportive learning environment for students. Because of her dedication and success as an instructor, she has become increasingly relied upon to participate in course material modifications and to help mentor new graduate instructors. Ms. Ehrlich’s students can see the extra effort she makes in getting to know them and in maximizing their learning. She makes it clear that she has an interest in them as people and not just students. She also is committed to having them not only understand the material, but the application of the material in their own world as well.

Excellence in Engagement and Outreach Award

Alena Meacham, Animal Science
Ms. Meacham has expanded equestrian engagement on campus and beyond. In addition to teaching practicum riding lessons and credit courses to students, she developed and led community horse riding clinics and lessons. Ms. Meacham demonstrates an exceptional ability to inspire and engage participants through dynamic outreach and hands-on experiences. Her approach emphasizes inclusivity and confidence-building, creating a welcoming environment for individuals of all skill levels. Through programs such as the First Experience Horsemanship and Introduction to Horse Ownership Clinics, she has opened doors for individuals who might never have had access to equine education, fostering inclusivity and agricultural literacy. These efforts not only stimulate individual growth but also strengthen community connections, ensuring participants feel valued and inspired to continue their involvement.

Excellence in Extension

Indu Upadhyaya, Extension/Animal Science
Dr. Indu Upadhyaya has developed and led high-impact Extension programs that have strengthened poultry health, egg safety, produce safety, and food safety capacity across Connecticut and the Northeast. Her work integrates research-based recommendations with practical, accessible outreach for farmers, processors, youth, and industry stakeholders. Dr. Upadhyaya also leads impactful poultry Extension programs through multiple USDA-funded grants, including the $10M USDA-SAS poultry sustainability project, where she serves as Outreach Team Leader. Across her Extension programs, measurable outcomes include reduced food safety risks, improved farmer decision-making, increased adoption of best practices in poultry and produce production, and strengthened partnerships among state agencies, federal partners, and academic institutions. Her efforts have generated clear social, economic, and environmental impacts, further reflecting the importance of her extension and research work.

Nancy H. and David E. Bull CES Innovative Programming Award

Emily Wilson, Extension, and Anita Morzillo, Natural Resources and the Environment
The UConn CT Trails program measures and promotes trail use for many benefits including health, environmental appreciation, and community identity. During almost 10 years of work and interactions with more than 1,000 trail users and partners, the team has identified three main stakeholder groups (trail users, trail managers, and emergency responders) and the challenges created by known and perceived risks for these stakeholders. Their project goal is to use an information and data-based approach to better understand and respond to these groups’ needs. The innovation proposed is an approach for envisioning and planning integrated programming, information, data, and product delivery for stakeholders who conventionally are stove-piped. Addressing this complexity has the potential to influence program design and deliverables that integrate the needs of multiple stakeholders to inform outreach to all groups.

Recognizing the volunteers whose support enables UConn 4-H to thrive in communities across Connecticut.

UConn 4-H Alumni Award

Stephen Zoppa
Stephen (Steve) Zoppa began his 4-H career at age seven and spent 12 years as a Hartford County 4-H member, participating in a wide range of animal and non-animal projects across three clubs. He also served as both a camper and counselor. Throughout his youth, Mr. Zoppa held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Hartford County 4-H Fair Association. For the past 19 years, Mr. Zoppa has continued to give back as a dedicated volunteer. He has served as a Fair Advisor, mentoring Fair Officers and supporting key committees. Known for his behind the scenes problem solving, he is always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. He plays an essential role in securing equipment, coordinating with town departments, and transporting materials for the fair. Mr. Zoppa also serves as Superintendent for the Horse Draw Pull and Doodlebug events, and contributes as an Industrial Arts Judge. He previously served as a Trustee on the camp’s board. Mr. Zoppa continues to dedicate his head, heart, hands, and health to 4-H – and truly works to “make the best better.”

UConn 4-H Leadership Award

Hogan Eng
Hogan Eng is an exceptional Fairfield County 4-H volunteer whose leadership has transformed robotics into a powerful youth development experience. In 2018, Mr. Eng partnered with 4-H to transition a FIRST Robotics team into what is now Power Surge 4-H Robotics, a fully student-driven program blending advanced STEM learning with 4-H’s core values. As a professional electrical engineer, Mr. Eng brings real-world expertise in robot design, programming, and engineering, but his greatest strengths are how he empowers youth and engages volunteers. Students lead every aspect of the team, from designing and building robots to fundraising, outreach, and competition strategy, while adults serve as mentors and guides. Mr. Eng’s impact extends far beyond competition. His students grow into confident leaders, problem-solvers, and educators. Through his commitment, Power Surge 4-H Robotics isn’t just building robots; it’s building futures.

Meritorious Service to UConn 4-H Award

Margaret “Peg” Hall
For 11 years, Margaret “Peg” Hall has been a driving force in the 4-H program, reviving and leading the Diggity Dogs 4-H Club, co-founding the county’s first horticulture-based club, and welcoming dozens of new families. She is a constant presence at county and state activities, serving as a Fair Association Director, Foundation Trustee and Vice President, community service leader, thoughtful evaluator, and dependable volunteer who is always the first to say yes when help is needed. As a Fair Director, she supports the youth officer team and a variety of fair committees, as well as serving as an advisor to the officer nominating committee. Ms. Hall has played a critical role in major initiatives such as Operation Community Impact, personally delivering milk to food pantries across the county, leading large-scale community dinners that engage hundreds of members, and participating in the State Award trip review process for National 4-H opportunities. Known for her tireless work ethic, kindness, fairness, and humility, Ms. Hall leads by example, supports new volunteers, champions youth achievement, and quietly does whatever it takes to make 4-H stronger.

Recognizing members of the CAHNR community who embody the College’s core values of integrity, collaboration, inclusion, and innovation.

Justice, Equity, Anti-Racism & Inclusion (Faculty)

Mary Anne Amalaradjou, Animal Science
Dr. Mary Anne Amalaradjou brings a practical, inclusive perspective to every leadership role she holds. From 2022 to 2024, she served as Co-Chair of the CAHNR Working Group on Structural Racism, where she helped guide the College’s efforts to address systemic inequities and strengthen community. In this role, she co-led the development of the CAHNR DEIJ Vision and contributed to the drafting of the College’s DEIJ Plan and organized community-building activities for meaningful dialogue and connection. At the university level, as a Provost’s DEIJ Faculty Leadership Fellow, Dr. Amalaradjou drafted guidance language for recognizing DEIJ work in promotion, tenure, and reappointment, which is now part of the University’s guidance. All of her efforts combined embody collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking leadership recognized through this award.

Justice, Equity, Anti-Racism & Inclusion (Student)

Shanelle Thevarajah, Natural Resources and the Environment
Ms. Thevarajah exemplifies the spirit of this award through her leadership, scholarship, and deep commitment to creating inclusive pathways in environmental education and environmental fields. Through mentorship, educational programs, community engagement, and research, she addresses systemic barriers and expands access to environmental science for historically excluded communities. Since beginning her Ph.D. in 2024, she has expanded the reach and impact of UConn’s Natural Resources Conservation Academy (NRCA) partnership with Upward Bound. She led the integration of culturally sustaining and trauma-informed approaches into program design, ensuring that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and first-generation high school students not only participate in environmental learning, but see themselves as scientists, community leaders, and changemakers. Her commitment to community extends well beyond campus, as she serves on the organization boards contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in conservation and organizational decision-making.

Outstanding Staff Award

Michelle Lewis, ’13, CLAS ‘21, Animal Science
Ms. Lewis has provided exemplary services since 2015, first as a program assistant, and from 2021 as the Administrative Coordinator in the Department of Animal Science. During a time of department transition and despite a 50% reduction in staffing, Ms. Lewis worked collaboratively with the department head and business manager, coordinating schedules, reassigning duties, revising procedures, and streamlining numerous processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness. She also initiated and executed several impactful administrative improvements in the department, such as overhauling the recruitment scholarship interview process for 400+ undergraduate applicants and the digitization of multiple departmental processes. Ms. Lewis also continues to play a pivotal role in the department’s equine program and was instrumental in creating and promoting the new four-year degree program, Equine Science and Management.

Spirit of the Land Grant Award

Cristina Connolly, Agricultural and Resource Economics
Dr. Connolly is an exceptional scholar, educator, and Extension collaborator. She lives the spirit of the land-grant mission through her integrity, commitment to serving diverse communities, and ability to bridge research and practice in ways that improve lives. Dr. Connolly is a remarkable applied researcher whose work on food marketing and labeling has significantly advanced public understanding of complex issues. She has an exceptional ability to make sophisticated economic concepts understandable and actionable, enabling her Extension programming to be both rigorous and responsive to stakeholder needs. Lastly, Dr. Connolly creates transformative learning experiences that prepare students and the community to address real-world challenges with skill, confidence, and creativity. Her dedication to stakeholder success embodies the important mission of a land-grant institution like UConn.

We extend our gratitude to the Excellence Committee for their hard work:

Tatiana Andreyeva, Agricultural and Resource Economics
Tamara Kaliszewski, Allied Health Sciences
Dennis D’Amico, Animal Science
Sarah LeDuc, CAHNR Dean’s Office
Jiff Martin, Extension
Cristina Colón-Semenza, Kinesiology
Chandi Witharana, Natural Resources and the Environment
Clinton Mathias, Nutritional Sciences, Chair
Mazhar Khan, Pathobiology and Veterinary Science
John Inguagiato, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture