JSNN Hosts Virtual Celebration of Excellence for Spring Graduates

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 6, 2020) – The Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) honored its spring graduates virtually in its second annual Celebration of Excellence event on May 1. Approximately 100 participants joined to support and recognize the culmination of their graduate studies and notable accomplishments during their time at JSNN.

“We are so very happy to congratulate all of you on your many achievements and your success on completing this challenging academic year,” said Beryl McEwen, Ph.D., provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. “Each of you came to JSNN with a goal and a dream and you have made it to the finish line.”

“For those who persevered through these extreme challenges, we are eager to celebrate you and your accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dana Dunn, Ph.D., UNCG provost and executive vice chancellor. “We are proud of you and you are getting degrees in fields that need your contributions to address the world’s challenges.” 

JSNN, an academic collaboration between N.C. A&T and UNCG, offers interdisciplinary graduate programs in nanoengineering and nanoscience, respectively. The celebration recognized 11 graduates:

Nanoengineering

MD Al Amin, M.S.

Qassim Dirar, Ph.D.

Nanoscience

Parth Desai, M.S.

Amanda Matherly, M.S.

Mary Morgan, M.S.

Jenni Schultz, M.S.

Durga Arvapalli, Ph.D.

Zuowei Ji, Ph.D.

Alex Sheardy, Ph.D.

Ali Shiave, Ph.D.

Ryan Yarbrough, Ph.D.

Faculty advisors remarked on each graduate reflecting on students’ growth and leadership and praised them for pivoting to defend theses and dissertations in alternative ways in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We produce amazing students and we know that you’re going to make an amazing impact on our world,” said Sherine Obare, Ph.D., JSNN dean.

The event culminated with an overview of faculty, alumni and institutional accomplishments over the past year, including the establishment of the Institute for Research Technologies.