Four Biology Students Surprised with Top Honors at William & Mary Graduation Ceremony
At the 2025 Spring Biology Graduation Ceremony, the Biology Department surprised four outstanding William & Mary scholars with its most prestigious annual awards. The announcement, delivered unexpectedly during the ceremony, recognized Olivia Cunningham, Yigit Simsek, and Dazejah Mason—graduating seniors—and recent graduate student Alexa Busby for their exceptional achievements and impact.
Olivia Cunningham received the Mangum Award, a distinction named in honor of the late Dr. Charlotte Preston Mangum, an internationally renowned scientist and emeritus Biology Department faculty member. This highly competitive award is presented to a graduating student for outstanding research in biology, showcasing not just academic excellence but also creativity, scientific rigor, and a deep commitment to advancing knowledge. Recipients are selected based on their thesis work, résumé of research accomplishments, and strong faculty support. Cunningham, whose research was guided by advisor Josh Puzey, was celebrated for her scholarly contributions and passion for discovery.
Yigit Simsek was awarded the Distinguished Senior Award in Molecular & Cell Biology, along with a $500 prize. This award is given annually to a graduating senior who demonstrates exceptional accomplishment in molecular and cellular biology, both in coursework and independent research. Nominees are evaluated on their academic record, engagement with research and mentoring, and qualities such as independence, leadership, and enthusiasm for science. Simsek, mentored by Liz Allison, was praised for his innovative approach to research and his consistent academic excellence.
The Distinguished Senior Award in Organismal Biology, accompanied by a $500 honorarium, was awarded to Alexa Busby. Busby completed her honors thesis under the supervision of Matthias Leu, who called her one of the best research students he has supervised in his 15 years at William & Mary. Although Alexa graduated last fall and could not attend the ceremony, she is currently working in a molecular-ecology lab at the University of Nebraska. Her honors research provided crucial insights for managing salamander species, a group facing serious population declines. Alexa investigated how water quality and surrounding forest cover impact larval abundance in streams, and because salamander larvae cannot be identified by morphology alone, she developed a novel DNA-based method using skin cells to distinguish species. Her work spanned ecology, molecular biology, and complex statistical analyses, demonstrating her breadth as a researcher. This fall, Alexa will begin a PhD in statistical ecology at North Carolina State University. Congratulations to Alexa for her outstanding contributions and well-deserved recognition.
Dazejah Mason was honored with the Biology Leadership Award and a $500 prize. This competitive award is presented to a graduating senior who has made unique and valued contributions to the Biology Department and the broader university community. Selection is based on faculty nominations that describe the candidate’s impact in academics, research, student mentoring, service, and community outreach. Mason, advised by Shantá Hinton, was described as a natural leader who inspires and uplifts her peers, creating a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere.
“These awards are not just about grades or research output,” said a department spokesperson. “They celebrate the qualities that make great scientists and community members—curiosity, creativity, leadership, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Announcing the winners as a surprise at graduation made the moment even more special for our students and their families.”
This year’s awards underscored the department’s commitment to recognizing not only academic excellence but also the leadership, collaboration, and dedication that help strengthen the scientific community. For Cunningham, Simsek, Busby, and Mason, the surprise announcement capped off their undergraduate and graduate journeys with well-deserved recognition and excitement for the future.