Meet our GWIS Honorary Membership Award Recipients

Full List Available Here

Dr. Iris Beatriz Vega Erramuspe, Bette E. Barnes, Early Career Scientist Award 2025

Dr. Iris Beatriz Vega Erramuspe is an Assistant Research Professor in the Biosystems Engineering Department (BSEN) at Auburn University, Alabama, where she directs a research program dedicated to low-cost, in-situ, and portable biosensors for real-time monitoring. Her work addresses critical applications such as air quality assessment in confined agricultural systems, detection of odor-causing molecules in indoor and outdoor environments, identification of contaminants in water and soil, and monitoring of natural water bodies. Before joining BSEN, Dr. Erramuspe was a Visiting Scholar and Research Fellow at Auburn’s College of Forestry, Wildlife & Environment (CFWE), where she contributed to the development of bio-based wood composites and advanced cellulose materials. Her commitment to research has yielded significant advancements in biosensors, cellulose-based materials, and wood composites, with extramural funding secured from USDA-NIFA, NSF, and other federal agencies, as well as collaborations with industry partners in Alabama and nationwide.

She has published extensively in high-impact journals including BioResources, Carbohydrate Polymers, Polymers for Advanced Technologies, and Biomacromolecules. Her scholarly contributions, with over 340 citations, highlight both the novelty and practical impact of her research. Beyond publications, she is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists. She has taught the graduate-level course Biomass Processing Chemistry (BIOP), a cornerstone of the CFWE Biomaterials and Packaging Program, equipping students with advanced knowledge in sustainable materials. Equally recognized for her mentorship, Dr. Erramuspe is admired by her students—both graduate and undergraduate—who affectionately call her Dr. Beatriz. Her ability to balance groundbreaking research with effective teaching and compassionate mentorship exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader in her field. With her broad expertise, demonstrated success, and commitment to excellence, Dr. Erramuspe is a highly deserving candidate for the Bette E. Barnes Early Career Scientist Award.

Dr. Karen Willcox, Florence R. Sabin, Research Excellence Award 2025

Dr. Karen E. Willcox, MNZM, PhD, is an internationally recognized leader in computational science and engineering whose pioneering research has transformed how data and models are used to inform decision-making in complex systems. Currently Director of the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin and Associate Vice President for Research, she has advanced the fields of reduced-order modeling, multi-fidelity methods, scientific machine learning, and predictive digital twins. Her innovations have shaped applications in aerospace engineering, energy systems, and precision medicine.

Dr. Willcox’s scholarly impact is immense. She has published over 150 refereed journal articles, authored influential books, and supervised more than 60 graduate theses, many of whom now hold leadership positions in academia and industry. Her work has been recognized with some of the highest honors in her field, including election to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (2022), the SIAM Theodore von Karman Prize (2024) for contributions to computational science and engineering, and the U.S. Association for Computational Mechanics J. Tinsley Oden Medal (2023). These awards highlight her pioneering contributions to model reduction, optimal design, and uncertainty quantification. Her leadership in securing and directing multi-institutional research grants totaling over $50 million from agencies such as the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, NASA, and NSF reflects her ability to translate fundamental research into broad societal impact. She has testified before the U.S. Congress on the future of scientific computing and actively advises international organizations on the role of computation in science and engineering. Beyond research, Dr. Willcox is deeply committed to STEM education and diversity. She co-founded the MIT Center for Computational Engineering, has spearheaded initiatives to increase participation of women in STEM, and continues to mentor the next generation of leaders.

Dr. Akshi Kumar, Florence R. Sabin, Research Excellence Award 2025

Dr. Akshi Kumar’s journey is defined by academic brilliance, resilience, and courage. Following the early loss of her husband, she raised her three-year-old child as a single mother in India, persevering despite immense societal pressures. Her determination to pursue her career never faltered. This perseverance, coupled with her intellectual excellence, has propelled her from India to the UK, where she earned the prestigious Global Talent Visa endorsed by the Royal Academy of Engineering as an Exceptional Talent. Today, she is recognized among the top 2% of highly cited scientists globally for the fourth consecutive year on Stanford University’s list. Her research excellence is evident through 13 distinguished research awards. Beyond academia, Dr. Kumar has contributed substantially to shaping public policy. She has submitted written evidence to the UK Parliament on critical issues such as AI’s role in public trust, misinformation, and cyber resilience. These contributions underscore her deep commitment to ensuring technology serves society responsibly and effectively, influencing decision-making at the highest levels.

As Director of Postgraduate Research (PGR), Dr. Kumar provides academic leadership, guiding the progress of a diverse body of postgraduate students. She is particularly dedicated to mentoring and supervising women in science, where her encouragement has been transformative. Many young female researchers under her supervision, especially those working on master’s theses, have been inspired to pursue careers in AI, natural language processing, and data science. Her leadership has opened doors for more women in STEM, amplifying her impact well beyond her own research achievements. Dr. Kumar embodies the spirit of the Honorary Membership Award. She has reached outstanding research milestones, shaped policy, and empowered future scientists while overcoming personal adversity with grace and determination. Her resilience, leadership, and societal contributions make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.

Dr. Gokce Ustunisik, Jean E. Simmons, Science Education Excellence Award 2025

Dr. Gokce Ustunisik’s passion, dedication, and demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring have profoundly impacted students at South Dakota Mines since she joined the faculty in 2016. Her commitment extends across undergraduate education, graduate advising, and postdoctoral training, where she combines subject mastery with a genuine ability to inspire students toward academic and professional excellence. Upon her arrival at South Dakota Mines, Dr. Ustunisik quickly identified curricular gaps and restructured her courses to provide students with critical skills not covered elsewhere. Her teaching equips students with a deep understanding of mineralogic and petrologic processes on Earth and beyond, reinforced through personalized office-hour discussions tailored to individual learning needs. She employs diverse teaching tools, from electronic slides rich in images and animations to remarkably precise hand-drawn illustrations, ensuring that complex scientific concepts are accessible to students from varied backgrounds. In the laboratory, Dr. Ustunisik emphasizes problem-solving and collaboration. She integrates group learning techniques to help students interpret phase diagrams, link mineral textures to geochemical and geophysical implications, and develop the ability to synthesize data into meaningful insights. She also prioritizes communication skills: students regularly present their work to peers, practice technical oral presentations, and refine their ability to organize scientific interpretations in writing. These exercises instill confidence and prepare students for professional careers in science and engineering. Her mentorship record is equally outstanding. She has served as academic advisor to 33 undergraduates, research advisor to eight graduate students, committee member for ten graduate students, and mentor to one postdoctoral scholar. Under her guidance, students have produced nine peer-reviewed publications, ten white papers, and 43 conference presentations. Through her innovative teaching, individualized mentorship, and dedication to student success, Dr. Ustunisik exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Jean E. Simmons Award for Science Education Excellence.

Dr. Hannah Sargeant, Science Communication Award 2025

Dr. Hannah Sargeant is an accomplished Research Fellow at the University of Leicester, specializing in lunar exploration, space nuclear power, planetary surfaces, and In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). Her expertise extends to rover design and operations, reflecting her pivotal role in advancing space technologies and exploration methodologies. Dr. Sargeant's impressive track record includes 12 peer-reviewed publications, 47 conference abstracts, and two book chapters, demonstrating her thought leadership and contributions to the scientific community. Dr. Sargeant has earned recognition through prestigious honors and awards, including being named to Forbes 30 Under 30, receiving the Amelia Earhart Fellowship, and delivering a TEDx talk. Her accolades underscore her influence and prominence within the space exploration and planetary science fields. Dr. Sargeant's combination of cutting-edge research, public engagement, and international recognition makes her a deserving candidate for the Research Excellence Award. Her work continues to shape the future of planetary exploration and space resource utilization, positioning her as a key figure in advancing our understanding and capability in space science.

Dr. Amanda Mills, Bette E. Barnes, Early Career Scientist Award 2024

Dr. Amanda Mills is an assistant professor at the Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University. Dr. Amanda Mills has significantly advanced the field of wearable electronic textiles for health and fitness monitoring, known as smart textiles, over several years. Her expertise spans mechanical and electrical engineering, textile technology, new product design, and textile chemistry, allowing her to approach smart textiles holistically. As the lead faculty for Smart Textiles at the Wilson College of Textiles, a global leader in textile education and research, Dr. Mills has contributed to numerous impactful initiatives. She has collaborated with private corporations, academic institutes, and federal agencies on projects such as developing smart textiles for stroke therapy, blood alcohol monitoring, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Recently, she secured $1.6M in funding from Stanford Research Institute (SRI) to develop utilitarian clothing for unobtrusive event recording, benefiting first responders, military personnel, and potentially the entertainment and gaming industries. Dr. Mills leads a diverse research group of post-doctoral, PhD, masters, and undergraduate students with varied backgrounds. She also teaches the textile engineering capstone course, engaging industry mentors to provide real-life product development challenges for students. Her ability to secure funding and industry mentors enhances this capstone class. As a knowledgeable and compassionate teacher, Dr. Mills effectively engages students with relevant industry examples. Her extensive academic and industry experience, strong research foundation, leadership in prestigious projects, and dedication to teaching make her a significant contributor to her field.

Dr. Kerri Donaldson Hanna, Florence R. Sabin, Research Excellence Award 2024

Dr. Kerri Donaldson Hanna is a recently promoted Associate Professor (2023) in the Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida (a Hispanic-Serving Institution). She has a PhD and MS in Geological Sciences from Brown University and a BS in Space Sciences from Florida Institute of Technology. She was a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Oxford and she has served on over 12 NASA mission teams. Dr. Donaldson Hanna is the recipient of numerous awards, including the NASA Susan Mahan Niebur Early Career Award (2023), the Royal Astronomical Society's Early Career Winton Capital Geophysics Award (2018), and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named an asteroid (27082 KerriDonaldsonHanna) after her. In the last 6 years, she has brought in over $22,000,000 in research grant funding to her university (the most research funding in 2023). in addition, she is the lead Principal Investigator (PI) for Lunar-VISE, a $35,000,000 Payload Research Investigations for the Surface of the Moon (PRISM) NASA lunar mission. Dr. Donaldson Hanna is the only female PI to lead one of these awards. Dr. Donaldson Hanna has an h-index of 24 and has been cited over 2,325 times. She has 48 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 120 conference presentations, 34 invited seminars. For her exceptional merit, research funding, and publications, I nominate Kerri for the Florence R. Sabin Award for Research Excellence.

Dr. Liza Kunza, Jean E. Simmons Science Education Excellence Award 2024

Dr. Liza Kunza is the Director of the Center for Sustainable Solutions and an Associate Professor in Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (South Dakota Mines). Dr. Kunza serves as PI on the National Science Foundation (NSF) ADVANCE Empower award received by South Dakota Mines. Dr. Kunza has a PhD in Ecology from the University of Wyoming – Laramie, an MS and a BS in Biology from the University of Central Missouri. Research in the Kunza Laboratory examines the influence of environmental change on aquatic ecosystem processes and functions. Dr. Lisa Kunza is involved with the community through her leadership roles and through advocating for women in STEM, along with her dedication to encouraging faculty towards personal development, mentorship, and career success. Dr. Kunza serves the community at various through activities with military personnel from Ellsworth Air Force Base and other Department of Defense (DoD) affiliates, and as a leadership position as a member of the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons. In 2023, South Dakota Mines awarded Dr. Kunza the Virginia Simpson Award for outstanding involvement and participation in the Rapid City community. Dr. Kunza participates in numerous activities throughout the local community while encouraging and facilitating collaboration and volunteering from South Dakota Mines students, faculty, and staff. At the campus level, she is passionate about providing a collaborative institute for sustainable solutions and encouraging faculty towards personal development, mentorship, and career success. Statistics of demographics indicate that there are fewer women in STEM fields than men.

Dr. Yarrow Axford, Science Communication Award 2024

Dr. Axford is the William Deering Professor in Geological Sciences at Northwestern University. She is leading the way in climate change research, a sometimes contentious topic. Dr. Axford finds great value in sharing her and her colleagues' research in international media interviews, public lectures, and nationwide op-eds. She understands the importance of scientific communication for all scientific research and takes climate change deniers head-on in her many media appearances. In her class, Communicating Science Beyond Academia, she helps graduate students articulate why their research matters and how it works. During this course, it is clear how important science communication is to Dr. Axford, and her students leave with newfound confidence in science writing and public speaking. In fact, many students have published their course projects in established scientific journals or science communication magazines, or been featured in interviews, all thanks to Dr. Axford's commitment to helping fellow scientists engage with public audiences. Aside from conducting innovative research and being an amazing educator, Dr. Axford is passionate about supporting diversity and inclusion and fostering career pathways for other women in STEM. She is heavily involved in science outreach within and outside of the Northwestern community. For me, it has been an honor to take a course with her and to learn how I can engage in science communication with my own research and how that can be more impactful through community outreach events like the many Dr. Axford participates in herself.

Dr. Nieng Yan, Research Excellence Award 2020

Accomplishments: Structural Biologist and the Shirley M. Tilghman Professor of Molecular Biology at Princeton University.

About: Her laboratory currently studies the structural and chemical basis for membrane transport and lipid metabolism; Her research has won international recognition and awards including the 2015 Protein Society Young Investigator Award and the 2015 Beverley & Raymond Sackler International Prize in Biophysics, and the Alexander M. Cruickshank lecturer at the GRC on membrane transport proteins in 2016. Weizmann Women &Science Award by Weizmann Institute of Science in 2019; and National Academy of Sciences Foreign Associate by National Academy of Sciences in 2019

Dr. Amber Kaplan, Early Career Accomplishment Award 2020

Accomplishments: Chief Scientific Officer of NKMax America, Inc

About: NKMax is restoring immune function through the development of unique natural killer (NK) cell therapies; As CSO, Dr.Kaplan is leading the team conducting numerous clinical trials to discover how natural killer (NK) cells can help patients with cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. She got her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences & Translational Medicine from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; did postdoc research in microbiology & genetics at UCLA; and received grant awardee of NSF and NIH and has experience in both experience in biotech, Startup, venture capital.