Fralin Life Sciences Institute hosted its inaugural awards celebration to honor faculty, staff, and students for their leadership and dedication to making positive contributions to the Institute and Virginia Tech.

The awards recognition was at the top of the holiday luncheon program held at the University Club in Lane Stadium last week. 

William Hopkins, associate executive director of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute and director of the Global Change Center, along with Erin Cassidy, talent management director, recognized eight individuals sharing reflections from each of their nominators.

Employee of the Year Award:
Barbara Wise, assistant director of research operations

Bill Hopkins, at left, and Erin Cassidy, center, present the inaugural 2022 Employee of the Year Award to Barbara Wise.

Inspiring Postdoctoral Fellow Award:
Alexandra Cumbie, postdoctoral research fellow

Junior Fellow Award:
Jonathan Auguste, assistant professor in the Department of Entomology
Nisha Duggal, assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathology
Hosein Foroutan, assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Jonathan Auguste
Nisha Duggal
Hosein Foroutan

Senior Fellow Award:
Linsey Marr, Charles P. Lunsford Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Bill Hopkins, at left, and Erin Cassidy, center, present the inaugural 2022 Senior Fellow Award to Linsey Marr, Charles P. Lunsford Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Linsey Marr

Distinguished Fellow Award:
Jeffrey Walters, Harold Bailey Professor of Biological Sciences

Slide of Jeff Walters, the 2022 Distinguished Fellow Award .

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Dennis Dean, University Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry

Bill Hopkins, at left, and Erin Cassidy, center, present the inaugural 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dennis Dean, University Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry
Dennis Dean

In addition to the award ceremony, special remarks and acknowledgments were made by Dan Sui, vice president for research and innovation, who recognized XJ Meng for his service as interim executive director for the past year. "Under his leadership, X.J.’s not only maintained continuity, but cultivated growth and a sense of community among staff and affiliated faculty," said Sui. 

Sui also introduced and welcomed Rob McCarley, the new executive director of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute, who started on Dec. 1. "We are thrilled that Rob brings a wealth of expertise to this role — both in transdisciplinary research and administration. I know I am excited to see what Rob will do to further enhance Virginia Tech’s environmental and life sciences community."

Rob McCarley shares some remarks at the Fralin Life Sciences Institute holiday awards luncheon.
Rob McCarley shares remarks at the holiday awards luncheon, wishing everyone a rejuvenating break.
XJ Meng with his commemorative, signed photo of Steger Hall at the Fralin Life Sciences Institute holiday awards luncheon.
XJ Meng with his commemorative, signed photo of Steger Hall at the holiday awards luncheon
Dennis Dean, at left, Dan Sui, center, and Rob McCarley at the Fralin Life Sciences Institute holiday award luncheon.
Dennis Dean, at left, Dan Sui, center, and Rob McCarley at the holiday awards luncheon