Recent achievements for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln community were earned by Tami-Brown-Brandl, Andrea Cupp, Amy Desaulniers, Stephen Kachman, Joe Louis, Tianning Ma, Reece Riewerts, Clemencia Rojas, Elizabeth Theiss-Morse, David Wishart, Yizhou Zhao and Chanasei Ziemann.
Honors
Andrea Cupp, Irvin T. and Wanda R. Omtvedt Professor of Animal Science, has earned an Award of Excellence in Multistate Research from the Western Region of agInnovation — a regional land-grant university agricultural experiment station network in 13 Western states. The award recognizes her contributions to the multistate project “Reproductive Performance in Domestic Ruminants.”
Amy T. Desaulniers, associate professor of reproductive physiology with the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, has earned the 2026 Teaching of Physiology Section Labfront Mid-Career Educator Award from the American Physiological Society. The award honors a mid-career member who demonstrates excellence in physiology education with innovative teaching or mentorship activities.
Stephen Kachman, professor emeritus of statistics, has earned the BIF Pioneer Award from the Beef Improvement Federation. The award recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, creativity and long-term commitment to pushing boundaries and creating lasting value. Kachman specializes in statistic genomics with a focus on national beef cattle evaluation.
Joe Louis, Eberhard Professor of Agricultural Entomology, has earned the C.V. Riley Award from the North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America. The award honors faculty widely recognized within the society who have made outstanding contributions to entomology.
Clemencia Rojas, associate professor of plant pathology and faculty member in the Center for Plant Science Innovation, has earned the 2025-26 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor Award from the university. The award recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated a sustained commitment and exceptional ability in mentoring postdoctoral scholars.
Elizabeth Theiss-Morse, professor of political science, and David Wishart, emeritus professor of geography, earned the Louise Pound-George Howard Distinguished Career Award from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Faculty Senate. Established in 1990, the award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the university.
Chanasei Ziemann has been awarded the Mortar Board Diane Selby Fellowship for the 2026- 2027 academic year. Ziemann will receive a $3,500 award to pursue graduate work in biological sciences with a focus in genetics, cell and molecular biology.
Three students from the Glenn Korff School of Music earned national recognition this summer at the National Association of Teachers of Singing National Student Auditions, one of the country's premier competitions for collegiate vocalists. Reece Riewerts, a sophomore music education major, captured first place in the Musical Theatre Lower College Tenor/Baritone/Bass category. Tianning Ma, a Doctor of Musical Arts student in vocal performance, placed second in the Classical Graduate Tenor/Baritone/Bass category. Yizhou Zhao, a Master of Music student in vocal performance, was a national semifinalist in the Classical Graduate Treble Voices division. The annual National Student Auditions showcase some of the nation's most accomplished collegiate singers, with students advancing through regional competitions before earning the opportunity to compete on the national stage.
Appointments
Tami Brown-Brandl, professor and Splinter Chair of biological systems engineering, has been named a fellow of the International Academy of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and of the International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. The fellowships recognize those who have attained international distinction through sustained excellence in research, education, innovation, leadership, outreach and service to the profession.
