The 2025 Alumni Awards
The College of Natural Science held its 45th annual Alumni Awards ceremony on April 4 to celebrate excellence among its faculty,
alumni and students.
Nominations for the 2026 Alumni Awards will open this fall.
To see more photos from the 2025 event, please visit the College of Natural Science's flickr album.
Kristin Parent (B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ‘01, Ph. D. Biochemistry ’07) received the 2025 Meritorious Faculty Award.
From research to teaching, Parent's scientific journey is transformative to the development of different therapeutic methods that target infective viruses. As director of MSU’s Cryo-EM Facility, she investigates how viruses infect their host by reconstructing the process with incredible specificity and efficiency. Her work is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Energy, as well as other funding from the National Science Foundation, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, and the J.K. Billman, Jr., MD Endowed Research Professorship.
Parent's influence extends far beyond her field of research, as she is also making an impact on student in the classroom. She's earned the 2017 the College of Natural Science Teaching Award, the Michigan State University Teacher/Scholar Award and the American Society of Microbiology Young Investigator Award.
Heather Blankenship (Ph. D. Microbiology and Molecular Genetics ’19) received the 2025 Recent Alumni Award.
Heather was indispensable in the development and implementation of diagnostic, sequencing and analytical tools that enhanced detection and characterization of SARS Coronavirus-2. She was a key partner with state, national and international organizations, including an academic consortium to increase the capacity of pathogen genomics for public health response efforts.
Blakenship continues to oversee SARS Coronavirus-2 sequencing and surveillance efforts as the Genomics Technical Director at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Heather has been invited to serve on multiple national and international committees to provide insight into workforce development, best quality practices and utilizations of genomic data.
In 2023, she passed board exams in molecular pathology to become an American Board of Bioanalysis High-Complexity Clinical Laboratory Director, the only non-retired public health professional in the U.S. with this certification.
Katherine Reed (B.S. Biochemistry ’71, Ph. D. ’77) and Paul Gertenbach (Ph. D. ’75) received the 2025 Alumni Service Award.
Kathy and Paul met as teaching assistants in an MSU Honors Chemistry course in 1973. They married in 1976, and both went on to have successful careers with 3M. They were so grateful for the scholarships and assistantships they received throughout their time at MSU that they decided to give back by pledging several gifts to the College of Natural Science, including a scholarship and a named professorship in the Department of Chemistry.
Reed’s contributions have had a transformative impact on MSU. The scholarship has provided vital support to seven students since its inception in 2020, ensuring that students can stay on track to achieve their academic goals with little financial burden. The Endowed Professorship in Chemistry strengthens MSU’s ability to attract and retain top-tier faculty in analytical and physical sciences.
Reed also devotes her time to the College of Natural Science by staying involved as an evaluator and mentor for Dean’s Research Scholars program.
Two individuals received the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award, which is given to alumni to recognize their superior professional achievement and support of the college or university.
Gao Liu (Ph.D. Chemistry ’01) currently works at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. As Senior Scientist, he leads applied energy materials research and battery manufacturing activities at the Berkeley Lab.
Since 2001, Dr. Liu maintained a close research collaboration with Professor Gregory Baker of MSU’s Chemistry Department. Dr. Liu and Dr. Baker’s exemplary collaboration brought in new capabilities and research directions to MSU’s Chemistry Department. After Professor Baker’s passing in 2012, Dr. Liu supported the former Baker group members to ensure their uninterrupted education and postdoctoral training until they successfully launched their own careers.
Dr. Liu’s accolades are extensive. In 2020, he was elected chair of the Electrochemical Society San Francisco Section of the Electrochemical Society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gao initiated the Young Investigator Lecture Series to support early career scientists. In 2023, he led the inaugural symposium of electrode binders in the Electrochemical Society Conference.
Dr. Liu continues to maintain a close relationship with the Chemistry Department, participating in the Gregory Baker Memorial seminar series and actively encouraging undergraduates to pursue work in DOE and Berkeley Lab fellowship programs.
John Witt (B.S. Chemistry ’57, Ph. D. ’61, MBA ’78) began his professional career at the pharmaceutical company G.D. Searle. He was a member of the team that developed aspartame, better known in the public sphere as NutraSweet. After the FDA approved NutraSweet in 1981, it rapidly became successful and was approved to be added to carbonated drinks in 1983.
John served in many positions at Searle related to chemical and drug development. He went on to start his own consulting company, Witt Science Consulting.
In 2018, John and his wife, Margaret, directed their support to the MSU Chemistry Department by creating the John Witt, Jr., and Margaret R. Witt Chemistry Endowment, a fund that provides opportunities for the Department of Chemistry to create the greatest impact in education, mentorship, research and communication.
Dr. Warren Wood won the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. As a globally renowned scientist, Warren’s groundbreaking work in hydrology and environmental geology has shaped our understanding of water systems worldwide.
With over 100 published papers, decades of government service with the U.S. Geological Survey and teaching roles across continents, he has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Meritorious Service Award from the United States government.
Beyond his research, Warren is a passionate educator. Through his endowed Undergraduate Research Award, he’s empowering future geoscientists at MSU to achieve excellence and tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Four individuals received the 2025 Dan Bolin Undergraduate Student Award, which is given annually to juniors in recognition of their outstanding leadership qualities, community service and academic abilities.
Karsen Brown (Human Biology) is a member of the Michigan State Honors College, International Relations Officer for the MSU Pre-Dental Club, the Vice President and Event Planner for MSU Comfy Cozies for Chemo, and an intern for the VAW Global Organization. Karsen volunteers at homeless shelters and at Ele’s Place, working with children to help process the grief of losing a loved one.
Chloe Murray (Human Biology) was an Honors College member for two years while also participating in the MSU Pre-Medical Association and Tower Guard Club, a group made up of highly achieving sophomores dedicated to working with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. She also developed an after-school program for children in the East Lansing area that provides meals and clothing, promotes literacy and tutors children of all ages at no cost to families. Chloe also volunteers as an Emergency Medical Technician in Lansing.
Alexandra Ward (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) is a member of the Honors College and Sigma Kappa Sorority, serving on Sigma Kappa’s risk management committee. She participates in Biochemistry Club and volunteers with Equiduct as a tutor and ambassador. Alexandra works as a certified nurse assistant at Brio Living Services, where she provides compassionate care and fosters relationships with residents to provide a secure living environment.
Linden Wells (Physiology) volunteers with the Department of Physiology as an outreach coordinator, while also serving as a volunteer coordinator and treasurer of the Physiology Society Club. Linden also works with the Student Emergency Response Team, a student organization that provides emergency training to undergraduate students. He has participated in a course-based undergraduate research experience investigating a gene in Arabidopsis thaliana and works at Trinity Health Hospital in Grand Rapids.