2026 Alumni & Awards Banquet Recap
2026 Chemistry department seniors at the banquet with Dr. Silva, Dr. Huang, Dr. Mark, and Prof. O’Connor
On May 7, the Hofstra Chemistry Department held its annual Alumni and Awards Banquet at the University Club. The yearly tradition is always a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, and alumni to connect and celebrate the accomplishments of the academic year. Everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner followed by the Periodic Table of Cupcakes for dessert. As in years past, the cupcakes were exquisitely baked and decorated by Prof. Katie O’Connor, and were a huge hit.
After dinner, Dr. William Nirode welcomed everyone and introduced the evening’s program. He offered a moving tribute in memory of beloved chemistry professor, and former department chair, Dr. Rodney Finzel, who passed away in December. With help from the department faculty, the student awards presentation commenced and the graduating seniors were recognized (see below for a full list of the 2026 graduates and award recipients). The Class of 2026, led by biochemistry major Samir Patel, brought back the roast of the department faculty and staff and with it many laughs. Before the night ended, the department thanked Dr. Nirode for his ten years of service as chair and welcomed Dr. Scott Lefurgy as the next department chair.
The Chemistry Department congratulates the 2026 graduates and looks forward to hearing of their future success!
2026 Graduates
Nishanth Arumugam – BS Biochemistry Brandon Knox – BS Biochemistry
Emily Baldeo – BS Forensic Science Mia Lee – BS Biochemistry
Ella Bandelin – BS Forensic Science Angel Maniyirickal Regy – BS Forensic Science
Kris Bowyer – BS Forensic Science Jacqueline Mattox – BS Forensic Science
Nicholas Brancato – BS Chemistry Elijah Mohammed – BS Biochemistry
Ciaran Brennan – BS Forensic Science Taryn Norrod – BS Forensic Science
Tamaia Brown – BS Biochemistry Samir Patel – BS Biochemistry
Nazareth Cruz – BS Biochemistry Shreya Prasad – BS Biochemistry
Tajear Farquharson – BS Biochemistry Gabriella Razza – BS Forensic Science
Amanda Farrell – BS Forensic Science Madeleine Rudolph – BS Biochemistry
Karen Garcia – BS Biochemistry Daniel Tran – BS Forensic Science
Charlie Grattan – BS Chemistry Kolby Vautour – BS Forensic Science
Aimee Hodgson – BS Chemistry Justin Wagner – BS Forensic Science
Jupiter Housen – BS Forensic Science Kylie Woodward – BS Forensic Science
Russell Ingall – BS Chemistry
ACS Certified Degrees
Chemistry: Biochemistry:
Nicholas Brancato Nishanth Arumugam
Aimee Hodgson Mia Lee
Russell Ingall Samir Patel
Shreya Prasad
Awards
ACS Analytical Chemistry Award: Jhanvi Patel
ACS Inorganic Chemistry Award: Russell Ingall
ACS Physical Chemistry Award: James Muirhead
Biochemistry Award: Madeleine Rudolph
ACS Senior Organic Chemistry Award: Aimee Hodgson, Russell Ingall
Forensic Chemistry Award: Kolby Vautour
Forensic Biology Award: Jacqueline Mattox
Forensic Criminalistics Award: Jupiter Housen
Jacqueline Mattox and Dr. Silva; Kolby Vautour and Dr. Huang; Madeleine Rudolph and Dr. Rooney
ACS NY Section Outstanding Performance Award:
Chemistry - Aimee Hodsgon
Biochemistry - Madeline Rudolph
Senior Forensic Science GPA Award: Kolby Vautour
Senior Chemistry/Biochemistry GPA Award: Aimee Hodgson, Madeleine Rudolph
Aimee Hodgson, Dr. Wachter, and Russell Ingall
Departmental Honors
Aimee Hodgson
Samir Patel
Shreya Prasad
2026 Lister Fellows
Morgan Christopherson
Rachel Green
Kimmy Sun
Liam Tsou
Dr. Lefurgy with the 2026 Lister Fellows