The Outstanding Dissertation Awards are presented to doctoral-level students who have written original, innovative dissertations that reflect great research and have or are likely to be disseminated widely and have significant impact on the field and society. This award is open to all doctoral-level students who have achieved candidacy and are expected to complete, defend their dissertation, and graduate in the current academic year (prior to September 5, 2026).

Office of Graduate Studies Award Winners

Emily Bitsko

PhD Program in Microbiology and Immunology

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies

College of Medicine

Yigit Topoglu

PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering

School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems

College/School Finalists

Alexandra Eastus

PhD Program in Health Services Research and Policy

Dornsife School of Public Health

James FitzPatrick

PhD Program in Materials Science and Engineering

College of Engineering

Naghmeh Ghalamsiah

PhD Program in Architectural Engineering

College of Engineering

Jihyeon Kwon

PhD Program in Biostatistics

Dornsife School of Public Health

Ijeoma Okoye

PhD Program in Microbiology and Immunology

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies

College of Medicine

Vahid Rad

PhD Program in Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering

Saleh Refahi

PhD Program in Electrical Engineering

College of Engineering