FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Shelley O’Brien
202-827-9798
obrien@awis.org
Association for Women in Science Announces 2026 Annual Award Winners
WASHINGTON DC, October 30, 2026 – The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Spark, Meridian, and Zenith awards. These awards celebrate AWIS members who are making an impact within their fields, workplaces, and communities through strong leadership, innovative thinking, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility in STEM.
“This year’s awardees exemplify AWIS’s commitment to inclusion, leadership, and excellence,” said Meredith Gibson, CEO of AWIS. “We are inspired by these members and their dedication to equity in STEM and offer our sincere thanks to all the nominees for their effort in fostering an inclusive scientific community.”
The Annual AWIS Award recipients for 2026 are:
SPARK AWARD – Highlights students or early career leaders in STEM who are visible and vocal advocates for diversity and inclusive scientific practices.
Debasmita Banerjee, PhD student in quantum optics/photonics at CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida
Amy Desaulniers, PhD, Associate Professor of Reproductive Physiology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Laharika Katamoni, Scientist II, BioCheck Inc.
Isabella Trezza, masters student in cognitive neuroscientist, Columbia University
Joanna Young, PhD, Research Assistant Professor at the International Arctic Research Center, and Director of Inspiring Girls* Expeditions Alaska
MERIDIAN AWARD – Recognizes mid-career professionals whose diversity and inclusion efforts represent true leadership in the pursuit of workplace equity.
Kristi Montooth, PhD, Professor of Biology in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kimberly Nettles, PharmD, RPh, Director of External Affairs, Genentech
ZENITH AWARD – Honors senior career professionals with a lifetime of innovative achievements in STEM and a commitment to workplace diversity.
Laura McCullough, PhD, Physics Professor at University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic
- Julia McQuillan, PhD, Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
For more information on the award winners, visit https://awis.org/annual-awards
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About AWIS: Founded in 1971, AWIS is dedicated to driving equity and excellence in STEM by championing the interests of women across all disciplines and employment sectors so they can achieve their full potential. AWIS advocacy initiatives are committed to driving systemic change to support the 12.3M women in STEM. Our supportive community provides a sense of belonging, as well as career resources, scholarships, and opportunities for networking, mentoring, volunteering, recognition, and professional development to over 7,000 members. AWIS communications inspire over 67,000 social media followers, 32,000 monthly website visitors, and 24,000 newsletter subscribers globally. To become an AWIS member, learn about partner opportunities, or donate visit www.awis.org.