Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Microbiome Science Awards – 2025

Microbiome Science Award Winners 2025

Microbiome Science Awards 2025

Awards listed per category:

Microbiome Science Teaching Award

Faculty Award: Vatsala Maitin – Ohio University

Recognizing individual(s) engaged in exceptional teaching related to microbiome science. Awardees will be recognized for engaging students with microbiome science academically. This may be through a microbiome science focused course, workshop, or other teaching venue, or through microbiome science curriculum shared in broader coursework. 

Microbiome Science Mentoring Award

Faculty Award: Cindy Nakatsu – Purdue University
Student Award: Neeraja Balasubrahmaniam – Ohio State University

Recognizing individual(s) engaged in exceptional mentoring in relation to microbiome science. Formal or informal mentoring of students, colleagues, staff, or peers is included. Self nominations are not allowed for this award.

Microbiome Science Innovative Research Award

Faculty Award: Roland Wilhelm – Purdue University
Staff Award: Kathryn Kananen – Ohio State University

Recognizing individual(s) engaged in exceptional research in relation to microbiome science. This award recognizes novel, cutting-edge, impactful (or potential to be impactful) microbiome science. This may include publications, grants, or other forms publicly shared science (e.g. blogs, github, abstracts, preprints, presentations, etc.). 

Microbiome Science Service / Public Engagement / Creative Endeavors Award

Faculty Award: Caitlin Proctor – Purdue University
Postdoc: Nicholas Nastasi – Ohio State University
Student: Anna Clapp Organski – Purdue University
Staff: Heather Curtis – Ohio State University

Recognizing individual(s) engaged in exceptional service, public engagement, or creative endeavors in relation to microbiome science. This may include microbiome science relevant service within an institution or organization, microbiome science relevant public engagement or communications (e.g. blogs, podcasts, presentations, activities, events, news stories), or microbiome science relevant creative endeavors (e.g. art, movies, books).