Several CESSRST fellows received top honors during the 12th NOAA Educational Partnership Program (EPP) Biennial Education and Science Forum, held July 20–23, 2026, at The City College of New York (CUNY). The biennial event brought together students, researchers, faculty, NOAA scientists, and education partners from across the United States to showcase innovative research, foster collaboration, and celebrate excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The conference marked the 25th anniversary of the NOAA Educational Partnership Program Cooperative Science Centers, highlighting the program’s continued commitment to advancing research, education, and workforce development in NOAA mission areas. Throughout the four-day forum, participants presented research through oral and poster sessions covering atmospheric sciences, coastal resilience, environmental intelligence, marine ecosystems, remote sensing, and related disciplines.
The award recipients include:
- Aya Nasri(CUNY) – 1st Place – Oral Presentation (Undergraduate)
- Stephanie Marquez UTEP) – 1st Place – Oral Presentation (Graduate) in Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, and Next-Generation Technology
- Theodore MacKey (HU) – 1st Place – Oral Presentation (Graduate) in Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, and Next-Generation Technology
- Timothy Medina (CUNY) – 1st Place – Oral Presentation (Graduate) in Coastal Readiness, Intelligence, and Applied Science Integration
- India Miller (UMBC) – 1st Place – Poster Presentation (Undergraduate) in Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, and Next-Generation Technology
- Aysha Akter (CUNY) – 3rd Place – Poster Presentation (Undergraduate) in Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, and Next-Generation Technology
- Isabel Lopez (UTEP) – 3rd Place – Poster Presentation (Graduate) in Advanced Weather and Atmospheric Modeling
- Ryan Goldberg (CUNY) – 1st Place – Poster Presentation (Graduate) in Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, and Next-Generation Technology
- Haniel Cordero Nieves (UPRM) – 1st Place – Poster Presentation (Graduate) in Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, and Next-Generation Technology
- Zoya Shafique (CUNY) – 2nd Place – Poster Presentation (Graduate) in Coastal Readiness, Intelligence, and Applied Science Integration
- James Herlan (CUNY) – 2nd Place – Poster Presentation (Graduate) in Living Marine Resources and the Blue Economy
- Drake Valencia (SDSU) – 3rd Place – Poster Presentation (Graduate) in Living Marine Resources and the Blue Economy
These awards recognize excellence in scientific communication, technical innovation, and research contributions addressing critical environmental and atmospheric challenges. The fellows’ accomplishments demonstrate the high caliber of research being conducted within the program and reinforce its role in preparing the next generation of STEM professionals.
“We are incredibly proud of our fellows for representing the program with excellence,” said Dr. Fred Moshary, CESSRST Director. “Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge while contributing to NOAA’s mission of building a skilled and diverse workforce.”
The NOAA EPP Biennial Education and Science Forum serves as a national platform for students and researchers to share their work, exchange ideas, and establish collaborations with peers, faculty, government scientists, and industry professionals. The event also provides valuable networking and professional development opportunities that prepare participants for careers in research, public service, and the broader STEM workforce.
The success of the award-winning fellows reflects the continued impact of CESSRST in fostering academic excellence, scientific innovation, and leadership. As the program continues to support emerging researchers, these accomplishments further strengthen its commitment to developing future leaders who will address some of the nation’s most pressing environmental and scientific challenges.
