Two College of Science scholars were among the recipients of Utah State University's 2009 Robins Awards. Graduating senior Jennifer Albretsen Roth was named University Scholar of the Year and doctoral candidate Boris Averkiev was named University Graduate Research Assistant of the Year.

The honors, the university's premier awards, were announced in an April 18 ceremony.

Jennifer, a physics major who was named a Goldwater Scholar and a Governor's Scholar in 2007, investigates electrostatic discharge for spacecraft materials. With faculty mentor J.R. Dennison, physics professor, she is presenting her research at the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics conference in June. In September, she begins graduate studies in physics at Oregon State University. Read more about her research...

Boris is a doctoral candidate conducting research with chemistry professor Alex Boldyrev. His research involves the development of chemical bonding models for sub-nanoparticles that could have a significant impact on rational design of noncatalysts, nanomaterials with tailored properties and nanoscale electronic devices. Read more about his research...