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Ella Stevens is a senior majoring in biochemistry with a minor in ecology and evolutionary biology.����

Ella was nominated by Gianna Sullivan, and she works at the CU Museum of Natural History. Ella Stevens is an outstanding student employee whose dedication, leadership and vision have made a lasting impact on the museum. Over the past three years, she hasn’t just supported the Girls at the Museum Exploring Science (GAMES) program—she’s completely transformed it. Starting as an assistant, she quickly grew into a confident leader, mentoring young students in STEM with enthusiasm and care.������

Ella has a knack for innovation, whether she’s refining program content, collaborating with scientists or finding creative ways to connect rural students with 91������. As her nominator put it, “She steps in and becomes part of the solution,” highlighting her reliability and initiative.����

One of the best examples of her dedication came when she took the lead on a summer program about pollinators. She developed the curriculum, brought in expert partners and showed up early every single day—including on her birthday. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “These two weeks solidified my confidence... and made me excited to continue with more groups.”����

Ella’s passion for education and science is undeniable, and her impact on the museum is immeasurable. She is more than deserving of the Student Employee of the Year award.

Karla Citlali Lemus Gordillo is a senior majoring in political science with a minor in ethnic studies.��

Karla was nominated jointly by Nicole Laverty and Alicia Christensen, and she works at the CIRES Center for Education, Engagement & Evaluation and the Center for Inclusion and Social Change. She is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, making a meaningful and lasting impact on the 91������ community. As a member of the Peers Educating & Empowering Peers (PEEPs) team in the Center for Inclusion and Social Change, she has led more than 21 workshops for nearly 750 students, tackling important topics like implicit bias, microaggressions and anti-racism. She approaches every conversation with empathy and an open mind, creating a space where students feel heard and supported.����

Karla’s leadership extends well beyond the classroom. As a student coordinator for the Research Experience for Community College Students (RECCS) program, she has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive environment, advocating for students from diverse backgrounds and streamlining recruitment efforts. Her impact is deeply felt—one RECCS participant shared, “I always felt seen, included and supported as a first-generation, low-income, queer and disabled student.”����

From organizing insightful graduate school panels to mentoring students and leading social justice initiatives, Karla’s dedication to uplifting others shines through in everything she does. Her nominators put it best: “Karla’s contributions have been a launching point for her lifelong journey of improving the world.” Through her leadership and unwavering commitment to inclusion, she continues to set a powerful example of what it means to create positive change.��

Abby Schmidt is a senior studying ecology and evolutionary biology. ��

Abby was nominated jointly by Dr. Mike Gil and Dr. Joshua C. Manning, and she works in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department. She is an exceptional student researcher whose critical thinking skills, dedication and leadership have made her an invaluable asset to the Gil Lab. ��

Described as “one of the most impressive students we have ever worked with,” Abby quickly set herself apart with her curiosity-driven approach, expertise in R coding and ability to refine complex research methodologies with ease.������

Abby’s contributions go beyond her own research—she has mentored fellow undergraduates, streamlined lab processes and even proposed improvements to research protocols. Now leading her own Honors thesis on reef fish behavior, she approaches her work with the analytical mindset of a seasoned PhD student. Her nominators put it simply: “She always brought her brain to the table,” asking insightful questions that don’t just push her own research forward but elevate the entire lab.����

With her intellectual drive and passion for scientific discovery, Abby has proven herself to be an invaluable part of the research community. There’s no doubt that Abby will continue making meaningful contributions to science for years to come.��

Isabella Bates is a senior studying applied mathematics, computer science.�� ��

Isabella was nominated jointly by Dr. Keith D. Gremban, Dr. James Curry and Dr. Stefan Tschimben, and she works in Ann and H. J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences. From the moment she joined the 5G Hidden Operations through Securing Traffic (GHOST) project, she proved to be an extraordinary talent in technology and innovation. As just a sophomore, Isabella stepped into a fast-paced research environment alongside experienced PhD researchers and professors and didn’t just keep up—she thrived. More than just a skilled software developer, she challenged and refined research methodologies, bringing fresh perspectives that strengthened the team’s work. ��

Her groundbreaking application of non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to analyze Wi-Fi activity was a game-changer, playing a key role in securing a highly competitive $5 million Phase 2 research grant. But Isabella’s impact didn’t stop there—she created dynamic visualizations and animations that brought complex data to life and even presented her findings at two prestigious IEEE Military Communications Conferences. Her work didn’t just earn praise; it led to job offers. ��

Beyond her technical brilliance, Isabella is a natural leader and collaborator. She has mentored new team members, helped bridge connections between academic and industry partners and fostered a truly supportive research environment. Her nominators put it best: “She is truly an exceptional student, researcher, and an integral part of the team.” With her innovative thinking and dedication, Isabella’s contributions to GHOST will continue to shape the field of secure communications and inspire future research.��

Joaquin Perez de Solay is a senior studying integrated design engineering and economics. ��

Joaquin was nominated by Tim Ogino, and he works at CU Science Discovery. He has been a driving force in making STEM education more accessible and welcoming for Spanish-speaking families in the 91������ community. His dedication goes far beyond any job description—starting as a volunteer, he quickly became a trusted mentor for young bilingual students, creating a space where they feel supported and excited to learn. ��

Now a STEM Education Intern, Joaquin continues to make a meaningful impact by translating educational materials, ensuring that both students and parents can access vital STEM resources in their native language. What truly sets him apart is his ability to blend professionalism with genuine care. Whether he’s working with young children, assisting families at outreach events or delivering high-quality translations with incredible speed and accuracy, Joaquin approaches every task with enthusiasm and heart. ��

His nominator put it best: “I cannot think of a better student employee in all my time in this organization.” Thanks to Joaquin’s leadership and unwavering commitment, CU Science Discovery’s outreach efforts have become more inclusive than ever, opening doors for families who might have otherwise felt left out of STEM education.��