Nehal Idris and Hillary Nguyen receive 2019 Jim Pitts Award

The 2019 recipients of the Jim Pitts Undergraduate Memorial Award are Nehal Idris and Hillary Nguyen, both Chemistry majors set to graduate in June, 2019.  Nehal stood out among the nominees for her determination and persistence in pursuing her education despite many obstacles. A native of Sudan, growing up in Saudi Arabia, she overcame discrimination, language barriers, and the challenges of her socioeconomic status, and she will now be pursuing a Ph.D in Chemistry. 

Hillary also overcame obstacles in her study of chemistry.  She is a first-generation college student for whom chemistry was initially quite challenging, but she spent extra time and worked very hard to master course material.  She also plans to pursue a Ph.D in Chemistry with the goal of synthesizing natural products that have medicinal impacts.

This award is given annually in honor of the late James N. Pitts, legend in Atmospheric Chemistry and longtime AirUCI team member.  Congratulations, Hillary (at left) and Nehal!