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Mukherjee received the Exemplary Mentorship Award for mid-level faculty or staff. Mukherjee empowers students through transformative mentorship, interdisciplinary research, and a deep commitment to equity-focused disaster resilience. She leads the Operations Research for Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure Systems (OASIS) Lab, where she mentors students in groundbreaking research on sustainable infrastructure and social justice, guiding many to national awards and prestigious career placements. Mukherjee’s inspiring leadership has built a lasting legacy of academic excellence and student empowerment at UB.

Inaolaji received the for emerging faculty or staff. Inaolaji has profoundly impacted UB students through her transformative mentorship in electrical engineering, research and professional development. She empowers students by building confidence, nurturing critical thinking, and connecting them with research, grant and leadership opportunities. Inaolaji’s unwavering dedication to fostering student success and personal growth exemplifies the true spirit of mentorship.

Moore received the Service Above Self Award. Moore has tirelessly advocated for student equity, belonging, and mental health at UB. Through her compassionate mentorship, leadership, and unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized voices, she has transformed the campus experience for countless students. Moore’s dedication to service and community-building exemplifies the true spirit of the Service Above Self Award.

Sankaran received the Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award. Sankaran has transformed the Institute of Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) student chapter at UB through his exceptional mentorship, helping the organization double its membership, launch interdisciplinary projects, and build meaningful industry connections. His guidance has empowered students to bridge academic learning with real-world applications in data science, analytics, and operations research. Sankaran’s unwavering support, visionary leadership, and commitment to student success have made a lasting impact on the UB community.

Mark, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, received the UB Pride & Service Award. Mark has been an extraordinary leader, mentor and role model at UB, leaving a lasting impact through his work with Leadership House, SEAS Diversity Mentoring, and the development of Project P.O.W.E.R. for SEAS. His mentorship inspired countless students to pursue leadership opportunities, and his innovative creation of a structured professional development program ensures future generations will continue to thrive. Mark’s dedication, service, and pride in UB have profoundly shaped the campus community and will be felt long after his graduation.

Manzar, an MD-PhD candidate in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, received the Exemplary Mentorship Award. Manzar has demonstrated outstanding mentorship by training and inspiring undergraduate researchers in the Alevriadou Vascular Mechanobiology Laboratory. Through his collaborative teaching style, encouragement of independent research, and guidance toward professional development, Manzar has empowered students to pursue advanced degrees and research careers. His dedication to fostering growth, curiosity and confidence among his mentees exemplifies the highest standards of mentorship at UB.

Ruszkowski, a sophomore environmental engineering student, received the Outstanding Community Impact Award. Ruszkowski has made a profound impact through leadership roles in Leadership House, at The Tool Library, Dream It Do It, and Scouting America-Camp Merz, empowering community members with STEM, repair, and outdoor skills. As an environmental engineering student, Ruszkowski has championed sustainable solutions like the Precious Plastic Project through the student club Engineers for a sustainable world and inspired the next generation through hands-on education and mentorship. Ruszkowski’s commitment to accessibility, innovation, and service continues to strengthen the UB and Buffalo communities.

The faculty, staff and students were presented with the awards at a ceremony on April 30.