Two of three graduate students receiving the Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the OU Graduate Student Senate hail from the Gallogy College of Engineering.

Nicholas Shepherd, of the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, was named the Overall Outstanding Graduate Student for the 2021-2022 academic year. He is a member of the OU Center for Restoration of Ecosystems and Watersheds (CREW) conducting research on watershed biogeochemistry and ecological engineering. His studies revolve around mine drainage at the Tar Creek Superfund Site ranging from the physical and chemical characterization of mine drainage to the biological impacts on receiving aquatic ecosystems. He has spent over a decade conducting research at the Tar Creek Superfund Site beginning in high school.

Chen Wang, of the Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, was named the Outstanding Graduate Research Assistant for the 2021-2022 year. He is a Ph.D. candidate with research that focuses on applying different bioimaging techniques and machine learning methods for medical applications. His studies revolve around designing novel imaging systems for surgical guidance, cancer diagnosis and tissue analysis.

Jake Thomas, of the Steed School of Accounting, was named the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant.

Each student receives a monetary gift in recognition of their performance in service to OU's mission.

The Graduate Student Senate represents over 6,300 students enrolled in any of the programs offered by the Graduate College at OU.