Congratulations to our Fantastic HAS-College of Science Outstanding Graduate Students for 2026
(Left) Hossein Yousefi Sohi, Outstanding Graduate Student for Service, and (Right) Sahar Mohsenzadeh Karimi, Outstanding Graduate Student for Teaching
Please join the department in congratulating this year's graduate student award winners for Hydrology & Atmospheric Sciences! Their awards were presented at an evening reception on Thursday, April 23, hosted by the College of Science.
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This year's awardees include:
Graduate Student Scholarship: Seyedmohammadamin 'Amin' Mirrezaei
Amin is a Ph.D. student whose research focuses on reducing uncertainties in atmospheric oxidation capacity, which controls the volume of greenhouse gases such as methane and influences pollutants like ozone. He combines global chemistry data - climate models with surface observations and satellite retrievals to improve chemical representation, quantify feedback, and assess how emissions and meteorology shape atmospheric composition and climate. Amin has already produced 2 first author publications among ten peer-reviewed publications and delivered thirty-one conference presentations. His critical research provides a clearer path for reliable greenhouse gas accounting, placing Amin at the center of active scientific debates on methane
Graduate Student Service: Hossein Yousefi Sohi
Hossein is a Ph.D. student who has served for several years to organize both the El Día del Agua y la Atmósfera Student Symposium as well as the Earth Week Internal Symposium - in fact, he has served both as a member of these committees as well as chaired both of them. Most recently, he organized the largest El Día in history, including 160 attendees, 50 presenters, and included the first ever Hydrology & Atmospheric Sciences Career Fair. As chair of the Earth Week Internal Symposium, he led a fourteen-member interdisciplinary team spanning seven academic units. His dedication to collaboration and community building was formally recognized with the 2025 Tom Meixner Spirit Award, honoring his generosity, reliability, and commitment to supporting others.
Graduate Student Teaching: Sahar Mohsenzadeh Karimi
Sahar is a Ph.D. Student who has gone above and beyond as a teaching assistant supporting the department's general education courses. She has helped modernize course policies, assessments, and learning materials, and has been instrumental in integrating AI tools through exercises that teach students ethical use and promote academic integrity. Known for her student-centered approach, she provides thoughtful, individualized feedback and effectively engages learners in online environments. These teaching efforts reflect her creativity, compassion, and strong commitment to help each and every student learn.
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We had a great night yesterday celebrating all of their impressive achievements. We are so proud!!
Left to right: Hossein Yousefi Sohi (Service Award), Brittany Ciancarelli, HAS Academic Advisor & UG-ATMO Program Manager, and Sahar Mohsenzadeh Karimi (Teaching). Not shown: Seyedmohammadamin 'Amin' Mirrezaei (Scholarship).
