UW College of Ag Celebrates Outstanding Faculty, Staff

The University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources recognized outstanding educators and staff members at an annual awards banquet in Laramie recently.

“Each spring, we celebrate a few of the many exceptional faculty and staff in the college of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. The accomplishments and unquestionable dedication of this year’s award recipients are inspiring to us all,” says Kelly Crane, dean of the college.

Staff Members Honored for Initiative, Positivity

Four staff members earned the Outstanding Staff Award for their contributions to the college.

Master technician David Claypool has worked for UW for over three decades. Claypool is dependable and takes initiative in high-stress situations.

“He leads by quiet example and has a tremendous work ethic,” says Andrew Kniss, head of the Department of Plant Sciences.

Nominators also note Claypool’s technical innovation, institutional and scientific knowledge, and willingness to share his expertise with others. He mentored undergraduate students Bree Drew and Sawyer Zook, who earned Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium Fellowships in 2024.

Hannah Korsmeyer, senior office associate in the dean’s office, goes above and beyond to organize events, carry out administrative tasks and work with others. Her attention to detail enables her to anticipate problems before they arise.

“Hannah is more than just a capable professional -- she is a team player who uplifts those around her,” says Pepper Jo Six, director of external relations for the college. “Her reliability makes her a go-to person for problem-solving and support.”

Christopher Weber, senior office associate in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, was nominated for his adaptability under pressure and infectiously positive attitude. In addition to managing his workload efficiently, Weber proactively creates new ways to streamline tasks and helps others organize their schedules.

“I have consistently witnessed (Weber’s) exceptional contributions to Family and Consumer Sciences and his passion for supporting students, staff and faculty,” says Jill Keith, head of the department.

Hannah Rasmussen, a college relations representative, was recognized for her innovative recruitment and outreach strategies and her ability to foster genuine connections, particularly with college ambassadors.

“Whether on the road, attending in-person events or connecting with students virtually, (Rasmussen) has consistently gone above and beyond to showcase our college’s unique offerings,” says Christine Wade, associate dean of academic and student programs. Rasmussen’s efforts have resulted in more students learning about -- and connecting with -- the college.

Lifetime Teaching Award

The Andrew Vanvig Lifetime Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award is given to a senior faculty member of the college who has exceptional accomplishments in teaching, research, scholarship, outreach or service.

Qian-Quan Sun, professor of zoology and physiology, received the 2025 Vanvig award for his groundbreaking research, mentorship and leadership. Sun has served UW for over two decades and is currently the director of the Wyoming Sensory Biology Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE), which supports junior faculty, creates new funding opportunities and trains students.

“Dr. Sun’s career exemplifies the highest standards of research, teaching, outreach and service to the University of Wyoming,” says Amy Navratil, head of the Department of Zoology and Physiology.

Throughout his career, Sun has helped expand COBRE, build research infrastructure, recruit new faculty and mentor students. 

Sun’s research has focused on sensory biology, brain plasticity and neural circuitry. His work has advanced scientific understanding of learning, leading to publications in well-known scientific journals and significant external funding.

Innovative Educators

Liana Boggs Lynch, an instructional professor in the Life Sciences Program, is one of two recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Educator Award.

The Life Sciences Program teaches foundational scientific concepts to students from more than 85 degree programs. Boggs Lynch researches, considers and evaluates new teaching methods, regularly updating laboratory exercises and other elements of the courses she teaches. Her efforts have led to improvements in communication and active-learning techniques across multiple Life Sciences Program courses.

“Liana is an integral part of how we provide continuity and preserve instructional quality in those courses both within and across semesters,” says Jonathan Prather, director of the Life Sciences Program.

Mary Evans is an educator for the Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP) and UW Extension community vitality and health team. For her exemplary leadership, programming and community partnerships, she is one of this year’s outstanding educators.

Evans is the Wyoming president of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and she recently was named county coordinator for Platte County Extension.

Evans’ programming is innovative. She has developed programs such as the commodity food program for seniors or food pantries at local schools to support positive community changes.

“Mary is a trailblazer for UW Extension,” says Mindy Meuli, CNP director. “When there is a need, Mary is always the first to step up.”

About the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources

UW’s College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources serves students and communities through innovative scholarship, research and outreach. Guided by the land-grant principles of discovery and experiential learning, the college facilitates meaningful educational opportunities in the classroom, laboratory and community. The college offers degrees in agricultural and applied economics, animal science, botany, ecosystem science and management, family and consumer sciences, molecular biology, plant sciences, veterinary sciences, and zoology and physiology. It also offers degree programs in agricultural communications, microbiology, and ranch management and agricultural leadership.

To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag or call (307) 766-4133.