The Department of Chemical Engineering has announced the winners of the Noel E. Moore Achievement Award for the winter quarter 2024-2025.

The winners are sophomore David Creen, junior Makenna Gill, senior Drake Bauernfeind, and senior Laura Wacaser.

Each quarter, the department recognizes academic excellence on the part of our students. The awards are named in memory of Professor Noel E. Moore, an outstanding educator and faculty leader on campus for 30 years. Moore served for a decade as head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, was an early leader of Operation Catapult, and was a key advocate for making the institute co-educational. He was named an emeritus faculty member after his retirement in 1998. He passed away in 2018.

WINTER QUARTER 2024-2025 NOEL E. MOORE AWARD WINNERS

David Creen (Sophomore)

Kim Henthorn, PhD, department head and associate professor, says that professors note that David Creen is recognized for his positive attitude and eagerness to learn. "In the classroom, David actively participates in lectures, helps his fellow classmates, and brings humor and positive energy to the class," Henthorn said. "His curiosity extends beyond the classroom; he is currently conducting research on protecting critical infrastructure from cyberattacks. Congratulations, David!"

Makenna Gill (Junior)

Makenna Gill is recognized with the Noel Moore Achievement Award for her engagement in class and scholastic performance. "She respectfully asks a variety of thoughtful questions that lead to a more interactive and open classroom experience," Henthorn shared. "Her keen attention in class reveals she’s eager to make connections to the real world, allowing for a richer classroom discussion about applications of course concepts. Beyond that, Makenna is active in a variety of on-campus groups and activities, positively contributing to the Rose-Hulman community. Congratulations, Makenna!"

Drake Bauernfeind (Senior)

Drake Bauernfeind is presented with the Noel Moore award for his insatiable curiosity, dedication to learning about chemical engineering, and his notable service to the department. "Drake shows his commitment to challenging himself by eagerly enrolling and participating in courses in both of his majors (chemical and electrical engineering)," Henthorn said. "He is an attentive and considerate student, and he has worked hard in the chemical engineering department to help us maintain and organize the laboratory facilities. Drake shows a remarkable commitment to academic excellence and service in the department – great job and congratulations, Drake!"

Laura Wacaser (Senior)

The CHE faculty would like to recognize Laura Wacaser for her thoughtful approach to problem solving in chemical engineering courses and her contributions to class discussions. "Laura has done an excellent job connecting in-class concepts to industrial practice, especially in the Reaction Engineering and Advanced Reaction Engineering courses, where she has been an active participant in group projects and discussions," Henthorn noted. "Outside of class, Laura has been a member of AIChE and the RHIT ultimate frisbee team. Congratulations, Laura!"