Congratulations to Ann Cirincione and Theo Gibbs, recipients of this year's Cassidy Yang award! The Cassidy Yang awards are given to graduate students who excel in academics in science or engineering and display leadership in mentoring other students, participating in outreach activities, and fostering the graduate student community. We believe that Ann and Theo represent the ideals that exemplify Cassidy Yang: diligence as a scholar and a dedication to outreach activities that bring out the best in the members of our community in the LSI and beyond.

Ann Cirincione

Ann is jointly advised by Britt Adamson and Mona Singh and is working on a high-profile project on prime editing. In addition to her research accomplishments, we are recognizing her larger engagement in the QCB graduate program and outreach activities, in particular her work with QCB recruiting and the fall online recruiting events. In addition, we recognize her service on the QCB Graduate Student Organization committee, the Social Event committee, the Graduate Colloquium Committee, and as a QCB Peer Mentor. Ann also takes a leadership role as VP of the Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWISE) group. Ann is an integral part of our QCB community and of our annual graduate student recruitment efforts. Congratulations to Ann!

Theo Gibbs

Theo is jointly advised by Simon Levin and Jonathan Levine and his primary research focus has been on methods for describing and detecting higher order interactions in ecological communities, from the microbiome to forest communities, as well as exploring the dynamics of epidemiological systems, especially COVID-19. In addition to his research accomplishments, we are recognizing his deep commitment to community and to diversity, and his leadership role in the QCB program in addressing these issues and his role as Access, Diversity and Inclusion Outreach Student Ambassador for Princeton University. Theo also organizes the QCB open house for prospective students every fall, mentors students at all levels, and is an integral part of QCB's recruitment efforts for our PhD program. Congratulations to Theo!