John Wiley Jones Outstanding Students in Science

Veran Stanek

School of Physics and Astronomy

Veran Stanek is a third-year student in the School of Physics and Astronomy pursuing a combined BS/MS degree in physics (BS) and materials science and engineering (MS), as well as a minor in mathematics. They are a member of the RIT Honors program and enjoy working as an Honors Mentor. Veran has worked to gain as much hands-on research experience in as many places as possible during their time at RIT. After their first year, they participated in an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) at the College of Wooster, working on a project simulating a black hole event horizon using a Belousov-Zhabotinsky chemical reaction diffusion system advised by Dr. Niklas Manz. This experience spurred on their enjoyment of blending chemistry and physics together, driving them to enroll in their current MS program. Outside of academics, Veran is heavily involved in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), both on and off campus. At RIT, they have worked as the RIT HEMA Club’s armorer, treasurer, and event coordinator, and have helped to establish RIT as a club that can host tournaments and events for the wider HEMA community.

Mya Soto

School of Chemistry and Materials Science

Mya Soto, from Seneca Falls, NY, is a fourth-year student in the School of Chemistry and Materials Science (SCMS) at RIT, pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry with an Immersion in Global Public Health. Her research has been supported by a Rochester Academy of Science grant, a prestigious SCMS Pasto Co-op Fellowship, and the McNair Scholars Program. Mya’s dedication to research, leadership, and community involvement has earned her numerous national accolades. She has been inducted into the ASBMB National Honor Society, received the ASBMB Marion B. Sewer Distinguished Scholarship, and was named an American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholar. Most notably, Mya received the prestigious ACS Priscilla Carney Jones Scholarship Award, which is granted annually to only one female undergraduate chemistry student in the entire United States. After earning her degree, Mya plans to pursue a Ph.D. in a Biochemistry-related field to explore molecular mechanisms underlying infectious diseases.

Dorothy Suzuki-Burke

School of Mathematics and Statistics

Dorothy Suzuki-Burke is an RIT Honors student and applied mathematics major from Highland, New York. She will graduate this May with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics and a general education immersion in Japanese. By the time she arrived at RIT, she was already quite focused and dedicated to her studies. Dorothy was so passionate about mathematics that, during her first year on campus, she independently studied linear algebra and thoroughly enjoyed exploring proofs while taking an introductory course. Dorothy is also active in a variety of on-campus clubs and activities. Dorothy is an RIT Performing Arts Scholar. She is involved with the Association for Women in Mathematics, the Game Symphony Orchestra, the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, and she’s held multiple leadership roles in PiRIT, the student math organization. Dorothy is planning to pursue a doctorate in applied mathematics and is currently in the “decision phase” of determining where she will continue her studies.

Mason Wahlers

Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science

Mason Wahlers is a fourth-year student in the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Science with a strong focus on computer vision and optical engineering. Throughout his time at RIT, Mason has demonstrated a deep passion for imaging technology, leading multiple research projects and internships in the field. Beyond the classroom, Mason has gained valuable industry experience through internships at Corning and Boeing. Mason has also been an active member of the RIT community. Outside of academics, Mason enjoys exploring music and electronics. He designs and builds custom guitar effect pedals, applying his technical knowledge in signal processing. His passion for both engineering and creative problem-solving makes him a well-rounded and dedicated engineer.