Two University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty members have been nationally recognized for championing women in science. The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) has named Assistant Professor of Practice Marianna Burks and Professor Angie Pannier as 2025 recipients of the prestigious Meridian Award — one of AWIS’s highest recognitions for advocacy and mentorship.
Honoring mid-career professionals, the Meridian Award celebrates those who strive to expand and improve workplace equity in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.
“I am thrilled that Dr. Burks and Dr. Pannier were selected by AWIS as the 2025 Meridian Award recipients,” said Jen Nelson, interim vice chancellor for the UNL Office of Research and Innovation. “This is a powerful recognition of their individual commitments to encourage and support those seeking opportunities in STEM and to empower future generations of women in science.”
Burks, assistant professor of practice in the School of Biological Sciences, co-directs the university’s STEM POWER Research Scholars Program to create a pathway for historically underrepresented students to become STEM majors. By bringing incoming students from underrepresented populations to campus for summer research, the program provides pathways toward STEM through research mentoring, advising and retention-focused support. This opportunity helps spark students’ interest in research, many of whom have continued on that path by participating in the First Year Research Experience or Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience programs.
“Advocating for inclusion and accessibility is central to my role as a faculty member, program director, administrator and mentor,” Burks said. “My advocacy is both personal and institutional. As the only African American female faculty member in my department, I use my position to challenge systemic barriers, and create spaces and programming where underrepresented students feel seen and supported.”
Pat Dussault, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said, “Dr. Burks has been an inspirational leader in encouraging historically underrepresented students to get involved in STEM at UNL. Her skills as an educator and mentor — whether inspiring students in a large lecture environment, creating research-informed learning experiences for undergraduates, or providing thoughtful mentorship and advanced training for graduate students — consistently elevate student success.”
Pannier, a professor in the department of Biological Systems Engineering, focuses her research on engineering systems and biomaterials for cell and gene therapies, including vaccines for both human health and agriculture. She has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientist and Engineers from the U.S. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy in 2019. She was the the first Nebraskan to receive this honor. She also co-chaired UNL N2025 strategic planning team in 2019, helps lead the Nebraska Women in STEM Initiative, and has been recognized for her mentorship of both undergraduate and graduate students.
“Being a woman in engineering has shaped how I lead and mentor,” said Pannier. “Early in my career, I was often the only woman in the room, and that experience made me think deeply about who feels included — and who doesn’t. It pushed me to be intentional about building environments where everyone feels like they belong. I try to listen carefully, learn from others’ experiences, and make sure my students see themselves represented in science and leadership. Over time, I’ve realized that creating inclusive spaces allows people to bring their full selves to their work, which makes our science stronger and our community better.”
Tiffany Heng-Moss, interim vice chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said, “Dr. Pannier is an exceptionally talented researcher, educator and mentor who is an inspiration to many on our campus and beyond. She’s a very deserving recipient of this award.”
