Lisa Poole, a graduate student in the lab of David Cortez, Ph.D., right, received the 2016 Leon W. Cunningham Award for Excellence in Biochemistry last week during the Biochemistry Department’s annual retreat at the Student Life Center. The award, named for the late Leon Cunningham, Ph.D., former chair of the Department of Biochemistry, is given annually to a graduate student in Biochemistry who exemplifies Cunningham’s commitment to scientific excellence. At left is John York, Ph.D., the Natalie Overall Warren Professor of Biochemistry and chair of the department.