Marianna Burks has been nationally recognized for championing women in science. The Association for Women in Science has named her as a 2025 recipient 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.
Burks, an 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.”
Angie Pannier, a professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, part of the College of Engineering, was also selected.
“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.”
