Dr. Lakshmi S. Chekka receives runner-up Alec Courtelis Award, five students receive Outstanding Achievement Awards

Lakshmi Manasa S. Chekka, Pharm.D., a graduate student in the department of pharmacotherapy and translational research, is a runner-up winner of the University of Florida 2020 Alec Courtelis Award. Chekka received the award at a virtual ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Lakshmi Manasa S. Chekka
Lakshmi Manasa S. Chekka, Pharm.D.

The selection committee said it was impressed with Chekka’s dedication, hard work and contributions to the university. The Alec Courtelis Award was established by Louise Courtelis in honor of her late husband, a former chairman of the Board of Regents, to recognize international students who have excelled academically and professionally. As a runner-up, Chekka will receive a $1,500 scholarship to support her education.

Chekka says she feels indebted to her faculty mentor, Julie Johnson, Pharm.D., dean and distinguished professor of the UF College of Pharmacy, as well as to her department and the college. “Awards such as these allows recognition of all-round activities including academics,” Chekka said. “This recognition definitely provides me a jolt of energy to work harder and achieve many more successes.”

Additionally five UF College of Pharmacy graduates students won Outstanding Student Achievement awards at the same ceremony:

  • Qi Hu, Medicinal Chemistry
  • Karthik Lingineni, Pharmaceutics
  • Wanhui Sheng, Pharmacodynamics
  • Phuong Pham, Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy
  • Yuli Qian, Pharmacotherapy & Translational Research