Written by: Shawn.Adams2@unt.edu
Congratulations Melissa Collini for receiving the 2021 UNT Special Recognition Award!
This is one of UNT's most prestigious awards; it is granted by President Smatresk
only to truly exceptional members of the UNT community.
According to the Presidential Awards website, the President's Special Recognition Award "honors an extraordinary student, faculty
or staff member (or group) who has contributed momentous, unique talent or service
to the university and cultivated UNT pride. This award is given where no usual award
or recognition is available due to unique quality of the contributions."
Melissa is being recognized as someone who has contributed extraordinary talent and
unique service to the UNT community and beyond, resulting in infectious (in a good
way) UNT pride. In addition to being a model UNT graduate student with multiple scholarships
and awards to her name, Melissa has achieved impacts on science education far beyond
the North Texas area through her outstanding podcast, Chemistry for your Life. Since its launch in July 2019, the podcast has reached over 140,000 individuals
in 151 countries, helping them to understand the excitement of chemistry and its relevance
to everyday life through topics such as "How Do Bath Bombs Fizz?"
The "Chemistry at Home" episodes with at-home experiments have become essential teaching
tools for K-12 teachers and home schoolers at a time when many children are not able
to attend school in person. In recognition of Melissa's excellent work, her podcast
was included in the Top Ten Chemistry Podcasts of 2020 and 2021!
This award would normally be presented during University Honors Day, but it is uncertain
whether it will take place as a virtual event this year.
You can view all of the past Presidential award recipients here.