The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a busy place throughout the year with events for students and our local neighbors. Check out SANS photos and see if you can spot your friends at one of our events.
SANS Recognizes Outstanding Faculty and Staff
Associate Dean Dr. Vagner Benedito speaks at the SANS end of the year awards ceremony on May 8, 2026. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Graduate Assistants Awards: Outstanding Research and Scholarly Activities winner Raksha Khadka with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Dr. Lila Karki at SANS end of the year awards ceremony. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Graduate Assistants Awards: Outstanding Research and Scholarly Activities winner Richard Otwey receives his award from Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo at the SANS end of the year awards event May 8, 2026. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Graduate Assistants Awards: Outstanding Research and Scholarly Activities winner Ezra Cable with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Dr. Victoria Volkis at the SANS end of the year awards May 8, 2026. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Award: Adetutu Adebayo receives the award from Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Outstanding Service and Outreach Award: Mouhamadou Lamine Diack with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Dr. Lila Karki at SANS end of the year awards ceremony. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Outstanding Research and Scholarly Activities: Richard Otwey with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Dr. Janak Dhakal at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Outstanding Achievement Award: Dr. Eguono Omagamre with Dean Moses T. Kairo, Associate Dean Dr. Vagner Benedito and Department of Natural Sciences Chair Dr. Jonathan Cumming at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Dr. Kimberly Braxton, winner of the Dean’s Recognition Award and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences Outstanding Student Experience Award, with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Chair Dr. Stephen Tubene at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences Outstanding Achievement Award winner Dr. Sadanand Dhekney with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Chair Dr. Stephen Tubene at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Outstanding Staff winner Veronica Fosque of Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Science with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Chair Dr. Stephen Tubene at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)SANS end of the year awards. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Outstanding Student Experience Award DAFRS: Kimberly Braxton SANS end of the year awards. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Department of Natural Sciences Outstanding Achievement Award winner Dr. Stephen Tomasetti with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Chair Dr. Jonathan Cumming at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Department of Natural Sciences Outstanding Student Experience Award winner Dr. Ali Ishaque with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Chair Dr. Jonathan Cumming at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Department of Natural Sciences Outstanding Service Award winner Dr. Justine Whitaker with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Chair Dr. Jonathan Cumming at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Department of Natural Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award winner Dr. Eguono Omagamre with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Chair Dr. Jonathan Cumming at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Department of Natural Sciences Outstanding Research Award winner Dr. Victoria Volkis with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Chair Dr. Jonathan Cumming at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Outstanding Achievement Award winner Bridgett Clinton-Scott with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Human Ecology Chair Dr. Grace Namwamba at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Human Ecology Outstanding Service Award winner Dr. John Jacob with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Chair Dr. Grace Namwamba at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Human Ecology Outstanding Research Award winner Dr. Sukyung Seo with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Chair Dr. Grace Namwamba at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Human Ecology Outstanding Teaching Award winner Dr. Donna Long with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Chair Dr. Grace Namwamba at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Outstanding Extension Service Award winner Shamia B. Onley with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Associate Dean Dr. E.N. Escobar at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Outstanding Extension Service Award winner Berran Rogers with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Associate Dean Dr. E.N. Escobar at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES Extension Outstanding Achievement Award winner Dr. Lila Karki with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Associate Dean Dr. E.N. Escobar at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES Ag Experiment Station Outstanding Service Award winner Clay Howard with Dean Dr. Moses T. Kairo and Associate Dean Dr. Vagner Benedito at SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Program Management Specialist Chanda Harris speaks at the SANS end of the year awards event. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
73rd Annual Honors Convocation
Dr. Moses Kairo, Dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences , stands with Department of Agriculture, Food and Resources Sciences Chairperson Dr. Stephan Tubne, Department winner Natalee Lewis, Department of Human Ecology Chairperson Grace Namwamba and Departmental winner Patrice Dolloway, SANS award of Excellence winner Sarah Rawlinson and SANS Alumni Keynote speaker Yasmin Roye and Chairperson Department of Natural Sciences Dr. Jonathan Cumming during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Sarah Rawlinson poses with UMES President Heidi Anderson after winning The SANS Award of Excellence during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Dr. Moses Kairo, Dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences poses with SANS award of Excellence winner Sarah Rawlinson and SANS Alumni Keynote speaker Yasmin Roye and Chairperson Department of Natural Sciences Dr. Jonathan Cumming during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Chairperson Department of Natural Sciences Dr. Jonathan Cumming, SANS award of Excellence winner Sarah Rawlinson, and Dr. Moses Kairo, Dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences on stage during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Department of Agriculture, Food and Resources Sciences Chairperson Dr. Stephan Tubene, Department winner Natalee Lewis and Dr. Moses Kairo, Dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences on stage during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Department of Human Ecology Chairperson Grace Namwamba and Departmental winner Patrice Dolloway with Dr. Moses Kairo, Dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences on stage during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Yasmin Roye, the Keynote Speaker and UMES SANS Alumni, talks with UMES President Heidi Anderson during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
UMES President Heidi Anderson pose with Yasmin Roye Keynote speaker with Dr. Rondall Allen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs on stage during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Yasmin Roye, gives her Keynote speech during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Chairperson Department of Natural Sciences Dr. Jonathan Cumming on stage during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Department of Human Ecology Chairperson Grace Namwamba on stage during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Department of Agriculture, Food and Resources Sciences Chairperson Dr. Stephan Tubene on stage during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Gary Stanley, first year honors program pre-veterinary general agriculture major, give his speech during the annual 73rd Honors Convocation April 2, 2026 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
Winter Commencement 2025
UMES SANS students celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES President Heidi Anderson addresses graduates as they celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS Dean Moses Kairo, left, and Isaac Marcelin, Associate Dean of B.E.A.S.T. (Business, Engineering, Applied Sciences and Technology) enter graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students celebrate graduation during the 28th Wiinter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS student Myah Bowie shows off her motar board in memory of her dad that died recently, celebrates graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students Alexandria Camp and Nandini Walia celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students Laila Dent and India Wignfield celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES students and parents celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS students Somara Robinson, of Baltimore and Nandini Walia of Salisbury celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES students and parents celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS Pre-Vet Student Olivia Ludolph celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES SANS Pre-Vet Students Olivia Ludolph, left, and Donovan Grady celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES Biochemistry major Alexandra Camp, center, celebrates graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES students and parents celebrate graduation during the 28th Winter Commencement held on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
SANS First Look Fair 2025
UMES School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences held its annual First Look Fair Sept. 18, 2025, for students to check out experiential learning opportunities offered through student clubs, study abroad, internships and student work. (Photos by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Welcome Hawks! First Day of UMES Fall Semester 2025
University of Maryland Eastern Shore students returned to class Aug. 25 for the fall semester. (Photo by Todd Dudek/UMES Ag Communications)
DASL Expo celebrates student excellence
SANS DASL Expo 2025 (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Student clubs from the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences came together for a day of fun, food and student-centered activities at the Second Dean’s Award for Student Leadership (DASL) Expo, sponsored by the SANS Center for Student Excellence, on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Congratulations grads! 2025 Spring Commencement
Almost 300 graduates walked the stage May 16, 2025, to receive their degrees during the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Spring Graduation that featured Maryland Gov. Wes Moore as commencement speaker. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES celebrates student achievements
Top SANS students honored at UMES’ 72nd Honors Convocation, from left, are: Dr. Jonathan Cumming, Chair of Department of Natural Sciences, Nigel Jackson (Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences), Oluwatomisin Salami (Dept. of Natural Sciences), Tracy Ewli-Kwakutse (Dept. of Human Ecology and the Award of Excellence for the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences). SANS Dean Moses T. Kairo is pictured far right.(Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Top SANS student honored at UMES’ 72nd Honors Convocation, from left, are: Dr. Grace Namwamba, Chair Department of human Ecology, Tracy Ewli-Kwakutse (Dept. of Human Ecology and the Award of Excellence for the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences). SANS Dean Moses T. Kairo is pictured far right. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Top SANS student honored at UMES’ 72nd Honors Convocation, from left, are: Dr. Jonathan Cumming, Chair Department of Natural Sciences, Oluwatomisin Salami (Dept. of Natural Sciences) and SANS Dean Moses T. Kairo. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Top SANS student honored at UMES’ 72nd Honors Convocation, from left, are: SANS Dean Moses T. Kairo, Tracy Ewli-Kwakutse (Dept. of Human Ecology and the Award of Excellence for the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences) and Dr. Grace Namwamba, Chair Department of Human Ecology. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Top SANS student honored at UMES’ 72nd Honors Convocation, from left, are: Dr. Stephan Tubene, Chair Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences, Nigel Jackson (Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences) and SANS Dean Moses T. Kairo is pictured far right..(Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
SANS Dean Moses T. Kairo, left, stands with others during the 72nd Honors Convocation at UMES Thursday, April 3, 2025.(Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Top SANS student honored at UMES’ 72nd Honors Convocation Tracy Ewli-Kwakutse (Dept. of Human Ecology and the Award of Excellence for the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences).(Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
Top SANS student honored at UMES’ 72nd Honors Convocation, from left, are: Tracy Ewli-Kwakutse (Dept. of Human Ecology and the Award of Excellence for the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences). SANS Dean Moses T. Kairo is pictured far right.(Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
UMES Student-led Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025
The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences’ Center for Student Excellence held its second UMES Student-led Undergraduate Research Symposium on Dec. 4, 2025. The symposium themed, “Feeding the Future: Innovation and Resiliency in Agriculture,” showcased research by UMES undergraduate students. The event, attended by UMES President Dr. Heidi Anderson, also featured speakers from Perdue Farms, a major poultry producer on Delmarva. Photos by Kara Nuzback/Ag Communications
UMES Student-led Undergraduate Research Symposium 2024
The inaugural UMESStudent-led Undergraduate Research Symposium, hosted by the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences’ Center for Student Excellence, was held Dec. 5, 2024. This symposium offered a unique platform for students to present their research, gain valuable experience, and engage with the academic community. Photos by Todd Dudek/Ag Communications
Top SANS students honored at UMES’ 72nd Honors Convocation, from left, are: Dr. Jonathan Cumming, Chair of Department of Natural Sciences, Nigel Jackson (Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences), Oluwatomisin Salami (Dept. of Natural Sciences), Tracy Ewli-Kwakutse (Dept. of Human Ecology and the Award of Excellence for the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences). SANS Dean Moses T. Kairo is pictured far right.(Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications)
