Students who obtained bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees were honored during the University of Houston’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) Spring 2026 Commencement.
A total of 909 NSM students completed degree requirements across the departments of Biology and Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics during the spring semester. The graduating class included 44 doctoral candidates, 98 students earning master’s degrees and 770 students completing requirements for bachelor’s degrees.
Academic achievement was recognized across all levels. Ninety-one students graduated summa cum laude, the highest academic honor for bachelor’s degree recipients. Another 111 students earned magna cum laude distinctions, and 110 graduated cum laude.
The ceremony also recognized 22 graduates of the teachHOUSTON program, a partnership between NSM and the UH College of Education. These students have committed to teaching high school mathematics or science, helping address critical workforce needs in STEM education.
NSM also recognized students affiliated with the Honors College who graduated with Honors. A total of 109 students received recognition for this achievement.
Dan E. Wells Outstanding Dissertation Award – Yun-Hsien Lin
Each semester, the Dan E. Wells Outstanding Dissertation Award is presented to a doctoral student who has conducted exceptional research and submitted the College’s most outstanding dissertation. The Spring 2026 recipient is Yun-Hsien Lin, a Ph.D. graduate in chemistry. He received a certificate and a $1,000 award in recognition of his achievement.
Lin’s dissertation, “Cyclotetrabenzoin and Its Derivatives in Energy-Relevant Applications,” focuses on addressing pressing energy and environmental challenges through the development of advanced carbon-based materials. His research, conducted under the supervision of Professor Ognjen Miljanic, demonstrates innovative methods for rapidly synthesizing cyclotetrabenzoins and crystallizing them into porous materials with tailored molecular affinities.
These materials have the potential for a wide range of applications, including capturing carbon dioxide from industrial emissions, extracting radioactive elements from nuclear waste, and separating and purifying hydrocarbon feedstocks used in commercial manufacturing processes.
NSM’s 4.0 Summa Cum Laude Graduates
During the ceremony, NSM recognized three exceptional students who graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point average:
- Hy Cao, Biology
- Nancy Luu, Computer Science
- Jonathan Vuong, Computer Science
Commencement Banner Bearers – NSM Outstanding Students
The Commencement processional included outstanding students from NSM’s six departments carrying the college and departmental banners.
- College Banner: Hy Cao
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry: Pauline Dang
- Department of Chemistry: Maksim Alyabyev
- Department of Computer Science: Nancy Luu
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Heather Meyers
- Department of Mathematics: Emily Hong
- Department of Physics: Elias Gettemy