Stephanie Velez and Marco Liverman, recent alumni of the Biological Sciences program, are the 2026 Dr. Henry Teoh Award for Outstanding Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program Graduating Senior Award recipients.
Each year, CSTEP recognizes one or two graduating seniors who exemplify the core values of the program throughout their time at SUNY Old Westbury. This award is a recognition of their hard work, dedication, and contributions to both CSTEP and the broader campus community through their engagement in workshops, seminars, mentorship, and more. This year, each student received a $500 prize for their achievement.
The awards were made possible by a generous donation announced in 2025 from Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus Henry Teoh, the founder and former director of the campus’ CSTEP. Through his gift, the annual award to support outstanding CSTEP students will be given in his name until 2040.
Since joining CSTEP in the summer of 2022 through the Summer Bridge Program, Velez, who graduated in May 2026, has embodied the values of academic excellence, leadership, and service that define the CSTEP community.
Shortly after entering the program, Velez began conducting research under the mentorship of Lorenz Neuwirth, professor of Psychology, and remained dedicated to her work throughout her undergraduate career. Velez participated in research focused on how low lead exposure affects the development and migration of neurons within the brain during different developmental time periods.
Her commitment to scholarship led to research presentations at multiple conferences, including SUNY Old Westbury Research Day and the SIGMA XI Northeast Regional Conference.
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Velez was an active and engaged member of CSTEP, consistently participating in program events and serving as a role model for her peers. Balancing athletics, leadership, and academics, she participated in both women’s volleyball and lacrosse, served as president of the Neuropsych Club, acted as a sports representative for the Student Government Association and earned membership in three honor societies.
“By earning the award, it showed how dedicated and passionate I am for science. It also shows how I am really determined to make a difference with my research,” she said. “I am hoping to be able to become an educator and mentor where I can pass on all that I have learned from CSTEP.” She is continuing her academic journey at Binghamton University, pursuing a Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience.
Liverman joined CSTEP in the summer of 2021 through the Summer Bridge Program and has demonstrated exceptional dedication to leadership, mentorship, and service. Since his freshman year, Liverman distinguished himself as one of the program’s most active members, consistently contributing his time and talents to support both CSTEP and his fellow students.
A fall 2025 graduate, Liverman served as a CSTEP peer mentor and ambassador beginning in his sophomore year, helping to welcome and guide new students while representing the program at recruitment events and conferences. As a science tutor for two years, he provided invaluable academic support to peers in biological sciences and chemistry courses, always encouraging others to succeed.
His commitment to mentorship extended beyond CSTEP through his work with the Science and Technology Entry Program, where he served as a mentor and teaching assistant for middle and high school students. Liverman also represented CSTEP at the 2022 Annual Statewide Student Conference as a conference ambassador and participated in professional development opportunities such as the Long Island Mentoring in Medicine Conference.
"This achievement encourages me to continue working hard, pursuing new opportunities, and maintaining the discipline needed to reach my academic and professional goal of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon,” Liverman said. “CSTEP taught me the importance of perseverance, using available resources, building meaningful connections, and supporting others who are working toward similar goals.”
He is currently preparing for the MCAT with plans to pursue medical school in the near future.
Photo Caption (page banner): Stephanie Velez (center) works in a research lab along with two other students and Professor Lorenz Neuwirth (seated).