UCO Jackson College of Graduate Studies Alumna Honored for Academic Excellence
Dec. 4, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma Jackson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS) has awarded the E.C. Hall Outstanding Graduate Student Award for spring/summer 2025 to Central alumna Jordan Walter. This award is presented to one graduate student each semester post-graduation.
Walter, originally from Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada, completed her Master of Science in forensic science, molecular biology concentration, in May 2025. She currently works as a microbiologist I at ARL Biopharma in Oklahoma City, applying the scientific and laboratory training she developed at UCO.
She was nominated by the W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (FSI) as its spring/summer 2025 E.C. Hall Scholar and was selected for the overall university award by the JCGS Graduate Council.
"The Jackson College of Graduate Studies is so proud and impressed by Jordan's innovative research and policy work," said Sarah Gordon, Ph.D., dean of the JCGS.
"She exemplifies the Broncho commitment to creativity, collaboration and community. We also send our congratulations to all the nominees for the E.C. Hall award for this semester."
During her time at UCO, Walter conducted innovative research titled “Utilizing Honeybees as a Surveillance and Monitoring Technique for Bacterial Pathogens in Given Environments.” Supported by a Research, Creative and Scholarly Activities (RCSA) grant, her project explored the use of honeybees as environmental sampling tools. She also authored a review article on biosecurity policies and surveillance methods, with both works currently being prepared for publication.
Walter presented her research widely at state and national conferences, including Oklahoma Research Day (2024 and 2025), the UCO Tri-Center Symposium, the Oklahoma Honeybee Convention (2024 and 2025), the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Conference (2025) and the UCO JCGS 3-Minute Thesis competition.
“My time at UCO challenged me to grow as a scientist, a mentor and a leader,” Walter said.
“I am grateful for the faculty members who guided my research, the peers who encouraged me and the campus community that made UCO feel like home. This award represents not only my academic journey, but also the collaborative spirit of everyone who supported me along the way.”
Beyond research, Walter served as a graduate assistant and research assistant for the FSI and as a teaching assistant in the biology department, supporting faculty and undergraduate students. She also held leadership roles in student organizations, notably serving as president of Delta Delta Epsilon, where she coordinated fundraising to support student conference participation. Her academic achievements earned her the DNA/ARL UCO Foundation Scholarship in both 2023 and 2024.
Walter also participated in intercultural engagement programs including Broncho Buddies and the Community Responding to International Students Program, forming lasting connections within the UCO community.
Walter’s name will be added to the E.C. Hall Outstanding Graduate Student Award plaque in the graduate college office in the Nigh University Center.
For more information about the Jackson College of Graduate Studies, call 405-974-3494 or visit www.uco.edu/graduate.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma Jackson College of Graduate Studies has awarded the 2025 E.C. Hall Outstanding Graduate Student Award for spring/summer 2025 to Central alumna Jordan Walter, pictured.
