05/04/2026
As we approach the end of the academic year, we can look back at all that our wonderful students have achieved. From excelling in the classroom, to the laboratory, and to field sites beyond—our hardworking students continue to amaze and inspire us with their endless curiosity of the natural world. This week, we will recognize two of our top students with awards and celebrate our graduating seniors as they prepare to walk the stage at graduation.
Firstly, it is our honor to announce that the 2025–2026 recipient of the Dr. Claude Baker Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award is Malachi Cox.
The Dr. Claude Baker Research Award is given annually to an undergraduate in the biology department for excellence in scientific research. The award is named in honor of Dr. Claude “Buddy” Baker, who served the biology department as a chair, mentor, and tireless supporter of student research and career development.
Malachi Cox is a junior Marine Biology major who excels in the classroom and is actively involved in the Fish and Wildlife Club. He has worked with Dr. Jesse Filbrun on diverse research projects over the past two years, including surveying stream communities and conducting molecular work in the lab to identify corals, fishes, and crayfishes. Most recently, he was awarded an internal student research grant (co-authored by peer Tanner Billings) to investigate the effects of light levels on corals and their algal endosymbionts. Additionally, Malachi has shared his work at this year's Arkansas Academy of Sciences meeting, where he presented early results from this project.
Beyond SAU, Malachi has gained valuable experience working with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, completing an National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) internship, and earning the prestigious National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship.
Congratulations to you, Malachi! We are so proud of you!
Past recipients of the Dr. Claude Baker Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award include:
2024–2025 Jenna Holmes
2023–2024 Alana Hedden
2022–2023 Savannah Wise
Stay tuned this week as we reveal the recipient of our other top student award and spotlight all of our graduating seniors.
