Department of Physiology celebrates Class of 2026 at spring convocation
Mitchell Masilun, Photographer-BioCommunications
The Department of Physiology celebrated the achievements of its graduating students during the spring 2026 convocation ceremony, recognizing a class defined by academic excellence, leadership and service.
Department of Physiology Chair and Codsen Professor Mingyu Liang, MB, PhD, welcomed graduates, families and guests to the ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of students completing degrees in physiology and medical sciences. Associate Dean for Admissions and Comprehensive Education Center Director Tejal Parikh, MD, delivered opening remarks highlighting the continued growth and national prominence of the physiology program, which now includes more than 1,300 majors and serves as a pathway for future physicians, researchers and health professionals.
This spring, the department conferred 297 Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Degrees with a major in physiology and medical sciences. Of those graduates, 90 students were part of the W.A. Franke Honors College and completed a thesis to graduate with honors, and four were recognized with special awards. Nearly 1,500 guests attended the ceremony in celebration of the Class of 2026.
Outstanding Senior Award: Jenny Partin
Jenny Partin was recognized as an Outstanding Senior for her leadership, academic excellence and dedication to her peers and community throughout her time in the physiology program.
From her involvement in Physiology Club and the Physiology Honors Academy to serving as a physiology preceptor, Partin made a lasting impact on the department and the students around her.
“The Physiology program has brought together so many of the experiences that have shaped my time at UofA,” Partin said. “From Physiology Club, to Physiology Honors Academy, to Physiology preceptoring, involvement within the program has allowed me to grow in innumerable ways while forming lifelong friendships.”
Partin said she is grateful for the support she received throughout her college journey and excited to remain in Tucson as she pursues her dream of becoming a physician. She will continue her education at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson.
Outstanding Senior Award: Isabella Badar
Outstanding Senior recipient Isabella Badar was recognized for her exceptional leadership, mentorship and dedication to service both inside and outside the classroom.
Throughout her undergraduate career, Badar served as a PSIO 201 preceptor and undergraduate teaching assistant while also mentoring students and participating in leadership roles across campus.
“One of the experiences that best defines my time in the Physiology program has been the opportunity to teach, mentor, and connect with others through so many different roles,” Badar said.
“The Physiology program gave me the opportunity to combine my passion for science, teaching, and service, and those experiences have been some of the most meaningful and defining parts of my undergraduate journey.”
After graduation, Badar plans to take a gap year while continuing to teach PSIO 201, volunteer in the Tucson community and gain additional clinical experience as she prepares for medical school.
Physiology Wildcat Award: Jonathan Ruben Bonilla Leon
Jonathan Ruben Bonilla Leon received the Physiology Wildcat Award in recognition of his dedication, resilience and perseverance throughout his undergraduate journey.
“The physiology award to me means dedication, resilience and consistency in pushing through not only challenging concepts but also real life struggles,” Bonilla Leon said. “This award is a reflection of my ability in persisting through adversity while continuing to grow academically and personally.”
Bonilla Leon said the lab component of his courses, particularly in PSIO 202, best defined his time in the physiology program because the hands-on experience allowed him to better understand and value the intricacies of anatomy and physiology.
After graduation, he plans to continue volunteering and shadowing while studying for the MCAT as he pursues his long-term goal of attending the University of Arizona College of Medicine and becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.
University honors Gabriel Trinidad with Robie Gold Medal
Gabriel Trinidad graduated with a Bachelor of Science in physiology and medical sciences, with minors in Spanish and biochemistry. A first-generation college student from Tucson’s west side, Trinidad’s experiences shaped his commitment to health equity, service and community-centered care.
Throughout his undergraduate career, Trinidad pursued opportunities to expand access to health care while contributing to research and outreach efforts focused on underserved communities in Southern Arizona.
Within the Department of Physiology, Trinidad served as a two-semester preceptor for PSIO 202, helping students navigate challenging coursework while fostering confidence and belonging in the classroom.
He also worked with Nosotros Comprometidos a Su Salud in the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, conducting FibroScan assessments and contributing to liver-health research in Hispanic communities. In addition, Trinidad spent nearly four years working as a medical assistant at El Rio Community Health Center, providing care to underserved patients across Tucson.
After graduation, Trinidad plans to continue working at El Rio, remain involved in liver-health research and prepare for medical school. His long-term goal is to become a primary care physician specializing in addiction medicine and serving underserved communities in Tucson.
As the Class of 2026 graduates begin the next chapter of their academic and professional journeys, department leaders celebrate the lasting impact students made within the physiology community and beyond.
