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St. Paul, MN 55108-55346-3549
United States
Celebrating Excellence in Science and Innovation - In Person
An Evening with ARCS Scholars
Join us for a special celebration of ARCS Scholars at different points in their scientific journeys, from today’s promising graduate students to accomplished scientists and innovators.
At this event we will honor:
- Suneel Sheikh, PhD, a Twin Cities technology CEO, ARCS Scholar Award in 2002–2004, and 2017 ARCS National Hall of Fame inductee;
- Greg LeFevre, PhD, a University of Iowa Associate Professor, and Minnesota ARCS Scholar Award in 2011–2012; and
- Six inspiring University of Minnesota graduate students receiving ARCS Scholar Awards for 2025–2026.
Together, their stories demonstrate the lasting impact of investing in talented scientists early in their careers.
2026-2027 ARCS Scholars
Join us to celebrate six exceptional University of Minnesota graduate students receiving 2026 ARCS Scholar Awards. Meet the Scholars and hear firsthand about their promising research.
Their research spans Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Immunology, Biochemistry, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.
2026 ARCS Minnesota Scientist of the Year
Suneel Sheikh, PhD
Founder & CEO, Aster Labs
2002-04 ARCS Scholar Metro Washington Chapter
2017 ARCS National Hall of Fame
We are delighted to honor Suneel Sheikh PhD for his contributions to aerospace and technology research. After receiving his PhD from the University of Maryland, he moved to Minnesota to found Aster Labs, a technology and research laboratory, specializing in advance in advanced solutions for space, air, terrestrial, and personal applications.
ARCS Minnesota Scholar of the Year 2026
Greg LeFevre, PhD
2011-2012 ARCS Scholar, Minnesota Chapter
Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering & Science at
University of Iowa
Robert and Virginia Wheeler Faculty Fellow of Engineering
Our inaugural Scholar of the Year is Greg Lefevre, PhD. After graduating with his PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 2012, Greg completed a postdoc at Stanford. He started his academic career at the University of Iowa in 2016. In 2026, he received the University of Iowa Mid-career Faculty Scholar Award.
Event Details
Location:
Cargill Building
1500 Gortner Ave
University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus
The Cargill Building and parking are easily accessible on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus.
Evening Schedule
5:00 – 7:30 pm Central Time
Scholar Round Tables
- Engage in casual discussions with our ARCS Minnesota Scholars in small groups.
- Enjoy a buffet and a selection of beverages.
Program
- ARCS Scientist of the Year – Suneel Sheikh, PhD
- ARCS MN Scholar Alum of the Year - Greg LeFevre, PhD
- ARCS Scholar Awards Presentation
Join Us
Be part of this special celebration of scientific promise and discovery.
The event is free to attendees. Donations to the Scholar Award fund are appreciated.
| Options | |
| Suggested donation | $50.00 |
| Scholar Supporter | $100.00 |
| Friend of ARCS | $250.00 |
| Discovery Partner | $500.00 |
| Scholar Champion | $1,000.00 |
| Scholar Leadership Circle | $2,500.00 |
| Named Scholar Award | $5,000.00 |
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