FNR Honors Four Individuals for Department Service in 2025

The Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources has honored four individuals for their service in 2025.

Dr. Mike Saunders was honored with the William L. Hoover Exemplary Faculty Service Award. Wood Research Lab manager Charlie Warner received the Outstanding Administrative Professional Staff Member Award. Lead administrative assistant Sandra Toruno Silva was honored with the Outstanding Clerical/Service Staff Member Award. PhD student Tawn Speetjens earned the Exemplary Graduate Student Service Award.

William L. Hoover Exemplary Faculty Service Award

This award was established to recognize faculty contributions to the “greater good” of the university, profession, and citizenry in furtherance of the department’s mission during the previous calendar year. Selection criteria include committee service, leadership, volunteerism, and initiatives that foster an ethic of citizenship, promote improved performance of the academic community, seek the betterment of society, and are consistent with Purdue’s land-grant mission. Nominations are solicited from all department members.

Dr. Mike Saunders, who joined the FNR faculty as an associate professor in 2007. Saunders’ research focuses on 1) the development of silvicultural systems that increase the range of variability within natural stands and/or emulate natural disturbance regimes within a given region, 2) improvement of growth and yields within intensively managed systems, and 3) the influence of silviculture on wildlife habitat requirements. He also is involved in projects testing application of digital forestry platforms to forest management and silvicultural researc.

In nominating Saunders, colleagues shared the following statements about him:

• Mike showed great leadership in taking the heavy lifting associated with SAF re-accreditation in 2025 and represented the department well throughout this process.
• Mike has been a leader in the forestry group of the department. This year, in particular, he went above and beyond with the solicitation, compiling and presentation of our report for the SAF accreditation review as well as organization of the review visit. This was a substantial effort and I think Mike represented us all in a very professional way.
• Mike oversaw SAF accreditation review. This was a very involved process, with lots of moving parts, that would not have been possible without his hard work and expertise.

Outstanding Administrative Professional Staff Member Award

This award was established to recognize members of the department’s administrative/professional staff who have distinguished themselves through outstanding performance during the previous calendar year. Selection criteria include work performance, job knowledge, initiative and resourcefulness, working relationships, and departmental participation. Nominations are solicited from all department members.

Charlie Warner, who earned his bachelor’s degree in forestry in 2021 and master’s degree in 2025, joined the Wood Research Lab as a technician and lab manager in 2024.

In nominating Warner, colleagues share the following statements about him: 

• Charlie is balancing many activities, supporting teaching, research and extension activities not only working for wood products but all of broader FNR.
• Charlie is an incredible member of the FNR team and truly deserves recognition. He oversees the WRL keeping everything organized, supporting students, and making sure projects run smoothly. On top of all that, he just achieved the huge feat of earning his master’s degree while working full time as a staff member! He has been part of the department in so many ways over the years, and his dedication shows in everything the does. He’s knowledgeable, dependable, and always willing to help others.

Outstanding Clerical/Service Staff Member Award

This award was established to recognize members of the department’s clerical/service staff who have distinguished themselves through outstanding performance during the previous calendar year. Selection criteria include work performance, job knowledge, initiative and resourcefulness, working relationships, and departmental participation. Nominations are solicited from all department members.

Toruno joined FNR as a senior administrative assistant in the fall of 2023. Prior to coming to FNR, Sandra was the administrative manager at NICHES Land Trust. She also has served as the Family Chair of the Latino Center for Wellness and Education.

In nominations for this award, colleagues shared the following statements about Toruno:

• Sandra has been an instrumental part in revamping the FNR Seminar Series over the last couple of semesters. Without her support and coordination things may not have transitioned as well as they have. She has also been a sounding board in continuing to grow community engagement in FNR despite the politics associated around DEI over the last year. She is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed no questions asked.
• Outstanding isn’t even the word to describe Sandra. She goes above and beyond outstanding. There are countless reasons I’m nominating her: Sandra is hardworking, thoughtful, and kind. I know it’s going to be a good day when I get the chance to go downstairs and ask for her help with something. She leads the FNR community engagement committee with incredible skill and dedication—coordinating all. It truly takes a village, and Sandra is the one who bring it all together. Beyond this Sandra continually goes out of her way to make everyone feel supported and valued. Her positivity and generosity uplift those around her, creating a welcoming environment where people feel seen, appreciated and motivated to do their best.
• Sandra has distinguished herself by going above and beyond in her role. She is always responsive to faculty needs and willing to jump in even just a short notice. She has been the person responsible for coordinating the seminar series and it has been running smoothly and professionally. Sandra has also been a leader in FNR community engagement. She has done a superb job organizing both Fall Into Nature and Spring Into Nature events every year. Both events involve the entire department, community partners, different areas on campus, student clubs and community members.

Exemplary Graduate Student Service Award

This award was established to recognize a graduate student for outstanding service to the department, university, and profession during the previous calendar year. Selection criteria include mentoring of students, volunteerism, service to the public and department, and activities that represent the department’s core mission of sustainable resource management. Nominations are solicited from all department members.

Speetjens completed his master’s degree in forestry in 2022 and is currently working on his PhD under Dr. Doug Jacobs. His master’s research examined the effects of fertilizers and host pairing on nursery production and field establishment on Santalum paniculatum. His PhD work explores the physiological mechanisms that underlie the ‘iliahi-host connection. 

Colleagues shared the following statement about Speetjens in nominations:

• As treasurer of the GSC, he does incredible work coordinating events, supporting his peers, and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. He’s hardworking, dependable, and always willing to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. Beyond his role, Tawn is one of the kindest and most genuine people you’ll meet. His positive attitude and thoughtful nature make a lasting impact on everyone around him. Whether he’s organizing an event, helping a fellow student, or simply checking in on others, Tawn brings a sense of warmth and community that makes our department a better place.