Jennifer Taylor Receives 2026 Cerniglia Staff Excellence Award
NCNPR project coordinator recognized for dedication to the Center's mission
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy has named Jennifer Taylor, project coordinator for the National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR), as this year's recipient of the Cerniglia Staff Excellence Award.
The award, presented annually, recognizes a full-time staff member who supports the school's mission through collaboration, creativity, excellence, knowledge, leadership, learning, professionalism, and social responsibility. Recipients receive a plaque and a $1,000 prize.
Dean Donna Strum presented Taylor with the award, recognizing her sustained, far-reaching contributions to the success of NCNPR and the School of Pharmacy.
"Jennifer completely embodies what this award stands for," Strum said. "She is the kind of colleague who makes everyone else's work possible."
Taylor joined NCNPR in 2006, and serves as the link between the NCNPR director, associate director, and the University's Office of Research and Economic Development. Her responsibilities include navigating grant applications and coordinating with Sponsored Programs to support a compliant, well-managed funding pipeline.
In addition, she coordinates the FDA Training Program at NCNPR, under which more than 1,000 FDA inspectors have received training, and is also the lead organizer of the International Conference on the Science of Botanicals.
"The Cerniglia Award honors a staff member who goes well beyond their job description and reflects our core values,” Strum said. “This perfectly applies to Jennifer Taylor."
By
James Dowd
Campus
Office, Department or Center
Published
June 18, 2026