Julia T. Skiba, recipient of the 2026 Lanford Presidential Prize, with President Stephen H. Kolison Jr.
Acquiring experience in medical care was the right prescription for Julia T. Skiba to receive SUNY Fredonia’s highest academic honor.
The senior Molecular Genetics major from Troy, NY, will be awarded the Lanford Presidential Prize at the university’s 199th Commencement on Saturday, May 16. She is the daughter of Michael and Karen Skiba and has a sister, Gabrielle.
The award, generously created and endowed by the late President Emeritus Oscar E. Lanford and Mrs. Lanford through the Fredonia College Foundation, recognizes a member of each graduating class who exhibits balanced achievement and exemplifies Fredonia ideals.
President Stephen H. Kolison Jr. will formally recognize Ms. Skiba with the award at the university’s morning Commencement ceremony on May 16.
Over the last four semesters, I have grown significantly as a researcher and now approach experiments with confidence, creativity and a strong ability to apply my knowledge to new challenges.” - Julia Skiba, ‘26
A graduate of Averill Park High School, Averill Park, NY, Skiba is enrolled in the Honors Program and has compiled a 4.0 GPA. She also has a minor in Communication. She plans to attend medical school to pursue a career in surgical dermatology, a goal supported by extensive hands-on experience in multiple healthcare settings. Becoming a “physician-scientist,” where Skiba will combine her medical training with her background in genetics to be able to customize care for each patient, is her career goal.
Throughout her four years at SUNY Fredonia, Skiba has constantly strived for excellence, proving to be extremely motivated and goal-oriented and adaptable while demonstrating strong leadership skills, creativity and work ethic. These traits enabled her to succeed as a medical assistant in a dermatology practice in Clifton Park, NY, and as a patient care technician at a Troy hospital.
At Saratoga Dermatology, Skiba provided direct clinical support in a busy clinic by rooming patients, updating medical histories and assisting with biopsies and excisions while maintaining sterile technique and patient comfort. A year-long internship led to a paid staff position.
Delivering high-acuity care in the fast-paced environment of a Level III Emergency Department was the focus of Skiba’s role as a patient care technician at Samaritan Hospital. She demonstrated the ability to multi-task, maintain composure and prioritize patient safety in an environment where decisions must be made quickly.
As a research assistant in Dr. Jonathan Kniss’ lab during the last two years, Skiba has studied stem cell regeneration in zebra fish and has been trained in DNA extraction, PCR, confocal imaging and sorting and collecting embryos based on fertility and fluorescent profiles. “My research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind hair cell regeneration in zebra fish by focusing on a specific protein, Lgr6,” Skiba explained.
“Over the last four semesters, I have grown significantly as a researcher and now approach experiments with confidence, creativity and a strong ability to apply my knowledge to new challenges.”
Outside of the Science Center, Skiba has been the sports medic and emergency coordinator for the Club Hockey Team for the last four years. She directed all on-ice medical responses and provided immediate assessment and emergency care for athletic injuries during practices and games. Skiba also monitored the health and wellness of all athletes.
“This position demands rapid clinical judgement and effective decision-making, allowing me to apply my EMT training in a real-world, high-stakes environment while assuring the safety and well-being of all athletes,” Skiba said of her club hockey tenure.
Skiba has been a pool lifeguard at the Capital District YMCA in Troy and an open water lifeguard at Crystal Lake Triathlon Club, Averill Park, both since June 2021.
Extracurricular activities on campus include Study Abroad ambassador, desk anchor/writer for SUNY Fredonia’s News 11; biology student ambassador and Keeper of the Dream scholar since 2022. Skiba is also the current president of campus chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the biological honors society.
Skiba became a Study Abroad ambassador with the International Office of Education upon completing her own study abroad experience in Greece. Having visited 28 countries, she’s well-versed in discussing study abroad opportunities in classes and serving on Study Aboard information tables that provide information about the program to students.
At News 11, a live news program, Skiba held dual responsibilities as an on-air anchor and producer that require adaptability, composure and strong problem-solving skills.
“My involvement with News 11 allowed me to apply the concepts of my Communication minor in a real-world, high-pressure environment while developing leadership, teamwork and crisis-management skills,” Skiba said.
Through a Keeper of the Dream scholarship, Skiba connected with many students and gained opportunities to engage in Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Culminating this experience was her role as the proctor for the week-long Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. campus celebration, facilitating question-and-answer sessions with guest speakers and ensuring the smooth flow of the event.
“As a future physician, I am committed to upholding Dr. King’s dream by treating every one of my patients with complete and unwavering equality,” she said.
