Helias Catholic High School science instructor Dr. Collin Mayhan received the O’Neill Award from the Notre Dame Club of Central Missouri on August 1, 2024.

The club presents the O’Neill Award annually to faculty members from Helias and Fr. Tolton Catholic high schools based on how they exemplify the Notre Dame values of accountability, teamwork, integrity, leadership in excellence, and leadership in mission.

Dr. Mayhan has been a member of Helias Catholic’s faculty since 2014, teaching chemistry and physics. He has a PhD and American Chemical Society Certification from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Over the past two school years, Dr. Mayhan has spearheaded and led Helias Catholic’s Independent Research program for students with an exceptional interest and talent in chemistry. Dr. Mayhan coordinates Helias Catholic’s program in partnership with the University of Missouri and the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy.

Under Dr. Mayhan’s mentorship, four students have presented undergraduate-level research at the national conference of the American Chemistry Society, which is one of the world’s largest scientific organizations and recognized as a leading publisher of authoritative scientific information.

Dr. Mayhan has made significant efforts to ensure the program continues for future students, including a group of four Helias Catholic students who began research internships with University of Missouri chemistry faculty through the Student Chemistry Research at Mizzou program this summer.

“Dr. Mayhan’s contributions to Helias Catholic’s science department and students are a wonderful example of the spirit of excellence at the heart of the Helias Catholic mission,” said Helias Catholic President Ron Vossen