Reeves Library Research Awards

Rowan Mentzer received the award in the Junior & Senior division for the paper, "Drama Therapy in Prisons: 
The Benefits of Playing Pretend with Incarcerated Individuals." The reviewers were impressed by "the high quality of writing and the extremely effective organized way that the topic was presented" and loved the "unique approach combining theatre, [psychology], and [criminal justice] elements." The entry was sponsored by Dr. Kellee Van Aken. 

Sarah Minghini was the first-year/sophomore level award winner for the project, "Duolingo Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report." Our review panelists said that the project displayed both "qualitative and quantitative depth" as well as "excellent (and professional!) analysis." The entry was sponsored by Dr. Jen Jones.

Andrew Barbusio received the award in the Junior & Senior division for the project, "Retainer Delivery of Biomimetic Matrix Proteins for the Treatment of Enamel Erosion." Our faculty reviewers found it "very impressive and well thought out," and appreciated that "it was written in such a way that invited learning and led to comprehension regardless of the reader's area of expertise." The entry was sponsored by Dr. Donna Haworth-Ward.

Brittany Ritts was the first-year/sophomore level award winner with her paper, "The View from the Outside-In: A Current Perspective on Paracosms."One of our faculty panelists said that Ms. Ritts "blended research with an effective clear and conversational writing style to develop a topic for which she has great personal investment." The entry was sponsored by Prof. Elaine Kelly.

Jasmine Thomas received the award in the Junior & Senior division for her paper, "The Bicultural Social Identity Phenomenon." It impressed our review panelists as "a perfect example of how outstanding research can be driven by personal inquiry" and with the way it "stressed the importance of understanding social identity/self concept as not only a way for a person to understand themself, but big picture idea- as a way to understand others." Ms. Thomas's entry was sponsored by Dr. Betsy Jacobs.

Kathryn Way was the first-year/sophomore level award winner with her paper, "Melun Diptych Analysis." One of our faculty reviewers wrote, "You mentioned how art serves to stir emotion. Your writing did the same!" Ms. Way's entry was sponsored by Prof. Maureen Kochanek.

Hannah Long received the award in the Junior & Senior division for her paper, "Friedrich Nietzsche’s Influence of Perspectivism on Political Affirmation." Our faculty evaluators loved the "relevant, inspiring and courageous topic" and were impressed by the "well developed... and thorough critical analysis." They appreciated the "excellent research and sources" and "clear, sophisticated" writing. Ms. Long's entry was sponsored by Dr. Jen Jones.

Alexandra Battaglia was the first-year/sophomore level award winner with her paper, "Operation Outward Reach: From Handcuffs to Handyman." As one of our faculty reviewers put it, "Extremely well written paper... The critical analysis and arguments in favor of [Operation Outward Reach] were well developed and executed. I honestly couldn't find flaws (if any) in the paper." They loved her "excellent sources," which were "well integrated." Ms. Battaglia's entry was sponsored by Prof. Dawn Diehl.

Laura Kupets received the award in the Junior & Senior division. Her paper, "The Specificity of Jesus: Divinity Through the Lowly," impressed the evaluation committee with its research, synthesis, and analysis. In the words of one of our panelists: "This was an outstanding piece of scholarship that represents graduate level work. Simply outstanding - I'm so proud of this student, and of Dr. G, and of all of us!" Ms. Kupets' entry was sponsored by Dr. Tim Gabrielli.

Leah Prestogeorge was selected as the award-winner at the First-Year/Sophomore level for "Symbolism of Masks in Ancient Greek Theatre." Her work was described as "fascinating" by our faculty reviewers, who appreciated her engagement with her sources and hope that she goes on to further explore the ideas about the use of masks today. Ms. Prestogeorge's entry was sponsored by Dr. Kellee Van Aken.

Blaine Brubaker received the award in the Junior & Senior division. Her paper, "Amy Beach and Jennifer Higdon: A Comparison of Female Composers in the Nineteenth and the Twenty-First Century," impressed the evaluation committee with the high-quality sources and advanced critical synthesis. The topic "provides opportunities for further graduate level research and possible publication." Ms. Brubaker's entry was sponsored by Dr. John Seybert.

Laura Kupets was selected as the award-winner at the First-Year/Sophomore level for "A Closer Look at the Hebrew Scriptures: Dismantling and Unleashing 'Hesed'." Her study of this debated term impressed faculty with its nuanced consideration of the original context and prominent biblical scholars. Ms. Kupets' entry was sponsored by Dr. Tim Gabrielli.

Julia Simeone was selected as the award-winner for the Junior & Senior division. Her paper, "The Effects of Dieting on Eating Behavior" impressed the evaluation committee by exhibiting "great insight into the psychological influences of dieting." Another panelist called it "an exemplary job synthesizing the various studies into a coherent work." Ms. Simeone's entry was sponsored by Dr. Betsy Jacobs.

Paige Parise received the award at the First-Year/Sophomore level for her slideshow, "How Social Media Has Affected Journalism." Her project's use of avatar dialog to engage with and integrate her source materials was an impressive take on a traditional literature review. Ms. Parise's entry was sponsored by Dr. Emily Wierszewski.

Toni Antonucci was selected as the award-winner for the Junior & Senior division. Her paper, "Effect of BPD Parents on Children: Do Attachment Styles Differ?" impressed the evaluation committee by exhibiting "the top levels of Bloom's Taxonomy in terms of what is created with the research and how it is evaluated." Another panelist wrote, "This well-written research submission begs continuation. I cannot wait to read the study." Ms. Antonucci's entry was sponsored by Dr. Jeff Bartel.

Jordan Penney received the award at the First-Year/Sophomore level for  "Miss-Representation: Exploring the Effects of Media on Body Image in American Girls." Her paper was praised by the evaluation panel for its "mix of source types, with appropriate incorporation of popular sources." Ms. Penney's entry was sponsored by Dr. Brittany Edge.

Giannina Gonzalez received the award for the Junior & Senior division for her project, "Pollution in Beijing." The evaluation panelists were impressed by her "excellent handling of detailed technical information" and "informative, well-written, concise paper" that "is publishable work."

Ashley White was chosen to receive the award at the First-Year & Sophomore level for her work, "The Impact of Fundamentalism on American Women." Panelists noted her "sound development of both the thesis and variations of the content" and appreciated her use of a "wide variety of sources."