Skip to Main Content

University of Nebraska at Kearney 2025 Graduate Research Awards

Posted: April 18, 2025 5:00:00 PM CDT

Graduate Oral Presentation

Natural & Physical Sciences

A smiling speaker stands at a podium during a presentation, with a nature-themed slideshow projected in the background.

1st Place: Cody McGregor - “Avian Communities in Varying Stages of Restored Riparian Habitat Along the Platte River”, Biology, Mentor: Jayne Jonas-Bratten

Fine Arts & Humanities

1st Place: Kiley Truex - “Basic Writing through the Lens of Mina Shaughnessy: The Ideas and Influence of the Field's Most Prominent Figure”, English, Mentor: Amanda Sladek

A woman in a pink blazer stands next to a man in a suit, both smiling as they hold up a certificate.

2nd Place: Amelia Rodgers - “Evangelical Activism, Domestic Ideology, and Women's Desires in the Victorian Novel”, English, Mentor: Susan Honeyman

Graduate Poster Presentation

Fine Arts & Humanities

Joseph Colanino, UNK graduate student presenting research during UNK's poster session of Research Day, discussing the historical context of the Red Summer with attendees.

1st Place: Joseph Colanino - “Remembering the Red Summer: The Commemoration of Omaha's Riot in 1919”, History, Mentor: Will Stoutamire

Katie Henry in historical reenacting clothing stands beside a tree, with clothes hanging on a line behind her. The setting reflects a 19th-century outdoor scene.

2nd Place: Katie Henry - “Forgotten West: The Lost Integrity of Josephine Meeker”, History, Mentor: Will Stoutamire

Professional & Applied Studies

1st Place: Charlotte Okraska - “Ethical Challenges in Counseling: Future Counselors' Approaches to Political Discussions with Clients”, Counseling School Psychology and Family Science, Mentor: Umut Arslan

2nd Place: Gabrielle Oborny - “Identifying Deficits in Joint Mechanics for Return-to-Play Decisions after ACLR Surgery in High School and College athletes.”, Kinesiology & Sports Sciences, Mentor: Kazuma Akehi

Thesis Awards

Outstanding Thesis Award 2023 - 2024

A woman examines a small decorative book in Harvard's library, surrounded by shelves filled with books.

Christy Gordon Baty - “Rare and Curious Covers”: Embroidered Book Bindings in Early Modern England. Will Stoutamire – History, Advisor

Best Thesis Award in the Natural Sciences 2023 - 2024

Two professionals smiling for the camera, standing side by side in a formal setting.

Sunanda Rajput - Sex Differences in Innate immune Response Following Peanut Exposure. Joseph Dolence – Biology, Advisor

Best Thesis Award in Humanities 2023 - 2024

A young man in a black polo shirt presents information in front of a projector screen during a classroom setting.

Kalen Krantz - The Gothic Horror Tradition and Religious Sanctity: Terror and Faith in Midnight Mass (2021). Rebecca Umland – English, Advisor

Graduate Student of the Year

UNK Graduate Student of the Year

Kristen Wetovick receiving the UNK Graduate Student of the Year Award from Graduate Dean Ellis, both smiling and holding awards.

Kristen Wetovick - Teacher Education – Learning Design and Technology

College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student of the Year

Kattie Sadd - Communication – MA in Public Communication

College of Business and Technology Graduate Student of the Year

Chloe Dakan receiving the College of Business and Technology Graduate Student of the Year Award from Graduate Dean Ellis.

Chloe Dakan - Business Administration – Master of Business Administration (MBA)

College of Education Graduate Student of the Year

Jarod Owen - Communication Disorders – Masters in Speech-Language Pathology

Faculty Mentor Awards

Graduate Research Mentor of the Year

Communications professor, Dr. Mary Harner receiving the Graduate Studies & Academic Innovation Faculty Mentor Award from Dean of Graduate Studies Dr. Mark Ellis.

Dr. Mary Harner - Professor of Communications

By: Heidi Knake

Category: General, Education, Research, UNK Online, Business and Technology, Graduate Studies, Natural and Social Sciences

Power of the Herd. Top 10 University Best Midwest Public Universities | US News Rankings | Only in Nebraska a campaign for our future Power of the Herd. Be Bold. Top 10 University Best Midwest Public Universities | US News Rankings