Outstanding Graduate Student Honorees - Winter 2024

MS in Criminal Justice

Sara's capstone studied the relationship between prison work programs and rates of inmate misconduct.

PhD in Cultural Studies

Akina spent much of her career as a newspaper journalist before pursuing a PhD.

MPS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

As a talent management professional for 10 years, Nick has focused on improving the employee experience for frontline workers and developing new managers.

MA in Economics

Rachel is a Mercatus MA fellow and an outstanding scholar who has completed an internship with the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Commission.

PhD in Criminology, Law and Society

Sydney's dissertation examined how the Internet has influenced offline sex offending against youth, specifically the distance offenders travel to commit crimes in child sexual grooming cases.

MA in Foreign Languages and a graduate certificate in Spanish Heritage Language Education

Enedina is praised by her professors and colleagues for her excellent work ethic; intellectual curiosity; and ability to connect theory, research, and practice.

MA in Global Affairs

Kimberly is described as an exceptional student who is insightful, analytical, and theoretically grounded.

PhD in Communication

Margaret’s research has contributed to climate change communication and established a foundation for her emerging career in the field.

MA in Art History

A Dean’s Challenge Award winner, Irena plans to connect cross-cultural and war experiences with her love of art and education in art history.

MA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Religious Studies

Averi is commended for her peer feedback and mentoring, and championing program research symposia.

PhD in Sociology

For her dissertation, Zahra used large-scale survey data to developed identical regression models for the U.S. and U.K. to explore how gender, national origin, and policy structures influence household labor decisions among dual-earner married couples.

MA in Communication

Kristen is applauded for her notably keen sense of interconnection and insightful coursework.

MA in Higher Education Student Development

Ashley displayed perseverance, determination, and commitment to her academic performance in completing her graduate program.

PhD in Economics

Sebastian is a fellow in the department's Adam Smith program who has also served as an economics graduate lecturer and presented research papers locally and abroad.

MA in Sociology

Heather has been praised as a stellar student who excelled in the MA program, particularly through thoughtful, poignant research.

MA in Criminology, Law and Society

Mindy received a CLS Outstanding Graduate Service Award, an NSF GRFP "Honorable Mention," and a Summer Institute Fellowship from the Center for Social Science Research. She will continue her doctoral studies in the CLS Department.

MA in Economics

Camden, an online student and full-time Senior Political Analyst in the federal government, is commended for his exemplary scholarship during his studies.

PhD in Criminology, Law and Society

Taryn has presented work at professional conferences, co-authored grant reports, published peer-reviewed research, was active in the Student Police Research Group, and assisted with many events for the Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy.