Research Excellence Award
The Research Excellence Award recognizes undergraduate students for outstanding contributions to and performance in departmental psychological research. One award will be given annually for each major (PSY, BNS). Recipients of the prestigious award will have demonstrated curiosity, critical thinking, open-mindedness, evidence-based decision-making, and overall research excellence. Award recipients are nominated by the Psychology faculty and selected by the Psychology Department Awards Committee.
Nomination Process
Psychology faculty will nominate candidates by submitting a supportive letter to the Psychology Department Awards Committee. Along with describing why the student is deserving of this award, please make sure this letter includes:
- The student’s GPA
- Relevant coursework
- 1-2 artifacts of their work (e.g., paper or other assignment)
Timeline and Recognition
The Awards Committee will send an email calling for nominations beginning in December and faculty will have until mid-February to submit letters. The letters can be submitted anytime up until the deadline.
Winners will be selected in February and be announced in early March. Winners will be recognized at the Psychology Department Awards Ceremony in April. They will receive a framed certificate and they will be featured on the Department website.
2025 Recipient of the Research Excellence Award
Mya Hanna
How did you become interested in psychology?
I became interested in psychology during my high school years. I took a psychology course and found myself constantly wanting to learn more. After doing research on psychology as a career, I found that it was a vast field that could incorporate both my academic and occupational interests.
What have you learned from doing research?
I have learned that many research advancements take time and effort. The time and effort that is put into these achievements is truly important and has broad implications on society as a whole. Research has also helped me strengthen my time management, organization, and delegation skills.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
After graduation I am planning to obtain my PhD in Clinical/Health psychology. I hope to contribute to research in the field that is applicable to both clinical and non-clinical populations.