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.
Recipients of the Research Excellence Award
Brooke Campbell (Psychology)
How did you become interested in psychology?
I took AP psychology in high school and decided that I wanted to explore it more in college. I took a few classes here and was hooked. I combined it with a criminal justice major as well as I like the combination of the two.
What have you learned from doing research?
I have learned the process of research as well as how to enter and read data in SPSS. I have also learned a lot about presenting and the ethics of research that need to be kept intact. I have also learned how to run participants in an effective way allowing the research to be consistent.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
I am going to Western Michigan University for a Master’s in Sociology with a focus in criminal justice. After this I want to go to a PHD program for criminology to eventually be able to do research in the field.
Emily Bolthouse (Behavioral Neuroscience)
How did you become interested in psychology?
I have always found myself fascinated by human behavior and the complexity of the human mind. I grew up reading and watching a lot of psychological thrillers which piqued my interest in the subject. This fascination only continued to grow when I started college and began taking psychology courses. My interest in these courses made me decide to major in psychology in addition to behavioral neuroscience.
What have you learned from doing research?
Through research, I've learned that resilience is essential in overcoming setbacks and challenges encountered along the way. Research has also enhanced my problem-solving skills allowing me to navigate obstacles and find effective solutions. Ultimately, research has taught me the importance of perseverance and how rewarding it can be when you succeed.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to take a gap year to explore my career options. I would like to gain work experience ideally in a laboratory setting before furthering my education. After saving up, I plan to apply to either a master’s or PhD program and pursue a career involving research.