In a world where curiosity meets innovation, the true stars are the students who drive change through their relentless pursuit of knowledge. At the IUPUI Student Research, Creative Activities, and Engaged Learning Day on April 19, students’ excellence in research was on full display. The Center for Research and Learning recognized five exemplars with awards.
Meet the award winners
Gracie White
Gracie White, the Bowling-Jones-Russo Memorial Undergraduate Research Award recipient of the Bowling-Jones-Russo Memorial Undergraduate Research Award, stands as a testament to the transformative power of inquiry. Her work has focused on the development and optimization of compostable plastics derived from potatoes and White's contributions have been instrumental in identifying thermoplastic starch formulations and processes that yield compostable plastic films with optimal mechanical properties, showcasing her proficiency in coding, statistical machine learning, and adaptive experimental design.
Additionally, White has made significant strides in disseminating her research findings, presenting her work at numerous professional conferences and co-authoring several publications. Notably, she was awarded for her exceptional poster presentation at the Indiana University Undergraduate Research Conference (IUURC).
“I found this quote from Helen Keller: ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’ In my experience, research is a collaborative effort. By bringing together diverse perspectives between students and faculty, we can unlock new possibilities to drive meaningful change and to achieve remarkable results” White said.
Jujhar Singh
Jujhar Singh's achievement of the IUPUI Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research exemplifies the essence of scholarly pursuit. Singh’s research, conducted under the guidance of Chemistry Assistant Professor Yongming Deng, Ph.D., focuses on catalyzing specific organic reactions using light. This work holds immense significance in various industries, from pharmaceuticals to sustainable manufacturing processes. Singh’s contributions to this research, driven by his curiosity, intelligence, and hard work, have resulted in three published articles and presentations at professional conferences.
Kelsey Conner
Kelsey Conner's receipt of the IUPUI Undergraduate Outstanding Achievement in the Creative Activity Award is a celebration of imagination unleashed. Through her artistry, Conner has woven narratives that resonate deeply, stirring emotions and transcending boundaries of expression. Her exhibition "Touch Me: Art Beyond Sight" aimed to provide an experience beyond visual perception, particularly for those with visual impairments. Additionally, her artwork, such as "To Perform," carries personal narratives that invite viewers to connect on a deeper level.
Marian Logrip
Marian Logrip, Ph.D., honored with the Kathryn J. Wilson Award for Outstanding Leadership in Mentoring Undergraduates, embodies the spirit of guidance and collaboration. Her nurturing mentorship has fostered academic growth and cultivated a community of support and empowerment. Logrip has mentored undergraduate students for several years in addiction and trauma research. " Students are an integral part of my research mission and bring a fresh perspective and excitement to my work. I enjoy helping students develop their scientific thought process, sharing in the joy of discovery, and watching them flourish into the next generation of scientists,” Logrip said.
Tessa Eller
Tessa Eller, recognized with the Richard E. Ward Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Recognition Award, symbolizes the essence of opportunity embraced. Eller’s outstanding contributions to the genetics and developmental biology research laboratory make her highly deserving of this award. She has diligently prepared materials, performed preliminary calibration data, and genotyped animals to ensure the success of the mechanical loading protocol. Despite the lack of formal documentation, such as posters or papers, Eller’s remarkable efforts in progressing the project are evident.
The Center for Research and Learning Empowers Students
Behind these accolades lay the unwavering support and encouragement of the Center for Research and Learning. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and curiosity, the center empowers students to pursue their passions and realize their potential.
These students’ diverse backgrounds and perspectives enrich our collective pursuit of undergraduate research. We honor the accomplishments of these remarkable individuals.