Outstanding Student Awards, Fall 2007
Charlene Shelton, Outstanding Bachelor of Arts Student
Samir Waris, Outstanding Bachelor of Science Student
Melissa Logan, Outstanding Master of Arts Student
Jeff Cathrall, Outstanding Master of Science Student
Ilya Lashuk, Outstanding PhD Student
Outstanding Student Awards, Spring 2008
Katherine Lester, Outstanding Bachelor of Arts Student
Simon Maghakyan, Outstanding Bachelor of Arts Student
Kayla Knopp, Outstanding Bachelor of Science Student
Beth Croucher, Outstanding Master of Arts Student
Jeff Cathrall, Outstanding Master of Science Student, Fall 2007
Degree Program: Mathematical Sciences
Qualities that earned him this honor:
- Perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA;
- Tremendous passion and enthusiasm for learning;
- Reputation for helping fellow students succeed;
- A master's project that produced results publishable in a quality journal.
Accolades:
“It was clear his work had never been done before and he did an outstanding job of presenting his project. It's very nice and extremely rare to have such a talented mathematician who can also present his ideas in a clear and understandable manner.” —Dr. Lynn Bennethum, Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Mathematical Sciences
“Jeff's performance was outstanding, and he set a positive example for other students to emulate.” —Dr. Harvey Greenberg, Professor, Mathematical Sciences
“I enjoyed immensely working with him, and just as I know Jeff has learned a lot during the course of his studies at UCD, the department was also very fortunate to have him there.” —Dr. Oleg Poliannikov, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, visiting professor of mathematics
In Jeff’s Own Words:
“I came back [to school] for personal growth and my love for pure mathematics. I was driven to pursue knowledge itself and pushed the envelope in every class.
“I took a tremendous risk and credit Burt Simon's advisory skills with the success of my thesis. I was allowed to blend probability and game theory into a project I created entirely on my own. With careful guidance, the project took on increasing dimension, and I am working, even after graduation, with my professor on a publishable paper.”
Melissa Logan, Outstanding Master of Arts Student, Fall 2007
Degree Program: Anthropology
Qualities that earned her this honor:
- Groundbreaking original research in gender ideologies;
- Publication-quality thesis;
- Desire to seek a PhD in her chosen field.
Accolades:
“Melissa exemplifies the best in academic scholarship, hard work and commitment.” —Dr. Stephen Koester, Professor and Chair, Department of Anthropology
“I am pleased that a groundbreaking thesis like this was produced on western Mexico, a region that has received less attention than the better-known Maya or Aztec cultures, and I am convinced that Melissa's study will be a guide for many other researchers.” —Dr. Christopher Beekman, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology
“In my opinion, Melissa's thesis will require very few changes to turn it into an interesting and useful book for students and professional archaeologists alike.” —Sarah Milledge Nelson, Professor Emerita, University of Denver
In Melissa’s Own Words:
"In discovering the connection between science and social theory, which culminates in my thesis research, I have become a more well-rounded scholar while attending UCD.
“I am working with Professor Nelson in an effort to publish my thesis as a part of her Gender in Archaeology series. To be offered this opportunity is a tremendous compliment and an honor.
“I am applying for the PhD program at the University of Colorado Boulder with the ultimate intention of securing an academic position where I can share my enthusiasm and knowledge of the discipline with future archaeologists.”
Ilya Lashuk, Outstanding PhD Student, Fall 2007
Degree Program: Mathematical Sciences
Qualities that earned him this honor:
- Dissertation research producing four research papers, published or submitted to the very best journals in numerical analysis;
- Completion of his PhD in only 3.5 years (most students require at least 5);
- Contributions to world-wide theoretical understanding in numerical mathematics.
Accolades:
“His involvement in software development has been crucial for our public software package, BLOPEX, for numerical solution of eigen value problems on parallel computers.” —Dr. Andrew Knyazev, Associate Professor, Mathematical Sciences
“Ilya clearly was head and shoulders above the rest of the class. His grasp of the concepts discussed was amazing. For all my years at UC Denver, I have not seen such a brilliant student.” —Dr. Anatolii Puhalskii, Associate Professor, Mathematical Sciences
Charlene Shelton, Outstanding Bachelor of Arts Student, Fall 2007
Degree Program: Sociology
Qualities that earned her this honor:
- Perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA;
- Named to the Dean's List every semester of her undergraduate career;
- Leadership in the field of education and non-profit community beyond the classroom.
Accolades:
Charlene organized a special conference for gifted and talented youth and conceived the "Hunk O' Junk" event to engage students in technical invention. The experience spawned an expanded project of the UCD physics department that teaches invention through the use of surplus items from thrift stores. "Charlene demonstrates a combination of superb organizational skills, passionate advocacy and extraordinary human decency that is a model for how we wish to engage with the outside community." —Dr. Randall Tagg, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Physics.
"She has served as president of the Denver Metro Association for the Gifted and as a member of the Denver Public Schools Alternative Education Task Force. Charlene Shelton exemplifies all that a university can hope for in a student -- academic excellence and outstanding community activity and leadership." —Dr. James Whiteside, Associate Professor, Department of History.
“Although Charlene is an exceptional student, her talent lies in her ability to lead and organize others. I anticipate that we will continue to hear of her accomplishments and impact on others for many years to come." —Andrea Haar, Instructor, Department of Sociology.
In Charlene's Own Words:
"As a non-traditional student, this has been a special time in my life. I entered the University knowing that the new knowledge and my degree would allow me to make a difference in the lives of others by enhancing my marketability in the nonprofit sector. This has certainly been the case."
Samir Waris, Outstanding Bachelor of Science Student, Fall 2007
Degree Program: Biology
Qualities that earned him this honor:
- Stellar academic record (3.914 GPA);
- Determination in the face of odds stacked against success;
- Enthusiastic mentoring and tutoring of other young adults.
Accolades:
“Samir is the type of student who keeps professors doing what they do. I look at him with awe and pride as I realize how much he has sacrificed and how hard he has worked to become what he is today. He has become a mentor and example to others who will watch and listen -- he is tangible proof that when you work hard, and truly believe in yourself and others around, you can be what you want to be and you can make a difference." —Dr. Charles Ferguson, Associate Dean for Student Affairs; Associate Professor, Department of Biology.
“It's more than Samir's academic ability that sets him apart. It's his willingness to take action to help others. We should be proud to present Samir to our community and say 'This is what you can be; this is what you should strive for.'" —Dr. Tod Duncan, Senior Instructor, Department of Biology.
In Samir's Own Words:
"I have been invited to go back to my high school in Philadelphia and share my experiences of life and college. I hope to inspire those individuals who believe that the only life for them is on the street. I want to show them that there are better ways to channel their emotions than resorting to drugs and violence. I have already inspired several of my friends back home to give college a chance."
Kayla Knopp,
Outstanding Bachelor of Science Student, Spring 2008
Major: Psychology
Qualities that earned her this honor:
- Academic excellence, as evidenced by a perfect 4.0 GPA, participation in two honor societies, Golden Key and Psi Chi;
- Consistent pursuit of research opportunities, including: a funded Undergraduate Research Opportunity Grant (UROP), volunteer work in faculty research labs and an honors thesis project conducting original research in the lab.
Accolades:
"She sets high academic standards for herself and strives to achieve high goals. Ms. Knopp wants to learn about research for the sake of learning, not just to earn a high grade or to be paid. She is a talented student who I believe will achieve her goal of earning a Ph.D." —Dr. David Albeck, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology.
"In addition to an amiable personality, Kayla demonstrates an inquisitive nature and a genuine interest in the welfare of others. In class I observed Kayla's altruistic spirit and evenhanded kindness to her peers." —Andrea Modica, Instructor, Department of English.
"We see a humble young woman applying a dose of good humor to the importance of university education and meeting personal challenges in leadership that others would decline." —Dr. Mary Coussons-Read, Associate Dean for Research and Curriculum; Associate Professor, Department of Psychology.
In Kayla's Own Words:
"The fact that I have the opportunity to conduct real research and make valuable contributions to the field of psychology as just a lowly undergraduate is one of the many reasons I'm grateful to UCD."
Simon Maghakyan, Outstanding Bachelor of Art Student, Spring 2008
Major: Political Science
Qualities that earned him this honor:
- Academic excellence and original research (3.954 GPA);
- Passion for his homeland as well as his adopted homeland and all that citizenship in each demands;
- Dedication to raising awareness about worldwide genocide, human trafficking, and environmental degradation.
Accolades:
"I am proud to say that I served as an advisor to Simon on his research regarding the systematic destruction of one of the most important Armenian archaeological sites in Azerbaijan. His research was published in the journal, History Today, in November 2007, and represents one of the few published scholarly articles on this important topic. Had this article been published by one of our graduate students, we would have been proud, but this accomplishment by an undergraduate deserves special recognition." —Dr. Glenn Morris, Associate Professor and President's Teaching Scholar, Department of Political Science.
"Like his writings, his film work addresses critical human-rights issues related to his Armenian ethnicity as well as broader issues such as human trafficking. His passion for social justice and the building of a more humane world sparks his long-term commitment to scholarship and creative work." —Dr. Michael Cummings, Professor and President's Teaching Scholar, Department of Political Science.
"Simon is academically gifted, and he has also demonstrated his leadership abilities in his work in the Denver Armenian community. He has used his facility with computers/web sites to put together a moving and informative online project, the Djulfa Virtual Memorial and Museum, www.djulfa.com. I recommend you visit this site." —Dr. Jana Everett, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science.
In Simon's Own Words:
"I plan to start graduate school this fall, followed by doctorate studies in International Law. Words will not do justice to express gratitude for the life-changing experience I have had at UCD with the help of faculty and staff."
Katherine Lester, Outstanding Bachelor of Arts Student, Spring 2008
Major: Psychology
Qualities that earned her this honor:
- Academic excellence -- a 3.85 GPA, "McNair Scholar", receipt of over a dozen academic scholarships, and participation in the Golden Key and Psi Chi Honor Societies;
- Research and creative activity, including serving as research assistant in the department of geography, receipt of a grant for original research from the National Park Service, and commitment to completion of an honors thesis;
- Contribution to the community that includes organizing a clothing drive for the homeless, as well as serving as an officer for several student organizations;
- Mentoring fellow students in the TRiO program of the UCD Student Support Services office.
Accolades:
"Katherine's own research examines the use of the National Parks by ethnically diverse populations. In it she explores how values, attitudes, and cultural perspective (of American Indians and Asian Americans) affect visits to the Parks. Additionally, Katherine is a McNair Scholar, and she works with the TRIO program -- efforts that demonstrate her commitment to mentoring first-generation minority students." —Dr. Deborah Thomas, Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences.
"In her role as my research assistant, Katherine contributed a great deal to supporting the work of the University and helping to collect data that will advance knowledge for the public good." —Dr. Elizabeth Allen, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology.
"She is a young scholar with fresh perspectives, someone who will be a rising star in her field." Dr. Donna Langston, Professor and Chair, Department of Ethnic Studies.
"It is hard to convey even a portion of the compassion, great positive energy, thirst for knowledge and 'can do' attitude possessed by Ms. Lester." Dr. David Albeck, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology.
In Katherine's Own Words:
"One of my passions is to become a licensed therapist in order to work with female survivors of childhood abuse. Dr. Allen's guidance and support as chair of my honor's thesis, coupled with Dr. Deb Thomas' mentorship on my own research project, has provided me with insight into the fundamentals of research, as well as given me the experience necessary to be a strong candidate for admittance into a PhD program."
Beth Croucher, Outstanding Master of Arts Student, Spring 2008
Degree Program: Anthropology
Qualities that earned her this honor:
- Academic Achievement, evidenced by a 4.0 cumulative GPA;
- Months of original field research in Tanzania, culminating in a presentation that won first prize at the annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology;
- An article (co-authored) in the peer-reviewed journal, Conservation and Society.
Accolades:
“Just before Beth graduates she will participate in a workshop that I organized on human issues in biodiversity conservation. She will participate as a professional with relevant experience and expertise in this area. This is the most that any of us can hope for as academics: that the people we train will ultimately graduate from being students to being colleagues. This is a transition that is relatively rare for students in PhD programs. Beth Croucher has achieved this distinction in the context of a master's program. That is the kind of student she is." —Dr. Jim Igoe, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology.
"As a scholar, Beth was able to develop and implement a complex research topic for her master's thesis work in Tanzania where she spent five months doing her field work, a testament to her commitment to the field of anthropology. Doing field work in Tanzania is perhaps one of the most challenging tasks that come with a heavy price. Beth was able to overcome many obstacles including bureaucracy, new cultural settings and a language barrier to emerge a winner." —Dr. Charles Musiba, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology.
In Beth's own words:
"Emerging from what I considered the rather one-dimensional world of finance, I was prepared when I started this program to feel completely out of my element. Instead, I discovered rather quickly that whether I am in class, at conferences, in the field or just casually interacting with instructors and other students, the connections between my knowledge of, and experiences in, the corporate world and what I have come to know in the course of obtaining a master's degree are often glaring and always useful."