Honors Students Recognized with Research Awards

Thirteen Washington State University Honors College students have received awards from the Office of Undergraduate Research, part of WSU Undergraduate Education.

The Scott and Linda Carson Undergraduate Research Endowed Excellence Fund, established in 2013, supports researchers as they progress in their careers. The Carsons, who are WSU alumni, have supported the university with their service and numerous financial gifts. The Carson award is the first to give preference to student researchers who are in their junior and senior years.

Carson Fellows for 2017-18

  • Leandro Lessin, a wildlife ecology and conservation major mentored by Daniel Thornton
  • Keesha Matz, a microbiology major mentored by Alan Goodman

The Auvil Scholars Fellowship began in 2006 with a gift from the estates of Grady and Lillie Auvil, Wenatchee tree-fruit entrepreneurs. Auvil awards are available to undergraduate researchers from all majors, in all grades, from any WSU campus. More than 200 WSU undergraduates have received this award and become Auvil Fellows.

Auvil Fellows for 2017-18

  • Grace Chung, a neuroscience major mentored by Carlos Suarez
  • Kacie Dominici, a history major mentored by Steven Fountain
  • Bailey Frankovich, a neuroscience major mentored by Joseph Harding
  • Kristian Gubsch, a chemical engineering major mentored by Candis Claiborn
  • Samantha Kaonis, a bioengineering major mentored by Roland Chen
  • Thinh Kieu, a biochemistry major mentored by Bertrand Tanner
  • Teva Mayer, a zoology major mentored by Raymond Lee
  • Ryan McLaughlin, a biochemistry and biophysics, pre-pharmacy major mentored by Anthony Nicola
  • Deshka Neill, a chemistry and materials science engineering major mentored by Ming Xian
  • Abagail Poelstra, an environmental and ecosystem science major mentored by Lydia Gerber
  • Alyssa Sperry, an anthropology major mentored by Candice Goucher

Award recipients will work with faculty mentors throughout the 2017-18 academic year on research, scholarly and creative projects that advance or create new knowledge in a specific field. Awardees will present their results at the seventh annual Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) on April 2, 2018.