Radford University Libraries announced the winners of its annual Winesett Awards for Library Research during ceremonies on April 18 at McConnell Library and Radford University Carilion (RUC) Library.
Presented near the end of each spring semester, the awards recognize creative and original library research completed by Radford students. Prizes are awarded to students whose submissions illustrate exemplary use of resources through Radford University Libraries, as well as the development of information literacy skills. More than $5,000 in prize money is awarded each year through funds from the Winesett Endowment.
Finalists and winners were announced at each ceremony, “with judges sharing snippets of their faculty support letters and insights into their decision-making process for each one,” said Barbara Tait, an instruction librarian at McConnell Library. “Winning projects encompassed a wide range of subjects.”
This year’s McConnell Library winners and their research topics were:
- Trinity Roberts, lower division – Salt marsh snake
- Forest Berry, lower division – Effects of abortion bans
- Stefani Rodriguez, upper division – Sustainable food packaging
- Matthew Gary, upper division – Police officers’ attitudes toward the public
- Michelle Lynn King, graduate division – Hypermobility-related injuries amongst musicians
- Kati Baten, graduate division – Follow-up care for people with suicidal ideation after visiting an emergency room
Faculty sponsors for winning projects are Professor of Chemistry Tim Fuhrer, Associate Professor of Music Jennifer McDonel, Professor of Biology Karen Powers, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Lindsay Semprevivo, Assistant Professor of Nursing Karen Valcheff and Professor of English Courtney Watson.
Finalists announced during the joint virtual session between McConnell and RUC Library were Nina Aidam, Nicholas Beach, Sharon Carroll, Courtney Cline, Madison Drees, Natalie May, Madison Rader and Tiannah Shifflet.
Winning submissions can be read online.
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Keith Gentry was honored for being a strong library advocate who collaborates and supports Radford Libraries via multiple aspects. Gentry served as keynote speaker at the McConnell Library ceremony and spoke about honoring the past, celebrating the present and preparing for the future. He also spoke about Hazel Grove Winesett, a 1938 Radford College graduate for whom the awards are named.
“Winning a Winesett Award has been a huge honor and an immensely meaningful milestone in my academic journey,” said Roberts, a biology major. “It’s helped solidify my passion for wildlife biology and reminded me how much I enjoy both research and sharing what I learn with others. This recognition has given me more confidence in my path and excitement for what comes next.”
King said it was “such an honor to win the award.”
As a music teacher who is pursuing a master’s degree at Radford, she took on “a really big project” because she wanted to learn more about helping her music students who were having trouble playing their instruments due to being hypermobile, or double-jointed. King, originally from Orem, Utah, is the founder of the NRV Homeschool String Orchestra.
“Personnel from the library, and my advisor, Dr. Jennifer McDonel, provided valuable help that enabled me to conduct high-quality research,” she said. “I wanted to collect everything there was to know, and I couldn't have done it without them. My project gave me many tools I need to support my students and led me to connect with researchers in the field of performing arts medicine, so I can continue to learn.”
Receiving the Winesett Award “is a tremendous honor,” said Gary, a junior criminal justice major from Chesapeake, Virginia. “The recognition of my research efforts reinforces my commitment to contributing to the field of criminal justice and is a source of great personal pride. The entire process has been transformative, and I'm excited to see what the future holds.”