Six students were selected to receive Worcester State University Library Research Awards this spring in recognition of their academic excellence and dedication. The awards were given to students who presented at the annual Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity on April 23.
“The Library Research Awards are a great way for the library and for the campus community to demonstrate our support for students, for research, and for student research,” said Matt Bejune, executive director of the library. “It was incredibly exciting to see and hear the breadth and depth of research our students presented at the Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity. The message is clear: Worcester State students are exemplary researchers and so deserving of accolades.”
Bejune said it’s a privilege for Worcester State librarians to work with and help students. “We are so fortunate to have support from the Novick family and anonymous donors to make the Library Research Awards possible,” he added. “Thank you, donors!”
At the start or midway through their projects, many students participating in the Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity seek guidance from Teaching and Learning Librarian Vicki Gruzynski. Yet it’s not until the celebration itself, at which students present posters about their projects, that Gruzynski and other library staff finally witness the finished work.
“The level of research being produced by our undergraduate and graduate students deserves to be shared and celebrated,” said Gruzynski. “I’m thrilled this event can uplift the interesting and innovative work happening on our campus. It’s so rewarding to be able to see the end results at the Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity. The library is fortunate to have financial support to award our stellar students for their dedication to scholarly pursuits.”
Henry Theriault, associate vice president for academic affairs, said he was pleased to see the awards program expand this year to recognize more students than ever before.
“Our students certainly don’t do these amazing projects to get awards—their intrinsic motivation is clear to all who see their posters and/or hear them discuss their work. This makes recognizing their exceptional accomplishments all the more appropriate, as these students stand out in a field of outstanding researchers across our campus.” said Theriault, who organizes the annual Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity. “That the Library gives these awards also highlights the crucial role a mid-21st century library plays in student advancement and accomplishment. Without Worcester State Library’s dedicated staff and excellent resources, students would not have the tools they need to reach the heights they have.”
The winners were selected from more than 140 students who delivered oral presentations and posters. Each winner received a $500 prize. Here are this year’s awardees:
Oral Presentation Award
Maia Cani, a high school student taking an early college course at Worcester State, won the Catherine T. Novick Research Award for her presentation entitled “The Economic and Cultural Effects of Mass Media’s Portrayal of Gentrification,” with project advisor Dr. Trinidad Morales. The award, named in memory of Catherine T. Novick ’71, a former Worcester State library assistant, was established by the Novick family in 2021.
Poster Awards
The following five awards were endowed through the generosity of an anonymous donor.
Ariana Casasanta, undergraduate student, for the poster “Match the Means: The Reality of Homelessness and Disability in Massachusetts,” with advisor Dr. Maria Fung.
Zoe Kalaijakis, graduate student, for the poster “Cancer and the Effect on Occupational Performance,” with advisors Dr. Sarah DiMeo and Dr. Joanne Gallagher Worthley.
Brody Miller, undergraduate student, for the poster “Calculations and Illustrations: An Investigation of the Intersection of the Art and Math Curricula,” with advisor Dr. Maria Fung.
Lily Morgan, undergraduate student, for the poster “Who Gets Seen First? The Hidden Bias in Triage Prioritization,” with advisor Dr. Laura W. Kane.
Tiernan O’Neal, undergraduate student, for the poster “The Edward Street Temporary Home and Day Nursery,” with advisor Dr. Tona Hangen.
Achievers
Concert to feature diverse musical styles performed by Worcester State students
The Visual and Performing Arts Department has offered the community multiple opportunities to enjoy free musical performances this spring on the Worcester State University campus. Coming up on . . .