Awards

Current Award Recipients

Graduate Student Research and Travel Grant Winners Fall 2023

The Graduate College congratulates the following graduate students who are the recipients of the Fall 2023 Graduate Student Research and Travel Grant awards, and we wish them continued success in their research.

Research Grant Recipients for Fall 2023

  • Melissa Cattane, Special Education and Literacy Studies
  • Jason Rose, History
  • Jacqueline Denaway, Ceramics
  • Joseph Ryan, Psychology
  • Rosemarie Davidson, Psychology
  • Winifred Wilson, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Haley Hughes, Psychology
  • Mohammed Al-Musawi, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Jacob Mastenbrook, Biological Sciences
  • Asghar Pervaiz Gill, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
  • Candace Johnson, Psychology
  • Quinn Heiser, Environment, Geography, and Sustainability
  • Sohaib Jabran, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Aaron Rosa, Ceramics
  • Sophia Prokos, Clinical Psychology
  • Valliammai Palaniappan, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Lianna Tullis-Robinson, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

Travel Grant Recipients for Fall 2023

  • Sean Gaffney, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
  • Joanne Roehm, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
  • Guanyi Wang, Chemical and Paper Engineering
  • Diane Salinas, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
  • Will Panter, Music: Wind Conducting
  • Amira Ashraf Ahmed Eldemerdash, Literacy Studies and Special Education
  • Maryelizabeth Shalifoe, Geological and Environmental Remote Sensing
  • Emilie Helmbold, English
  • Tristan Heibel, English
  • Cesar Briones, TLES
  • Jamie Bollweg, English
  • FNU Pujiyanto, Mathematics
  • Jessica Molloy, English
  • Zhiyao (Bobby) Zhang, Chemistry
  • Javeria Akram, Chemistry
  • Prashnim Seth, Statistics
  • Amber Foster, Occupational Therapy
  • Kathryn Sicklesteel, Occupational Therapy
  • Hassan Shirzadi Jahromi, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Patrick O’Connell, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Norran Novat, Civil and Construction Engineering
  • Sia Isaria Mwende, Civil and Construction Engineering
  • Kristhyna Fermin, Special Education and Literacy Studies
  • Katelyn Ray, Biological Sciences
  • Harsha Amunugama, Civil and Construction Engineering
  • Pooja Singh, Chemistry
  • Bonnie Ebendick, Biological Sciences
  • S M Redwan Kabir, Geography, Environment and Tourism
  • Ariel Martin, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Chanho Park, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Ashley Scott, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Sohaib Jabran, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Himanaga Emani, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Valliammai Palaniappan, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Andrew Messecar, Computer Science

Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) National Awards 2022-23

  • ProQuest Distinguished Master's Thesis Award, WMU Nominee: Candace Johnson, Psychology
  • ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award, WMU Nominee: Allison Witucki, Biological Sciences
  • MAGS Excellence in Teaching Award, WMU Nominee: Savannah Xaver, English

2022-23 All-University Awards

2022-23 All-University Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Awards

Master’s Level

  • Nora Hafez, History
  • Linh-Nhu Hoang, Psychology
  • Alec Koppers, Philosophy
  • Mary Claire Reynolds, Music: Conducting

 Doctoral Level

  • Shadi Adineh, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
  • Leslee Chan, English: Creative Writing
  • Thomas Fisher, Psychology
  • Rei Gordon, Political Science
  • Anthony Hanson, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Christopher Proctor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Sukanya Saha, Chemistry
  • Joanna Sblendorio, Biological Sciences

2022-23 All-University Graduate Research and Creative Scholar Awardees

Master’s Level

  • Vishakha Choudhary, Chemistry
  • Candace Johnson, Psychology

 Doctoral Level

  • Dale Brown, Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies
  • Samantha Hack, Biological Sciences
  • Alyssa Jewell, English: Creative Writing
  • Valliammai Palaniappan, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Sirwe Saeedi, Computer Science

Department-Level GTE Awards

  • Carmen Vinkemulder, Spanish
  • Alli King, Comparative Religion
  • Enish Pathak, Biological Sciences
  • Joanna Sblendorio, Biological Sciences
  • Thomcy Thomas, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Brooke Cope, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Miranda Gardner, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Christina Fong, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Mary Claire Reynolds, School of Music
  • Harmony Acero Luce, Statistics
  • Austin S. Brubaker, Statistics
  • Mohammed Al Musawi, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Justin Honer, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Braden J Draucek, Physics
  • Abby S. Flowers, Physics
  • Alexander Thannhauser, Computer Science
  • Ioannis Nearchos Nearchou, Computer Science
  • I'yanna L. Wilson, Communication
  • Katherine Suender, Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies
  • Brittany J. Morgan, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Sarah Woolsey, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
  • Christy Kalata, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
  • Oluwarotimi (Timi) Popoola, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
  • Nicholas, A., Rudell, Chemistry
  • Lampros Tzianos, Chemistry
  • Steve J. Love, Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology
  • Alec T. Koppers, Philosophy
  • Christopher E. Sligh, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
  • Jadon J. Clugston, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Anthony J. Hanson, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Zachary A. Laraway, Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Yu Cheng, Political Science
  • Collin T. Garner, Human Performance and Health Education
  • Aubrey R. Nachtegall, Human Performance and Health Education
  • Jennifer Lennon, Special Education and Literacy Studies
  • Nora Hafez, History
  • Addie Weaver, Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Lindsey Dopheide, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Linh-Nhu Hoang, Psychology
  • Thomas L. Fisher, Psychology
  • Giselle Rajabikhorasani, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Hannah Sargent, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Bao Nguyen, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Shadi Adineh, Mallinson Institute for Science Education

Department-Level GRCS Awards

  • Emma Baratta, Spanish
  • Eva M. Hughes, ELRT
  • Sean Derrick, EDMMS
  • Jacob Riccioni, Comparative Religion
  • Christian Smith, Biological Sciences
  • Samantha J. Hack, Biological Sciences
  • Alyssa J. Lopez, Biological Sciences
  • Robert Parsons, CECP
  • Samantha Yacullo, CECP
  • Elizabeth "Liz" Weber, CECP
  • Xi Qiao, Statistics
  • Mohamed Elhebery, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Garrett Link, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Gina M. Garza-Kling, Mathematics
  • Andrew Bowling, Mathematics
  • Dalen Brown, Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies
  • Christopher R. Hunt, Communication
  • Blayne A Rogers, Computer Science
  • Bahar Mahmud, Computer Science
  • Fatemeh Rashidi Fathabadi, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Carrie Muller, CECP
  • Adrian J. Hernandez, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Eva M. Hughes, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
  • Abosede Odukoya, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
  • Allison Witucki, MISE
  • Jade Woodcock, MISE
  • Sukanya Saha, Chemistry
  • Vishakha Choudhary, Chemistry
  • Henry C Curcio, Philosophy
  • Valliammai Palaniappan, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Danji Lu, Human Performance and Health Education
  • Rahel Afewerky, Political Science
  • Stuart Kerr, Political Science
  • Aubrey R. Nachtegall, Human Performance and Health Education
  • Shaya Helbig, Special Education and Literacy Studies
  • Jadon J. Clugston, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Alena R. Buczynski, History
  • Stephanie A. Falkowski, History
  • Erin N Augustyniak, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
  • Jesi Sortwell, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Katarina A. Rotta, Psychology
  • Candace Johnson, Psychology
  • Hassan Shirzadi Jahromi, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Nicholas Nuzzo, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

2023-24 Dissertation Completion Fellowship

  • Samantha Hack, Biological Sciences
  • Byron Miller, Sociology
  • Ruchi Ojha, Biological Sciences
  • Dung Pham, ELRT
  • Fatemeh Rashidi Fathabadi, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Krista Turner, English

Gwen Frostic Doctoral Fellowship Recipients for 2023-2024

  • Ahmed Badawy, Geosciences
  • Harsha Amunugama, Civil and Construction Engineering
  • Thi Tran, Psychology

Patricia L. Thompson Dissertation Award for 2023-2024

  • Ruth Aardsma-Benton, History

2023 George and Beatrice Fisher Gerontology Dissertation Prize

  • Julie VanGyseghem, Biological Sciences

Graduate Student Research and Travel Grant Winners Spring 2023

The Graduate College congratulates the following graduate students who are the recipients of the Spring 2023 Graduate Student Research and Travel/Virtual Grant awards, and we wish them continued success in their research.

Research Grant Recipients for Spring 2023

  • SM Redwan Kabir, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
  • Ruth Aardsma Benton, History
  • Farhana Kabir Zisha, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
  • Joao Pedro Beleza, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Junghyun Kim, History
  • Mizanur Rahman, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
  • Giselle Ghazal Rajabikhorasami, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Alycia Sterenberg Mahon, Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology
  • Adam Austin, Biological Sciences
  • Niusha Delavari, Chemistry
  • Ayla Ludwig, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Maxwell Miller, Music
  • Zari Carpenter, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Mohamed Elhebery, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Bahar Saadaie Jahromi, Biological Sciences
  • Erin Baum, Psychology
  • Enish Pathak, Biological Sciences
  • Hesham Elhaddad, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Fadwa Hamad, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
  • Abdullah Ibrahim, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Sydney Hull, Psychology
  • Thi Tran, Psychology
  • Irene Kahvazadeh, Computer Science
  • Katherine Giustino, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
  • Jenna Gottschalk, Occupational Therapy
  • Muhammad Ishtiaq, Economics

Travel Grant Recipients for Spring 2023

  • Marianus Roni, Special Education and Literacy Studies
  • Alyssa McElroy, Psychology
  • Tamanna Akter, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
  • Haodong Lyu, Philosophy
  • Krista Turner, English
  • Hana Saeed, English
  • Andrew Bowling, Mathematics
  • Ellen Badger Hanson, Biological Sciences
  • Mohammad Majdfaghihi, IEE&EM
  • Eric Carnallido, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
  • Mousa Ahmad Mohammad Abushattal, Civil and Construction Engineering
  • Caryn Mays, Mathematics
  • Lauri Davis, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
  • Shahana Afsar, English
  • Junyi Bian, Human Performance and Health Education
  • Shreena Shah, Occupational Therapy
  • Kemmel Palmer, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Daniel Ebo, School of Communication
  • Alec Koppers, Philosophy
  • Dale Brown, TLES and Philosophy
  • Sophia Khan, English
  • Hanna Maranzatto, School of Music
  • Ashley Scott, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Ama Nyamekye Obenewa Otoo, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
  • Jordan DeWester, School of Music
  • Daphne Snyder, Psychology: Behavioral Analysis
  • Ernest Amoateng, Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology
  • Erin Isola, Psychology
  • Molly Mattes, Psychology
  • Samantha Hack, Biological Sciences  
  • Jana Vuckovic, Biological Sciences
  • Hope Vanzo-Sparks, Biological Sciences
  • David Sherman, Occupational Therapy

Spring 2022 3MT Regional Winner

Congratulations to Tabitha DiBacco, Department of Psychology, for being selected as the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) winner at the 78th Regional Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools. Her presentation, A Two Session ACT Intervention with Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic, was selected from among 40 entries. This marks the first time that a WMU graduate student has won the competition!

Fall 2022 Graduate Student Research and Travel/Virtual Grant award recipients announced

The Graduate College congratulates the following graduate students who are the recipients of the Fall  2022 Graduate Student Research and Travel/Virtual Grant awards, and we wish them continued success in their research.

Research Grant Recipients for Fall 2022

  • Byron Miller, Sociology
  • Hayley Brown, Psychology
  • Sabrina Fernandez, Medieval Institute
  • Sara Diller, Biological Studies
  • Mohamed Elhebery, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Cassandra Dukes, Psychology
  • Hassan Saleh, Geological and Environmental Sciences 
  • Candice Churaman, Biological Sciences
  • Yu Cheng, Political Science
  • Jakob Sell, Biological Sciences
  • Julia Brown, Frostic School of Arts: Ceramics
  • Malia Roberts, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
  • Abdullah Ibrahim, Geological and Environmental Sciences 
  • Ahmed Badawy, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Callum Smith, Psychology

Travel/Virtual Grant Recipients for Fall 2022

  • Guanyi Wang, Chemical and Paper Engineering
  • Andrew Messecar, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Jian Yang, Chemical and Paper Engineering
  • Bingyao Zhou, Chemical and Paper Engineering
  • Shaya Helbig, Literacy Studies
  • Julie VanGyseghem, Biological Studies
  • Mohsen Mohaidat, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Krista Turner, English
  • Danji Lu, Human Performance and Health Education
  • Brianne Steele, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
  • Noa Dahan, Philosophy
  • Candace Johnson, Psychology
  • Henry Curcio, Philosophy
  • Grace Inch, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
  • Sydney LeRoy, Occupational Therapy
  • Luke Lee, Occupational Therapy
  • Katarina Rottta, Psychology
  • Amira Ashraf Eldemerdash, Literacy Studies and TESOL
  • Oluwarotimi Akindele Popoola, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
  • Kristen Foley, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
  • Yun Wang, Chemical and Paper Engineering
  • Nicholas Witt, Mathematics
  • Kylie Owens, Medieval Institute
  • Kaitlynn Harper, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
  • Samantha Hack, Biological Sciences
  • Manqoba Hlatshwayo, Physics
  • Lessly Cadena Altamirano, Music
  • Ruchi Ojha, Biological Sciences
  • Luke Kinsey, Biological Sciences

2021-22 Western Michigan University All-University Awards

The Graduate College and the Graduate Studies Council are proud to announce the 2021-22 recipients of the Western Michigan University All University Awards. Click the button below to view the award slide show presentation.

VIEW 2021-22 AWARD SLIDE SHOW

Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Awardees

Doctoral Level

  • Luke Kinsey, Biological Sciences
  • Lisa Pratt, Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Hassan Shirzadi Jahromi, Mechanical Engineering
  • Savannah Xaver, English: Literature
  • Manuel Soque, Political Science

 Master’s Level

  • Dawn Richberg, English: Creative Writing
  • Nina Morris, Geosciences
  • John Koenig, Music Conducting

Graduate Research and Creative Scholar Awardees

Doctoral Level

  • Simin Masihi, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Mustafa Emil, Geosciences
  • Wisam Al Isawi, Chemistry

 Master’s Level

  •  Hannah Kenny, Social Work
  • Masoud Panahi, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Gabrielle Cerberville, Music Composition

Department-Level Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Award 2021-2022

Doctoral Level

  • Kanchani Basnayake Mudiyanselage, Civil and Construction Engineering
  • Lisa Gail Pratt, Comparative Religion
  • Caryn Mays, Mathematics
  • Mir Angkur, Economics
  • Elizabeth (Lizzy) Ketchum, Biological Sciences
  • Ayla M. Ludwig, Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology
  • Adrian J. Hernandez, Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology
  • Sukanya Saha, Chemistry
  • Sajjad Hajian, Electrical & Computer Engineering
  • Fernando A. Ospina, Sociology
  • Savannah Xaver, English
  • Amanda Scott, English
  • Sean M. Derrick, Engineering Design, Manufacturing, and Management Systems
  • Mohammad Majdfaghihi, Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering & Engineering Management
  • Surya Teja Marella, Computer Science
  • Christopher Proctor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Rei Gordon, Political Science

Master's Level

  • Kinsey Tekiele, Educational Leadership, Research & Technology
  • Natalie Joy Kuhn, Bronson School of Nursing
  • Zachary M. Reed, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
  • Justin S Carlson, Comparative Religion
  • Brandon Schoenwether, Human Performance and Health Education
  • John Koenig, Music
  • Ciara Solby, Music
  • Irene Miguelez Moran, Spanish
  • Alyssa Lopez, Biological Sciences
  • Philip (Parks) Marion, Biological Sciences
  • Caitlyn Waller, Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology
  • Maria J. Kulka, Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology
  • Zane Kathryne Schwaiger, Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology
  • Takara Taylor, Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology
  • Sajeena Bade, Chemistry
  • Keelin M. McManus, Chemistry
  • Lee Franklin Gascoigne Hristienko, Philosophy
  • Grace Parmeter, School of Communication
  • Jose Ignacio Rodriguez-Labra, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Drew Paulson, English
  • Dawn Richberg, English
  • Nathan Dalton, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Brandon Schoenwether, Human Performance and Health Education

Department-Level Graduate Research and Creative Scholar Award 2021-2022

Doctoral Level

  • Kanchani Basnayake Mudiyanselage, Civil & Construction Engineering
  • Collin Garner, Human Performance & Health Education
  • Yuya Kono, Mathematics 
  • Yunzheng Zheng, Educational Leadership, Research & Technology
  • Ahmad Aswin Masudi, Applied Economics
  • Victor deBrito, Biological Sciences
  • Marilyn S. Buford, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Kathrine Branch, Educational Leadership, Research & Technology
  • Jennifer M. Ribble, Chemistry
  • Jon Hook, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Sajjad Hajian, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Fernando A. Ospina, Sociology
  • Krista Turner, English
  • Denise Miller, English
  • Andrew J. Wyman, Engineering Design, Manufacturing, and Management Systems
  • Sirwe Saeedi, Computer Science
  • Nick Goberville, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Abi Chamlagai, Political Science

Master's Level

  • Catherine Conners, Educational Leadership, Research & Technology
  • Scott P. Fitzgerald, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
  • Cameron Scott Borg, Comparative Religion
  • Stephanie Kurzenhauser, Comparative Religion: Spirituality Culture and Health
  • Gabrielle Cerberville, Music
  • Rodrigo Valente Pascale, Music
  • Kylie N. Hamm, History
  • Carmen Vinkemulder, Spanish
  • Aurora Mokris, Biological Sciences
  • Jake Spitsbergen, Biological Sciences
  • Kelsey M. Sankovic, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Jodie A. McEldowney, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Kelsey J. Adriance, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Melanie May Mitchell, Chemistry
  • Sydney Maxwell, Philosophy
  • Tatyana Smith, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Jose Ignacio Rodriguez-Labra, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • James D’Angelo, English
  • Michael Slowik, School of Communication
  • Austen Thomas, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Kyle Carow, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Hannah Kenny, School of Social Work

2022-23 Dissertation Completion Fellowship

The Graduate College is pleased to announce that six WMU doctoral students have been named recipients of Dissertation Completion Fellowships for the 2022-23 academic year:

  • Fanny Hernandez De Alvarez, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
  • Laura Urdapilleta, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology: EMR
  • Harsha Amunugama, Civil and Construction Engineering
  • Zari Carpenter, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Asghar Pervaiz Gill, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
  • Lauri Davis, Mallinson Institute for Science Education

2022-23 Thurgood Marshall Fellowship

Master’s

  • Yaronn James Arciaga, Math Education
  • Destiny Miskell, Music Performance
  • Jacobi Wright, Business 

Doctoral

  • Tasleem Firdausee, Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Rebecca Jokenin, Counselor Education, Clinical Psychology
  • Kayla Johnson, Clinical Psychology
  • Hidaya Zeaiter, Clinical Psychology

2022-23 WMU Graduate Education and the Professoriate Fellowship

  • Leslie Solares, Psychology: Behavior Analysis

Gwen Frostic Doctoral Fellowship Recipients for 2022-2023

  • Kanchani Basnayake Mudiyanselage, Civil and Construction Engineering
  • Ahmad Aswin Masudi, Economics
  • John Peter Quakenbush, Biological Sciences

Patricia L. Thompson Dissertation Award for 2022-2023

  • Anita Zandstra, Spanish
  • Karika Parker, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

2022 George and Beatrice Fisher Gerontology Dissertation Prize

  • Elizabeth Ketchum, Biological Sciences

2022 Dames Endowed Scholarship 

  • Karika Parker, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

2022 Stapleton-Reinhold Scholarship

  • Sagar Khadka, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Spring 2022 Graduate Student Research and Travel/Virtual Grant award recipients announced

The Graduate College congratulates the following graduate students who are the recipients of the Spring 2022 Graduate Student Research and Travel/Virtual Grant awards, and we wish them continued success in their research.

Research Grant Recipients for Spring 2022

  • Samantha Hack, Biological Sciences 
  • Katelyn Ray, Biological Sciences
  • Eric Carballido, Geography, Environment and Tourism
  • Manal Ajran Almalki, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
  • Abdullah Ibrahim, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Jessica Rocheleau, Psychology
  • Ahmed Badawy, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Hanny Wuysang, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
  • Shivi Saxena, Chemistry
  • Tonia Lans, Education and Human Development
  • Sukanya Saha, Chemistry
  • Ruchi Ojha, Biological Sciences
  • Karla Kelly, Biological Sciences
  • Evan Stoor, Music
  • Tamanna Akter, Geography, Environment and Tourism
  • Erin Isola, Psychology
  • Thomas Kerber, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Vitalis Omulo, Chemistry

Travel/Virtual Grant Recipients for Spring 2022

  • Steve Love, Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology
  • Alyssa McElroy, Psychology
  • Molly Nattes, Psychology: Behavior Analysis
  • Nitchada Kamlue, Mathematics
  • Kholoud Al-Ajlouni, Chemical and Paper Engineering
  • Elisabeth Spinner, English
  • David Sherman, Occupational Therapy
  • Yun (Jason) Wang, Chemical and Paper Engineering
  • Jordan DeWester, Music
  • Eric Baum, Psychology
  • Kayla Vincenty-Cole, Psychology
  • Sydney Harmon, Psychology
  • Nicholas Witt, Mathematics
  • Henry Curcio, Philosophy
  • Michael Brown, Music
  • Listiani Eran, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
  • Mohammed Asif, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Justin Ortez, Music
  • Prashant Ramesh Kotkar, Chemical and Paper Engineering
  • Kholoud Al Ajlouni, Chemical and Paper Engineering
  • Scott Ashley, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Morgan Morin, Biological Sciences
  • Kevin Fitton, English
  • Sarah Haueisen, Counseling Psychology
  • Denise Miller, English
  • Margaret Mooney, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Elizabeth Huff Willis, Physical Therapy
  • Xiaolong Wang, Philosophy
  • Hannah Watts, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Thomas Kerber, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Vishakha Choudhary, Chemistry
  • Wisam Al Isawi, Chemistry

Fall 2021 Graduate Student Research and Travel/Virtual Grant award recipients announced

The Graduate College congratulates the following graduate students who are the recipients of the Fall 2021 Graduate Student Research and Travel/Virtual Grant awards, and we wish them continued success in their research.

Research Grant Recipients for Fall 2021

  • Madison Fitzgerald-Russell, Mallinson Institute of Science Education
  • Aurora Mokris, Biological Sciences
  • Manal Almalki, Mallinson Institute of Science Education
  • Margaret Winchell, Music -Choral Conducting
  • Avner Fraidlin, Psychology
  • Ellen Badger Hanson, Biological Sciences
  • Matthew Wiggins, Music – Composition
  • Sukanya Saha, Chemistry
  • Kanchani Basnayake Mudiyanselage, Civil and Construction Engineering
  • Asghar Pervaiz Gill, Mallinson Institute of Science Education
  • Abrar Alfardan, Biological Sciences
  • Xi Qiao, Statistics
  • Darby Finnegan, Biological Sciences
  • Kyle Visitacion, Psychology
  • Masoud Panahi, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Simin Masihi, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Aaron Wenger, Mallinson Institute of Science Education
  • Himanaga Emani, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Travel/Virtual Grant Recipients for Fall 2021

  • Koloud Alkhamaisheh, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Margaret Winchell, Music – Choral Conducting
  • Chandramohan Seetharamiah Srinivasaraju, Chemical and Paper Engineering
  • Abul Fazal Mazumder, Civil and Construction Engineering
  • Nazife Onaral, Geological and Environmental Sciences 
  • Darby Finnegan, Biological Sciences
  • Lindsey Dopheide, Counseling Psychology
  • Sauradeep Purkayastha, Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Sydney Maxwell, Philosophy
  • Manuel Soque, Political Science
  • Wisam Al Isawi, Chemistry
  • Xingzhe Zhang, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Harsha Amunugama, Civil and Construction Engineering

 

  • Past Award Winners

    2021-22

    2021-22 Dissertation Completion Fellowship

    The Graduate College is pleased to announce that six WMU doctoral students have been named recipients of Dissertation Completion Fellowships for the 2021-22 academic year. The 2021-22 Dissertation Completion Fellowship recipients are as follows:

    • Alba Fernandez Fernandez, Spanish
    • Julia Ftacek, English
    • Wisam Al Isawi, Chemistry
    • Tara Maser, Chemistry
    • Simin Masihi, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Kanchani Basnayake Mudiyanselage, Civil and Construction Engineering 

    2021-22 Thurgood Marshall Fellowship

    • Luis Morales, master’s – Occupational Therapy
    • Kiana Jean-Baptiste, doctoral – Counseling Psychology
    • Denise Miller, doctoral - English

    2021-22 Graduate Education and the Professoriate Fellowship

    • Ky’Aria Moses, Psychology: Behavior Analysis

    Gwen Frostic Doctoral Fellowship Recipients for 2021-22 

    • Khushi Bhatt, Physics
    • Manuel Soque, Political Science

     Patricia L. Thompson Dissertation Award for 2021-2022

    • Abi Chamlagai, Political Science
    • Randy La Prairie, Sociology
    • Byron Miller, Sociology
    • Karika Parker, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

    2020-21 George and Beatrice Fisher Gerontology Dissertation Prize 2021

    • Byron Miller, Sociology

    2020-21 Dames Endowed Scholarship 2021

    • Karika Parker, Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology
    • Yuqian Zhang, Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology

    2020-21 Western Michigan University All-University Awards

    The Graduate College and the Graduate Studies Council are proud to announce the 2020-21 recipients of the Western Michigan University All University Awards. View a slideshow presentation recognizing each awardee on YouTube 

    Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Awardees

    Doctoral Level

    • Tabitha DiBacco, Psychology: Clinical
    • Kai Harris, English: Creative Writing
    • Kristen Foley, Mallinson Institute for Science Education: Geosciences
    • Emile Van Meter, Chemistry
    • Katherine E. Brown, Sociology

    Master’s Level

    • Nicole Mullis, English: Creative Writing
    • Cody Edgerton, Music: Conducting 

    Graduate Research and Creative Scholar Awardees

    Doctoral Level

    • Kalani Gates, Psychology: Clinical
    • Mohammed Hashim, Geological and Environmental Sciences
    • Kai Harris, English: Creative Writing
    • Huang Wu, Educational Leadership. Research and Technology
    • Xingzhe Zhang, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Roshan Javanshad, Chemistry

    Master’s Level

    • Evgeniya Kozhevnikova, Music: Performance
    • Austen York, Geological and Environmental Sciences
    • Jackline Onyango, Chemistry
    • Nicole Mason, English: Creative Writing

    Department-Level Graduate Research and Creative Scholar 2020-2021

    Doctoral Level

    • Safaa Khalil Murtadha Al Wajidi, Computer Science
    • Dale M. Brown, Teaching, Learning, and Educational Studies
    • Katherine E. Brown, Sociology
    • Alberto F. Cintron-Colon, Biological Sciences
    • Matthew S. Cook, Physics
    • Pearl (Ping) Dai, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
    • Rachel Dykstra, Human Performance and Health Education
    • Francisco Americo Yapor Genao, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    • Nizoramo Haitova, Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology
    • Kai Harris, English
    • Mohammed S. Hashim, Geological and Environmental Sciences
    • Luke McCarthy, English
    • Jennifer A. Meador, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Mohamed, A., Bin Alhaj, Civil and Construction Engineering
    • Samuel Nyarko, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
    • Amaury Pineda-Moquete, Political Science
    • Harmony I. Risca, Psychology
    • Joshua Ruk, Mathematics
    • Nicole Satkowiak, Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
    • Pam Schwallier, Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology
    • Maria Talanda-Fisher, Mathematics
    • Brandon E. Tross, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Kristi Ann-Walker Tullis, Chemistry
    • Kelly L. Vigants, Teaching Learning, and Educational Studies
    • Bisrat Abebe Woldesilassie, Economics
    • Krystal R. York, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Yuqian Zhang, Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology

    Master's Level

    • David R. Birkam, School of Communication
    • Alexander Josef Bodurka, Computer Science
    • Irina Chapman, Chemistry
    • Kathleen J. Cooper, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Lindsey M. Dehaan, Biological Sciences
    • Kennedy Dixon, School of Music
    • Melissa French, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Kalani A. Gates, Psychology
    • Alexa Girouard, Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology
    • Demetrius Goodale, Political Science
    • Caleb Lee Gurd, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    • Kahlin M. Kelly, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Thomas V. Kerber, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    • Daniel J. Kosacz, Philosophy
    • Evgeniya Kozhevnikova, School of Music
    • Connor Landeck, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
    • Nicole Mason, English
    • Elizabeth Orwig, English
    • Valliammai Palaniappan, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Bridget Sova, School of Music
    • Sacelia Strong-Sangster, Comparative Religion
    • Rodrigo Valente Pascale. School of Music
    • Yutong Weis, Teaching, Learning, and Educational Studies
    • Zachary J. Whitacre, Biological Sciences
    • Austen E. York, Geological and Environmental Studies

    Department-Level Graduate Teaching Effectiveness 2020-2021

    Doctoral Level

    • Andrew Bowling, Mathematics
    • Katherine E. Brown, Sociology
    • Lauri Davis, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
    • Tabitha DiBacco, Psychology
    • Mohammad El Yabroudi, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Ahmad Feizi, Civil and Construction Engineering
    • Kai Harris, English
    • Hayden W. Karrick, Physics
    • Luke J. Kinsey, Biological Sciences
    • Cody R. Kirby, Economics
    • Michael Pawl, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
    • Rajani Pingili, Computer Science
    • Jason U. Rose, History
    • Guzhaliayi Sataer, Geological and Environmental Sciences
    • Shivi Saxena, Chemistry
    • Hassan Shirzadi Jahromi, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    • Manuel A. Soque, Political Science
    • Beth Spinner, English
    • Brianne Sue Steele, Educational Leadership, Research & Technology
    • Kelly Vigants, Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies
    • Ran Wei, Human Performance and Health Education
    • Emma C. Westra, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Hanny T Wuysang, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Anita Lynette Zandstra, Spanish

    Master's Level

    • Ahmed Abdelwahab Ahmed Abdelwahab Radwan, Computer Science
    • Eman Al Drous, English
    • Nicole L. Allen, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Husam N. Beitello, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Daria Blinova, Political Science
    • Abby Cieslak, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Nathan M. Dalton, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    • Troy Desmond Dehagen, Chemistry
    • Cody Edgerton, School of Music
    • Jamiese Edmonson, Family and Consumer Sciences
    • Tracy Ellinger, Bronson School of Nursing
    • Tasleem Firdausee, Comparative Religion
    • Kylie N. Hamm, History
    • Kimberly A. Johnson, Educational Leadership, Research & Technology
    • Sanela Kalakovic, Psychology
    • Naziha Khandokar, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    • Irene M. Kivinen, Spanish
    • Alexandra Knoll, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Evgeniya Kozhevnikova, School of Music
    • Makayla R. Long, Biological Sciences
    • Melanie May Mitchell, Chemistry
    • Nicole Mullis, English
    • Halle M. Nienhaus, Biological Sciences
    • Nazife Onaral, Geological and Environmental Sciences
    • Masoud Panahi, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Elizabeth Amanda Mae Reist, Family and Consumer Sciences
    • Keenan Roberts, School of Communication
    • April L. Shirey, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
    • Sacelia Strong-Sangster, Comparative Religion
    • Laura M. Trombley, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Zachary D. Woodman, Philosophy

    Spring 2021 Graduate Student Research and Virtual Conference Grant Travel award recipients announced

    The Graduate College congratulates the following graduate students who are the recipients of the Spring 2021 Graduate Student Research and Virtual Conference Grant awards, and we wish them continued success in their research.

    The Research Grant Recipients for Spring 2021

    • William Suits, Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
    • Scott Fitzgerald, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
    • Hannah Kenny, School of Social Work
    • Zachary Reed, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
    • Byron Miller, Sociology
    • Tabitha DiBacco, Psychology
    • Kayla Jenssen, Psychology
    • Ruth Garcia, Occupational Therapy
    • Natalie DeVries, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
    • Ana Lidia Gungulo, Economics
    • Elise Nasser, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
    • Char Houben, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Sarah Musilli, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
    • Calli Ragotzy, Occupational Therapy
    • Kristin Roberts, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
    • Daniel Tennant, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
    • John Rozofsky, Biological Sciences
    • Nicolette Sexton, Biological Sciences
    • Parks Marion, Biological Sciences
    • Sean Derrick, Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Management Systems
    • Adam Austin, Biological Sciences
    • Morgan Morin, Biological Sciences
    • Shivi Saxena, Chemistry
    • Khushi Bhatt, Physics
    • Hassan Shirzadi, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    • John Peter Quakenbush, Biological Sciences

    The Virtual Conference Grant Recipients for Spring 2021

    • Madison Fitzgerald- Russell, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
    • Alanna Van Huizen, Biological Sciences

    Fall 2020 Graduate Student Research and Virtual Conference Grant Travel award recipients announced

    The Graduate College congratulates the following graduate students who are the recipients of the Fall 2020 Graduate Student Research and Virtual Conference Grant awards and wishes them continued success in their research.

    The Research Grant Recipients for Fall 2020

    • Diane Roushangar, Sociology 
    • Semsi Coskun, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    • Dale Brown, Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Justin Myers, Psychology
    • Ruchi Ojha, Biological Sciences
    • Khushi Bhatt, Physics
    • Shivi Saxena, Chemistry
    • Ouen Hunter, Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation
    • Hannah Wright, School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs
    • Taylorlyn Mehnert, School of Music
    • Byron Miller, Sociology
    • Mark Rzeszutek, Psychology
    • Omar Hammad S Albalawi, Industrial & Entrepreneurial Engineering & Engineering Management 
    • Noor Alomari, Chemical and Paper Engineering
    • Aurora Mokris, Biological Sciences
    • Katelyn Roberts, Speech Language and Hearing Sciences
    • April Shirey, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
    • Ky'Aria Moses, Psychology
    • Ran Wei, Human Performance and Health Education

    The Virtual Conference Grant Recipients for Fall 2020

    • Abul Fazal Mazumder, Civil and Construction Engineering
    • April Shirey, Geography, Environment, and Tourism
    • Dinesh Maddipatla, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Masoud Panahi, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Sadia Islam Kana, Biological Sciences
    • Arnesh Bose, Electrical and Computer Science Engineering
    • Harsha Amunugama, Civil and Construction Engineering
    • Sataer, Guzalay;Guzhaliayi, Geological and Environmental Sciences
    • Mohamed Samy Mohamed Elhebery, Geological and Environmental Sciences
    • Simin Masihi, Electrical and Computer Engineering

    3MT Top 8 Finalist, WMU Graduate Student, Shiva Agarwal

    Out of 46 entries, Western Michigan University graduate student, Shiva Agarwal, was recognized as a Top 8 finalist by the 2021 Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Committee for his presentation, Your Protein is Not Right.