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Honors students win summer research grants

May 7, 2004

KALAMAZOO--Eleven students in the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University have earned a $2,500 stipend to conduct research this summer.

The Dean's Summer Research Grant provides financial assistance to students who wish to begin research on their thesis, a requirement of the Lee Honor College program, between their junior and senior year. To be eligible, juniors in the honors program must have at least a 3.25 grade point average and must have completed all honors requirements through the junior level along with at least 85 hours of credit by the time of the proposed research. Some sophomores and seniors are eligible to apply as well.

Each applicant submits a two-page description of the proposed thesis project. Projects are judged on feasibility, the student's background knowledge and recommendation by a faculty member. Grant recipients, who work with faculty mentors to complete the thesis project, are expected to devote 25 to 30 hours each week to their research.

2004 Dean's Summer Research Grant Recipients

Janet M. Abbey of Kalamazoo is a junior majoring in anthropology and Asian studies. She has received a grant to study "A Comparison of Marriage and Status Between Han Chinese and Ethnic Minority Chinese Women." Her faculty mentor is Dr. Allen Zagarell, professor of anthropology.

Lorik Abdullai of Livonia, Mich., is a senior mechanical engineering major and has received a grant to study the "Design of a CART Airfoil." He will also collaborate with Dunn on the "Introduction to Mechanical Engineering" project. His faculty mentor is Dr. Iskender Sahin, professor of mechanical and aeronautical engineering.

Timothy Buchholz of Stevens Point, Wis., is a junior jazz studies major and has received a grant to create "Tim Buchholz, Album Debut." His faculty mentor is Dr. Stephen L. Zegree, professor of music.

Joseph R. Dunn of Livonia, Mich., is a mechanical engineering major and has received a grant to study "Introduction to Mechanical Engineering." He will also collaborate with Abdullai on the "Design of a CART Airfoil." His faculty mentor is Dr. Iskender Sahin, professor of mechanical and aeronautical engineering.

Jessica Hendren of Clarkson, Mich., is a junior advertising and promotions major. She has received a grant to create a "Creative Copyrighting Portfolio," an advertising portfolio. Her faculty mentor is John Weitzel, a lecturer in the Department of Marketing.

Jonathan Hunt of Clinton Township, Mich., is a senior with a double major in philosophy and finance. He has received a grant to study "Actions, Ethics, and the Law: Selling America to Developing Countries." His faculty mentor is Dr. Arthur E. Falk, professor of philosophy.

Korin Isotalo of South Lyon, Mich., is a senior with a double major in media and women's studies. She has received a grant to study "Gendered Messages: The Ethical Implications of the Content of Teen Magazines." Her faculty mentor is Dr. Mark Orbe, associate professor of communication.

Carrie Janiski of Clio, Mich., is a senior with a double major in athletic training and English. She has received a grant to study "Taking Steps to Improve the Health at Western Michigan University." Her faculty mentor is Dr. Donna M. Ritenour, assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation.

Erin Kenzie of Plymouth, Mich., is a senior with a double major in philosophy and psychology and has received a grant to study "The Philosophical Implications of Applying Developmental Systems Theory to Psychology." Her faculty mentor is Dr. Arthur E. Falk, professor of philosophy.

Christina Maley of Geneva, Ill., is a senior dance major and has received a grant to produce an "Interdisciplinary Dance Concert." Her faculty mentor is Jane Baas, associate professor of dance.

Diana Wilson of Midland, Mich., is a senior art major and has received a grant to create "Wave," a multi-media art show. Her faculty mentor is Louis Rizzolo, professor of art.

Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu

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