Avila University faculty recognized student academic excellence during the 2021 Student Scholar Day on April 13.
The 21st annual ceremony featured the work of nearly 20 students, who shared their work through oral presentation and poster exhibits. The winners and runners up received a plaque and a monetary prize. Additionally, the St. Catherine’s and St. Thomas More’s Medal were presented to the female and male second-year student, respectively, who has made outstanding contributions to Avila while excelling in the classroom.
Associate professor of Women’s and Gender Studies Dr. Leslie Dorrough-Smith provided the keynote address, “Compromising Positions: Sex Scandals, Politics, and American Christianity.”
Begun by Avila faculty in 2001, Student Scholar Day has developed into an all-day event celebrating students’ dedication to learning and the high level of scholarship at the University. Due to social distancing requirements, this year’s ceremony was livestreamed.
2021 Student Scholar Day Winners
Oral Presentations
1st Place – $300
Reginald Black (mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Meyers)
“Real Existing Fascism”
2nd Place – $200
Madeline Clardy (mentor: Dr. Ashley Fansher)
“The commonalty of ‘date rape’ drugs in sexual assault cases”
Poster Presentations
1st Place – $250
Noor Ul Ain (mentor: Dr. Lida Khalafi)
“Indicator-Based Visualization of Ocean Acidification as the Result of CO2 Dissolution”
2nd Place – $150
Marlon Jones (mentor: Dr. Karin Gastreich)
“Effects of prescribed burning on pollinators in Jerry Smith Park”
St Catherine’s Medal
Tiera Jackson
St. Thomas More’s Medal
Tanner Yeisley