Hastings College offers every student the opportunity to apply for funding to support their academic, cultural, artistic or professional interests. This year, more than $8,000 was awarded to students looking for support for various research projects and conference presentation opportunities.
All students in good academic standing are eligible to apply for funds during the fall and spring semesters. The application process, particularly for research projects, is competitive; only complete and quality applications are considered for funding. The selection committee assesses and ranks each application for academic quality and applicability to the student’s future professional goals.
In particular, the committee assesses applications based on academic rigor, academic merit, achievement, academic preparation and financial need. Awarded funds are used to finance and support several pursuits. In most cases, conference presentations and attendance, workshop/ training, study abroad and research.
“It’s always a joy to review research and other proposals from students, and then support their ideas. I enjoy reading the applications and about the many different areas of study. Our students have great curiosity for research! ” said Dr. Kittie Grace, associate dean of academic and student affairs.
Recipients for the 2021-22 academic year include students across all disciplines and grade levels. They include:
- Cody Wilson, a sophomore majoring from Strasburg, Colorado, majoring in political science, history and philosophy, received funds to present a research paper at the Midwest Political Science Association annual conference.
- Gabriella Vinciguerra, a sophomore from Castro Valley, California, majoring in sociology and business administration and Stephanie Mlynarik, a junior from Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, majoring in studio art received funds to research and present a paper that identifies different factors that influence some males to commit rape.
- Emma Downing, a junior from Colorado Springs, Colorado, majoring in history, received funds to help support a semester-long study abroad experience in Ireland.
- Natalie Watson, a junior from Franklin, Tennessee, majoring in criminology received funds to complete research and present at a conference an analysis of data to determine if there is a relationship between inclusive sex education and lower stigmatization of HIV/AIDS on campus.
- Savanah Ellis, a junior from Beaver City, Nebraska, majoring in international relations and studio art received funds to present a research paper at the Midwest Political Science Association annual conference.
- Courtney Manahan, a senior from Strasburg, Colorado, majoring in biology and sociology received funds to complete research and support attending a conference to present findings on the best teaching methods for special education children.
- Kinser Rafert, a junior from Sutton, Nebraska, majoring in history, received funds to help pay travel costs for a semester-long study abroad experience at The American University in Cairo, Egypt.
- Caroline Anderson, a junior from Hastings, Nebraska, majoring in psychology, received funds to support research in farm production and marketing operations in County Clare, Ireland.
- Kiante Stuart, a junior from Nassau, The Bahamas, majoring in communication studies, business administration and marketing, received funds to support research into the international student experience and intercultural communication competence, and then present findings at a conference.
- Melbourne Palmer, a senior from Lynchburg, Virginia, majoring in studio art, received funds to complete research and present it at a conference.
- Dakotah Willems, a Master of Arts in Teaching student from Hastings, Nebraska, received funds to support a research project examining local agents of the Industrial Removal Office, a private organization created in the early 20th century to relocate Russian Jewish immigrants from populated areas such as New York to less populated areas like the rural Midwest.
Hastings College is a four-year residential college that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. Hastings’ student-centered initiatives include providing books, an iPad and a two-week study away experience at no additional cost. A block-style semester schedule allows professors and students to focus on fewer classes at a time and promotes hands-on experiences. Discover more at hastings.edu.
