Eagle X

College of Arts and Sciences Award Winners

• Best Poster Award (Graduate Student):

Alex Rizk for “Quadratic Harvesting: sustainable strategy for competitive species” (faculty mentor: Dr. Peng Feng)

• First Prize (Undergraduate):

Jade Munson for “Analysis of Parasites in Burmese Pythons (Python Bivitattus) In Southwest Florida” (faculty mentor: Dr. Christina Anaya)

• Second Prize (Undergraduate):
• Denise Garcia Salas for “From Morphology to Molecular: Establishing a DNA Barcoding Framework for Hairworm (Phylum Nematomorph) Identification” (faculty mentor: Dr. Christina Anaya)
• Malik Walker for “Liposomal Nanocarriers: A Nontoxic and Eco-Friendly Strategy for Administering Kaempferol in Glioblastoma Therapy” (faculty mentor: Dr. Chukwumaobim Nwokwu)

• Third Prize (Undergraduate)
• Yuliet Martinez for “Kaempferol as a Potential Chemotherapeutic Agent for Glioblastoma: In Vitro Evaluation of its Cytotoxicity and Mechanism of Action” (faculty mentor: Dr. Chukwumaobim Nwokwu)
• Natalia Daza and Emma Meek for “Assessing Physical and Emotional Aging Self-Efficacy” (faculty mentor: Dr. Starlette Sinclair)
• Ella Hinkemeyer for “Parasitism in the Colon of Rhinella Marina” (faculty mentor: Dr. Christina Anaya)

Marieb College of Health and Human Services Award Winners

• Graduate Award ($200):

Rocco Verrico’s “The Use of Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Setting” (faculty mentor: Dr. Rob Sillevis)

• Undergraduate Award ($200):

Daniela Betancur, Michael Conner, and Madison Hoffius’s “Investigating if Partial Range of Motion Repetitions Elicit More Muscle Growth than Full Range of Motion Repetitions in Hypertrophy Training: A Literature Review” (faculty mentor: Dr. Robert Sorenson)

• Sustainability Award ($150):

Briana Cowen’s “Integration of Advance Care Planning Through Community Awareness” (faculty mentor: Dr. Amy Dudley)

• Impact Award—Evidence-Based Practice ($150):

Mary Bayer, Halle Krisinski, Nikita Sak’s “Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Fall Risk in Older Adults Based on Multiple Outcome Measures: 10mWT, 5TSTS, CTSIB-M, and 6MWT” (faculty mentor: Dr. Rob Sillevis)

• Impact Award—Quality Improvement ($150):

Hannah Hudson’s “Post-Secondary Health and Wellness Education for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Population” (faculty mentor: Dr. Ellen Donald)

• Dean’s Marieb Research Day Poster Award ($350):

Lalia Miguel’s “Empowering Health: A Culturally Tailored Intervention to Enhance Diabetes Prevention Knowledge Among Hispanic Adults” (faculty mentor: Dr. Christina Dzioba)

Whitaker College of Engineering Award Winners

• Best WCE Undergraduate Project Presentation:

Mariana Villarroel, Elizabeth Molina, John Gill, and Matthew Hebert’s “Rotary Park Redevelopment Project” (faculty mentor: Dr. Ashraf Badir)

• Best WCE Undergraduate Research Presentation:

John Peller’s “Data Gap Analysis for Monitoring the Drivers of Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (cHABs) in the Peace River Basin, Florida” (faculty mentor: Dr. Rachel Rotz)

• Best WCE Graduate Presentation:

Alexis Akers “Analysis of Water Table Elevations at FGCU: Trends and Seasonal Variations (2019-2024)” (faculty mentor: Dr. Rachel Rotz)

The Water School Winners

• Katherine Luttrell’s “Identifying the likeliness of Gopher Tortoise occurrence using suitability modeling, a case study in East Lee County, FL (Lehigh Acres)” (undergraduate working with Dr. Dhruvkumar Bhatt)

• Brianna Valdes and Madelyn Ritter’s “Quantifying ecological succession of epibiota on differently-facing surfaces of an artificial reef on the Southwest Florida shelf” (undergraduate working with Dr. James Douglass)

• Celina Ceballos’s “Plasma proteomics of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) stranded during red tide events for identification of diagnostic biomarkers” (graduate student working with Dr. Kelly Rein, Dr. Catherine Walsh)

A description of each award can be found HERE.

Emerald Award

Project Title: Discovering the Wonders of Shells Through the Creation of More
Discovery Cart Programs
Presenters: Tanner Siegall, Natalie Foster, and Caiden Crites
Community Partner: Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and
Aquarium
Faculty Mentor: Rose Fuller
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life Below Water

Cobalt Award

Project Title: Little Kids Big Rewards
Presenters:  Kayla Maloney, Lilly Martucci, Remy Vinueza, and Brenna Mulkerrins
Community Partner: ROCK Center, Little Eagles, and BelieveNBooks
Faculty Mentor:  Lonnie Howington
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Reduced Inequalities

Silver Award

Project Title: NetProfiler: The Next Evolution in Homeland Security Intelligence
Presenters:  Jonathan Howard, Miguel Llanes, Olivia Shafer, Trevor Chessnoe, and Sahbah Gonzalez
Community Partner: DHS/HSI - Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Fernando Gonzalez
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Peace. Justice, and Strong Institutions

Best Organization Service-Learning Project

Project Title: Expanding Middle and Elementary School Students’ Curiosity of Physical Science Through Chemistry Lessons and Demonstration
Presenters: Tobias Pedro Jorge, Lexington Garcia, Madison Hochstetler, Makenzie Cassidy, and Shannon Larkan

Community Partner: College Reach Out Program
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sari Paikoff and September Gant
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Quality Education

Best Independent Service-Learning Project

Project Title: Fostering Leadership and Cultural Exchange: The Founding of BRASA at FGCU
Presenter: Pedro Corbellini Chiacchio and Sara Teoro de Morais

Community Partner: Brazillian Student Association (BRASA)
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Partnerships for the Goals

Best One Class, One Project

Project Title: Trails for Tails: Promoting Conservation Through Cleanups and Creative Sculpture Displays
Presenters: y Temmy Shannon, Emily Barber, Priscilla Chambers, Alex Constantinopoli, Sam Cooper, Colette Couillard, Allison Forgaciu, Mildred Hernandez, Samantha Jones, Stella Kane,

Simpson Lin, Maris Mancino, Maryanne Medina, Izzy Reynolds, Jadyn Sanders, Steven Sawyer, Jocob Schmidt, Peyton Simpson, Katie Souza, and Quocnghia Truong
Community Partner: J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Faculty Mentor: Jessica Rhea
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Partnerships for the Goals

Best Sustainability & Environmental Awareness Project

Project Title: Discovering the Wonders of Shells Through the Creation of More Discovery Cart Programs
Presenter: y Tanner Siegall, Natalie Foster, and Caiden Crites
Community Partner: Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium
Faculty Mentor: Rose Fuller
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life Below Water

Best Community-Based Research Project

Project Title: NetProfiler: The Next Evolution in Homeland Security Intelligence
Presenter: Jonathan Howard, Miguel Llanes, Olivia Shafer, Trevor Chessnoe, and Sahbah Gonzalez
Community Partner: DHS/HSI - Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Fernando Gonzalez
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions 

Best First-Year Student Project

Project Title: Breaking the Mental Health Stigma for FGCU Student Athletes
Presenter: Jennie Mink
Community Partner: Hartley Academic Resource Center
Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health and Well-Being

“Creating Healthy Communities” Award

Project Title: Golden Paws: Serving Those Who Need Us Most
Presenters: Jaya Giles, Grant Bixon, Averie Carlson, Maya Carter, Maddy Hill, and Ellie Winchell

Community Partner: Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs
Faculty Mentor: Roberto Garcia
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

“Children Are Our Future” Award

Project Title: Little Kids Big Rewards
Presenters:  Kayla Maloney, Lilly Martucci, Remy Vinueza, and Brenna Mulkerrins
Community Partner: ROCK Center, Little Eagles, and BelieveNBooks
Faculty Mentor:  Lonnie Howington
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Reduced Inequalities

“Standing For Social Justice” Award

Project Title: Beyond Boundaries
Presenters: Jovanna Acevedo, Milly Woodson, and Christian Santacruz
Community Partner: Easterseals FL
Faculty Mentor: Lonnie Howington
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Reduced Inequalities

“Service to the Nest” Award

Project Title: Fostering Leadership and Cultural Exchange: The Founding of BRASA at FGCU
Presenter: Pedro Corbellini Chiacchio and Sara Teoro de Morais

Community Partner: Brazillian Student Association (BRASA)
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Partnerships for the Goals

People’s Choice

Project Title: Golden Paws: Serving Those Who Need Us Most
Presenters: Jaya Giles, Grant Bixon, Averie Carlson, Maya Carter, Maddy Hill, and Ellie Winchell

Community Partner: Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs
Faculty Mentor: Roberto Garcia
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

1^st Place:

TBA

2^nd Place:
TBA

3^rd Place:
TBA

UA Whitaker College of Engineering

WCE Undergraduate Design Presentation

Paulo Drefahl, “Netspider Software: Homeland Security's new Weapon Against Human Trafficking”

Mentors: Fernando Gonzalez & Prof. Michael Osheroff, Software Engineering

WCE Undergraduate Research Presentation

John Peller, “Emotion Mining: Improvements in the Unified Study of Recent Text Data for Automated Detection”

Mentor: Anna Koufakou, Software Engineering

Lutgert College of Business

Dean’s Best Graduate poster

Teresa Huff and Traci Corbi, “The Impact of Single-Family for Rent REITs on Housing Price Index Trends in U.S. Metropolitan Markets”

Mentor: Dr. Yazici

Dean’s Second best graduate poster

Christina Leetz, “Effects of Various Economic Indicators on GDP in the USA”

Mentor: Dr. Yazici

Dean’s UG best poster

Lily Hobson, “Can We Explain the Wage Gap? An Examination of Income Disparities Between Men and Women in Southwest Florida”

Mentor: Dr. Neto

Dean’s UB second best

Dessy Oweeti, “Is tap water from the local utilities in Lee County Florida safe for human consumption?”

Mentor: Dr. Yazici

Dean’s UG third best

Grace PainGasser, “How Luxury Brands Use Elements of Nostalgia in Cute Products and Instagram Posts”

Mentor: Dr. Eastman

College of Arts and Sciences

Undergraduate Poster Presentation

Gabriel Terwilliger, Alexandra Holmes, and Elizabeth Adams, “Personality and Academic Burnout as Predictors of Impostor Phenomenon Experience in Undergraduate Students”

Mentor: Dr. Starlette Sinclair

Graduate Poster Presentation

Julie Funchess, “Exploring the Latitudinal Distribution of Nematomorph Genera” Mentor: Dr. Charles Gunnels IV

Marieb College of Health and Human Services

Deans Award for Best Overall Presentation

Katherine Augustin, “What’s holding us back? An education-based approach to increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Engagement in African Americans”

Undergraduate Best Overall Presentation

Tiffany Stamatakos, “The effects of Plyometric Exercise on Sprint performance”

Graduate Best Overall Presentation

Stephen Hodulik, “Implementation of a tailored stroke prevention Protocol to reduce the risk of stroke in a retirement community”

Sustainability Award

Christine Lillard, “A Nutritional Intervention to Mange overweight and obesity in an underserved population”

Impact Award – Quality

Andrea Aceves, “The effects of a DASH adherent diet on blood pressure in Hispanic adults”

Impact Award – Evidence Based Practiced

Julianna Farhood, Annette Castaldo, Julia Prior, “Treatment of Postdural Puncture Headache: Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block education Among anesthesia providers”

Water School

TBA

Emerald Award

Project Title: A New Hope For Haiti
Presenters: Hera Tellez-Perez, Maria Almaraz, and Dainier Dominguez
Community Partner: Hope for Haiti
Faculty Mentor: Delphine Gras
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Reduced Inequalities

Cobalt Award

Project Title: Neuro-Inclusivity: Understanding and Acceptance for a Diverse Community
Presenters: Ash Hernandez-Trochez, Rye Scott, Keegan Eisinger, Katie Montcalm, Lauren Reese, Janet Provitera, and Kayla Tran
Community Partner: We Rock The Spectrum Kids' Gym Fort Myers
Faculty Mentor: Roberto Garcia
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Reduced Inequalities

(AND)

Project Title: "Unlocking Memories" & Creating Opportunities through Service with the Alzheimers Community
Presenters: Andrew Rodriguez, Heather "Alyssa" Sarica, Sarah Friedman, Hannah Barrios, and Alexa Garces
Community Partner: Unlocked Memories, Inc.
Faculty Mentor: Courtney Dwyer Satkoski
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

Best Organization Service-Learning Project

Project Title: Global Medical Brigades: Empowering Communities Through Service
Presenters: Conner Bapst and Dominique Berrette

Community Partner: Global Brigades
Faculty Mentor: Courtney Dwyer Satkoski
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

Best Independent Service-Learning Project

Project Title: Exploring the Impact of Service-Learning in Golf Education: Teaching Life Skills to Children Through Golf
Presenter: Destiny Nguyen

Community Partner: First Tee - Naples/Collier
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Quality Education

Best One Class, One Project

Project Title: "Unlocking Memories" & Creating Opportunities through Service with the Alzheimers Community
Presenters: Andrew Rodriguez, Heather "Alyssa" Sarica, Sarah Friedman, Hannah Barrios, and Alexa Garces
Community Partner: Unlocked Memories, Inc.
Faculty Mentor: Courtney Dwyer Satkoski
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

Best Sustainability & Environmental Awareness Project

Project Title: Educating FGCU Students on Sustainable Seafood
Presenter: Lauren Shea
Community Partner: FGCU Environmental Health & Safety (ECO FGCU) and FGCU Dining Services
Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life Below Water

Best Community-Based Research Project

Project Title: Fighting Ovarian Cancer through Biological Research and Education in Southwest Florida
Presenter: Allie Pickering
Community Partner: Betty Allen Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

Best First-Year Student Project

Project Title: Restoring Ecosystems through Feline Sterilization
Presenter: Ella Davis
Community Partner: Fortunate Ferals, Inc.
Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life on Land

“Creating Healthy Communities” Award

Project Title: Global Medical Brigades: Empowering Communities Through Service
Presenters: Conner Bapst and Dominique Berrette

Community Partner: Global Brigades
Faculty Mentor: Courtney Dwyer Satkoski
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

“Children Are Our Future” Award

Project Title: Neuro-Inclusivity: Understanding and Acceptance for a Diverse Community
Presenters: Ash Hernandez-Trochez, Rye Scott, Keegan Eisinger, Katie Montcalm, Lauren Reese, Janet Provitera, and Kayla Tran
Community Partner: We Rock The Spectrum Kids' Gym Fort Myers
Faculty Mentor: Roberto Garcia
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Reduced Inequalities

“Standing For Social Justice” Award

Project Title: A New Hope For Haiti
Presenters: Hera Tellez-Perez, Maria Almaraz, and Dainier Dominguez
Community Partner: Hope for Haiti
Faculty Mentor: Delphine Gras
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Reduced Inequalities

“Service to the Nest” Award

Project Title: Foreign Language Tutoring at FGCU
Presenters: Cameron Kelber and Bradley Eisenhauer
Community Partner: FGCU Foreign Language Department
Faculty Mentor: Delphine Gras
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Quality Education

People’s Choice

Project Title: "Unlocking Memories" & Creating Opportunities through Service with the Alzheimers Community
Presenters: Andrew Rodriguez, Heather "Alyssa" Sarica, Sarah Friedman, Hannah Barrios, and Alexa Garces
Community Partner: Unlocked Memories, Inc.
Faculty Mentor: Courtney Dwyer Satkoski
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

1^st Place:

Marketing at Hertz Arena | Presented by Lilliana Rivera | Class:  Senior | Major:  Communication/PR

2^nd Place:
Florida International University: Strength and Conditioning Internship | Presented by Kate Kenny | Class:  Senior | Major: Exercise Science

3^rd Place (Two Winners):

From Observation to Action: Applying Exercise Science Knowledge to Help Patients During My Cardiac Rehab Internship | Presented by Jenniffer Vargas | Class: Senior | Major: Exercise Science

OILE/Healing Stiches | Presented by Illary Pinto | Class: Senior | Major: Social Work

UA Whitaker College of Engineering

Best Engineering Undergraduate Design Presentation
NASA Advanced Multi-Mission Operations System Common Workflow Service (CWS)
Ronny Fray, Alexis M. Lopez, Andrew Wilhelm, & Zachary Mixson
Mentor: Dr. Fernando Gonzalez

Best Engineering Undergraduate Research Presentation
Nanofiber Scaffolds for Modeling Tissue Architecture and Cell-Matrix Interactions
James Bell, Autymn Shreffler, Lainie Bonthron, and Dr. Jiehong Liao
Mentor: Dr. Jiehong Liao

Best Engineering Graduate Presentation
The Geochemical Analysis of a Continuous Core, Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project Aquifer Storage and Recovery Wells
Zoie Kassis
Mentor: Dr. Ahmed Elshall

College of Education

Best Graduate Student Presentation
Beyond Fake News: Empowering Students Through Media
Literacy Education in the Age of Disinformation
By Bruno Halpern
Mentor: Dr. Hasan Aydin

Best Undergraduate Student Presentation
Behavioral Intervention Analysis
By Victoria Elia
Mentor: Dr. Diane Kratt & Jamie Shaffer

Lutgert College of Business

Best Graduate Poster Presentation
Stephanie Torrico and Wilson Pena
Does Technological Innovation Steal Jobs and Reduce Personal Income?
Mentor: H. Julie Yazici

Second Place Graduate Poster Presentation
Stephanie Torrico
Sustainability in Agribusiness: Strategies for Honduras
Mentor: Dan Rottig

Third Place Graduate Poster Presentation
Kailey Stockinger, Chris Ries and Rose Smiddy
Auditing Typical Investments: Level 1, 2, 3, and Alternative
Mentor: Arianna Pinello

Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation
Joseph Nedved
Sports Betting Cannibalization: A Case Study from Pennsylvania
Mentor: Amir B. Ferreira Neto

Second Place Undergraduate Poster Presentation
Lee Blaise
Co-authors: Jamie Bologna Pavlik, Texas Tech University, Amir B. Ferreira Neto, FGCU, Juan T. Sayago Gomez, FGCU
Mentor: Amir B. Ferreira Neto

College of Arts and Sciences

Best Graduate Presentation
The Inhibitory Effects of 54 Plant Essential Oils on Aspergillus
fumigatus in Pre- & Post-Infection Plate Assay Models
By Amanda Perez & Dr. Yainitza Hernandez-Rodriguez
Mentor: Dr. Yainitza Hernandez-Rodriguez

Best Undergraduate Presentation
How Do Dimensions of Self-efficacy Predict Student Success?
By Robin Moscovitch, Dominique Berrette, & Sara Hoxha
Mentor: Dr. Starlette Sinclair

Department of Psychology
Best Presentation
How Do Dimensions of Self-efficacy Predict Student Success?
By Robin Moscovitch, Dominique Berrette, & Sara Hoxha
Mentor: Dr. Starlette Sinclair
 
Whitaker Center for STEM Education
Best Presentation
Gender Differences in Environmental Policy Support
By Cory Meneley
Mentor: Dr. Joseph Ross

Marieb College of Health and Human Services

Best Graduate Presentation
The Effects of Cervical Cancer Education on Recommended Screening in a Rural Community Center
By Jordan Frisbie
Mentor: Dr. Loureen Downes & Dr. Paula Davis-Huffman

Best Undergraduate Presentation
Effects of EIM-OC Program on Self-Efficacy
By Abigayle Manfre, Dr. Patricia Bauer, Lisa Caldwell
Mentor: Dr. Patricia Bauer & Lisa Caldwell

Best Sustainability Presentation
Addressing Disparities in the Use of Neuraxial Anesthesia for Planned Cesarean Birth
By Jessica Lordi, Jordan Kelly, & Holly Lenz
Mentor: Dr. Virginia Londahl-Ramsey

Impact – Quality
Does the Delivery of Education on Social Media for Neuraxial Anesthesia During the Antenatal Period Change the Perceptions of African American Parturients to Receive Neuraxial Anesthesia During Labor?
By Brittane Squires, Bridget Komaroski, Kristin Miller, & Dr. Imke Casey
Mentor: Dr. Imke Casey

Impact – Evidence Based Practice
Evaluating the Impact of Patient Education on Pneumococcal Vaccination Rate in Adults Receiving Hemodialysis
By Parameswari Somavaram
Mentor: Dr. Amy Dudley & Dr. Paula Davis-Huffman

Dean's Award
Sun Protection Education in Babcock Neighborhood School
By Juliana Escudero
Mentor: Dr. Loureen Downes

Emerald Award

Project Title: Improving Cognitive Development and Intercultural Communication Through the Introduction of French into Preschool Classrooms
Presenter: Haley Holbein
Community Partner: Little Eagles Learning Center
Faculty Mentor: Delphine Gras
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Quality Education

Cobalt Award

Project Title: Trails for Tails: Pullin' a Partnership with Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge
Presenters: Elizabeth Davis, Gabriel Dials, Terry Edmond, Julian Gagnon, Karina Lopez, Taylor Lynch, Daisy Osorio-Espinosa, Kylee Parrado Fernandez, Immanuelle Pongo
Community Partner: Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge
Faculty Mentor: Jessica Rhea
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life On Land

Best Organization Service-Learning Project

Project Title: A Call to Action: Empowering Communities Through Global Medical Brigades
Presenters: Conner Bapst, Catherine Dominguez, Andrew Parra, Serena Truong Community Partner: Global Brigades
Faculty Mentor: Courtney Satkoski
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

Best One Class, One Project

Project Title: Unlocked Memories
Presenters: Bradley Cook, Josiah Crombie, Vic Galicia, Lilly Lakich, Erin Neff, Andrew Parra, Serena Truong
Community Partner: Unlocked Memories, Inc.
Faculty Mentor: Courtney Satkoski
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

Best Sustainability & Environmental Awareness Project

Project Title: Spreading Information and Awareness of Nature Through Translations
Presenters: Josmir Espinal
Community Partner: Fakahatchee State Park
Faculty Mentor: Delphine Gras
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life On Land

Best First-Year Student Project

Project Title: Decreasing Food Waste at FGCU Through App Involvement in Campus Food Businesses
Presenter: Sophia Fetter
Community Partner: FGCU Campus Food Pantry
Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Responsible Consumption & Production

“Creating Healthy Communities” Award

Project Title: A Call to Action: Empowering Communities Through Global Medical Brigades
Presenters: Conner Bapst, Catherine Dominguez, Andrew Parra, Serena Truong Community Partner: Global Brigades
Faculty Mentor: Courtney Satkoski
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

“Children Are Our Future” Award

Project Title: Improving Cognitive Development and Intercultural Communication Through the Introduction of French into Preschool Classrooms
Presenter: Haley Holbein
Community Partner: Little Eagles Learning Center
Faculty Mentor: Delphine Gras
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Quality Education

“Standing For Social Justice” Award

Project Title: Enhancing the Representation of Mexican Americans at FGCU
Presenter: Julia Hammond
Community Partner: New Horizons of Southwest Florida
Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions

People’s Choice

Project Title: Unlocked Memories
Presenters: Bradley Cook, Josiah Crombie, Vic Galicia, Lilly Lakich, Erin Neff, Andrew Parra, Serena Truong
Community Partner: Unlocked Memories, Inc.
Faculty Mentor: Courtney Satkoski
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

1^st Place: Dentistry in Guatemala | Presented by Ivana Ahmed | Internship Site: VAW Global Health Alliance

2^nd Place: STAR Program at Fort Myers Middle Academy | Presented by Ryan McNamara | Internship Site: Fort Myers Middle Academy

3^rd Place: Interning at Little Eagles | Presented by Madelyn McMillan | Internship Site: Little Eagles Learning Center

1^st Place: The GROW Initiative | Presenter: Emily Merton | Employer Partner: Duval County Schools

2^nd Place: Healthy Lee: Creating a Healthier Community Starting with the Mind | Presenter: Kelly Maguire | Employer Partner: Lee Health

3^rd Place (Tied): The Opportunity to Impact Future Leaders | Presenter: Kristen Sands | Employer Partner: Harns Marsh Elementary School

3^rd Place (Tied): Environmental Education at Rookery Bay Reserve | Presenter: Aubrey Garcia | Employer Partner: Rookery Bay Reserve

Emerald Award

Project Title: Discovering Haiti

Presenter: Coralie Paschal

Community Partner: Dunbar High School

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Delphine Gras

Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Reduced Inequalities

Cobalt Award

Project Title: Trails for Tails & Lovers Key State Park

Presenter(s): Ashlee Blewis; Galilea Bocanegra; Erica Crawford; Brianna Davis; Trinity Gohl; Kelsey Griffin; Shannon Larkan, Abigail Lewandowski, Christina Mackie, Bryana McCarthy; Melanie Oliveros-Baena; Sarah Pflug; Alexis Scheele; Zachary Scott; Ron Shlomi; Cameron Smith, Elizabeth Yarnell; Samantha Zimmer

Community Partner: Lovers Key State Park 

Faculty Mentor: Jessica Rhea

Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life On Land

Best Organization Service-Learning Project

Project Title: Immokalee Medical Brigade

Presenter(s): Logan Alles & Andrew Parra

Community Partner: Ciclovia

Faculty Mentor: N/A

Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

Best One Class, One Project

Project Title: Trails for Tails & Lovers Key State Park

Presenter(s): Ashlee Blewis; Galilea Bocanegra; Erica Crawford; Brianna Davis; Trinity Gohl; Kelsey Griffin; Shannon Larkan, Abigail Lewandowski, Christina Mackie, Bryana McCarthy; Melanie Oliveros-Baena; Sarah Pflug; Alexis Scheele; Zachary Scott; Ron Shlomi; Cameron Smith, Elizabeth Yarnell; Samantha Zimmer

Community Partner: Lovers Key State Park 

Faculty Mentor: Jessica Rhea

Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life On Land

Best Sustainability & Environmental Awareness

Project Title: The Talkin' Monkeys Project

Presenter(s): Rachel Gamson, Shannon Keating, Derek Lacombe, Alex Vanhorn, Erika Mancera

Community Partner: The Talkin' Monkeys Project

Faculty Mentor: Jessica Rhea

Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life On Land

Best First-Year Student Project

Project Title:Kindness, Empathy, and Compassion ROCKs

Presenter(s): zoe baladakis, Representatives of ROCK in HUM 1020 course

Community Partner: Bonita Springs Charter School

Faculty Mentor:Jamie Wilson

Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

“Creating Healthy Communities” Award

Project Title: Immokalee Medical Brigade

Presenter(s): Logan Alles & Andrew Parra

Community Partner: Ciclovia

Faculty Mentor: N/A

Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being

“Children Are Our Future” Award

Project Title: Franklin Park Elementary Theater Club

Presenter(s): Kyle Carson, Amanda Collins, Robin O'Connell, Lily Grace Zipprer, Bianca Arello Resin

Community Partner: Franklin Park Elementary School / United Way

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dan Bacalzo

Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Quality Education

“Standing For Social Justice” Award

Project Title: Discovering Haiti

Presenter: Coralie Paschal

Community Partner: Dunbar High School

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Delphine Gras

Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Reduced Inequalities

People’s Choice

Project Title: Eco-Eagles

Presenter(s): Leah Godiksen, Josephine Hoberman - Krista Castrogovianni - Billy Riphin - Evan Silva - Austin Grove

Community Partner: Eco FGCU

Faculty Mentor: Bryan Schaffer

Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Clean Water & Sanitation

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

First Place in Undergraduate Presentation

• Student: Elizabeth Myers
  Title: Determining the antifungal activity of 54 single plant essential oils against the pathogenic fungus
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Matthew Swearingen

Second Place in Undergraduate Presentation

• Student: Bonnie Greiner
  Title: A floristic inventory of the Estero River Scrub section of Estero Bay Preserve State Park
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jay Horn

Best Graduate Presentation (tie)

• Student: Arial Morrison Credeur
  Title: A Subject of Wondrous Afflictions: English and Indigenous Women's Experiences of War in the Early Eighteenth Century
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Frances Davey
• Student: Korrina Melton
  Title: Modeling T Cell Exhaustion During Immune Response to Covid-19
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Peng Feng

Best Undergraduate Presentation in Department of Biological Sciences (tie)

• Student: Ella Guedouar
  Title: Effect of Isolation on Semantic Alarm Call Recognition in an Isolated Captive Vervet Monkey
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Charles Gunnels
• Student: Nathalie Reyes
  Title: Analyzing Fibronectin Expression in Native and Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Samples
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lyndsay Rhodes

Best Undergraduate Presentation in Department of Ecology & Environmental Studies

• Student: Marina Morningstar
  Title: Spatial ecology and multiscale habitat selection of black spiny tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis)
  Faculty Mentor: Matt Metcalf

Best Undergraduate Presentation in Department of Marine & Earth Sciences
TBD

Best Graduate Presentation in The Water School

• Student: Ilexxis Morales
  Title: Paleotempestology of the East Coast of Florida
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Joanne Muller

Whitaker College of Engineering (WCOE)

Best Graduate Engineering Research:

• Authors: Quillan Arico, Lauren Redfern, Jan DeJarnette, John Langan, Cindy Linh Lu, Kimberly Sutter
  Title: Pilot-scale phytoremediation of landfill leachate using floating treatment wetlands.
  Faculty Mentor: Ashley Danley-Thomson

Best Undergraduate Engineering Research:

• Student: Tyson O'Gilvie
  Title: Simulating Vehicle Collisions with Unity - an Open Source Video Game Engine
  Faculty Mentor: Derek Lura

Best Undergraduate Engineering Design

• Students: Alexander Sherlock, Matthew Crater, Noah Marker, Alan Reyes
  Title: Single Point Intersection Project
  Faculty Mentor: Ashraf Badir

Lutgert College of Business (LCOB)

Dean’s Award for Best Undergraduate Presentations:

• Student: Elizabeth Berg
  Title: Home Ownership Rates and Related Influential Variables: Real Estate Markets, 2008 and 2020.
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hulya Julie Yazici

• Student: Kailey Stockinger
  Title: New Privately Owned Housing Units Started VS 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rates.
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hulya Julie Yazici

• Student: Katherine Ryan
  Title: The Use of Data Analytics to Examine Salaries Among NBA and WNBA Athletes.
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hulya Julie Yazici

• Students: Dominique Caruso, Mauricio Amaro, Jessica Drouse
  Title: Determining what factors affect Brand Love.
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Gina Tran

Dean’s Award for Best Graduate Presentation:

• Students: Zhishan Liang, Janet Retana
  Title: How Has CAM Implementation Worked Out? – Evidence From Stakeholders' Input.
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Arianna Pinello

Marieb College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS)

Graduate Presentations

 First Prize

• Student: Kate Brink
  Title: Increasing Vaginal Deliveries After Cesarean Sections in Southwest Florida
  Faculty Mentor: Christina Dzioba

Second Prize

• Student: Michelle English
  Title: An Acute Otitis Media Toolkit to Address the Use of Inappropriate Antibiotics and Ensure Compliance
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Paula Davis-Huffman

Third Prize

• Students: Alyssa Nieves, Tyler Corbin
  Title: Quantification of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Induced Hyperemia Using MSK US
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rob Sillevis

Undergraduate Presentation

First Prize

• Students: Betul Gunerm, Kendall Miller
  Title: Feasibility Study of Work Well Job-readiness Training for Young Adults with High Functioning Autism
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Annemarie Connor

College of Education (COE)

Best Educational Research Design

• Author: Carla Huck
  Presentation Title: How to Overcome the Challenges from the COVID-19 Pandemic in K-12 Education: A Systematic Literature Review
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jingshun Zhang

Best Faculty-Student Collaboration

• Authors: Dr. Tunde Szecsi, Dr. Debra Giambo, Rachel Bledsoe & William Buchanan
  Presentation Title: Voices to be heard: Refugee students’ experiences with learning English during COVID-19 in Southwest Florida"

 Best Undergraduate Presentation

• Authors: Cassidy Holz, Danielle Miller
  Presentation Title: "Teacher Candidate Perceptions of Phonological Awareness for English Learners"
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Debra Giambo

 Best Graduate Presentation

• Author: Clarisse Halpern
  Presentation Title: Qualitative Longitudinal Studies in EducationResearch: A Systematic Literature Review
  Faculty Mentor: Hasan Aydin

Honorable Mention

1. Presentation: Literature Synthesis.  Authors: Sophia Szpunar & Karington Reed
2. Presentation: Impact of Phonological Awareness & Phonics Instruction on Elementary ELs PA Skills
3. Presentation: Teacher Candidates and ELL Phonological Awareness. Authors: Rachel Bledsoe Bass & Kaley Vahlkamp
4. Presentation: A systematic review of the course development. Author: Stephanie Cho Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Jingshun, Dr. Bei Cao, and Dr. Xiaofei Zhang
5. Presentation: Lessons from Brazil: Schoolteachers' Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic School Closures Faculty Advisor:
6. Presentation: Children & Adolescents Reading to Shelter Dogs Authors: Kaitlyn Brown, Dr. Melissa Meehan, and Dr. Nate Turcotte

Overall Awards

Emerald Award

Best service-learning project from a class in which service-learning is not required in every section of the course; the faculty member has chosen (is not required) to integrate service-learning into their class.

• Honoring African American Women in History
  Presenter: Coralie Paschal
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Delphine Gras
  Community Partner:  Dunbar High School
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Gender Equality 

Cobalt Award (Tie)

Best service-learning project from a class in which service-learning is required in every section of the course.

• Campus Cancer Campaign:  Students Educating Students About Cancer Risk
  Presenters: Alayna Ryan and Katherine Patterson
  Additional Project Members:  Samantha Allard, Logan Alles, Alley Duffany, Colette Krzywick, Alexa Barrera, Cristina Campero, Lady Gonzalez Perez, Karan Kalia, Anusha Malik, Ashley Maroney, Xochil Romero, Neah Schlabach, Arianna Smith, Andrew Stombaugh, Sean Sullivan
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lyndsay Rhodes
  Community Partners:  
  FGCU Cancer Research Foundation and FGCU Department of Biological Science
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Good Health & Well-Being
  
  
  
• Sustainability Projects at Cutting Horse Eco-Center, a Project by the Coccoloba Chapter of The Florida Native Plant Society
  Presenter: Cassie Valenti 
  Faculty Mentor: Courtney Satkoski
  Community Partner:  The Coccoloba Chapter of The Florida Native Plant Society
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Life On Land 
  

Best Independent Service-Learning Project

Best service-learning project from an individual (or group) not connected to an organization, class, or team.

• The Conscientious Citizen:  Advocating for Mental Health by Establishing Connections Within the Community  
  Presenter: Kelly Maguire 
  Community Partner: Kids Minds Matter at Golisano Children's Hospital
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Good Health and Well-Being 
  

Best Organization Service-Learning Project

Best service-learning project from an organization including but not limited to fraternity or sorority, registered student organization, sport club, or athletic team.

• Students and Seniors:  From Our Nest to Theirs.   
  Bridging the Intergenerational Divide with a Letter Writing Campaign  
  Presenters: Emanuella Cervello, Sarah Martin, Katelin Foster, Kea Kamiya, Quinton Jeske, Payton Wolf 
  Faculty Mentors: Dr. Fiona Tolhurst, Courtney Satkoski
  Community Partner: Students and Seniors: From Our Nest to Theirs
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Good Health and Well-Being
  

Topic Specific Awards

Best One Class, One Project

• Trails for Tails 2021:  Leading & Serving with Lovers Key State Park
  Faculty Mentor: Jessica Rhea
  Community Partners: Lovers Key State Park, Friends of Lovers Key, & The Native Plant Society
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Life on Land 
  

Best Sustainability & Environmental Awareness

• Sustainability Projects at Cutting Horse Eco-Center, a Project by the Coccoloba Chapter of The Florida Native Plant Society
  Presenter: Cassie Valenti 
  Faculty Mentor: Courtney Satkoski
  Community Partner:  The Coccoloba Chapter of The Florida Native Plant Society
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Life On Land 

Best Community-Based Research

• The Work: Impacting Southwest Florida Communities
  Presenter: Antoria Miller and Derek Wright
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela Corley
  Community Partner: Harry Chapin Food Bank
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Good Health and Well-Being

Best First-Year Student Project

• Endangered Panthers Virtual Field Trip
  Presenters: Robin Levine and Joshua Sanchez
  Faculty Mentor: Maria Barbero
  Community Partner: fStop Foundation
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Life on Land

“Creating Healthy Communities” Award

• Students and Seniors:  From Our Nest to Theirs.   
  Bridging the Intergenerational Divide with a Letter Writing Campaign  
  Presenters: Emanuella Cervello, Sarah Martin, Katelin Foster, Kea Kamiya, Quinton Jeske, Payton Wolf 
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Fiona Tolhurst, Courtney Satkoski
  Community Partner: Students and Seniors: From Our Nest to Theirs
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Good Health and Well-Being

“Children Are Our Future” Award

• The Conscientious Citizen:  Advocating for Mental Health by Establishing Connections Within the Community  
  Presenter: Kelly Maguire 
  Community Partner: Kids Minds Matter at Golisano Children's Hospital
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Good Health and Well-Being
  
  

“Standing For Social Justice” Award

• Honoring African American Women in History
  Presenter: Coralie Paschal
  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Delphine Gras
  Community Partner:  Dunbar High School
  Sustainable Development Goal focus:  Gender Equality

First Place: Water Quality in South West Florida | Presenter: Alexis Ludwig (Environmental Studies/Marine Science)

Second Place: Events and Estates | Presenter: Jasmine Maximilien (Resort & Hospitality )

Third Place: Rookery Bay Reserve Fire | Presenter: Hannah Hensler (Environmental Studies)