Local Scholars Shine in 2024 Research and Creative Activity Awards

The 2024 Research and Creative Activity Awards have honored a diverse group of scholars and creators for their significant contributions across various fields. Eric Cerino from the Department of Psychological Sciences received the title of Most Promising New Research Scholar. His research focuses on improving cognitive health equity and addressing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in rural northern Arizona to enhance the well-being of elderly populations.

Lillie Gordon from the Kitt School of Music was named the Most Promising New Artistic or Creative Scholar. Gordon established the NAU Middle East Ensemble, which includes both students and community members. The group's recent benefit concert supported earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria, demonstrating its dedication to social impact through music.

Melinda Smith, a Ph.D. student at the interdisciplinary health and the Center for Health Equity Research, was awarded Most Promising Graduate Student Research Scholar. Her research examines the links between certain cancers and Type 2 diabetes among Indigenous populations in Arizona, aiming to develop effective health education interventions for the Hopi reservation.

Lindsey Gallagher, an MFA student in the Department of English, is developing a thesis project that consists of a series of creative nonfiction essays. These essays discuss the concept of home through personal and community stories from Shelter Island, New York, offering perspectives on how identity is influenced by our surroundings and past.

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