The Office of Faculty Engagement is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2021 Maris Awards, celebrating outstanding undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative achievement presented at Stetson University.
The Maris Awards honor students whose work demonstrates excellence in innovation, academic rigor, and effective communication. The 2021 recipients represent a diverse range of disciplines and exemplify the spirit of inquiry and creativity fostered within the Stetson community.
Art and Digital Arts Presentations and Exhibitions
Grace Crandall – A Place You Want to Stay
Junior Music Recitals
Elené Okruashvili – Piano
Oral Presentations
D. Zevi Altus – Estimating Kurdish Population in Turkey: Population Modeling with Regression and Leslie Matrices
Anna Baj – Investigating How a Single Point Mutation in FUS1 Alters Yeast Cell Fusion
Matis Fogel – Using Molecular Docking to Study Known SINE XPO1 Inhibitors and to Design Novel SINE XPO1 Inhibitors
Shmuel Fogel – Ethanol-Based Extracts from Alpinia zerumbet Induce Apoptosis in CLL Cells
Alison Martin – Effects of Ibuprofen on Development of Axolotl Embryos
Tahira Perry – Impact of Light Availability and the Mutualistic Relationship with Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium, Rhizobium, on Above-Ground Growth of Chamaecrista fasciculata
Jessica Matilszki – Selling Secondhand Concert Tickets: What Is Your Best Bet?
Aliya Cruise and Caleb Roberts – (ACT)ion: Combating Social Justice Issues Through Devised Theatre
The Office of Faculty Engagement congratulates all of the 2021 Maris Award recipients on their exceptional accomplishments. Their dedication to research, scholarship, and creative expression continues to strengthen Stetson University’s tradition of academic excellence and innovation.
The Office of Faculty Engagement proudly recognizes the recipients of the 2019 Maris Awards, celebrating outstanding undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative achievement showcased by Stetson University students.
The Maris Awards honor presentations that demonstrate excellence in originality, academic rigor, and communication across a broad range of disciplines. The 2019 recipients exemplify the innovative spirit and intellectual curiosity that define the Stetson community.
Poster Presentations
Tara Breeden – The Effects of tDCS and Meditation on Anxiety and Attention
Hallie Kimbrel – Comparison of the Distribution of Southern Rays (Hypanus americanus) and Bluntnose Rays (Hypanus say) in Pinellas County, Florida
Katherine Scott – Keep Calm and Pray On: The Exploration of How Religious Involvement Predicts Anxiety Levels
Samantha McPherson – Assessing the Metabolic Cost of Pregnancy in Pygmy Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus miliarius)
Art Exhibition
Solomon Nehrig – Harmonic Levels
Music Recitals
Kat Kirby-Kopczynski – Voice (Soprano)
Oral Presentations
Claretta Holsey – Mouth Sound
Elijah McCoy – App-tastic: How Can Technology Improve the Stage Management Process?
Zoe Weaver – Bu Yi Yang: Why Democracy in Taiwan Is in Two
Samantha Harris – The Limitations Behind a Laser Range Finder
William Gillett – Analyzing Cryptobiosis in Tardigrades: Hypsibius dujardini and Dactylbiotus dispar
Molly Flanagan – The Effect of Informative Contexts on the Recall of the Orthographic Representations of Words
Business
Kailee Howe – Mish Mash Bowl
Nathaniel Diamond, Nathaniel Smith, Regis Steighner, and Matthew Sweeney – A New Business Approach for the Cancer Action Network of the American Cancer Society
The Office of Faculty Engagement congratulates all of the 2019 Maris Award recipients on their exceptional accomplishments and thanks the faculty mentors, judges, and organizers who support undergraduate research and creative activity at Stetson University.
The Office of Faculty Engagement is pleased to recognize the recipients of the 2018 Maris Awards, honoring exceptional undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative achievement presented at Stetson Showcase.
The Maris Awards celebrate students whose presentations exemplify academic excellence, innovation, and effective communication across a diverse range of disciplines. From scientific research and business innovation to the arts and humanities, these projects reflect the creativity and dedication of Stetson students.
Poster Presentations
Slavina Ancheva – The Effects of European Union Economic Policy on Bulgaria and Romania
Mackenzie Quinn – Investigating the Accessibility to Select Organic Food Sources Based on Food Desert Characteristics within DeLand, Florida
Ana Rodriguez – Adaptive Significance of Homing in the Limpet (Siphonaria pectinata) in Central Florida
Ashtan Madsen – Academic Self-Efficacy is More Closely Associated with Anxiety than Social Support
Art Exhibition
Ariana Santana – Wild Growth
Junior Music Recitals
Alexander Rivera-Charles – Clarinet
Oral Presentations
Rebekah Anderson – The Son of Man and the Historical Jesus
Marissa Hanley – Barlovius: DeLand’s Vacation into the Eldritch
Veronica Faison – Standing Up by Kneeling Down: The Delegitimization of Colin Kaepernick’s “Taking the Knee” Protest in Fox News’ Media Coverage
Alexander Krest – A Comparative Field Study Regarding the Competitive Growth Rates ofCeratophyllum demersumandHydrilla verticillata
Justin Corriss – Crushing Sweet: The Historical Origins of Sweet Wine Stigmatization
James McNichols – Alpinia zerumbet Essential Oil Ethanol Extracts Derived from the Rhizome, Seed, and Seed Covering Reduce Jurkat Leukemia Cell Viability via XIAP1 and PARP Modulation
Business Competitions
Ethics
Nate Smith and Sara Klass – The Ethics of Hacking
Stock Pitch
Leah Hauserman – Knowles Corp
Family Business
William “Billy” Harris, Alycia Perkins, and Ryan Burke – LEE KUM Kee – Motivating the Fifth Generation
Entrepreneurship
Zachary Harshbarger – The Stink Box
The Office of Faculty Engagement congratulates all of the 2018 Maris Award recipients on their outstanding accomplishments. Their scholarship, creativity, and dedication embody the spirit of academic excellence and undergraduate research at Stetson University.
The Office of Faculty Engagement is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Willa Dean Lowery Fund to Support Research in the Natural Sciences. Established through the generosity of Dr. Willa Dean Lowery ’48, the fund supports innovative research projects that advance scientific discovery while providing meaningful opportunities for student engagement in research.
This year’s recipients represent a diverse range of disciplines across the natural sciences, with projects spanning cancer biology, environmental chemistry, ecology, exercise physiology, and microbiology.
The Office of Faculty Engagement congratulates the 2026 Willa Dean Lowery Award recipients and looks forward to the discoveries and student research opportunities that will emerge from these innovative projects. Their work exemplifies Stetson University’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through faculty scholarship and undergraduate research engagement.
Dr. Roslyn Crowder, Associate Professor of Biology
Defining SINE2-Mediated Human Jurkat Leukemia Cell Growth Inhibition
Roslyn Crowder’s project investigates the role of SINE2 in regulating the growth of human Jurkat leukemia cells. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved in cell growth inhibition, this research seeks to improve our understanding of leukemia biology and identify potential pathways that may contribute to future therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Matthew Shannon, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
Comparative Assessment of Chlorophyll a and Turbidity Across Distinct Florida Aquatic Systems
Matthew Shannon will examine relationships between chlorophyll a concentrations and turbidity in a variety of Florida aquatic environments. This study aims to provide valuable insight into water quality dynamics and ecosystem health, contributing to a better understanding of environmental conditions across diverse aquatic systems.
Dr. Candid0 Diaz, Assistant Professor of Biology
Prevalence and Diversity of Moth Pheromone Mimicry by Orb-Weaving Spiders
Candid0 Diaz and collaborator Ricky Coulson will investigate the extent to which orb-weaving spiders mimic moth pheromones to attract prey. By exploring the prevalence and diversity of this remarkable ecological strategy, the project will contribute to our understanding of predator-prey interactions and chemical communication in nature.
Dr. Drake Eserhaut, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
Monitoring Yearlong Changes in Blood Lactate Thresholds and Skeletal Muscle Oxygen Saturation Kinetics in NCAA Division I Male and Female Rowers
Working alongside Matthew Schrager, Erica Goldstein, and Brian Benitez, Dr. Drake Eserhaut will investigate yearlong changes in blood lactate thresholds and skeletal muscle oxygen saturation kinetics among NCAA Division I male and female rowers. The project seeks to improve understanding of physiological adaptations to training and competition, providing valuable insight into factors that influence athletic performance and endurance development.
Dr. Jean Smith, Associate Professor of Biology
Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of an Understudied Bacterial Species in the Oral Microbiome
Jean Smith’s research focuses on the genomic and phenotypic characteristics of a bacterial species that remains poorly understood within the oral microbiome. The project seeks to expand knowledge of microbial diversity and function, providing insights that may contribute to future studies of oral health and disease.
Congratulations to the recipient of the 2022 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Office of Faculty Engagement proudly congratulates Dr. Randall Croom, Associate Professor of Management and Assistant Director of the Honors Program, on receiving the 2026 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching.
As Stetson University’s highest recognition for teaching excellence, the McEniry Award honors faculty members whose impact extends beyond the classroom through exceptional instruction, meaningful mentorship, and a lasting commitment to student success.
For Dr. Croom, that impact is reflected not only in what his students learn, but in how they grow under his guidance. Nominations from students, colleagues, and industry professionals consistently highlighted his ability to challenge students while providing unwavering support throughout their academic and professional journeys. As one student shared, “Of all the teachers I’ve had at Stetson, this professor has left the biggest impact on me, teaching real-world scenarios and adding wisdom that will guide me for the rest of my life.”
Another student emphasized the care and preparation Dr. Croom brings to every class, noting that “he truly and deeply cares about every single one of his students.” During the award presentation, these themes were captured through the image of a mentor who does more than teach—someone who walks alongside students and, in their most difficult moments, helps carry them forward.
Through his dedication to experiential learning, mentorship, and student development, Dr. Croom embodies the spirit of the McEniry Award and the values it celebrates.
Please join the Office of Faculty Engagement in congratulating Dr. Randall Croom on this well-deserved recognition and thanking him for his continued contributions to Stetson University and its students.
Dr. Randall Croom
Associate Professor of Management and Assistant Director of the Honors Program
Congratulations to the recipient of the 2025 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Office of Faculty Engagement proudly congratulates Dr. John Riggs, Professor of Practice in Marketing and Director of the Centurion Sales Excellence Program, on receiving the 2025 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching.
As Stetson University’s highest honor for teaching excellence, the McEniry Award recognizes faculty members whose dedication to education, mentorship, and service leaves a lasting impact on students and the university community.
For Dr. Riggs, that impact extends far beyond the classroom. Students consistently describe him as an educator who makes challenging concepts approachable while creating an environment where every student feels encouraged to participate, grow, and succeed. One student reflected that his teaching transformed uncertainty into confidence and even inspired a new direction for their future.
Equally significant is Dr. Riggs’ commitment to mentorship. Nominations highlighted his willingness to invest time in students outside the classroom—offering career guidance, interview preparation, and personal encouragement during internships and job searches. His support helps students not only develop professional skills but also gain confidence in their long-term goals.
Colleagues likewise praised Dr. Riggs for his collaborative spirit and generosity, describing him as someone who elevates those around him and fosters success across the Stetson community. Through his leadership of the Centurion Sales Excellence Program and his dedication to experiential learning, he has prepared countless students to excel in business and beyond.
The Office of Faculty Engagement is pleased to celebrate Dr. John Riggs on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued commitment to teaching, mentorship, and student success.
Dr. John Riggs Professor of Practice in Marketing and Director of the Centurion Sales Excellence Program
Congratulations to the recipient of the 2024 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Office of Faculty Engagement is proud to congratulate Dr. Katya Kudryavtseva, Associate Professor of Art History and Curator of the Vera Bluemner Kouba Collection, on receiving the 2024 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching.
As Stetson University’s most prestigious teaching honor, the McEniry Award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate exceptional classroom instruction, intellectual leadership, professional achievement, and meaningful service to students and the university community. (Stetson University)
Dr. Kudryavtseva is recognized for her engaging and interdisciplinary approach to teaching, her dedication to mentoring students, and her ability to connect art history with broader cultural and historical conversations. Through her work in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design, she has helped cultivate curiosity, creativity, and global understanding among her students.
Her contributions to scholarship, curation, and experiential learning continue to enrich the Stetson academic experience and reflect the university’s teacher-scholar tradition. (Stetson University)
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kudryavtseva on this outstanding achievement and thanking her for her continued commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship.
Dr. Katya Kudryavtseva Associate Professor of Art History
Congratulations to the recipient of the 2023 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Office of Faculty Engagement is proud to congratulate Dr. Cynthia Bennington, Professor of Biology, on receiving the 2023 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching, Stetson University’s highest honor for teaching excellence.
Established in 1974, the McEniry Award recognizes faculty members who embody exceptional classroom teaching, intellectual growth, professional achievement, and meaningful service to students and the university community. (Stetson University)
Dr. Bennington is widely admired for her dedication to student mentorship, innovative teaching, and commitment to scientific inquiry. Through her work in the Department of Biology, she has inspired generations of students to pursue research, critical thinking, and academic excellence.
Her impact extends far beyond the classroom through collaborative scholarship, undergraduate research mentorship, and a deep commitment to fostering student success across the Stetson community. (Stetson University)
Please join us in celebrating Dr. Bennington on this well-deserved recognition and thanking her for her continued dedication to teaching, scholarship, and the Stetson community.
Since 1988, the Hand Awards for Distinguished Faculty Achievement are made possible through the continued generosity of trustee emeritus and alumna, the late Dolly Hand and her late husband, Homer Hand. Through their support of excellence in higher education, Stetson University is honored this year to recognize the professional achievements of two outstanding faculty members in two primary areas: in Research, Creative, and Professional Activity, and in Community Impact.
Hand Award for Research, Creative, and Professional Activity
This first Hand Award celebrates outstanding achievement in Research, Creative, and Professional Activity.
Prior to accepting an invitation to join the faculty at Stetson University in 2015, this faculty member served as a National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research post-doctoral Fellow at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Health Services and Outcomes Research. Since May 2024, this faculty member has served as faculty director of Advanced Analytics, and prior, as faculty director of Research Design and Analytics with the Stetson Center for Public Opinion Research.
This scholar is a quantitative psychologist and epidemiologist whose research exemplifies the spirit of the Hand Award through the exceptional quality, impact, and scope. Their recent research focuses on water conservation and coastal resilience, officer-involved shootings, pain perceptions in pancreatitis, cognitive impairment, and innovations in the field of prosthetics. In the last five years alone, this faculty member has amassed an impressive body of research to the tune of approximately 30 publication which have been published in the top journals in the field. In addition to other scholarly contributions, their work has been cited nearly 2,000 times, with over 4, 100 citations over the course of this scholar’s career.
Their intellectual contributions have significantly enhanced the disciplinary field as well as the intellectual landscape of Stetson University.This teacher-scholar is heavily involved in psychometrics research, a field of study in psychology concerned with the theory and technique of measurement. These specialized studies are deeply informative for this scholar’s teaching and have been also useful for several of their service functions at the university.
One nominator wrote, “[This colleague] has an incredible H-index of 29, demonstrating a solid research performance and clear influence and impact within their field. It is worth noting that [their] research expertise has been invaluable to the university directly. [This colleague] has served as the faculty director of Advanced Analytics with [ Stetson’s] Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, providing invaluable data on issues such as the effectiveness of Student Evaluations of Teaching. [Their] expertise with statistical analysis has been essential in guiding the university toward sound policy.”
Their record of scholarship reflects the very best of Stetson University’s teacher-scholar ideal. Through sustained research excellence, generous mentorship, and a deep commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, this scholar has amplified the reach and reputation of Stetson’s academic mission.
Therefore, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field, and passionate dedication to students and the Stetson community, it gives me great pleasure on behalf of the faculty, staff, and students at Stetson University to present the 2026 Hand Award for Research, Creative, and Professional Activity to Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Robert Askew.
Dr. Robert Askew.
Hand Award for Community Impact
This second Hand Award celebrates outstanding achievement in Community Impact. The award recipient joined Stetson’s faculty corps 30 years ago in 1996, and was recognized in 2023 with Stetson’s highest honor, the William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2025, this community warrior was named Faculty Partner of the Year, an award that recognizes outstanding collaboration and partnership with the broader community.
This faculty member embodies the spirit of the Hand Award for Community Impact through dedicated, hands-on service that elevates the critical importance of the outdoor classroom. For example, this scientist makes science accessible and fun for the public by organizing Science Saturdays. These family-friendly events invite children and adults to explore science and the environment through engaging activities that leave participants with a life-long love for nature. As such, throughout their longstanding Stetson career, this consummate teacher-scholar not only practices the art of science through prolific field research with students and publication of findings but expertly translates this and other work to strengthen environmental education and sustainability efforts.
An advocate for promoting citizen-science, this faculty member’s tireless work on the construction, leadership, and care for the flourishing Volusia Sandhill Ecosystem is widely recognized by faculty and community members. Individuals of all ages have been actively engaged in this community environmental endeavor. Personal testimonies attest to their impact on the project. This space has become an valued outdoor classroom and enriching community resource, even earning recognition from the Florida Native Plant Society for its educational and environmental importance. One nominator wrote “ Over [their] whole career at Stetson [this individual] has gone above and beyond to enhance and support environmental education and sustainability in our community through[their] work, building and maintaining the Volusia Sandhill Ecosystem as a wonderful interactive and beautiful teaching landscape. “
Therefore, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to bringing learning about the environment to life for University students and the broader community, her tireless dedication to students, and her collaborative spirit that has enriched the Stetson and broader communities, it gives me great pleasure on behalf of the faculty, staff, and students at Stetson University to present the prestigious 2026 Hand Award for Community Impact to Professor of Biology Dr. Cynthia Bennington.
Dr. Cynthia Bennington.
Presented by Dr. Katty Webb, Dean of the Library and Learning Technologieson May 8, 2026 at the 2026 Academic Awards and Recognition Ceremony
On April 14, 2026, Stetson University will host its annual Showcase, a longstanding celebration of undergraduate research, creative activity, and academic excellence. Now in its twenty-eighth year, the event highlights the depth and diversity of student scholarship across disciplines.
This year’s theme, “Currents of Curiosity: Crossing Streams,” reflects the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of student work, as ideas move across boundaries between science, technology, the arts, and the humanities.
The Showcase will feature poster sessions, oral presentations, art exhibitions, and music recitals, offering students the opportunity to share research ranging from environmental studies and public health to artificial intelligence and social analysis.
The 2026 Grady Ballenger keynote speaker, Dr. Antonio Byrd, will address the role of generative AI in research and publishing, encouraging thoughtful engagement with both its possibilities and ethical implications.
Through this event, Stetson continues to foster curiosity, creativity, and clear communication, preparing students to engage meaningfully with an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
