University Libraries

      2023 Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Award finalists, winner named

      Three finalists offered presentations of their research on Thursday, May 4, in Pattee Library and Paterno Library’s Foster Auditorium and via Zoom

      The 2023 Robert F. Guentter Jr. Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Award finalists and award recipients are, from left, Priya Devanarayan, third place; Luisina Kemanian-Leites, second place; and Casey Sennett, the 2023 Robert F. Guentter Jr. Grand Prize winner. All three Penn State students are Schreyer Scholars in the Schreyer Honors College. Credit: Chris Blaska, Penn State University Libraries / Penn State. Creative Commons

      UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Libraries and the Schreyer Honors College recognized three finalists and named Casey Sennett, Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, the grand prize winner of the 12th annual Robert F. Guentter Jr. Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis on Thursday, May 4, in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, and online via Zoom, immediately following the three finalists’ presentations. A recording of the event is now available.

      Prior to the finalists’ presentations, Faye A. Chadwell, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications, and Patrick Mather, dean of the Schreyer Honors College, announced the top three candidates for the award. The finalists and their final placements are: 

      • Third place: Priya Devanarayan, Schreyer Scholar majoring in biology, minoring in bioethics and medical humanities, Eberly College of Science, thesis titled “The Danger of Being Anesthetized: The Common Use of Unauthorized Pelvic Exams as Teaching Practice Constitutes Unethical Assault on and Objectification of Patients”;  

      • Second Place: Luisina Kemanian-Leites, Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar majoring in international politics and Latin American studies; minoring in Arabic, Middle East studies and Spanish, College of the Liberal Arts, thesis titled “A Solution to ‘The Problem from Hell’?: Quantifying the Effects of International Military Interventions During Mass Killings and Genocides”;   

      • Robert F. Guentter, Jr. Grand Prize winner: Casey Sennett, Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar pursuing master’s and undergraduate degrees in anthropology and undergraduate degrees in history, Jewish studies, and Middle East studies, College of the Liberal Arts, thesis titled “Overlooked Histories: An Ethnographic and Historical Study of the Jewish Communities of Central Pennsylvania.” 

      Awards are given annually to three finalists with outstanding undergraduate theses that are grounded in quality research, as determined by a jury of librarians and other Penn State faculty. The Robert F. Guentter Jr. Grand Prize winner is awarded $1,250, second place is awarded $750, and third place is awarded $500. 

      The University Libraries initiated the Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Award to emphasize the importance of utilizing quality research methods and employing a thorough understanding of the legal and ethical issues related to the use of information — both key components of academic excellence. For Schreyer Scholars, Paterno Fellows and others for which a thesis is the capstone of their undergraduate experience, this competition recognizes the discerning inquiry and diligent research practices and documentation undertaken by the scholars in preparation for graduation. 

      The submissions process for the Robert F. Guentter Jr. Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Award begins in January of each year. Penn State students who have graduated in summer of the previous year or fall or spring of the current academic year are eligible to participate. The finalists’ theses and presentations are judged by a panel of Penn State faculty including several librarians. Details about the award are available on the University Libraries website. 

      For more information, contact Wendi Keeler at 814-863-5449 or wak109@psu.edu. 

      Last Updated May 8, 2023

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