Miami Hamilton students honored for academic success

April 13, 2006

A Student Scholar Symposium will honor eight Miami University Hamilton students for outstanding work, April 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in The Harry T. Wilks Conference Center. The symposium provides students the opportunity to explain to the campus community and especially to fellow students how they achieved academic successes at Miami University Hamilton.

Markeda Coker, who is majoring in black world studies and social work, will present her paper titled, “Rosa Parks.” According to her nominator, Dr. Mark Christian, associate professor of black world studies and sociology, “Coker’s work is of very high standard. Through this assignment, which looked at Africana womanism, and the work of Dr. Clenora Hudson-Weems, Markeda brought the two elements together and made insightful connections.”

Kristann Ott, who is majoring in anthropology, will discuss her paper titled, “Race, Class and Cultural Borders in Northern Wisconsin.” Ott grew up in Wisconsin in a log cabin built by her father that had no electricity or running water. Her parents taught her in a holistic manner introducing their daughters to various religious teachings and cultural beliefs. Ott plans to turn this short essay into a memoir of her earlier years.

Mary Spilman, majoring in psychology, will present her work, "Cross Cultural Comparison in Intimate Partner Violence." Spilmann’s nominator, Dr. Trish Ellerson, assistant professor of psychology, praises her work. “Mary shows great intellect in her interpretation and application of concepts found in the literature on cross-cultural definitions and causes of violence." Spilman will present the first portion of a study looking at cross-cultural comparisons of the social cognitive aspects of intimate partner violence.

Betty Jo Unthank, majoring in botany, will present her "Kinship Project." Nominated by Perry L. Gnivecki, visiting assistant professor of anthropology, Unthank will discuss her project of looking in the history of her family tree and the incredible mysteries it uncovers.

Janet Utech, majoring in psychology, will present "The Role of Attachment Styles in Social Anxiety." Last year, Utech was selected as one of three outstanding psychology students on the Hamilton campus. A mother of four, Utech is about to graduate with her bachelor's degree in psychology.

Jonathan Cheek, majoring in zoology, will present "The Effects of Prey Availability in the Wolf Spider Community." Nominated by Dr. Ann Rypstra. professor of zoology, Cheek's research efforts have resulted in two grants. He was awarded an undergraduate research grant from Miami University this year and a grant honoring research excellence from Procter and Gamble.

LaMont Spencer, majoring in marketing management, will present "Basic Instructions for Making Stained Glass." According to his nominator, Dr. Christy Karnes, visiting assistant professor of English, "Spencer's ability to gracefully meld together what many still consider to be binary terms—art and business, learning and teaching, creativity and polished skill, and the tangible with technology—make him a standout candidate."

Katrina Owens, majoring in art, will present her speech, "Learn to Draw in Charcoal: A world of Color turned Black and White." A fine arts major, Owens has been accepted into the art department at Miami to complete her bachelor's degree. She will present her speech she prepared for COM 135—a course, which she had dreaded, that turned out to be one of her favorites.