Research
A Season of Progress: Celebrating WSSU’s Achievements Together
December 03, 2024
As I reflect on my first months as Chancellor of Winston-Salem State University, I am inspired by the incredible accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Homecoming was a highlight of my time here. It was incredible to watch generations of the Ramily come together to celebrate all that is wonderful about WSSU.
Dr. Rashunda Richardson awarded more than half-a-million dollar grant to advance research capacity at WSSU
October 10, 2024
Dr. Rashunda Richardson, associate professor of psychological science at Winston-Salem State University, was awarded $571,146 from the National Science Foundation as part of an HBCU collaborative to advance research capacity at HBCUs.HUD awards $4M to Winston-Salem State University to create Research Center of Excellence
October 03, 2024
Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded nearly $4 million to Winston-Salem State University to establish a Research Center of Excellence. Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman made the announcement during a press conference on WSSU’s campus following her visit with students.
WSSU professor, Dr. Keisha Rogers, awarded NEH grant to explore dynamics of Black faculty at HBCUs
September 05, 2024
Dr. Keisha Grayson Rogers, professor of rehabilitation counseling at Winston-Salem State University, was awarded a $299,989 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Collaborative Research grant. Rogers’ project was one of four funded in the state of North Carolina.WSSU senior lands year round internship with SAS
August 15, 2024
Winston-Salem State University senior Robert Moore has spent this year serving as a business operations year round intern with the SAS Healthcare and Life Sciences team in Cary. Moore, who is majoring in healthcare management, said the internship, which started in January 2024, has been profoundly impactful on his educational journey and career aspirations in healthcare administration.
WSSU selected as biomanufacturing training hub to create high-paying jobs for underserved, diverse workers
May 22, 2024
Winston-Salem State University has been selected as one of six new bioprocessing training hubs that will provide free training to help grow the workforce for biomanufacturing and pharmaceutical industries in North Carolina.Virtual Reality revolutionizes nursing education with Patient Ready's innovative approach
April 05, 2024
In a groundbreaking development, the commercialization of Virtual Reality (VR) experiences in nursing education is poised to transform the landscape of skill acquisition for nursing students.WSSU kicks off Scholarship Week “A Gallery of Genius” on April 1, 2024
March 21, 2024
On Monday, April 1 Winston-Salem State University kicks off Scholarship Week 2024: A Gallery of Genius. WSSU students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend biggest academic event of the year that shines a spotlight on how scholars from all disciplines Unleash their Genius.
WSSU to host town hall, conference on the impact and recovery of COVID-19 among NC counties
March 19, 2024
Winston-Salem State University’s HBCU Research Consortium Team, in collaboration with the NC Counts Coalition, will host a two-day program on the impact of COVID-19 among counties in North Carolina.WSSU hosts ‘We Built This’ exhibit that celebrates Black architects, builders in North Carolina through March at library
March 12, 2024
Preservation North Carolina presents “We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in North Carolina.” The exhibit will be held March 1-31 at the C.G. O’Kelly Library on the campus of Winston-Salem State University.WSSU receives grant to teach students how to use artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically
February 29, 2024
Winston-Salem State University is taking steps to ensure that students learn how to use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly and ethically. More than 200 students are studying various ways to develop and use AI in courses such as art, world films, statistics, chemistry, English, business ethics, and exercise science.
WSSU a partner in innovation engines program in North Carolina, awarded up to $160M in 10-year grant
February 21, 2024
Winston-Salem State University is a part of an inaugural U.S. National Science Foundation Engines Program award that provides $15 million for the first two years and up to $160 million for 10 years.Two 1-Day Research and Development Grant Writing Workshops – March 11 and May 14
February 01, 2024
In collaboration with our partners at the QEM Network, the WSSU Office of Sponsored Programs has scheduled 2 identical 1-day workshops focusing on NIH and NSF grants. These workshops will include intimate knowledge of the grant writing, submission, and review processes with experts.WSSU purchases telescope, upgrades observatory
February 01, 2024
Grant award, $200,000. Observatory upgrades, $115,000. Attracting more African American STEM students to study astronomy, priceless. That’s the overall goal in the purchase of Winston-Salem State University’s new telescope inside its observatory perched atop Hill Hall, said Dr. Lei Zhang, physics professor since 2005.Physical Therapy seeks volunteers for student research dealing with back issues
January 24, 2024
Winston-Salem State University’s Department of Physical Therapy is looking for participants for a study titled: “Evaluation of segmental lumbar spinal motion and physiological responses following common spinal mobilization techniques.”
WSSU junior is first recipient of motorsports scholarship that aims to diversify the industry
January 18, 2024
Ask Virgil Bryant what he likes about motorsports racing and without hesitation he starts to rattle off: it’s the smell of the fuel, the revving of the engines, the squealing of the tires, the drivers – everything. Equally important, he said it was the most fun he had in years when he attended his first NASCAR race.
WSSU student awarded NC Space Grant to fuel her research in growing crops in space
January 10, 2024
Winston-Salem State University student A’nya Buckner of Morrisville is unleashing her genius out of this world. The junior biology major with a chemistry minor has been selected by the N.C. Space Grant as one of the 2023-2024 Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) STEM Bridge Scholars.
Two WSSU students conduct research as American Heart Association HBCU Scholars
January 10, 2024
Winston-Salem State University students Chloe Bryant and Ashley Mack have completed the first part of their academic year research experience in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Scholars Program.WSSU: The Year in Review
January 01, 2024
There is a quote that goes, “the only time you should look back is to see how far you’ve come.” As 2023 ends, Winston-Salem State University looks back at the 15 most impactful news stories of the year that highlight progress, changes, trailblazers, national recognitions, innovation and engagement.WSSU shows you the money
December 21, 2023
It’s been three years since Winston-Salem State University announced its largest donation in the school’s history from a single donor. Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $30 million to WSSU in December 2020.From the White House to NASA, WSSU student making strides as HBCU scholar
December 06, 2023
Not only is Wilson now leading the WSSU Campus Activities Board (CAB) as president, but his college experience has landed him at the White House – not once, but twice – and next year he will be headed to California to pitch a product concept to NASA.
Winston-Salem State University awards Unleash the Genius grants to faculty and staff
November 29, 2023
In February 2023 the Winston-Salem State University Chancellor’s Executive Staff issued a request for proposals for faculty and staff to create programs designed to improve undergraduate student success outcomes focused explicitly on student retention, student engagement, student belonging, and student debt load.
NASA awards $1.3M to WSSU and two other NC HBCUs for data science and AI research
September 05, 2023
NASA has awarded $1.3 million to three N.C. HBCUs including Winston-Salem State University for data science and artificial intelligence research.Winston-Salem State University awarded $5M grant for quantum information science program
August 24, 2023
Winston-Salem State University is making a quantum leap into the future with a $5 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant award to establish and develop its Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) program.Winston-Salem State University incorporates 3D printing of splints into occupational therapy curriculum
August 01, 2023
Winston-Salem State University has become the first university in the country to partner with Spentys to use 3D printing technology to produce high-quality, economic orthotic splints and introduce that technology into its occupational therapy curriculum.
Dr. Tony Artimisi appointed as Associate Provost of Academic Strategy and Institutional Effectiveness
July 13, 2023
After a national search, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Tony Artimisi has been appointed the Associate Provost of Academic Strategy and Institutional Effectiveness effective July 1, 2023.Dr. Shawn Holt appointed as Associate Provost of Research and Innovation
July 13, 2023
After a national search, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Shawn Holt has been appointed the Associate Provost of Research and Innovation effective July 17, 2023.WSSU awarded $2.26 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy
May 31, 2023
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) has been awarded a $2.26 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop quantum information science and engineering (QISE) curricula to help grow a diverse workforce for the emerging field of technology in the Carolinas.WSSU celebrates faculty excellence in research and teaching at annual banquet
May 12, 2023
On May 1, 2023 Winston-Salem State University celebrated its Faculty Awards and Research and Sponsored Program Banquet. WSSU honored faculty and staff members for excellence in teaching, research, and procuring grant funding.
Winston-Salem State University, UNCSA, and the North Carolina Collaboratory partner to launch virtual reality training for nursing students
May 03, 2023
Winston-Salem State University School of Health Sciences will be the first HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in North Carolina to incorporate virtual reality (VR) into the clinical training curriculum for nursing students.WSSU professor receives Professional Writing and Research Award from the North Carolina Counseling Association
March 21, 2023
Dr. Keisha G. Rogers, Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling at Winston-Salem State University received the Professional Writing and Research Award at the North Carolina Counseling Association (NCCA) Annual Conference, held on February 10-11, 2023, in Durham, NC.
Dr. Kathy Stitts elected to serve as Chair of the Academic Resilience Consortium
February 01, 2023
Dr. Kathy Stitts was selected to chair the Academic Resilience Consortium. The consortium is an association of over 600 faculty, staff, and higher education students dedicated to understanding and promoting student resilience.
WSSU celebrates excellence with faculty and staff awards spanning from 2019 to 2022
January 11, 2023
In August 2022 Winston-Salem State University celebrated its first in-person Research and Sponsored Programs Banquet since the Covid-19 pandemic. WSSU honored faculty and staff members for excellence in teaching, research, service, and procuring grant funding.
WSSU ranks high on national lists in 2022-23
November 30, 2022
Winston-Salem State University ranks high on a diverse group of national lists, especially in the areas of value, affordability, and student success.
Here is a list of some of WSSU’s notable rankings for 2022-2023.
WSSU awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health
October 12, 2022
Winston-Salem State University has been awarded a $525,658 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) led by Dr. Fenghai Guo Professor of Chemistry to develop and utilize highly selective metal-catalyzed carbon bond formation reactions that will lead to an efficient synthesis of novel selenium, sulfur, and oxygen-containing heterocycles with rich biological activities.
Winston-Salem State receives a grant from the Thurgood Marshall Foundation
October 12, 2022
Winston-Salem State University has been awarded a $30,000.00 grant from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund led by Dr. Karen T. Williams, Director of the A. H. Ray Student Health Center, to conduct rapid COVID testing of students who present with symptoms of COVID and testing of students who are exposed to COVID.
WSSU Awarded Funding for NSF HBCU-UP Research Initiation Award: Environmental Factors Modulation of Structure-Function of Biological Systems
September 19, 2022
Winston- Salem State University has been awarded a $299,835 grant from NSF led by Dr. Sarah Adjei-Fremah, for Environmental Factors Modulation of Structure-Function of Biological Systems.
WSSU Awarded Funding For Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative
September 16, 2022
Winston-Salem State University has been awarded a $139,594.83 grant from DHHS Administration for Community Living (ACL) led by Dr. Allison Calhoun, Clinical Assistant Professor Occupational Therapy to build a stronger and more resilient dementia-capable aging network in Forsyth County.
WSSU Awarded Funding for The Ellucian Foundation’s Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship
September 16, 2022
Winston-Salem State University has been awarded a $10,000.00 grant from the Ellucian Foundation led by Raisha Cobb, Associate Provost & Chief Information Officer Office of Information Technology to provide scholarships to students in financial distress so they can reach their educational goals.
WSSU astrobotany students work with NASA and the Kennedy Space Center
May 18, 2022
Winston-Salem State University’s Astrobotany Lab provides undergraduates with opportunities to work with NASA and shadow scientists and researchers at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.WSSU awarded a $1.8 million grant to empower the next generation of Black STEM teachers
May 09, 2022
STEM careers generate more than two trillion dollars in revenue, support 67 percent of jobs in the United States, and Winston-Salem State University is leading the charge to prepare the next generation of STEM leaders.WSSU Center for the Study of Economic Mobility selected for prestigious Fair Housing Breaking Barriers Award
April 11, 2022
What began as a “startling” revelation to Winston-Salem State University economics professor Craig Richardson five years ago has developed into a community-changing program that has been selected for one of Winston-Salem’s most prestigious community awards.Introducing Brilliance Lab
March 17, 2022
Winston-Salem State University is engaging in an exciting new venture that will provide the opportunity for every student to graduate with both a degree and a business plan.Two Winston-Salem State University students awarded American Heart Association’s HBCU Scholars Award
February 22, 2022
Erykah Johnson, a WSSU senior, and Meghan Anthony, a junior, were selected for the American Heart Association’s Historic Black College and University Scholars Program.WSSU Study Shows Minorities, Disabled Face Even Greater Health Care Barriers During COVID-19 Pandemic
June 30, 2021
It is no secret that underserved segments of the population … minorities and the disabled … face serious barriers when it comes to health care in this country.
A team of Winston-Salem State University faculty members – Dr. Tammara Thomas, Dr. Keisha Rogers, and Dr. Felicia Simpson – recently concluded research that showed those barriers were even more pervasive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Winston Starts and the WSSU Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation Partnership
May 03, 2021
Winston-Salem State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation (CFESI) is excited to announce its partnership with local business incubator Winston Starts to sponsor a student to gain high-impact experiential training.
CADS Research Showcase Highlights 6 Groundbreaking Student/Faculty Research Projects
April 30, 2021
Students and faculty affiliated with Winston-Salem State University’s Center for Applied Data Science (CADS) presented their research on COVID-19, spatial justice, and other key topics during a virtual departmental showcase on April 6, 2021.
Partnership With Point Motion Will Help WSSU Occupational Therapy Students Engage With Patients Virtually
April 27, 2021
Winston-Salem State University’s Occupational Therapy Program has added a partnership that will help its graduates reach more people in an easier, virtual fashion.
2020: A year of perseverance at WSSU
December 16, 2020
As the first year of this new decade comes to an end, here’s a look back at some of the year’s most memorable WSSU news stories.
WSSU awarded $1.5M grant to establish new Center for Applied Data Science
September 03, 2020
WSSU has been awarded a $1.5 million grant funded through the UNC ROI to establish an applied data science center.WSSU’s research portfolio tops $51 million
June 24, 2020
Winston-Salem State University has had a stellar year of grant funding. Over 12 months, more than $27 million has been awarded, bringing the university’s total portfolio to just over $51 million, in support of new and ongoing research projects.
WSSU receives $1 million in funding to fight COVID-19
June 11, 2020
WSSU will receive $1 million from the UNC Board of Governors and the N.C. Policy Collaboratory at UNC-Chapel Hill to fight COVID-19.WSSU: An economic engine in the Triad
May 08, 2020
In a report recently released by Professor of Accounting, Economics, and Finance, Dr. Zagros Madjd-Sadjadi, and his students, WSSU proves to be a vital pipeline of economic opportunity.Research for the heart, from the heart
February 27, 2020
Dr. Mesia Steed, associate professor of cell and molecular biology at WSSU, discusses heart health and how she uses her heart disease research to inform others.Healthy relationships and the psychology of the heart
February 14, 2020
Dr. Naomi Hall-Byers, a faculty expert in relationship formation and maintenance, sheds some light on the importance of healthy relationships and their effect on college students’ mental, academic and physical health.WSSU: A decade of progress
December 12, 2019
The last decade has seen incredible milestones at WSSU. Here are some of the highlights from 2010 to today.
WSSU receives nearly $2 million in new NSF grants
December 03, 2019
WSSU has received nearly $2 million in new grants from the National Science Foundation NSF that will expand research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at the university.
Spatial Justice Studio announces 2019-20 grants
November 27, 2019
The Spatial Justice Studio at the CDI has awarded $12,500 in grants for projects that focus on developing meaningful solutions to spatial justice issues in Winston-Salem.
Applications open for Spatial Justice Fellows grant program
August 27, 2019
Through the program, up to four fellows will be selected and receive a stipend of up to a $2,500 to focus on developing meaningful solutions to spatial justice issues in Winston-Salem.Erin Lynch named associate provost of scholarship, research and innovation
August 27, 2019
Dr. Erin Lynch, who most recently served as a research director at Tennessee State University, has been named the associate provost for the scholarship, research and innovation.WSSU biology professor wins UNC System teaching excellence award
April 09, 2019
Stephanie T. Dance-Barnes, associate professor of cell and molecular biology at WSSU, is a recipient of the 2019 Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching.Summit highlights social mobility at WSSU
April 08, 2019
Want to get a feel for WSSU's Social Mobility Summit? Here are a few highlights from the speakers at the two-day summit.First undergraduate social justice fellows announced
April 08, 2019
Two Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) students have been selected for the inaugural Undergraduate Social Justice Fellowships programWSSU Scholarship Day 2019 set for Thursday
April 08, 2019
Scholarship Day, set for Thursday, April 11, highlights the advanced level of graduate and undergraduate scholarship and research at WSSU and recognize the scholars who do the work.First Spatial Justice Fellows announced
January 31, 2019
The Spatial Justice Studio at CDI has awarded $12,500 in grants for projects that focus on developing meaningful solutions to spatial justice issues in Winston-Salem.New CSEM report provides glimpse of struggles facing Winston-Salem bus riders
January 31, 2019
Report from WSSU’s Center for the Study of Economic Mobility or CSEM documents the opportunity costs of long bus commutes.Looking ahead: Here are 8 things to expect in 2019
December 21, 2018
The new year promises exciting changes around campus and in classrooms at WSSU. Here are eight things to expect in 2019.WSSU, UNCSA create four research design studios at CDI
December 20, 2018
Faculty from WSSU and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts are partnering to create four interdisciplinary design studios that will tackle some of the biggest problems facing the region: equity, mobility, scientific literacy, education and environmental resilience.WSSU’s Center for the Study of Economic Mobility awards $30,000 in research grants
December 12, 2018
WSSU’s Center for the Study of Economic Mobility has announced the selection of its 2018-19 faculty research fellows.
Whitt-Glover named executive director for health disparities research center
December 03, 2018
Dr. Melicia Whitt-Glover, who brings nearly 20 years of experience in health disparities research, has been named the executive director for the Center of Excellence in Eliminating Health Disparities at WSSU.
WSSU receives grant to continue concussion research
November 21, 2018
WSSU is among 30 universities participating in the largest-ever study of sports-related concussions. The study was recently awarded $22.5 million in new funding from the Department of Defense and the NCAA.Record $2.3 million in NSF grants boost undergraduate research at WSSU
October 22, 2018
A record $2.3 million in new National Science Foundation grants will help to expand research opportunities for undergraduate students at WSSU.Study estimates WSSU's annual economic impact at $420 million
August 31, 2018
A new study estimates that Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) has an annual economic impact of more than $420 million and generates 8,389 jobs in the Piedmont Triad.CSEM documentary shows day in the life of local bus rider
August 24, 2018
A new documentary from WSSU's Center for the Study of Economic Mobility is shining a light on the challenges Winston-Salem workers face without a car.
WSSU expert: Don’t be fooled by ‘the freshman 15’
August 09, 2018
A WSSU researcher is hoping to expose the 'freshman 15' myth and help college students avoid the weight-gain trap. She offers seven heart health tips for freshmen.
WSSU occupational therapy department explores 3D printing
July 02, 2018
The Occupational Therapy Department at WSSU is examining 3D printing through a new transformative curriculum project.Nursing scholar hopes research will improve care for city’s underserved
May 11, 2018
Darren Absher, one of 11 to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from WSSU this academic year, hopes to take the knowledge he learned will help nurse practitioners better treat underserved populations locally and globally.WSSU senior receives Eisenhower Fellowship
May 09, 2018
A WSSU senior has been awarded a $10,000 fellowship through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration.
Morehouse professor: Confronting the ramifications of recidivism
April 17, 2018
John Railey, the former editorial page editor of the Winston-Salem Journal, interviewed Morehouse Professor Gregory Price in advance of his appearance at WSSU on April 19.
WSSU Scholarship Day set for Thursday
April 10, 2018
Scholarship Day, one of WSSU’s largest academic events, highlights the advanced level of graduate and undergraduate research at WSSU and recognizes the scholars who do the work.
WSSU's economic mobility center introduced at D.C. summit
February 13, 2018
WSSU's new Center for the Study of Economic Mobility was introduced to leaders in Washington, D.C., during the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Center for Advancing Opportunity (CAO) State of Opportunity in American Summit.$325,000 grant will implement weight management program for African Americans
November 22, 2017
The two-year grant will fund the development of Weight Matters, an 18-week program that will provide complimentary health screenings, exercise classes, incentives for participation, and a small stipend for the completion of all required program activities. Researchers are recruiting now for the program, which will begin in January.
Center for the Study of Economic Mobility announces first faculty research fellows
November 21, 2017
WSSU's new Center for the Study of Economic Mobility has awarded $60,000 in grants to support four faculty/student research projects that focus on identifying the barriers to economic mobility in Forsyth County.WSSU breaks ground on $53 million sciences building
September 15, 2017
WSSU broke ground on a $53.3 million sciences building during a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 15. The building is one of the first funded through the NC Connect Bond approved by voters last year.OT student attends research institute
September 11, 2017
Lacey Smith, a student in WSSU's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, attended an elite summer institute for future research scientists.
WSSU launches economic mobility research center supported by $3 million gift
September 07, 2017
The Center for the Study of Economic Mobility will serve as a hub for faculty research, undergraduate student research scholarship and community outreach.
WSSU biology co-chair recognized for STEM diversity efforts
September 05, 2017
Dr. Stephanie Dance-Barnes, co-chair of the Department of Biological Sciences and associate professor at WSSU, has received the 2017 Inspiring Leaders in STEM award.
Students complete first Cultural Neuroscience Institute
July 10, 2017
WSSU psychology students spent two weeks immersed in faculty-mentored research as part of a new summer institute.
CUR Transformation Project will support undergraduate research at WSSU
June 27, 2017
WSSU is one of 12 institutions in the nation selected for a four-year project that will help introduce more students to high-quality undergraduate research.Psychology professor recognized for work mentoring students
June 14, 2017
Dr. Amber DeBono, assistant professor of psychology at WSSU is the recipient of the inaugural Karla Holloway Mentoring Award, which honors educators who mentor women and girls of color during the early stages of development as scholars and researchers.Undergraduate research pays off for WSSU class of 2017
May 18, 2017
Members of Winston-Salem State University’s newest graduating class have new opportunities to go along with their new degrees.Video: These nursing scholars are headed to Duke
May 17, 2017
These three WSSU scholars are ready to become nurse scientist.Research decodes ‘cities of color’ trend
April 12, 2017
Research uncovered by a Dr. Russell Smith, associate professor of geography, is helping to shed light on a growing trend of urban segregation among newly created cities.From ‘cookbook’ to inquiry: WSSU reforms the biology lab
April 11, 2017
A grant program from WSSU’s Office of Science Initiatives is helping support faculty-mentored research.
These WSSU scholars are ready to break the science gender barrier
March 31, 2017
Students rock worldwide biomedical conference
November 16, 2016
WSSU students wowed a crowd of more than 3,500 attendees during an international biomedical research conference, bringing home three top awards.
$400,000 NSF grant to create psychology research program
October 11, 2016
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) has received a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that aims to increase the number of underrepresented minority students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduate programs and professional fields.
Students explore research as part of summer institute
September 30, 2016
Sixteen WSSU students spent the summer exploring as part of WSSU’s Summer Research Fellowship program.
Scholars mentoring program showing benefits
September 19, 2016
More than 40 WSSU students are participating in an innovative undergraduate research program that partners them with a faculty mentor on a research project.
Research program pairs students with faculty members
July 19, 2016
Tevin Taylor, an exercise science major from Rocky Mount, NC, has given it his all as a student at Winston-Salem State University. His hard work has paid off. He is among the first exercise physiology students to earn the honors designation, each working with a faculty member to complete a rigorous thesis project over the course of the last academic year.