SANTA BARBARA — The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) recently announced the results of the 2011 UCEAP Undergraduate Research Award competition. Two first-place awardees and two honorable mention awardees were selected from a field of 21 applications representing a range of disciplines and study sites worldwide.

"We believe these students' research exemplifies the kind of powerful learning outcomes from education abroad that UCEAP seeks to promote," Jean-Xavier Guinard, associate vice provost and executive director of the University of California Education Abroad Program.

UCEAP partners with top-ranked universities, institutes and faculty in 35 countries around the globe, offering over 250 programs of varied design, duration, and location. Its mission is to equip UC students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills for work and life in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.

First place recognition was awarded to the following:

• Carmon Reynolds (UC Santa Barbara, major in English) studied in the UK Immersion Program at Queen Mary, University of London. His research focused on Charles Dickens' interpretations of the world outside of London. Careful readings of Dickens' work and wide explorations of archival sources enabled Reynolds to address a topic often overlooked in critical discussions of Dickens' representations of place.
• Richard Hong (UC San Diego, double major in political science-IR and Latin American studies) conducted his research in the Field Research Program in Mexico, working at the research site in Chiapas. His project explores the manner in which Central American transmigrants have responded to the expanding enforcement presence of Mexican authorities along the border with Guatemala.

Honorable mentions were awarded to the following:

• Melissa Schmitt (UC Santa Cruz, ecology and evolution major) enrolled in the University KwaZulu-Natal in Pietermartizburg, South Africa, who investigated such anti-predator behaviors as group formation and vigilance among the Burchell's zebras of the southern African savannas.
• Lisa Corsetto (UC Davis, economics and international agriculture development) at the Oaxaca research site of Mexico's Field Research Program, examined the impact of the Mexican government's largest poverty alleviation program in the context of a rural community in Oaxaca.

Applications were reviewed for quality of research concept and execution, integral and innovative use of resources at the study site, quality of presentation, distinctiveness of the research, and quality of faculty support. "Both first place winners have been nominated by systemwide UCEAP to compete in the Forum on Education Abroad's Undergraduate Research Awards," Guinard said. "We wish them both good luck in that national competition."

The University of California Education Abroad Program has served as the UC systemwide international study abroad program since 1962. Serving all ten campuses, UCEAP continues its support of the University of California's mission through academic instruction and exchange relationships around the world. Through study abroad, UCEAP provides the opportunity for students to become international citizens and global thinkers, equipping them with the understanding and skills necessary for success in the global marketplace. For more information, visit http://eap.ucop.edu.