SANTA BARBARA — The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) has announced the winners of its 2012 UCEAP Undergraduate Research Awards competition. Two first-place winners were awarded $1,000 each and two honorable mentions received $500 prizes. Winners were selected from a field of 17 applicants representing a range of academic disciplines and study sites worldwide.
"The Undergraduate Research Awards celebrate the rigorous international research conducted by UC students and serve as a powerful reminder of the opportunities that students have to make meaningful, original contributions to their academic disciplines by conducting independent research while studying abroad," said 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 39 countries around the globe, offering over 300 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:
Haidang D. Nguyen (UCLA - major in Neuroscience/Biology) studied in the Australia Immersion Program at the University of Sydney where his research used magnetic resonance imaging to explore the relationship between brain anatomy, brain function, and their relation to obstructive sleep apnea. His work will contribute to the development of more effective treatment of cardiovascular disease in sleep apnea patients.
Jason Durant (UC Santa Barbara - major in Middle East Studies) studied at th e American University in Cairo and conducted a series of interviews with young members of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood to assess their roles in the Egyptian Revolution and the organization's future. His work points to the likelihood of democratic reform within the Muslim Brotherhood if it is to retain the loyalty of the younger generation
Honorable mentions were awarded to the following:
Amanda Lotspike (UC Davis - Women and Gender Studies/International Relations) enrolled in the Chile Immersion Program at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. She worked with the foundation Educación Popular en Salud to reconsider definitions of the human body and the "right to health" as these are promoted by community health groups.
Andrea Vazquez (UCLA- Spanish and Community and Culture ) spent a semester in the Field Research Program in Mexico working with UCEAP's mentor at the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional in Oaxaca. Her work explores the emergence of the gay-lesbian political movement in Oaxaca and the struggle of lesbian women within the movement to make their voices heard.
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. The UCEAP selection committee consisted of:
Fadi Fathallah, Professor of
Biological Engineering, UC Davis
Armin Schwegler, Professor of Spanish Linguistics, UC Irvine
Scott Reid, Professor of Communication, UC Santa Barbara
Melody Knutson, Regional Director
Karen Mead, Regional Director
Eva Bilandzia, Academic Specialist
Monica Rocha, Academic Specialist
"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 the best of luck in the national competition."
The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) has served as the UC systemwide 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 eap.ucop.edu