2018 Distinguished Dissertation Award Winners Announced

The Office of Research and the University Graduate Council announced the recipients of the 2018 Distinguished Dissertation Awards.

Each year, the University bestows the awards on doctoral students who perform exceptional scholarly work as evidenced by their dissertation projects. The nominees’ overall academic accomplishments also are considered. Winners receive a monetary award of $500 as well as a memento.

Dr. Jessica Payton received the Distinguished Dissertation in Social Sciences award for Forming Ranks: The Impact of Negative-Destructive Leadership in the Aftermath of Military Sexual Assault and Reporting. Her advisor was Dr. Eva Simms. Payton’s dissertation will be nominated for a national award with the Council of Graduate Schools.

Dr. Karim Barakat received the Distinguished Dissertation in Humanities award for On Hypothetical Contracts. His advisor was Dr. Daniel Selcer.

This year’s dissertation award review committee included Dr. Holly Mayer, associate provost for academic affairs, and Dr. Alan Seadler, associate provost for research and technology.