2026 Graduate Awards

Overview

Each year in May, we recognize the accomplishments of graduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence and exceptional leadership in their fields. Please join us in celebrating the 2026 Graduate Award recipients and their outstanding scholarly achievements!

School of Human Services and Sciences Awards

Steve Hamerdinger Outstanding School Counseling Graduate Award

for a School Counseling graduate who demonstrates excellence in their academic work, their field work, and their disposition.

Claire Tucker

I am honored to celebrate our student, Claire Tucker who is receiving the Steve Hamerdinger Outstanding Student Award. Since Claire joined our School Counseling program in 2023, she has worked hard to build strong connections with her professors and fellow students to deeply understand her place as a future school counselor. During her practicum and internship experiences Claire understood the importance of all the learning she was acquiring in our program, and effectively applied it to the Deaf students and whole school community she was working with. She did this all while balancing activity on Gallaudet's Basketball team and shined to compete in the 2025 Deaf Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. What an experience to inspire and connect with the Deaf youth that she was working with. Claire values different perspectives of humanity through her heart, mind, and vision. I look forward to all that she will offer as a future school counselor. Congratulations, Claire.

Steve Hamerdinger Outstanding Clinical Mental Health Graduate

for a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate who demonstrates excellence in their academic work, their field work, and their disposition.

Simone Mau-Slone

The Steve Hamerdinger Award recognizes graduate students in the counseling field for excellence in their studies. This year, we are honored to recognize one student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Simone Mau Slone (sign name: Simone). We recognize your hard work, dedication, drive, passion, and curiosity. We hope you continue on this path, and we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next and throughout your journey. Congratulations!

Award for Excellence in Audiology

for a first-year audiology student who has demonstrated excellence in clinical and academic endeavors and is expected to make significant contributions to the profession and to deafness

Hannah Allen

Hannah stands out for her integration of academic excellence and natural clinical intuition. Her calm, welcoming demeanor creates an immediate sense of professionalism and trust. She brings invaluable cultural and linguistic depth to her work with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Beyond her technical skills, Hannah's openness to growth and commitment to self-directed learning make her a pleasure to supervise.

Steven Ackley Memorial Scholarship

for a student in the Department of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences who exemplifies the legacy of Dr. Steve Ackley, who was a beloved colleague, mentor and friend to many; this memorial award is made in celebration of his warmth, humor and devotion to his students and his commitment to audiology and deaf education

Jamie Swapp

Jamie Swapp exemplifies the quality of a quiet leader and humble mentor whose patience and approachable demeanor have earned consistent praise from first-year students. Her thoughtful, encouraging feedback reflects a noble character who seeks to empower those around her, and embodies the spirit of this award.

Jane Handelsman & David Pryor Hendrix Memorial

for the professional training of outstanding students in the Department of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences in order to facilitate the provision of service to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and established by Dr. and Mrs. Jacob Handelsman and Mr. and Mrs. William Hendrix in memory of their children, Jane Handelsman, a graduate of our audiology program, and her husband David Pryor Hendrix

Courtney Roberts

Courtney Roberts demonstrates outstanding integration of academic and clinical knowledge. Her consistent record of achievement reflects dedication, professionalism, integrity, and warm, approachable spirit, further evidenced by her leadership and service.

Jaden Conrad

Jaden Conrad radiates warmth and naturally brings people together, creating a strong sense of community. Her compassion, generosity, and uplifting spirit make everyone around her feel supported and valued.

Award for Excellence in Speech-Language Pathology

for a speech-language pathology student who has demonstrated excellence in clinical and academic endeavors and is expected to make significant contributions to the profession and to deafness

Emma Walker

The speech language pathology program is thrilled to announce our award recipients for May 2026. This award is called the Excellence in Speech-Language Pathology Award. This year the SLP program selected Emma Walker. Emma entered the program last fall. Since the time she has demonstrated academic and clinical success. Emma is prepared, curious, flexible and creative in the classroom and in clinical work. Congratulations Emma!

Adrienne L. Kaplan Memorial Endowment Fund

for the professional training of outstanding students in order to facilitate the provision of service to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and established by Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Kaplan in memory of their daughter who, although not deaf, had a physical disability that impacted her ability to communicate

Katie Dillon

The speech language pathology program is thrilled to announce our award recipients for May 2026. This award is called the Adrienne L. Kaplan Memorial Endowment Fund. This year the SLP program selected Katie Dillon. Katie entered the program last fall. Since that time, she has demonstrated academic and clinical success. She is an active participant in class, contributing the whole- and small- group discussions. Her comments are valuable, sensitive and support deep understanding of content. She is hard working, asks good questions, and motivated to build her clinical skills. Congratulations Katie!

Seltzer League Award

for a student who has demonstrated excellence in both the academic and clinical areas of the Speech-Language Pathology Program, a student who is expected to broaden the understanding of hearing and hearing loss

Erinn Yepiz Neal

The speech language pathology program is thrilled to announce our award recipients for May 2026. This award is called the Seltzer League Award. This year the SLP program selected Erinn Yepiz Neal. Erinn will graduate this May. During her two years at Gallaudet she has expanded her academic and clinical knowledge and skills. She has taken several opportunities while at Gallaudet including attending the EHDI conference with a group of graduate students and presented her research project to the campus community. We expect Erinn to make significant contributions to the field. Congratulations Erinn!

Elizabeth Peet Award

for an outstanding student in school psychology

Moss MacLean

This honor is reserved for individuals who exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence, professional growth, and collaborative spirit. We are delighted to share that this year’s recipient has distinguished themself through consistently outstanding academic performance, exceptional dedication in their field experiences, and a remarkable commitment to engaging thoughtfully and collaboratively with their peers.

Larry G. Stewart Award

for an outstanding student in clinical psychology

Dru Balsley

In the spirit of Dr. Stewart's clinical work and scholarly research, Dru Balsley has demonstrated a commitment to understanding and fostering behavioral health services for deaf and hard of hearing people. Throughout her time in the doctoral program, she has continually demonstrated a passion for learning about and working with deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people across the lifespan, especially in the area of language, communication, and emotional functioning/regulation. This has been evidenced across all of her clinical training sites, as well as her scholarly activities.

School of Language, Education and Culture Awards

Dr. Nathie L. Marbury Award

for graduate students who influence significant systemic change in the field of Sign Language Education.

Dr. Nathie L. Marbury taught at multiple Deaf schools, universities and colleges, and community colleges for over 35 years. She produced and performed in a variety of educational and literature-based resources for multiple companies over a 25-year span. As a full professor at Austin Community College in Texas, Dr. Marbury taught multiple levels of ASL courses and was beloved by her many students over the years. She passed away at the age of 69 on April 15, 2013. Nathie is a visionary. She was the first Black author of an ASL curriculum – TRUE+WAY ASL. In 1978, Nathie was the first Black Deaf woman to teach at Kendall Demonstration Elementary School. Nathie was also the first Black Deaf woman on the National Association of the Deaf board.

Celso Martinez

The Dr. Nathie L Marbury Award is given to those who demonstrate significant involvement in the community and promote systems changes within the field of sign language education. That student must show thoughtful self-analysis and applications to their work.

Masters in Sign Language Education Academic Achievement Award

for graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in the field of Sign Language Education.

Megan Wetzel

The MASLED Academic Achievement Award is for graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in the field of Sign Language Education.

Masters in Sign Language Education Award

for graduate students who exhibit pedagogical innovation and aptitude in the field of Sign Language Education.

Mary Ann Hencker

The MASLED Education Award is for graduate students who exhibit pedagogical innovation and aptitude in the field of Sign Language Education.

Barbara Babbini Brasel Research Award

(for excellence in scholarship) recognizes an exemplary interpretation research paper completed by a student during his or her graduate studies in the Master of Arts in Interpretation Program.

Jamie Sfarnas

Ron Coffey Award

(focusing on interpreting skill and community contribution) is presented by the Interpretation faculty to an outstanding student interpreter who demonstrates commitment to the profession. Ron Coffey was a truly noteworthy interpreter whose work served as an inspiring model to our students.

Anh Doan

Daniel T. Cloud Award

for an outstanding graduating student in the memory of Daniel T. Cloud

Jakiya Murphy

Cynthia Ortega

Helen Fay Award

for the student most likely to make a significant contribution to the field of teaching deaf children and who is expected to remain in the field for some time

Bryan Solis

Majorie Stull Memorial Scholarship Award

for a first-year student who has demonstrated scholastic ability and aptitude for teaching deaf children

Raniah Gregory

Anthony Laucevicius

IDMA Program Award for Excellence in Policy Development and Research

for a student who has demonstrated excellence in policy development and research while enrolled in the International Development Program

Rachel Qualls

We are delighted to present the IDMA Award for Excellence in Policy Development and Research to Rachel Qualls. Over the past two years of her academic journey at Gallaudet in the IDMA Program, Rachel demonstrated deep commitment to understanding of policies and practices related to providing resources for intersectional deaf communities and equity and equality, especially in disaster situations. Rachel pursued research on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing persons' access to information in general, and access to disaster and emergency information specifically. In Fall 2025 Rachel interned with World Institute on Disability (WID) with whom she conducted a detailed review of WID's Emergency Preparedness Toolkit with a focus on ensuring inclusive language, format accessibility, and cultural considerations. In responding to the growing global crisis resulting from armed conflicts, WID also asked Rachel if she would lead development of emergency preparedness training videos in AS, which she did, and also provided guidance on ensuring representation in country- and regional sign languages. In Spring 2026, Rachel worked with the Jordanian Federation of the Deaf (JFD) on project design and implementation and fostered youth leadership stakeholder engagements. In addition to these accomplishments, Rachel also completed a graduate certificate in Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction & Emergency Planning. We look forward to seeing the work you will do in the future. Congratulations, Rachel!

Euphrasia Mbewe Award for Excellence in Social Advocacy Work

for a student who has demonstrated excellence in social advocacy work while enrolled in the International Development Program

Tashinalynn Sanders

We are honored to present the Euphrasia Mbewe Award for Excellence in Social Advocacy to Tashinalynn Sanders. As a student in three programs - IDMA, Social Work, and DiDRR & Emergency Planning, Tashinalynn's academic work and professional presentations spanned advocacy work in nearly every social domain relevant to DeafBlind people's social inclusion, with concentrations on DeafBlind leadership and decision-making in disaster situations and participation in emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction. Tashinalynn conducted two professional internships. Her first internship was in Spring 2025 with DeafWorld, developing digital content to promote DeafBlind issues, fundraising efforts, and policy advocacy. She is now currently conducting a Spring 2026 internship in Singapore with the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) where she pursued dual-degree specializations in development and social work by working in two programs - Community Services (social work) and DeafBlind Programme (IDMA) - conducting home visits and provide direct support to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing clients and supporting clients in navigating systems, including healthcare, banking, appointments, and social services. Considering these activities together, it is clear that Tashinalynn has contributed to, led, and innovated a remarkable set of efforts that extend far beyond the classroom to impact the campus, the wider professional community, and international counterparts - all of which demonstrate Tashinalynn's application of the education and opportunities afforded her at Gallaudet and bring distinction to the university. Congratulations, Tashinalynn!

Rachel Saxey

We are pleased to present the Euphrasia Mbewe Award for Excellence in Social Advocacy to Rachel Saxey. From the start of her academic journey at Gallaudet in the IDMA Program, Rachel demonstrated deep commitment to supporting inclusive and accessible Interpreting Training Programs for international deaf communities, particularly in under-resourced countries. Rachel pursued research to understand what research and funding mechanisms are available for international ITP projects and to learn/identify what barriers and challenges exist for interpreters outside the U.S. to receive training. As an intern during the Fall semester with Bethel University, Rachel conducted mini-country studies with a focus on understanding international perspectives on sign language interpreters education. Rachel also assisted in conducting need assessments of ITPs stakeholders. During her Spring internship, she worked with The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) where she supported the delivery of the 10-week ITP course, implementing improvements and changes as needed to maximize impact. Rachel also supported mentorships of interpreters-in-training including working with deaf interpreters. She builds bridges between the ITP program at SADeaf and the deaf community through her interactions with the Deaf community at work and in the community. We look forward to seeing the work you will do in the future. Congratulations, Rachel!

Robert E. Johnson Award

for an outstanding linguistics student

Kolby Lipiz

Julie Hochgesang: We are pleased to announce that the recipient of the Robert E. Johnson Outstanding Graduate Linguistics Award for 2026 is Kolby Lipiz. Congratulations! We have been impressed with Kolby's growth as a linguist. He clearly has a bright future in linguistics. In our program, Kolby has been quite engaged, clearly curious, and thoughtful in our discussions where we consider language and how we use language - within our classes, department-related events and even beyond. We look forward to more. LIN faculty signing "yay" and "congratulations" in Zoom windows.

School of Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics and Public Health Awards

Laura-Ann Petitto Outstanding PEN Research Award

for a student who has consistently demonstrated outstanding research and scientific scholarship, originality and creativity in his or her science, and scholarly achievements in research commensurate with the highest standards of cognitive neuroscience and educational neuroscience

Dr. Rachel Sortino

The 2026 Laura-Ann Petitto Outstanding PEN Research is presented to a student who has done amazing research in their time in the program. This student has exemplified what it means to be a thoughtful, rigorous, and creative scientist. She has presented research findings at many international conferences, co-authored several publications in the lab, and recently published a first-author article focusing on her pre-dissertation research. This student always aims to make science a more supportive and accessible community. Congratulations to PEN student Dr. Rachel Sortino!

Tom Allen Outstanding PEN Translation Award

for a student who has made a significant contribution to the translation of basic scientific discoveries in cognitive neuroscience and educational neuroscience through the advancement of an original creation or contribution that has the potential to transform society, policies, and individual lives spanning the nation and world

Joseph Palagano

The person who is recognized by this PEN Translation Award has done many activities to ensure their work is not kept solely within academia, but is impacting the wider community. This person was part of a team that won a Cognitive Science Society grant for Broadening Participation, in which they developed videos for elementary aged children introducing them to the basics of Cognitive Science, in ASL. This person also consulted on Education Policy for NAD, and has worked with NDC in Austin, Texas. This person has also shared their scientific expertise with diverse community audiences in Tennessee, at UVA in Virginia, and in Georgia. Congratulations to my student Joseph Palagano, a worthy recipient of this translation award!

Outstanding Accessible Human-Centered Computing M.S. Student Award

for a student who has demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, research, and professional contributions in the M.S. program in Accessible Human-Centered Computing

Shela Atemnkeng

The Accessible Human-Centered Computing program is proud to recognize Shela Atemnkeng as the Outstanding AHCP M.S. Student for 2025–26. Shela has set the standard for what graduate scholarship in our program can look like. She earned perfect marks across her coursework while consistently elevating every seminar she joined — her questions sharpened class discussion, and her insights pushed classmates and faculty alike to think more carefully. Beyond the classroom, Shela contributed to research that resulted in papers accepted at CHI 2026, the premier international venue for human-computer interaction, which is an outstanding milestone few master's students reach. Her work exemplifies the AHCP program's mission: rigorous, inclusive, human-centered scholarship that advances accessibility for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and disabled communities. Please join us in congratulating Shela on this well-earned recognition.

School of Arts and Humanities

George Veditz Deaf Studies Award

for a graduate student who has made and will continue to make an impact on the field of Deaf Studies

Thea Wrenn

This year's George Veditz Deaf Studies Graduate Student award goes to Thea Wrenn. In her two years in the Language and Human Rights concentration, Thea excelled academically in all of her classes, earning a perfect GPA. Her insights elevated class discussions and her assignments were often enlightening for faculty as well. She served as the department's graduate assistant for the academic year 2024-2025, and performed with diligence and commitment. Thea's culminating Deaf Studies MA Project focuses on the experiences of Deaf people with Type 1 Diabetes, exploring issues of medical authority, access to health-care and auxiliary support systems. This mixed-methods research project contributes critical perspectives from Deaf people which will be of great value to improving health outcomes. She promises to continue doing great work for years to come.

School of Civic Leadership, Business, and Social Change Awards

Catherine H. Moses Award

for a graduate student who has demonstrated leadership and outstanding potential for contributing to social work practice with deaf and hard of hearing people

Tashinalynn Sanders

Tye Lovato

In 1996 the faculty of the Department of Social Work established the Catherine H. Moses Award in honor of the first director of the MSW Program. Mrs. Moses was a distinguished member of the faculty of the Department for 20 years until her retirement in 1996. The award recognizes the graduating MSW student who best demonstrates leadership and outstanding potential for contribution to Social Work practice with Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Arlene Gavin Award

for a graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding professionalism and commitment to social justice

Jasmine Archer

Nicole Sommer

The G. Arlene Gavin Award was established in 1992 by the faculty of the Department of Social Work to honor the contributions of Mrs. G. Arlene Gavin to the development of graduate studies in social work accessible to deaf and hard of hearing persons, and to recognize the graduating social work student who demonstrates outstanding, professionalism and commitment to social justice which Arlene Gavin so ably demonstrated during her career.

Drs. Barbara and Bruce White Award

for a professional MSW student who is deaf or hard of hearing and committed to meeting the growing demand for social workers with the knowledge and skills to work with the deaf and hard of hearing populations at all system levels

Stacy Ritter

In 2024, the faculty of the Master of Social Work Program established the Dr. Barbara and Dr. Bruce White Award for outstanding commitment to bettering the lives of deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing communities. The award was established to help recognize professional MSW students who are deaf and hard of hearing and committed to meeting the growing demand for social workers with the knowledge and skills to work with the deaf and hard of hearing populations at all system levels.

Graduate School Awards

Weiner Family Research Award

For a graduate student whose outstanding research that adds to an understanding of diagnostic techniques and treatments aimed at improving mental health outcomes of individuals who are deaf

Amy Lambert

The recipient of the 2026 Weiner Family Research Award is a Ph.D. candidate in the Clinical Psychology program who has demonstrated academic excellence and made impactful contributions in clinical and scholarly work. Her recently defended dissertation examined the lived experiences of deaf individuals navigating alcohol use, highlighting systemic barriers such as limited access to culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, communication challenges, and the complexities of close-knit community dynamics. Her work has the potential to inform more accessible, effective diagnostic and treatment approaches tailored to deaf populations, ultimately improving mental health outcomes. Congratulations, Amy Lambert!

Thanh-Ha Christina Nguyen

The recipient of the 2026 Weiner Family Research Award is a Ph.D. candidate in the Clinical Psychology program who is committed to providing inclusive and accessible mental health care to culturally and linguistically marginalized populations including Deaf and hard of hearing people. Her recently-defended dissertation examined the experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Deaf and Hard of Hearing people with regard to cultural factors influencing support seeking for mental health concerns. This study contributes to an improved understanding of mental health support-seeking among AANHPI DHH people, with implications for more inclusive, culturally-responsive, and linguistically-congruent clinical practice across professional mental health fields. Congratulations, Thanh-Ha Christina Nguyen!

Graduate Student Scholarly Achievement Award

for a graduate student who completed an outstanding scholarly project during their academic program

Carrie Humphrey

The recipient of the 2026 Graduate Student Scholarly Achievement Award is graduating with a Ph.D. in Translation and Interpreting Studies. Her recently defended dissertation provides compelling evidence for the positive effects of reciprocal peer mentoring among interpreter educators, particularly in enhancing instructors' sense of self-efficacy. Importantly, her research situates interpreter education within the broader context of Career and Technical Education, drawing meaningful parallels that deepen our understanding of shared instructional challenges across disciplines. Her recommendations, especially her call to address the isolation often experienced by sign language interpreter educators through structured peer mentoring, offer practical, research-based solutions with clear implications for the field. Congratulations, Carrie Humphrey!

Rachel Sortino

The recipient of the 2026 Graduate Student Scholarly Achievement Award is graduating with a Ph.D. in Educational Neuroscience. She is the first author of a scholarly article published in nature publishing journals, which summarizes her highly collaborative pre-dissertation work creating and validating a set of STEM learning modules, and then testing to see how concept-based signs in STEM might augment learning. Congratulations, Rachel Sortino!

Graduate Student Outstanding Achievement Award

for a graduate student who made significant contributions to their field during their academic program

Bernice Adekeye

The recipient of the 2026 Graduate Student Outstanding Achievement Award has graduated with a Ph.D. in Critical Studies in the Education of Deaf Learners (CSEDL) with a concentration in Bilingual Deaf Education. During her time, she completed an internship with the Center for Science and Technology Research and served as a research assistant for the Family Language Planning project. She has presented her research within the U.S. and internationally. Her dissertation examined Nigerian parents' beliefs about early bilingual exposure to Nigerian Sign Language (NSL) and spoken languages for young deaf children. She maintains active professional engagement in Nigeria by facilitating professional development for teachers serving students with special needs, and through her NGO which advances early childhood deaf education and family intervention across Nigerian communities. Congratulations, Bernice Adekeye!

Tristan Brown

The recipient of the 2026 Graduate Student Outstanding Achievement Award is a student in the Psy.D. in School Psychology program, selected for his outstanding academic performance and his service to the program and in his school placements. He serves as the program's student representative for the National Association of School Psychologists and managed the department's test library for 3 years. He is dedicated to serving diverse students and their families and has built meaningful connections with students, staff and families in his practicum and internship placements. His supervisor has been impressed with his professional interactions, openness to feedback, and his initiative in completing his applied research project, which required obtaining permission from the county to access early literacy data. Congratulations, Tristan Brown!

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