Join us in celebrating the 2023 Steely Research Award recipients Sheri Frey and Caitlyn Scherpenberg.
The
W. Frank Steely Library Research Award is available to any NKU undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student who participates in either the Heather Bullen Summer Research Celebration or Celebration of Research and Creativity and provides a narrative on their research process that showcases their use of library resources and services as well as their growth as a researcher. Each year, the committee chooses up to two recipients, who each receive a $500 cash prize.
Sheri Frey – Social Work Graduate Student
Project Title: Gaps in Human Trafficking Curriculum on University Campuses
““I now better understand, respect, and appreciate the efforts and expenses that the university dedicates to making that information available for student use and the efforts that the library and Dr. Kim have made to assist me in not only this project but in helping me to become a better researcher. I plan to use the skills and knowledge I have obtained in my future work as a social worker, therapist, and human trafficking survivor advocate.”
Use of the Library: Sheri’s research examined relevant literature to discover what gaps exist in higher education curriculum that address human trafficking. She used a variety of databases (Academic Search Ultimate, JSTOR, Social Services Abstracts, and PsycInfo) to find all peer-reviewed articles in the last 10 years that addressed her topic. In this process, Sheri realized the importance of having access to information through Steely Library and looks forward to using these research skills in her future endeavors.
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Suk-hee Kim
Caitlyn Scherpenberg – Senior, Neuroscience & Psychology Double Major
Project Title: Chronic risperidone administration increases dendritic spine density in the rat hippocampus
“Steely had everything physical, digital, and interpersonal combined into one building less than a 2-minute’s walk from my lab bench, and free FuelNKU lunch bags to keep my mind sharp and my eyes focused. This whole experience has taught me more about my own work ethic, and how much I respect the vast resources a library has to offer that make all of this work something I can manage on a college student’s schedule.”
Use of the Library: Caitlyn’s narrative was a love letter to Steely Library, and she included all the many ways she took advantage of the space, expertise, and resources needed to do this research. Caitlyn jumped into a research experience and found the articles she needed via Steely’s databases to understand the inner workings of her topic. In this research experience, Caitlyn found our study rooms, InterLibrary Loan, and access to FuelNKU bags helpful in supporting her work.
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mark Bardgett
