Sixteen graduate students were recognized by Loyola Marymount University with Research and Creative Project awards for academic work focused on areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. A competitive application process with 57 student-submitted applications resulted in the awarding of 11 finalists receiving $5,000 to support their research and creative works, and five honorable mentions receiving $1,000 awards.
“I’m so glad that we can recognize each of these students who have taken on research and creative works that inspire us to use our academic skills in ways that benefit the collective good,” said Mark Houlemarde, assistant dean for Graduate Education.
David Sapp, dean of Graduate Education, remarked, “These awards will continue to nurture a graduate research environment characterized by excellence and diversity — an integral aspect of our institutional identity.”
In celebrating the achievements of these scholars, the LMU community looks forward to witnessing the impactful contributions they will make in advancing knowledge and fostering a more inclusive and equitable academic landscape.
Finalists
LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- Jacqueline Ayrault, Yoga Studies (M.A.); Project: Development of an Accessible Yoga Program for Addressing Chronic Inflammation in Rural Low-Income Communities: A Program Based in Science, Śravaṇa (hearing), Viveka (discernment), and Seva (selfless service). Faculty mentor: Lori Rubenstein Fazzio
- Serafina Blake, Pastoral Theology (M.A.); Project: Hearts on Fire: Centering Queer Joy in Pastoral Accompaniment through Synodal Spirituality. Faculty mentor: Roy Fisher
LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts
- EJ Liao, Nicole Aviel, Taleene Armen, Mandy Schuster, and Brianna Mitjans, Marital and Family Therapy with Specialized Training in Art Therapy (M.A.); Project: Integrating Collective Art Healing Practices into Contemporary Art Therapy. Faculty mentor: Joyce Yip-Green
- Taysia De Mesa, Baylor Duncan, Emme Evans, Ashley Herbinger, Hannah Kent, and Olivia Waldorf, Marital and Family Therapy with Specialized Training in Art Therapy (M.A.); Project: An Informed Art-Based Resiliency Program for First Responders. Faculty mentor: Nancy Choe
LMU Loyola Law School
- Samantha Chiang, Juris Doctor (J.D.); Project: Double Consciousness Unfolded: The Duality of Asian Americans Portrayals in Modern Legal Opinions. Faculty mentor: Kaiponanea Matsumura
- Grace Obi-Azuike, Juris Doctor (J.D.); Project: From Adversity to Advocacy: Black Voices in Legal Education. Faculty mentor: Kathleen Kim
- Chelsea Nicole Viola, Juris Doctor (J.D.); Project: Advancing Diversity in Law Review Membership: Personal Statements in Write-On Competitions. Faculty mentor: Alejandra Hernandez
LMU School of Education
- Jeremy Divinity, Educational Leadership in Social Justice (Ed.D.); Project: Reclaiming Black Spirit: Redefining Social Justice Leadership with and for Black Youth in Jesuit Schools. Faculty mentor: Yvette Lapayese
- Claire Kēhaulani Ramirez, Educational Leadership in Social Justice (Ed.D.); Project: The Wisdom We Carry: Indigenous Youth Voice as a Pathway to Cultural Revitalization in Education. Faculty mentor: Ernesto Colín
LMU School of Film and Television
- Jordyn Caldwell, Writing for the Screen (M.F.A); Project: For the Record [A one-act play that delves into the complexities of generational trauma, the weight of familial obligations, and the transformative power of embracing one’s past]. Faculty mentor: Michael Daley
- Yashira Ponce, Film and Television Production (M.F.A.); Project: Mija [A short film about a family in Honduras]. Faculty mentor: Leena Pendharkar
Honorable Mentions
LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- Citlalli Luna, English with a Literature Emphasis (M.A.); Proposal title: Cultural Wealth in the Classroom. Faculty mentor: Juan Mah y Busch
LMU College of Business Administration
- Cailiang Xu, Business Analytics (M.S.); Proposal title: Decoding Disparities: A Statistical Analysis of Inequality in the Hiring Process.
LMU School of Education
- Imani Knights-Winston, Gilberto Bejar, Devine Griffin, Azalia Jerez, Higher Education Administration (M.A.); Proposal title: The Civic Development of Latinx Students in Hispanic Serving Institution. Faculty mentor: Cynthia Alcantar
LMU School of Film and Television
- Simon Luedtke, Writing for the Screen (M.F.A); Proposal title: Dogmen [A historical film with dialogue in English and the indigenous language of Bodwéwadmimwen]. Faculty mentor: Patricia Meyer
- Kara Swenson, Writing and Producing for Television (M.F.A); Proposal title: Blue [A short film exploring trauma and the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy]. Faculty mentors: Marc Pitre, Weiko Lin