Three CEHS students earn awards at Research Days

May 9, 2024

Rafael Bertacini poses with a handbag, Allison Johnson poses with her research poster, Abbie Summers poses with her research poster

Three students from the College of Education and Human Sciences were among the Husker graduate and undergraduate students awarded prizes for their scholarship and presentation skills at the 2024 Student Research Days Poster Sessions and Creative Exhibitions. 


More than 120 graduate students and 200 undergraduate students participated in the sessions hosted by the Office of Graduate Studies, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, and the Office of Research and Innovation. 


Graduate Awards



  • Rafael Amorim Bertacini (Brazil; Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design) “Interweaving Cross-Disciplinary Narratives in Fashion: Exploring the Integration of Fashion, Industrial Design, Identity and Art Through Handbags”, adviser: Michael Burton

  • Allison Johnson (Rockford, Illinois; Educational Studies – Science Education) “Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Voices: Challenges to Implementing Integrated STEM Teaching and Learning”, adviser: Deepika Menon 


Undergraduate College Award



  • Abbie Summers (Norfolk, Nebraska; communication sciences and disorders, Honors Program) “What are Social Communication Differences Between Autistic Males and Females?”, adviser: Ciara Ousley 


Graduate students who were awarded competitive prizes received $400 toward travel grants to present their research regionally or nationally as well as support other research costs. Undergraduates were awarded prizes valued at $250 sponsored by their academic colleges. Nearly 100 faculty, postdoc and graduate student volunteer judges met with students during morning and afternoon sessions and evaluated their presentations.

College of Education and Human Sciences
Special Education and Communication Disorders
Teaching, Learning & Teacher Education
Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design