College of Arts and Sciences Student Awards

Undergraduate Transformative Engagement Award: Pranavi Athota, Neuroscience/bioethics and health studies

Pranavi Athota, a senior at Saint Louis University, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience and a Bachelor of Arts in bioethics and health studies through the university’s Honors Program. Her interdisciplinary interests are reflected in her research with Katherine Luking at SLU and Gurudutt Pendyala at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. She received the William S. Stark Undergraduate Research Award, an Investigative Learning Experience Grant and second place in the university’s Undergraduate Writing Award this year.

At SLU, Athota has held several leadership roles, including president of the Honors Student Association, pre-health ambassador and teaching assistant in the biology department. She also serves as an ESL tutor and medical scribe for underserved communities and received a United Way grant to support mentorship events connecting SLU students with local immigrant students.

After graduation, Athota will attend Harvard Medical School to pursue a medical degree. She plans to become a physician who integrates research, clinical care and bioethics to address health care disparities.

Graduate Transformative Engagement Award: Ittmum Zahir, Neuroscience

During his time at Saint Louis University, Ittmum earned several academic honors and leadership distinctions. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in April 2024, Alpha Sigma Nu in March 2025 and Nu Rho Psi in April 2025.

In addition to his academic achievements, Ittmum helped launch initiatives focused on advocacy and community engagement. He served as co-founder and co-president of Beyond Ability SLU, an organization dedicated to disability advocacy through community service and educational programming. He was also among the inaugural founders of the College of Arts and Sciences Ambassadors initiative, which promotes belonging and community within the college.

To continue his passion for choral music, he performed with the selective University Mastersingers during the fall 2022, spring 2023, fall 2023, spring 2024 and spring 2025 semesters.

He has also been involved in peer mentorship and advising. Since fall 2024, he has served as a pre-health ambassador for the Office of Pre-Health and Pre-Law Studies and will serve as vice president of the program during the 2025-26 academic year.

In research, Ittmum presented work from the laboratory of Ian Mitchelle de Vera at the fall 2023 IDBI Symposium at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. In April 2026, he presented research conducted by Ander Beristain at the 2026 Senior Legacy Symposium on behalf of the Department of Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures.

After graduation, he plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as an academic physician.

Graduate Transformative Engagement Award: Nathan Sewell, Neuroscience

Nathan is a senior at Saint Louis University, majoring in neuroscience with a minor in Chinese. During his time at the university, he has served as president of the Pickleball Club and as a coordinator and peer supervisor for the summer and fall orientation programs.

As a three-year member of both the SLU 101 and Oriflamme orientation programs, Nathan has worked to build community among students and foster a welcoming campus environment. He also served as a Cura Personalis Peer Instructor, helping students adjust to college life and navigate discussions related to diversity, equity and inclusion; SLU history; and the history of St. Louis.

Nathan is a member of the Student Government Association and serves as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. In this role, he organized student events, served as a student representative on the Saint Louis University Board of Trustees and founded the Diversity Leadership Coalition to connect cultural- and identity-based student organizations. He also collaborated with the University CORE to streamline instruction on Mill Creek Valley and the enslaved people of SLU and launched the SGA Belonging Task Force to advise the newly established Office of Belonging.

His honors include the Spirit of the Billiken Award, the First Year Transition Programs Award and the Billiken Hall of Fame Award. In 2025, Nathan also served as one of the emcees for President Edward Feser's Inauguration Ceremony.

Following graduation, he plans to pursue a doctorate in experimental psychology with a concentration in cognitive neuroscience at Saint Louis University.

Khalid Abdulqaadir (graduate student), American Studies

Khalid is a Ph.D. student in American studies. He is also a veteran, former intelligence officer, certified screenplay analyst for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, writer, director, producer and freelance contributor to The New York Times and The Boston Globe.

At Saint Louis University, Abdulqaadir’s research focuses on the concept of “Black American Mythology,” through which he aims to establish a new American literary genre and tradition. As a filmmaker and community activist, he developed a community-led filmmaking strategy rooted in diversity, equity and inclusion that contributed to reducing gun violence.

In 2025, Abdulqaadir partnered with SLU to write and direct “Remembering Mill Creek: When We Were There,” a documentary examining the legacy of Mill Creek Valley, a historically Black neighborhood displaced by urban renewal.

After graduation, Abdulqaadir plans to teach screenwriting while continuing to work professionally in the film and television industry.

African American Studies: Alexis Tillman

Dean’s List: Spring 2023, fall 2023, spring 2024 and fall 2025
Kiln Project and Via Poetry Recognition, Fall 2025

In fall 2026, I will attend Washington University in St. Louis' Brown School to pursue a Master of Social Work degree with a focus on mental health advocacy for marginalized communities and surrounding metropolitan areas.

American Studies: Carmen Lo

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, double-majoring in English and American studies and minoring in film and media studies and marketing. At Saint Louis University, I served as co-president of the Chinese Language and Culture Club while balancing my academic responsibilities. After graduation, I plan to work on additional film projects and collaborate on more creative ventures.

Biology: Shikara Patel

Shikara is graduating with a major in biology, with a concentration in cell biology and physiology and a minor in health care ethics. During her time at Saint Louis University, she was an active member of the Honors Program, Medical Scholars Program and MLK Scholars Program. She also participated in service opportunities, including volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House.

Within the biology department, Shikara conducted genetics research under the mentorship of Matthew Rubin, Ph.D., throughout all four years of her undergraduate career and presented her work at multiple conferences. She also developed an interest in mentorship and education, serving as a learning assistant for general biology and as a teaching assistant for Cura Personalis courses.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, drawing and painting. She also studied abroad in London, an experience that broadened her global perspective and deepened her interest in travel.

After graduation, Shikara will attend the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, where she plans to pursue a career as a physician.

Communication: Paige Guillermo (she/her)

Paige Guillermo is a graduating senior from St. Louis, double-majoring in English, with a research-intensive concentration, and communication, with an integrated strategic communication concentration. At Saint Louis University, she serves on the executive boards of UNews and Her Campus. She is also a member of Sigma Tau Delta and Lambda Pi Eta. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in communication before returning to academia to earn a master’s degree in English.

English: Ruth Bouman

I am a double major in English and history with a minor in American studies. I am also part of the honors program; have served as a Cura Personalis I peer instructor for six semesters; was an Oriflamme leader for three years; and played club volleyball for four years. This year, I served as editor-in-chief of Her Campus, an online writing organization for women. Last year, I was editor-in-chief of the Kiln and Via Magazine, SLU’s undergraduate literary magazine and research journal. I am also a member of Sigma Tau Delta, Alpha Sigma Nu and Phi Beta Kappa.

Next year, I will be serving in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Philadelphia, PA, as a tutoring coordinator at The Welcoming Center.

Forensic Science: Emily Ebbing

I am a dedicated, hard-working student in the forensic science department and am honored to receive this award. I have strived during my time at Saint Louis University (SLU) to make the most of my degree through experiences inside and outside the classroom. I completed an internship with the Illinois State Police and worked as a teaching assistant for the forensic science and biology departments. I graduated a semester early and am currently working as a regulatory specialist for Sensient Technologies. I am incredibly grateful for my community for its support throughout this journey and for my department for this honor.

Health Care Ethics: Pranavi Athota

Pranavi Athota, a senior at Saint Louis University, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience and a Bachelor of Arts in bioethics and health studies through the university’s Honors Program. Her interdisciplinary interests are reflected in her research with Katherine Luking at SLU and Gurudutt Pendyala at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. She received the William S. Stark Undergraduate Research Award, an Investigative Learning Experience Grant and second place in the university’s Undergraduate Writing Award this year.

At SLU, Athota has held several leadership roles, including president of the Honors Student Association, pre-health ambassador and teaching assistant in the biology department. She also serves as an ESL tutor and medical scribe for underserved communities and received a United Way grant to support mentorship events connecting SLU students with local immigrant students.

After graduation, Athota will attend Harvard Medical School to pursue a medical degree. She plans to become a physician who integrates research, clinical care and bioethics to address health care disparities.

History: Ruth Bouman

I am a double major in English and history with a minor in American studies. I am also part of the honors program; have served as a Cura Personalis I peer instructor for six semesters; was an Oriflamme leader for three years; and played club volleyball for four years. This year, I served as editor-in-chief of Her Campus, an online writing organization for women. Last year, I was editor-in-chief of the Kiln and Via Magazine, SLU’s undergraduate literary magazine and research journal. I am also a member of Sigma Tau Delta, Alpha Sigma Nu and Phi Beta Kappa.

Next year, I will be serving in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Philadelphia, PA, as a tutoring coordinator at The Welcoming Center.

Languages, Literatures, and Cultures: Ittmum Zahir

During his time at Saint Louis University, Ittmum earned several academic honors and leadership distinctions. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in April 2024, Alpha Sigma Nu in March 2025 and Nu Rho Psi in April 2025.

In addition to his academic achievements, Ittmum helped launch initiatives focused on advocacy and community engagement. He served as co-founder and co-president of Beyond Ability SLU, an organization dedicated to disability advocacy through community service and educational programming. He was also among the inaugural founders of the College of Arts and Sciences Ambassadors initiative, which promotes belonging and community within the college.

To continue his passion for choral music, he performed with the selective University Mastersingers during the fall 2022, spring 2023, fall 2023, spring 2024 and spring 2025 semesters.

He has also been involved in peer mentorship and advising. Since fall 2024, he has served as a pre-health ambassador for the Office of Pre-Health and Pre-Law Studies and will serve as vice president of the program during the 2025-26 academic year.

In research, Ittmum presented work from the laboratory of Ian Mitchelle de Vera at the fall 2023 IDBI Symposium at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. In April 2026, he presented research conducted by Ander Beristain at the 2026 Senior Legacy Symposium on behalf of the Department of Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures.

After graduation, he plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as an academic physician.

Mathematics and Statistics: Evan Socher

Evan Socher is a mathematics major with a minor in biology at Saint Louis University (SLU). He has excelled in multiple graduate-level mathematics courses, primarily in topology. He has conducted research and co-authored a publication with SLU mathematics professor Hugo Panzo.

Socher also serves on the editorial team for ForALL Math Magazine, is president of the Jewish Student Association, and has worked as a teaching assistant in the biology department. In addition, he has competed in state and national mathematics competitions, including the Putnam Competition, the Missouri Collegiate Mathematics Competition and the Mathematical Contest in Modeling.

After graduating from SLU, he plans to pursue a doctorate in pure mathematics.

Neuroscience: Damara Stevens

While at Saint Louis University, I have been involved in First-Year Experience, the Office of Admission, the Micah Learning Community, neuroscience research and the Residence Hall Association. I have been on the dean’s list from fall 2022 through fall 2025, and I was recently awarded the Spirit of the Billiken Award. After graduation, I plan to attend Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Philosophy: Andrew Vastola

Andrew graduated in December 2025 with a double major in philosophy and economics. During his undergraduate studies, he collaborated with multiple professors on independent research projects and served as an assistant basketball coach at his former high school, Providence Classical Christian Academy.

After spending the spring semester as a research intern at the American Institute for Economic Research, he will pursue a master’s degree in economics at George Mason University in the fall.

Political Science: Jesse Driese

• Co-president, Saint Louis University Fencing Club
• President, Saint Louis University Criminology and Criminal Justice Club
• Student worker, Office of the University President
• Recipient, Dr. Norman White Service in Justice Award
• Recipient, Spirit of the Billiken Award
• Recipient, ILEX Research Funding

Pursuing law school after a year working in the legal field.

Psychology: Mya Falkenhain

Mya is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in nutrition, health and wellness. During her undergraduate career, she worked in the Luking Lab as an HER Study coordinator and EEG technician. Simultaneously, she completed a data project on the developmental mechanisms underlying eating disorders. Her poster received the CUR Psychology Student Research Award, which funded travel to the Midwestern Psychological Association conference. For the past two years, she has interned and later worked as a crisis line advocate for ALIVE, a nonprofit organization specializing in shelter, counseling and court advocacy for survivors of intimate partner violence. During her senior year, she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

After graduation, Mya plans to attend Boston College to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling with a concentration in integrated behavioral health. Her goal is to become a licensed professional counselor serving adolescent and young adult populations. She is grateful for the support of her psychology professor and graduate student mentors over the past four years.

Sociology and Anthropology: Halle Shoaf

Halle is graduating a year early from Saint Louis University with double majors in anthropology and international studies and double minors in political science and Spanish.

As a member of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Program, she has completed more than 85 hours of service at the Women’s Safe House, a local domestic violence shelter, where she helped lead music therapy group nights for children living there.

Her capstone paper, which focuses on the resilience of community members in Coldwater Creek in St. Louis following an environmental disaster involving long-term radioactive contamination and government negligence, was selected for presentation at the 2026 SLU Senior Legacy Symposium.

Halle plans to pursue a doctorate in medical anthropology to study the health needs of marginalized Spanish-speaking groups in Latin America and eventually advocate for those needs at the public policy level.

Theological Studies: Ethan Steingruby

I completed a double major in history and theology and a minor in Catholic studies. Next year, I will serve as a volunteer theology teacher at St. Louis University High School through the Alumni Service Corps program.

Visual and Performing Arts: Lear Rose

Lear Rose is a dedicated arts nonprofit professional who brings a nuanced perspective on donor engagement, informed by education and experience in nonprofit administration and development. An Amber Johnson Award recipient, Rose believes in the power of the arts to create social good, a conviction shaped by involvement in civic-focused arts projects, including audio description, community quilting with elders and the creation of resources for neurodivergent museum visitors.

Rose will graduate in May 2026 from Saint Louis University, where they are pursuing a self-designed degree in art history and nonprofit administration with a minor in marketing. They have worked with local arts and culture organizations, including the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis as an assistant educator and the Saint Louis Art Museum as both a Pershing Fellow and a Gyo Obata Fellow.

Through the Gyo Obata Fellowship, Rose gained experience in institutional giving, donor communications, grant research and writing, and the Corporate Partners Program. Through their work, Rose seeks to foster inclusive and accessible spaces in pursuit of a kinder community.

Women’s and Gender Studies: Advika Varadharajan

During my time at Saint Louis University, I have been actively involved with the women’s and gender studies department and received the Community Spirit Award last year. I also have been an active member of the Hindu Student Community, volunteered with the St. Louis Diaper Bank and conducted research with Janowiak. After graduation, I hope to pursue a master’s degree before applying to medical school and continuing to serve my community.
 

Distinguished Dissertation Award (Winner)

Darby Ratliff, Ph.D., American Studies

Darby Ratliff earned her doctorate in American studies from Saint Louis University in 2025. As a graduate student at SLU, she received fellowships from the Center for Research on Global Catholicism, the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage, and the Catholic Studies program at Georgetown University. She also received a Saint Louis University dissertation fellowship that supported the completion of her dissertation, “Church-State-School: Boarding Schools and Catholic Education in the Nineteenth Century.” Ratliff is an associate public historian at the Missouri Historical Society.