Cintya Felix (‘26 Political Science and Spanish)

Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences would like to congratulate Cintya Felix (‘26 Political Science and Spanish) for winning second place for her paper, “Aquí y Ahora: The Role of US Spanish-Language TV News in Financial Vulnerability.” and Cassandra Chan (‘25 Art History) for placing third for her paper, “Clement Hurd and the Artistic Integrity of Illustrated Children’s Books.” as part of The Leatherby Libraries 2025 Kevin and Tam Ross Undergraduate Research Contest.

For seventeen years, The Leatherby Libraries has been awarding undergraduate students at Chapman University across all disciplines the Kevin and Tam Ross Undergraduate Research Prize. This year, applications were submitted from students, including Art History, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Computer Science, English, Health Sciences, History, Journalism, Music, Political Science, Psychology, Screenwriting, Spanish, and Strategic Corporate Communication.

“I am incredibly honored to become a recipient of the 2025 Kevin and Tam Ross Undergraduate Research Prize. As someone who aspires to enter the legal and policy-making world, I now feel more confident in finding, analyzing, and applying scholarly sources effectively. Leatherby Libraries provided the tools and support I needed to conduct a meaningful research project. As a first-generation college student, I might not have had access to this level of academic guidance otherwise, so I am immensely grateful,” said Felix. 

Cassandra Chan (‘25 Art History)

This research prize was established by the Leatherby Libraries in 2008 to recognize excellent research and effective usage of library resources while focusing on information literacy. Information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.

“Winning the Kevin and Tam Ross Undergraduate Research Prize contest is an incredible honor that affirms the value of intellectually rigorous, research-driven work. Developing my project has strengthened my research and information literacy skills in ways that will stay with me far beyond its completion. I’m immensely grateful for the recognition and opportunity to share my work in a community that esteems inquiry, creativity, and scholarship,” said Chan.

(Pictured in header: (left to right) Chair of Research and Instructional Services at the Leatherby Libraries, Taylor Greene, First Place Winner, Megan Lewandowski, Second Place Winner, Cintya Felix, Third Place Winner, Cassandra Chan, and Dean of the Leatherby Libraries, Kevin Ross pose for a picture at the 2025 Student Research Awards Ceremony.)

Read more about this award!