Category: Community

2024 Wright State University Top Scholars

The University Libraries are pleased to announce the Wright State University 2024 Top Scholars. Top Scholars is an annual award given to a graduating senior from each college and Lake Campus. Top Scholars are selected by the dean and must have at least a 3.6 GPA, be on track to graduate in spring, and represent the mission, vision and values of our inclusive University.

Each recipient receives a certificate, and a book is purchased and added to the University Libraries’ permanent collections in honor of each Top Scholar. Bookplates with the student’s name, college, and award year are affixed to the book and are also added to the libraries catalog record. The subjects of the books are chosen from within the student’s major and the books are selected by the libraries’ collection management team. The Wright State University and the Friends of the Libraries fund the award, now in its 30th year.

We would like to publicly recognize and congratulate our seven Top Scholars for 2024 and share their after graduation plans and/or favorite memories as Wright State University students.

Image of Constantine Bambakidis
Constantine Bambakidis

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Constantine Bambakidis

Major: Computer Science

Book: Understanding Cybersecurity Technologies: A Guide to Selecting the Right Cybersecurity Tools,  by Abbas Moallem

“After graduation, I will be completing a master’s degree in the field of cyber security and pursuing a career in cyber operations. I also plan to start a cyber security club to participate in national competitions, expand my photography business and adopt a dog to hike the Appalachian Trail with.”

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Hannah Davidson

College of Science and Mathematics

Hannah Davidson

Major: Physiology and Neuroscience

Book: Immunohistochemistry: A Technical Guide to Current Practices, ed. By Trung Nguyen

“After graduating this spring, I will be completing my masters in Physiology & Neuroscience at Wright State University. This summer, I will be participating in the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program with the Naval Medical Research Unit-Dayton, where I have been interning for two years. Long-term, I plan to become a neonatologist and continue research in developmental neuroscience.

My undergraduate experience here at Wright State has been a such a sweet time – thanks to my experiences in groups like Asian Student Association, Dean’s Circle, and Student Government. I am so grateful for the support of family, faculty, and friends.”

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Celeea Tanae Dixon

College of Health, Education, and Human Services

Celeea T. Dixon

Major: Sign Language Interpretation

Book: Advances in Educational Interpreting, ed. By Elizabeth A. Winston & Stephen B. Fitzmaurice

“After graduation I am going to be attending the University of Miami-Oxford to obtain a Masters in Special Education. When that is finished, I plan to do both, sign language interpreting and be an Intervention Specialist for students who range with mild to moderate learning disabilities.

My all-time favorite memory was networking with the other African American students/organizations on campus. Going to Black Student Union events, and being initiated in the Illustrious EX chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. has made me a better person, teammate and friend. I will always be thankful for the connections I have made here at Wright State University.”

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Jacob Maher

Raj Soin College of Business

Jacob Maher

Major: Financial Services

Book: Artificial Intelligence Applications in Banking and Financial Services, by Abhishek Gupta, Dwijendra Nath Dwivedi, and Jigar Shah

“A few of my favorite WSU memories include volunteering for several Raider Open House events where I had the opportunity to speak to potential students and families about the Raj Soin College of Business and tell them about campus life. I have made many very close friendships during my years at WSU which will last a lifetime,  going on spring break trips and winning intramural sport championships with them are also amazing memories that I cherish. 

Immediately after graduation I will be starting a full-time position at Buckingham Advisors in Centerville on the financial planning team. I had the opportunity to intern at Buckingham Advisors last year and was fortunate enough to receive a full-time offer to come back. Here I have already learned a ton about the field and gained valuable professional experience. Buckingham Advisors employs many WSU alumni, and I am excited to start my professional career with an amazing organization. My long-term goals include earning the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation and eventually starting my own financial planning firm. 

I was fortunate enough to graduate high school with an Associate’s Degree from Edison State Community College, which allowed me to graduate in 3 short years. The first thing that stood out to me when I started at WSU was how genuine and caring the professors are. I am proud to have been a part of the Raj Soin College of Business and am excited to be part of the Raider Alumni Family. “

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Bethany Moore

College of Liberal Arts

Bethany Moore

Major: International Studies

Book: The Geopolitics of Shaming,by Rochelle Terman

“Following my graduation, I will be working for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) as an intelligence specialist at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.” 

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Zachary Pleiman

Lake Campus

Zachary Pleiman

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Book: Theory of Machines: Kinematics and Dynamics, by Dustin Green

“Hello, my name is Zachary Pleiman. I was born in raised in Fort Loramie, OH. I grew up playing a variety of sports, including basketball, golf, track and field, and baseball. On my free time I would participate in outdoor activities along with helping at our family farm. I graduated from Fort Loramie High School as part of the 2020 class. I went right into my college career the following fall at Wright State University’s Lake Campus. I completed my entire 4-year tenure here and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering degree.

“When attending college, I also worked at a year-round Co-Op at Machine Concepts located in Minster, OH. This job allowed me to get a foot into the door and experience what a mechanical engineering career would have to offer. For the past 3 years at this company, I was able to learn a lot about this career field. With this said, after my college career is over, I plan to continue working at Machine Concepts as a full-time mechanical engineer.”

Image of Naser Zarrabi
Naser Zarrabi

Boonshoft School of Medicine

Naser Zarrabi

Major: Public Health

Book: Indigenous Public Health, by Linda Burhansstipanov and Kathryn L. Braun

“After graduation, I plan to further my knowledge in the medical field through research and volunteering. My hope is to be accepted to the Boonshoft School of Medicine to pursue my ultimate goal of becoming a physician and helping people.

My favorite memory at WSU was having the opportunity to be an undergraduate teaching assistant for anatomy lab. I enjoyed this experience as I was able to help students improve their learning and understanding. I also appreciate all of my amazing professors and the faculty members that helped me throughout my studies at WSU. I would especially like to thank the Dean of Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dr. Toussaint, Dr. Hinson-Enslin, my advisor, Laura Marker, Professor Severt, Dr. Ritucci, Dr. Zhong, Professor Calabro, and all of my professors in the Public Health department. Their help has guided me to receive this award and continue on the path to reach my goal of becoming a physician.”

Congratulations to our 2024 Top Scholars!

The University Libraries and the Friends of the Libraries thank everyone who with hard work, collaboration and cooperation made this year’s Top Scholar awards possible.

Unity in Diversity: Skin Color Project

Image of Unity in Diversity Exhibit
Dayton Regional STEM School Class of 2028: Unity in Diversity: Skin Color Project

The Dunbar Library is currently hosting a display created by eighth-grade students of the Dayton Regional STEM School titled “The Skin Color Project Exhibit” until April 11th.  Visit the exhibit on the second floor of the University Library.

The students dedicated time to collecting research and creating a multimedia museum exhibit focused on the study of skin color and the impacts of race in America. They have crafted engaging posters, timelines, 3D monuments, and videos with the aim of demonstrating, not only on how humans acquire their skin color, but also on how skin color has affected humans throughout history.

Comprising the following classes—Language Arts, Math, Science, and US History—the Skin Color Project engaged the eighth graders in exploring genetics, historical events, current data, and modern literature to construct an answer to the driving question, How and why does skin color matter? Understanding and celebrating diversity is integral to our community, and projects like this serve as reminders of that.

Teachers who played vital roles in guiding the students through the research, writing, multimedia production, and visual graphics of this project include three Wright State University graduates:

  • Nichole Miller, WSU Grad Class of 2012 M.Ed, who teaches Language Arts.
  • Amy Vazquez, WSU Grad Class of 2013 M. Ed, who teaches Math.
  • James Smith, WSU Grad Class of 2018 M. Ed, who teaches Social Studies.
  • Keenan McCormick, WSU Grad Class of 2023 B.A Physics Education, who teaches Digital Design.

Additionally, contributing to the project were:

  • Andrea Helbach, OU Grad Class of 2007 Industrial and Systems Engineering, UD class of 2011 Materials Engineering, who teaches Science.
  • Melissa Curran, OU Grad Class of 1997, Ohio Dominican Class of 2010 M.Ed, who teaches Wellness and Fitness.

Libraries Honor the 2024 Spring Semester Library Student Assistant Awards Recipients

Image of Spring 2024 LSAA Recipients
Left to right: Alondra Mallia, Darrell Blevins Jr., Ciara McCarthy, Mariah Paynter, Anna Jones. Not pictured: Elijah Capasso

The University Libraries held our biannual Library Student Assistant Award reception on March 15, 2024. Six students were selected for the Spring semester awards and received a $500 award for their excellent job performance in the University Libraries. Library Student Assistant Awards are funded by contributions to the Campus Scholarship Innovation Campaign from the University Libraries’ staff and other donors, and interest earned from the Friends of the Libraries endowment fund. To date, 439 awards have been distributed to 255 students totaling over $205,650.

University Libraries staff and the Friends of the Libraries Board would like to congratulate this semester’s winners:

Darrell Blevins Jr., a graduate student majoring in History, began working for the Special Collections and Archives Department in the fall of 2023. Since he first visited the archives in the spring of 2023 to do research, he absolutely fell in love with SC&A and had an immediate interest in a student employment position here. When a position came open the following fall, his was the first application received and soon after he was hired. Darrell is extremely enthusiastic in his work and his enthusiasm shines through in our reading room and on the phone when he is assisting patrons. He has been instrumental in completing an extensive research request that has required thousands of drawings from our Curtiss Wright Engine Drawing Collection to be located/identified on numerous rolls of microfilm and digitized for the user. He takes time to ensure that the images produced are high quality and legible. Darrell has requested additional work to broaden his experience and is currently working on a small exhibit on the Xenia tornado. His dedication to the SC&A department and his pleasant demeanor make him a great addition to the library and will take him far in the future.

Elijah Capasso is a junior majoring in History who has worked for the Information & Research Services Department since September 2022. Eli was initially hired to assist at both the Information Desk and in Resource Delivery Services where he primarily shelved materials, but as service desk schedules shifted, he transitioned all of his hours to the Information Desk. When answering patron questions, he takes his time and does his research. If he isn’t sure how to answer a question, he’s not afraid to ask his colleagues for assistance. He demonstrated an eagerness and determination to learn all of the equipment in the Information Commons so he can assist patrons in the Educational Resource Center as well as provide in depth assistance on the photocopier/printer/scanner, and with basic technical questions on any computer. When he has down-time on the Information Desk, he asks for additional work and has assisted with the Dayton Holocaust Resource Center display for Black History Month, pulling old book displays, and the subject guides best bets databases list. Eli is a fantastic addition to the Dunbar Library.  

Anna Jones, a senior majoring in History, began working for the Information & Research Services Department in March 2022 as the Dayton Holocaust Resource Center student assistant. She is very creative and task oriented and has excelled at every task she has been assigned. She played a key role in creating entries and images for our special library guide commemorating Black History Month, accessible at https://guides.libraries.wright.edu/black-history-month/dhrc. In addition to our special library guide, The DHRC also initiated a visual display honoring the Black Experience in the Holocaust and World War II. Anna conducted passionate research on the topic, crafted graphics, designed posters, digitized items, and contributed to assembling the display pieces. Each year she works on the Holocaust Remembrance Month DHRC display in the library. We’re looking forward to the April display, titled “Artists of the Holocaust” and are confident that Anna’s hard work will contribute to its success. Anna is a valued member of the DHRC and we’re lucky to have her as one of our student assistants.

Alondra Mallia, a senior majoring in Classical Languages & Cultures, has worked for the Special Collections & Archives Department since August 2023. Alondra has proven to be a conscientious and dependable part of the SC&A team. She quickly learned the ropes by asking questions and diving into projects. She hit the ground running working on a preservation project to properly house oversize photographs in the Dayton Ballet Collection, which required investigative work to identify names, event, and dates. Alondra produces high quality work in neatness, accuracy, and timeliness. She has completed a number of preservation projects to rehouse materials and does a wonderful job staffing the reference desk, helping patrons on the phone and in person. She displays excellence in her work every day in the library. She’s extremely flexible with her schedule, working evenings and during breaks and plans to work over the summer as well. Alondra is an asset to the Dunbar Library and we’re fortunate to have her as a student assistant in the Special Collections & Archives Department.

Ciara McCarthy, a senior majoring in Acting began working for the Resource and Delivery Services Department in October 2020.  As an acting major, Ciara’s schedule can be complicated and extremely demanding. Her exceptional organizational and time-management skills allow her to thrive both as a student and a student employee. During her time with us, she has grown into a leadership role with grace and ease. She takes initiative in her position as a student assistant and is willing to go above and beyond to assist a patron in need. Her attention to detail is on stage when searching the monthly missing list of books so much so that she’s been tagged as our number one detective. She loves searching for missing books and is eagerly excited when she finds one. Her cheerful attitude, outgoing nature, and theatrical skills shine when providing great customer service to our patrons and as she works harmoniously with staff and her fellow student workers. She is quick to help out where needed and to point out any potential issues that may arise. Ciara has been a wonderful part of the RDS department and all have appreciated her friendliness, reliability and adaptability. This is her last semester before graduating and we’re all happy for her and confident that she will succeed wherever her path takes her in the future.  

Mariah Paynter,  a graduate student majoring in Student Affairs – Higher Education, began working in the Resource and Delivery Services Department in August 2023. Mariah has been a quick learner and immediately started covering day shifts where we are often short-staffed. Mariah provides professional and friendly customer service, takes initiative, has a positive attitude and eager to learn all that the RDS department does to ensure all patrons have a positive experience in the library. While performing tasks such as processing OhioLINK  returns, searching for missing items, and learning a new responsibility in helping with Interlibrary Loan, Mariah stays calm and collected. Mariah catches on quickly to new skills and has become a valuable asset for the RDS day operations.

Karen Wilhoit, University Librarian is Retiring After 32 Years of Service to Wright State University

Image of Karen Wilhoit
Karen Wilhoit, University Librarian

Karen Wilhoit, University Librarian will retire from Wright State University Libraries effective February 29, 2024. Karen has served the libraries in many capacities since March 1992 when she joined our staff as the Head of Cataloging. Prior to her appointment as University Librarian in 2021, she served as Associate University Librarian for Collection Services since 2004. In her various roles in the Libraries, Karen managed the streamlining and automation of technical services operations, guided the merger of the Fordham Health Sciences Library and Dunbar Library collections, and the merger of two units in the Libraries as cost savings measure for the University, helped with the formation of Digital Services which managed the University institutional repository and oversaw the transition of the Libraries’ collections from primarily print to primarily online.

As University Librarian she worked closely with Libraries’ staff to focus on how the various departments within the Libraries can continue to work together to support initiatives focusing on student success and outreach to faculty. She worked with the Division of Inclusive Excellence to prioritize the Libraries’ commitment to being a welcoming and supportive unit for all members of the campus community. Most importantly, she has been committed to ensuring that the Libraries continue to provide outstanding service to Wright State students, faculty and staff.

During her tenure at Wright State, Karen has been active in representing the Libraries in state and national committees and consortia, serving on and chairing the OhioLINK Database Management and Standards Committee and the OhioLINK Cooperative Information Resources Management Committee. She has also been active in the Academic Library Association of Ohio, serving at various times as Chair of the Technical Services interest group, Treasurer, and Vice President/President/Past President. Karen has also served on several technical services committees of the American Library Association.

We thank Karen for her 32 years of dedicated service to Wright State University and wish her all the best in retirement.