Honors, Awards, Fellowships and Grants

Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), 2026

Selected as a Horowitz Early Career Scholar through the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD). This competitive mentorship program supports emerging scholars in child development by providing individualized mentorship, professional development opportunities, and networking with leading researchers in the field. Participation in the program reflects a commitment to advancing high-quality research that promotes the well-being of children and families.

Mississippi State University, 2025–2026 Academic Year

Received the Graduate Achievement Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research in recognition of exceptional scholarly achievement during my first year as a doctoral student. Contributing factors included earning First Place in the poster category at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Graduate Research Symposium, presenting research at the Southeastern Council on Family Relations (SECFR) Annual Conference, and submitting multiple conference abstracts to regional and national professional organizations. This award recognizes excellence in research productivity, dissemination, and academic engagement.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mississippi State University, Fall 2025

Awarded First Place in the Poster Category at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Graduate Research Symposium. The award recognized outstanding research presentation at the 2025 Graduate Students Research Symposium. The winning poster, Literacy as a Bridge out of Poverty: The Role of Shared Book Reading in Economic Mobility, examined how shared book reading and home literacy experiences contribute to children's developmental outcomes and long-term opportunities.

Global Masters of Development Practice and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, 2024

Member of the winning team in Auburn University's inaugural Master of Development Practice Global Challenge. The team's project, Sabah Poverty Reduction and Flood Recovery Initiative, was recognized for its innovation, interdisciplinary approach, and potential for real-world impact. The competition challenged students to develop sustainable, evidence-based solutions to complex global development problems, integrating perspectives from economic development, public health, environmental sustainability, and community resilience.