2026 Wright State University Top Scholars

The University Libraries are pleased to announce the Wright State University 2026 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 welcoming 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 majors 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 32^nd year.

We would like to publicly recognize and congratulate our seven Top Scholars for 2026 and share their after graduation plans and/or favorite memories as Wright State University student:

Lake Campus

Drew Guggenbiller

Major: Integrated Science

“After graduation, I plan to attend the Northeast Ohio Medical University Bitonte College of Dentistry to pursue my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Before beginning this next chapter, I plan to spend time traveling, enjoying golf with my Special Olympics partner, and working on a farm in my rural community. In the long term, I aim to return to a rural setting to provide high quality dental care and serve the needs of my community.  My time at Wright State University Lake Campus has prepared me both academically and personally for this transition to dental school. I am grateful for my professors, peers, and experiences that have guided and supported me as I take this next step in my education.”

Boonshoft School of Medicine

Elise Hubert

Major: Public Health

“Following graduation, I will begin a two-year post-baccalaureate research internship at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland where I will perform clinical research on pediatric diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. Upon completion of this program, I plan to apply to medical school to fulfill my lifelong goal of becoming a physician.

I would like to thank Wright State University and the entire Public Health Department for their endless support for my academics, research, and extracurricular roles. I am especially grateful to Dr. Silverstein for offering me the opportunity to work alongside her and conduct research on addiction medicine and health disparities. I am also thankful for the Pre-Health Society and the National Residence Hall Honorary, which have offered me the opportunity to gain leadership experience and form lifelong connections. Finally, I would like to give a special thank you to my family and friends who have supported my goals and dreams from the beginning. I would not be where I am today without them!”

College of Health, Education, and Human Services

Rebecca Kurtz

Major: Elementary Education P-5

“As I conclude my time at Wright State University, I am thrilled to walk into the next step God has planned for me. I will be working at the Dayton Regional STEM School in Kettering, Ohio as an elementary educator. It has been a dream of mine for many years to serve elementary-aged students in a dynamic way through an authentic, inquisitive, and collaborative classroom and learning environment. In the near future, I also plan to adventure into the graduate level to obtain my master’s degree with Wright State.

I have grown an immense amount through my education thus far at Wright State largely in part of my phenomenal professors, family, and peers. The Teacher Education Department shines brightly with faculty invested in their students’ development and success. From beginner courses teaching me about brain development, the base-10 number system and effectiveness of an educator to my latest cohort courses immersing me in assessment strategies, mathematical rich tasks, and phonemic awareness, I am confidently walking into the education world. I would like to specifically thank Dr. Michelle Fleming, Mr. Dave Herick, Mrs. Tracey Kramer, and Mrs. Lee Welz for their continued support and encouragement along my journey. Through impeccable professors, I have been able to undergo undergraduate research, present at WSU’s Learn Local conference, and the Science Education Council of Ohio conference. I am thankful to say that this is not goodbye, but instead the next chapter in my lifelong book of teaching, learning, and collaborating.”

College of Science and Mathematics

Margaret (Maggie) Mann

Major: Chemistry

“After graduating, I plan to pursue a master's in science in Chemistry at Wright State University.  Working on my master's will allow me to expand my knowledge in the field and learn skills to apply in the work field.

My time at Wright State in the Chemistry Department has been gratifying and has prepared me for my future endeavors.  I would like to thank all of the faculty and staff in the Chemistry Department for guiding me towards opportunities and mentorship I will never forget.  I am thankful for my time in the many organizations on campus, such as Campus Recreation, Academic Success Center, Chemistry Club, Residence Life and Housing, Raider Catholic, and Club Sports, that helped me grow into the individual I am today.  Wright State is a campus full of growth and challenges, and I can't wait to continue my schooling here.”

Raj Soin College of Business

Kristofer (Kris) Nartker

Major: Marketing

"After Graduation, I will be spearheading marketing and content creation for a small financial services firm. I will also have an internship at another company to further hone my marketing skills.

During my time at Wright State, I have acquired some unparalleled skills. From just learning about what marketing is, to implementing it with precision, to networking with purpose, to speaking in front of an entire room of your peers.  Wright State has not only taught me what it means to be a business professional, but also what it means to be a good person. I have made numerous lifelong and valuable connections at Wright State, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

I am looking forward to looking back on the trajectory my life takes after graduation!"

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Arabella Partee

Major: Electrical Engineering

“After completing my degree in Electrical Engineering, I will work at Leidos conducting research in Synthetic Aperture Radar and Signal Processing. I will apply the skills learned at Wright State and continue to grow as an Electrical Engineer. I also plan to begin working with the youth in my local community to encourage and support them, just as I have been supported. After a year, I will continue working full-time while pursuing my Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. No matter what I do in life, I want to continue learning in every facet and encouraging and helping others. 

I am extremely grateful for the wonderful journey I have had at Wright State. In the last four years, I learned and grew as an engineer and as a person. During my time at Wright State, I worked as a research intern at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, was involved with professional societies like Association of Computing Machinery, Society of Women Engineers, and Tau Beta Pi, and led the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. I have also had the chance to meet many wonderful people. I am deeply thankful to God, my family, friends, faculty, staff, and mentors who have led, encouraged, and supported me throughout my journey. It would not have been possible without them!”

College of Liberal Arts

Annabelle Trovillo

Major: English

“After graduation, I will receive my teaching license in Adolescent to Young Adult Integrated Language Arts Education. Rather than beginning my career teaching in a high school right away, I will continue my education at Wright State by pursuing a master’s degree in English while serving as a Teaching Assistant. This opportunity will allow me to continue to expand my knowledge of the English subject while also gaining experience teaching at the college level. I cannot wait to continue my educational journey here at Wright State. It is through the support of my professors, peers, and the College of Liberal Arts that I have been able to succeed and find a place where I feel valued and challenged. I am eager to continue building on that foundation as I work toward making a meaningful impact in the world of English and education.”

Congratulations to our 2026 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.