Library and Archives News

The University Libraries are pleased to announce the Wright State University 2025 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 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 31^st  year.

We would like to publicly recognize and congratulate our seven Top Scholars for 2025 and share their after graduation plans and/or favorite memories as Wright State University student:

Raj Soin College of Business

Matthew Correll

Major: Management

Book: Two Faces of Digital Transformation: Technological Opportunities Versus Social Threats, ed. by Bülent Akkaya

"After graduation, I plan to attend medical school at Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University. I'm excited to explore how my experiences in business, management, and leadership can uniquely shape my path in the medical field. I plan to stay in Dayton and most likely pursue a career in psychiatry, if the Lord wills.

My undergraduate experience at Wright State has been truly amazing, and I'm especially grateful for my involvement with RCA, Residential Academic Ambassadors, Chi Alpha Ministries, and, of course, the Raj Soin College of Business, all of which have provided incredible opportunities for growth. Above all, I am deeply thankful to God, my family, faculty, and friends for all the guidance and support throughout this journey."

Lake Campus

Gwyneth Elking

Major: Nursing

Book: Rural Healthcare and the Pandemic: Challenges, Solutions and Future Needs, by Judith Paré, Dayle Sharp, and Polly Peterson

"After graduation, I will earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in psychology. During my time at Lake Campus, my potential has blossomed due to my student clinical/externship experiences, research involvement, and leadership positions in the WSULC Nursing Organization and Psychology Club. I will enter my career with valuable clinical knowledge, skills, and nursing judgment thanks to my nurse externship and my practicum experiences in my areas of interest, which include the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit. Once I pass NCLEX and obtain my nursing license, I will begin my career as a Registered Nurse in an ICU within a Premier Health hospital. I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received from Lynn Franck, Dr. Joshua Ricker, my numerous RN faculty/preceptors, and my family and friends over the years. It truly takes a village!"

College of Liberal Arts

Isabelle Ford

Major: Performance

Book: The Opera Singer's Acting Toolkit: An Essential Guide to Creating a Role, by Martin Constantine

"After graduation, I will direct a church choir at St. Francis de Sales in Lebanon, Ohio, and I will continue to teach young pianists and vocalists at Star City Music Studio in Miamisburg. In the brief time window before I start my church job in July, I will compete and perform my current composition project, a new song cycle called Penelope, in collaboration with local radio host, pianist, and Wright State alumna Dr. Samee Griffith. I will be married in June, and I plan to raise a family long-term alongside teaching and performing."

 

 

College of Science and Mathematics

Zuhair Ghouse

Major: Physiology and Neuroscience

Book: Hormonal Theory: A Rebellious Glossary, ed. by Andrea Ford

"After graduating, I plan on applying for medical school. Working in the healthcare field to better the lives of others is an important goal to me, and I hope to accomplish that by becoming a physician. 

My time at Wright State in the Physiology and Neuroscience program has been rewarding and it has undoubtedly prepared me for my future endeavors. I would like to thank my advisor Dr. Sonner, The NERD research lab, and all other faculty for the education, opportunities, and mentorship they have given me. Also, being part of organizations like COSM Dean's Circle and CJ McLin Jr. Scholars Association has allowed me to form meaningful connections with my peers and has shown me the importance of community service, which I am very grateful for."

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Diana Johnson

Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering

Book: Solar Pumping for Water Supply: Harnessing Solar Power in Humanitarian and Development Contexts, by Asenath W. Kiprono

"After graduation, I will be accepting a position as a SMART Scholar through the Department of Defense. As part of this program, I will pursue a master's degree in Computer Science at Wright State University while conducting research with NASIC, where I look forward to using my knowledge and skills in computer science for defense research.

I could not be more grateful for my experiences at Wright State through my undergraduate degree. In the last four years, I've had the opportunity to take on various roles, from conducting research at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to actively participating in organizations like Engineers Without Borders and Tau Beta Pi. I am also incredibly thankful for my mentors and peers who have supported me along the way."

College of Health, Education, and Human Services

Jane Richer

Major: Sports Medicine

Book: Developing the Athlete: An Applied Sport Science Roadmap for Optimizing Performance, by William J. Kraemer

"After graduation, I will be completing my Doctorate Degree at the University of Toledo to become a physical therapist. Once I am done with the two and a half years at the University of Toledo and licensure, I plan to travel with my degree and then find myself either back in Dayton or Toledo to pursue other job opportunities. I am also exploring the options of completing a residency program in either a neurology or orthopedic field. My heart has grown to love this city and the people in it. I am thankful for all of my professors, especially Rebekah Bower, for guiding and encouraging me throughout my years here at Wright State. I am also thankful for all of my employers, here at WSU and in the community, and for the Adapted Recreation program for teaching me many valuable lessons. I will always be grateful for Wright State and everyone I have met at my time here."

 Boonshoft School of Medicine

Olivia Woten

Major: Public Health

Book: Until We're Seen: Public College Students Expose the Hidden Inequalities of the COVID-19 Pandemic, ed. by Joseph Entin

"Following my graduation in May, I will apply to several Physician Assistant programs in Ohio. I hope to use the fundamental principles of Public Health to provide a holistic approach when caring for my patients in the future.

I would like to thank the WSU Public Health faculty for supporting my future endeavors and encouraging me to participate in research during my undergraduate career. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to research addiction and postpartum care in the Greater Dayton area under Dr. Silverstein and Dr. Paton, respectively. A special thank you to my friends and family for their continued support as I pursue graduate education."

Congratulations to our 2025 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.