The Nancy Allen Research Writing Awards
Recognizing exemplary research and writing
The Nancy Allen Research Writing Awards recognize exemplary research and writing by students in Missouri State University's Writing II courses.
Writing II introduces students to the writing of their chosen disciplines and professions; as such, exemplary writing will demonstrate research-informed discussion from a variety of disciplines and writing approaches.
Eligible Writing II courses include AGR 320; ENG 210, 221, 310, and 321; GLG 358; and HST 210. Writing II instructors will select papers for award consideration, and awards will be determined by writing faculty. Chosen authors will be announced at the beginning of the fall semester and featured on this webpage.
Award categories
MSU Writing II Instructors submit one student paper for consideration in each award category:
Entering the Conversation
This award category recognizes student writing centered in source-informed discussion exploring the student’s position on a topic or issue within their discipline or profession. The paper does not have to argue a particular position, although it certainly can do so, but the discussion must offer something new to say by identifying and exploring a variety of concerns or approaches to an issue or understanding within a discipline or profession.
Expanding the Conversation
This award category recognizes source-informed student writing on a particular topic or issue within a discipline or profession created for a variety of audiences and platforms beyond the academy, including writing for social media; professional writing for the workplace; and creative writing that is informed by research yet presented through creative approaches.
Award Winners & Finalists 2024-2025
Category I - Entering the Conversation
WINNERS
Alexander Merrell
"Historical Analysis of the Persistence of Pagan Beliefs and Mythological Figures into
the Renaissance, Their Restoration during the Renaissance, and Their Impact on Shakespeare’s
Hamlet"
ENG 210: Rick Voliva, instructor
Thi Dieu Thuy Nguyen
"Extrasensory Perception and Sense of Self"
ENG 310: Lori Rogers, instructor
Ahleina Roberts
"The Path to a Fair Justice System: Integrating Neuroethics in Court"
ENG 210: Isabella Eslick, instructor
FINALISTS
Jenna Delay
“The Silent Scales of Workplace Justice: When Cheating is about Who not What”
ENG 210: Lori Rogers, instructor
Brittany Kelly
“Improving Sustainability Practices at Stormwater STL”
ENG 221: Vicke Kepling, instructor
Paige Stuart
“A Loss for Words: The Language Extinction Crisis”
ENG 210: Sam Kriegel, instructor
Category II - Expanding the Conversation
WINNERS
Danik Brown
"Podcast script"
ENG 210: Isabella Eslick, instructor
Jenna Delay
"To Be or Not to Be a Mother: A Memoir of a Young Girl Testing the Limits of Fate"
ENG 210: Lori Rogers, instructor
Spencer Mohn
"Immigration Policy Reform Proposal"
ENG 221: Vicke Kepling, instructor
FINALISTS
Lani Heeb
“Graphic Narrative”
ENG 210: Autumn Meyer, instructor
Vaeya Nichols
“Professional Narrative: My Illustration Career”
ENG 210: Dr. Keely Scott, instructor
Madison Spohn
“Learning Shorthand: Shorthand for Practical Application”
ENG 321: Dr. Marianthe Karanikas, instructor
Paige Stuart
“Walk Like a Man, Talk Like a Man: The History of Human Speech”
ENG 210: Sam Kriegel, instructor
Columbia Trout
“From Paraprofessional to Special Education Teacher: A Journey of Growth”
ENG 210: Dr. Keely Scott, instructor
Cremzin Turley
“Sustainable Chemical Processes: Concept Proposal”
ENG 210: Stephany Pace, instructor
For more information, contact:
Learn more