The University Library is pleased and proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Carter Joseph Abrescy and Larry Kranich Library Award for Student Research Excellence: Diana Muñoz and Maya Manesh.
Diana Muñoz is a second-year Computer Science and Engineering major with a passion for learning. Ms Muñoz’s first experience with the Library as a research resource was in Continuing Lecturer Marisol Alonso’s Writing 010 class, in which she investigated the fetishization of women’s bodies in the media. The project for which she now receives the Award, “What Is Deep Brain Stimulation and How Does It Help Improve the Lives of Those With Parkinson’s Disease?,” was written for Teaching Professor Brian Utter’s Physics 009 – Introductory Physics II course. In her diverse interests, her curiosity, and her adroit use of the University Library’s resources, Ms Muñoz exhibits all the hallmarks of an expert researcher.
Maya Manesh is a senior at UC Merced, graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree in Cognitive Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Her award-winning submission, “Get Off or Get Up and Pray: Religiosity and Women’s Sexuality,” written for Professor Colin Holbrook’s Cognitive Science course, COGS 179 – The Cognitive Science of Religion. Ms Manesh’s research explores how religious belief shapes perceptions and expressions of women’s sexuality. Her work blends insights from cognitive science, sociology, and religious studies. She has dedicated her Award to “women worldwide, past, present, and future,” with gratitude.
The University Library will host a public reception on Friday, March 21, at 2:00 pm, during which the Award recipients will receive certificates and speak about their work. The reception will be on the third floor of the Kolligian Library, next to KL 371 in front of the Four Seasons of Yosemite stained-glass murals. All are welcome to attend.
