The Library hosted a reception for the 2024-2025 Abrescy-Kranich Library Research Award on Friday, March 21 to recognize the accomplishments of undergraduate awardees Maya Manesh and Diana Muñoz.
Yearly, the Library invites undergraduate students to submit course work that demonstrates effective use of information resources, an understanding of the research process, and growth in their research practices. The Carter Joseph Abrescy and Larry Kranich Library Award for Student Research Excellence is made possible by the generosity of Arlene Kranich and is named after her grandson Carter Abrescy and late husband Larry Kranich.
This years’ winner were Diana Muñoz, a second-year Computer Science and Engineering major, and Maya Manesh, who will graduate spring 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Cognitive Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.
At the reception, University Librarian, Haipeng Li warmly welcomed attendees, donor Arlene Kranich and her family, and award winners. Diana and Maya both shared a few remarks upon acceptance of their awards.
Diana expressed deep appreciation for the award and the encouragement it provides. “I’m really grateful that I was even considered for the scholarship to begin with because … a lot of the time as an undergraduate student, you’re kind of just thrown these assignments and you don’t really see what’s going to come out of them until you graduate at the end."
She noted that awards push you to persevere and remind you that “hard work really does pay off.” In her research process, she started with a simple Google search but then used library research databases that were immensely useful. As a result, she “went from learning how the brain works to learning how Parkinson’ disease occurs, and then how it’s treated, … and how science really does look for better solutions every single time.”
Congrats Diana for your project “What Is Deep Brain Stimulation and How Does It Help Improve the Lives of Those With Parkinson’s Disease?” completed for a Physics course taught by Professor Brian Utter.
Maya Manesh communicated the valuable support she received from faculty and library staff in her research journey. Her submission “Get Off or Get Up and Pray: Religiosity and Women’s Sexuality” was prepared for a Cognitive Science course taught by Professor Colin Holbrook. Maya stated that Prof. Holbrook’s “course challenged me to think critically and helped me build a strong foundation in research. Thank you for your guidance, patience, and for pushing me to explore complex questions”. She also gave a shout-out to librarian Sara Squibb for an invaluable workshop on research tools and databases. “The skills I learned continue to shape the way I approach research.” She concluded by recognizing UC Merced as an instrumental partner in building her research skills and confidence. “This award represents not just my efforts, but the collective efforts of an institution that empowers students to grow as scholars.”
Maya was commended by both staff and faculty. Danielle Bermudez, Associate Director for Educational Equity and Access at the Calvin E. Bright Success Center attended the reception. Bermudez has supervised Maya’s work in the Bright Success Center and describe Maya as “brilliant and passionate.” In Professor Holbrook’s written remarks, he stated that Maya was one of the “most outstanding students in my course The Cognitive Science of Religion” and due to “the strength of her performance in the course, I invited Maya to join my laboratory. … Maya went on to make superb contributions to our human-robot interaction and virtual reality research over the year that followed. I can’t wait to find out where her next steps will take her.”
We had a wonderful surprise to conclude the formal remarks. Kelli Breland, granddaughter of Arlene Kranich, shared about her late grandfather Larry Kranich and his educational journey.
Ironically, Larry Kranich was “not into academics. He barely made it through 8th grade." Yet, Kelli remembers him always telling her to “get an education; go to school – it’s very important.” He had a successful career as a grocer and became president of Quik Stop Markets. Recently, the family came across a copy of the Hall of Fame speech he gave when he retired. In that address he acknowledged that he “did not care for school at all” but after working for two years at a low-level job he realized that he needed his high school diploma. Despite some fears, he did return to finish high school and couldn’t “believe the respect that he received from his teachers and his peers.”
Kelli noted that her grandfather’s story “solidifies the importance of this award … especially in recognizing undergraduate students." To the award recipients, Kelli acknowledged that “we place a lot of emphasis on graduate careers and the direction that’s heading, but your undergraduate education is extremely important.” She concluded by congratulating the award winners. “You should be very proud of yourselves. I know my grandpa would be proud. … Keep on pursuing your dreams.”
Thank you to all those who joined us in this celebration and congratulations to our awardees!
Undergraduate awardees Diana Muñoz (L) and Maya Manesh (R) stand with Arlene Kranich (center).
Award recipients with Arlene Kranich (donor), Breland family members, and University Librarian
L to R: Haipeng Li, Kelli Breland, Diana Muñoz, Arlene Kranich, Maya Manesh, Julie Breland, and Mark Brelend.
Award recipient Diana Muñoz receives certificate from University Librarian, Haipeng Li
Award recipient Maya Manesh shares remarks and recognizes those who have contributed to her growth as a scholar.
