Muncie, IN—Anna Allen of Yorktown, Indiana, received The Provost’s Prize for Outstanding Scholarly Work during Ball State University’s Commencement on May 5.
“My most significant emotion is sheer gratitude,” she said. “I have worked with so many amazing faculty and students at this university and would not have had the research experience and opportunities had it not been for those who had been willing to constantly and patiently support me.”
Allen was a psychological science major and graduated summa cum laude. She was an honors undergraduate research fellow for Stephanie Simon-Dack and a teaching assistant for David Perkins. Allen worked extensively in an EEG lab (a test used to evaluate electrical activity in the brain) and assisted with many research projects, including one on trait anxiety that resulted in publication. She also served as a peer mentor for incoming freshmen.
Outside the classroom, she was an executive board member for the Ball State University Dance Marathon, which raised more than $650,000 for Riley Hospital for Children this year. She also volunteered as a counselor for Camp Barnabas in Purdy, Missouri, a summer camp for people of all ages with special needs.
Allen hopes to pursue a career in pediatric neuropsychology. She has already been accepted to a master’s program at Vanderbilt University.
“I am particularly interested in vocational capacity and improving the system by which these individuals are provided opportunities to develop careers and even pursue higher education if they choose,” said Allen.
The Provost’s Prize annually honors a Ball State senior of high academic achievement. Nominees are evaluated by education achievement, work experience, awards, performance activities and volunteer service.
The prize includes a $1,000 award.
