Library News & Updates

Winners of the 2024-2025 Undergraduate Project Award

Each spring, the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons award cash prizes to undergraduate students for outstanding projects that utilize the library and learning commons’ resources—such as services, collections, workshops, and consultations—and reflect personal growth as scholars, researchers, or creatives. Both individual and group awards are available. Full details can be found on the Undergraduate Project Award webpage.

The Undergraduate Project Award 2024-2025 winners are…

• Amber Bryant (BS DIUS ‘25) is the individual award winner with a case study project titled, “The Significance of Ultrasound Enhancement Agents: A Case Report of Recurrent Left Ventricular Thrombus” conducted in DIUS 4700 Leadership & Health Equity III with Professor Teresa Sagapolutele. Amber’s case study explores a patient with ventricular thrombus that may have gone undetected due to the absence of ultrasound enhancement agents in previous echocardiograms. The report underscores the critical value of ultrasound enhancement agents for patients with underlying cardiac disease, as well as the importance of clinician training in decision-making. Amber’s application demonstrated meaningful growth in research skills through advanced search strategies, effective use of library resources, and support from the Nursing Librarian. Amber wrote, “The case study showcased a depth of understanding that would not have been possible without the resources and support provided by the library, and it was grounded in high-quality, peer-reviewed evidence. I developed my academic and technical skills during this process, but I also became a more confident, inquisitive, and resourceful healthcare scholar—qualities I will carry into my future sonography career.”

• Alyssa Ortiz (BS DIUS ‘25) recipient of an individual honorable mention said, “Throughout my higher education at Seattle University, the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons has been a place that provided me with the resources necessary to be successful in the classroom. This is especially prevalent during my process of completing my Diagnostic Ultrasound Senior Year Case Report on Leiomyomas.” For this project, Alyssa received a presentation from the Nursing Librarian, scheduled consultations with the librarian, searched library databases, identified and evaluated scholarly articles, and used the physical library spaces. Alyssa’s case study, "Leiomyoma – A Case Report," conducted in DIUS 4700 Leadership & Health Equity III with Professor Teresa Sagapolutele emphasizes the need to destigmatize women’s health—especially among Black populations. It addresses how overlooked or misunderstood symptoms can delay proper diagnosis and explains how better education around menstruation and gynecological health can improve health outcomes.

• Carly Needham (BS DIUS ’25), recipient of an individual honorable mention, authored "Pericardial Effusion Case Study" for DIUS 4700 Leadership & Health Equity III with Professor Teresa Sagapolutele. She reflected on her initial anxiety about conducting scientific research, “At the beginning of this project, I felt very overwhelmed, nervous, and intimidated by the word “case study” and “scientific research.” I’ve always dreaded online researching and citing resources. I enjoy writing, but I do not enjoy researching. However, Ekaterini Papadopoulou, an employee of the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons, gave a very descriptive and insightful presentation to our class about the online resources Seattle University offers through the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons. … I began taking the steps that she’d taught me and found myself at ease with navigating through the different forums of research platforms. There were so many options that I was able to narrow down to the basis of what I specifically needed. I grew confidence in my research project and surprisingly felt motivated to make this project one of my best.” Carly’s work advocates for ultrasound-guided needle and catheter placement during pericardiocentesis procedures to improve safety and outcomes. By sharing her findings, she contributes valuable research that others can build upon to enhance patient care.

Congratulations to the winners!