This award was established to provide assistance for thesis research/scholarly activities expenses or for travel expenses incurred by graduate students who wish to attend a conference to present their research. Awards for currently enrolled students will be processed via Student Accounts. Students who have graduated will receive a check in the mail. Funding for each award is determined annually by the Graduate School.
Deadlines
Nomination by Friday, January 23, 2026
Materials by Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Email Nominations to: Dr. Ross Gosky with SUBJECT LINE: Domer Research Award
Application Information
This award provides research supplies or supports research activities including travel to a professional meeting related to the student's research. To qualify for this award a student must prepare the following:
- A statement from the graduate student describing the research project and outlining in detail how the funds will be used.
- A letter of nomination and/or endorsement from the faculty mentor
Selection Criteria
When reviewing applicants for this award, reviewers will consider the following:
- Evidence of scholarly excellence on the part of the student (e.g., recipients of prior awards)
- The quality of the proposal submitted (e.g., clarity of presentation, significance of work/professional development proposed, creativity and originality in the proposal)
- The impact of this award on the recipient's career (i.e., will receipt of the award make a real difference?)
Donors
Judith E. Domer (Dean of the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies, 1997-2004) and Floyd R. Domer
Past Recipients
- 2024-2025: Sean Doherty, Exercise Science; Mabry Watson, Exercise Science; Freedom Johnson, Biology; Skyler Strzelecki, Technology; Judge Bostian, Exercise Science; Brendan Meckler, Political Science
- 2023-2024: Andrey Sanko Posada, Exercise Science; Sarah Ulrich, Geography & Planning; Sam Grattan, Exercise Science; Jose Picado, Exercise Science; Ally Lawing, Biology; Kerri Durkan, Biology
- 2022-2023: Melinda Frank, Educational Leadership; Elizabeth Pearce, Experimental Psychology; Brian London, Experimental Psychology; Bailey Chenevert, Experimental Psychology; Sophie Ryan, Geography & Planning; Shawn Roberts, Exercise Science
- 2021-2022: Bronwyn Harris, Reading Education; Riggs Matthews, IO Psych; Shawn Roberts, Exercise Science; Jay Harrell, Exercise Science
- 2020-2021: Daniel Jeffries, Computer Science; Tyree Wilmoth, Sustainable Technology & the Built Environment
- 2019-2020: Jasmine Cash and Jessie Morgan, Exercise Science; Ashley Hull, Biology; Peaches Hash, Educational Leadership
- 2018-2019: James Hedrick, Dual Degree: Appalachian Studies and Government and Justice Studies (Political Science)
- 2017-2018: Laura Johnston, Appalachian Studies
- 2016-2017: Reed Gurchiek, Exercise Science
- 2015-2016: Justin A. Stewart, Exercise Science
- 2014-2015: Luke Tunstall, Mathematics
- 2013: Michael Thomas, Biology
- 2012: Rebecca Hobden, Technology
- 2011: not given
- 2010: not given
- 2009: Serena Heinz, Biology
- 2008: Ashley S. Williams, Biology
- 2007: Michael Denslow, Biology
- 2006: Jason H. Windett, Political Science
- 2005: Susan Pepper, Appalachian Studies
- 2004: Alice Wilson, Appalachian Studies