Kyra Schrock, a junior from Olathe, has been awarded the Courtwright Award for her groundbreaking research on mental health and social support, while Ian Shire, a senior from Lawrence, has been recognized for his innovative work in organic chemistry and pharmaceuticals.
Kyra Schrock: Behavioral Neuroscience and Linguistics
“Youth who have navigated mental illness can face unique challenges in building recovery-oriented beliefs, especially as they enter a new chapter of their lives,” said Schrock. “My project explores how social support may shape recovery-oriented beliefs, with the long-term goal of improving interventions that empower individuals through community and connection.”
Research Focus
- Secondary Analysis of Existing Data on the Impact of Social Support on Recovery-Oriented Beliefs in Young Adults with Childhood or Adolescent Mental Health Diagnoses
- Examining the Relationship Between Social Support and Recovery-Oriented Beliefs Among Young Adults with Different Mental Health Diagnoses
Schrock’s research poster, titled “The Impact of Social Support on Recovery-Oriented Beliefs in Young Adults with Childhood or Adolescent Mental Health Diagnoses: A Secondary Analysis,” will be presented at the KU Department of Psychology 2025 Symposium for Undergraduate Psychology Engagement and Research (S.U.P.E.R.) poster event.
Ian Shire: Biochemistry and Chemistry
“Organic chemistry, a branch of chemistry dedicated to the structure, properties, and reactivity of carbon-containing compounds, is an incredibly powerful tool,” said Shire. “My work focuses on using organic chemistry to generate novel and intriguing molecular scaffolds for medicinally active compounds.”
Research Focus
- Exploring Reactions Between Phosphorus Disulfides and Ring-Strained Oxiranes to Generate Heterocyclic Sulfur-Containing Derivatives of Phosphate Esters
- Investigating the Utility of These Derivatives in DNA-Related Pharmaceuticals/Disease Monitoring
Shire’s work aims to create new pharmaceutical compounds by using organic chemistry to generate novel molecular structures. He intends to present his research at the national and Midwest regional meetings of the American Chemical Society, and also plans to finalize his work over the summer and submit a manuscript for publication in scientific literature.
The Courtwright Award
The Courtwright Award for Undergraduate Research Excellence was established at KU Endowment in 2020 through the contributions of David (class of 1974) and Chris Courtwright (class of 1983).
Selection Criteria
- Finalists are selected from applications for the Undergraduate Research Awards each semester.
- The award recognizes undergraduate students with majors in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences whose research and creative work stand to make meaningful contributions to their fields of study.
This is the 10th iteration of the award.
Other Spring 2025 Finalists
- Undergraduate Research Award Finalists for Spring 2025: Kyra Schrock and Ian Shire
- Major: Behavioral Neuroscience and Linguistics and Biochemistry and Chemistry, respectively.
| Name | Major | Research Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Kyra Schrock | Behavioral Neuroscience and Linguistics | Secondary Analysis of Existing Data on the Impact of Social Support on Recovery-Oriented Beliefs in Young Adults with Childhood or Adolescent Mental Health Diagnoses |
| Ian Shire | Biochemistry and Chemistry | Exploring Reactions Between Phosphorus Disulfides and Ring-Strained Oxiranes to Generate Heterocyclic Sulfur-Containing Derivatives of Phosphate Esters |
“The Courtwright Award for Undergraduate Research Excellence is a testament to the outstanding research and dedication of our students,” said [Name].
