From left, Undergraduate Research Interim Director Tom Stucky, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jay Gladden, student awardees Stuti Patel, Xzaliya Cervantes and Serenidy Eckerle, and faculty awardee Patrick Gentry. Photo provided by the Center for Research and LearningThe 2025 Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Day at IU Indianapolis recognized outstanding student scholars and faculty with top research honors.

Patrick Gentry, lecturer in the Department of Biology in the School of Science, received the Kathryn J. Wilson Award for Outstanding Leadership and Mentoring of Undergraduate Research for his dedication to guiding peers through impactful research experiences.

Three students were also awarded:

• Stuti Patel earned the Richard E. Ward Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Recognition Award for her commitment to academic inquiry and growth.
• Serenidy Eckerle was honored with the Bowling-Jones-Russo Memorial Undergraduate Research Award, highlighting her academic excellence and research contributions.
• Xzaliya Cervantes received the prestigious IU Indianapolis Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research, celebrating her exceptional work and innovation. 

The annual day is part of a series of events that highlight the engaged learning experiences of students in the classroom, on campus and in the community.