TXST doctoral students receive Phi Kappa Phi dissertation fellowships, graduate research grants

Elisabeth Cuerrier-Richer, applied anthropology major, researches the cranial variation of Latin Americans from skeletal collections in the United States, Mexico, and other Central and South American countries. Notably, Cuerrier-Richer previously received both the Graduate Research Grant and Love of Learning Award from Phi Kappa Phi in 2023, making her the second student from TXST to have received all three of these awards from Phi Kappa Phi.

Applied anthropology major Shelby Garza researches differences in how cortical and trabecular bone structure responds to varying activity patterns and mechanical loading in identified human skeletons to improve current forensic identification methods.

“I am impressed that our Phi Kappa Phi students are consistently recognized every year for their significant research accomplishments,” said Kambra Bolch, J.D., TXST’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter president. “We are proud to have them represent our chapter and Texas State University so well at the national level.”

Two additional doctoral students in applied anthropology, Hilda Torres and Sameeha Vardhan, received Graduate Research Grants from Phi Kappa Phi during the 2024 competition. Annually awarded to only 20 applicants, these grants provide up to $1,500 to support graduate students who are conducting or presenting research.

“These four Phi Kappa Phi awardees demonstrate that Texas State cultivates and nurtures outstanding graduate students engaged in highly intellectual, significant, and original research,” said Andrea Golato, Ph.D., dean of The Graduate College. “We hope that more graduate students from all fields of study will engage with our extensive external funding support services.”

Visit The Graduate College website for more information about available programs, resources, and external funding.