Senior Stevens wins biology prize

Elizabeth Stevens has been named the winner of the 2007 Stalker Prize.

This prize is named in the honor of the late Harrison D. Stalker, Ph.D., who was professor of biology; a leading evolutionary biologist, geneticist and inspired teacher; and a true enthusiast of the fine arts.

The award is given to the graduating senior in biology in Arts & Sciences whose undergraduate career was marked by outstanding scientific scholarship, as well contributions to the University in areas of artistic expression and/or community service.

Stevens will graduate with honors in biology and in Spanish. She spent a semester in Chile to strengthen her Spanish and experience the culture of the country.

Stevens has co-authored two primary research papers with Gammon M. Earhart, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical therapy in the School of Medicine. The papers report on studies that examine changes in perception during exercise in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

She is an active volunteer for community-service efforts, which include working in the child-care ministries at her local church, tutoring Hispanic children at an elementary school and teaching Hispanic workers English in the English as a Second Language program at the University.

Stevens also volunteers at the St. Patrick Center, the largest provider of homeless services in Missouri.

Stevens also volunteered as a Spanish translator at the Good New Ministry Clinic, as well as at an intensive care unit at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers in Indianapolis. She plans to attend medical school in the fall.

She will be recognized at an honors reception from 3:30-5 p.m. May 16 in Room 162 of McDonnell Hall.