The first annual Manheim-Sterling Undergraduate Research Prizes have been awarded to Sara Snyder and Sarah Ferris.

Sara Snyder (a senior) and Sarah Ferris (a junior).

Snyder, a Political Communication major, will travel to New York City through an alternative spring break program to conduct interviews, film and produce a short video documentary focusing on the lives of homeless LGBTQ youth. Professor Jason Osder will serve as her mentor.

"This is exactly the kind of award that gives me the opportunity to launch right into the media career I've dreamed of," Snyder said. "My film will challenge me in ways I can't really imagine sitting here in January, and I couldn't be more excited about it."

Ferris, a Journalism major, will continue an independent study project overseen by Professor Steven Livingston on how non-state actors use information technologies - like mobile phones - to enable social action. She will go on a trip to Nairobi, Kenya this summer.

"Spending time meeting local partners in Kenya, like Ushahidi and Sisi Ni Amani, will help me understand how these tools can be further developed elsewhere," Ferris said. "What do we need to do to make this work in other parts of the world?"

Through the newly established Manheim-Sterling Awards, Snyder and Ferris will have the funds necessary to produce amazing work that will surely help jumpstart their careers.

The award winners meet with Chris Sterling.