Western Students Shine in 2025 Global Undergraduate Awards

Western University students have distinguished themselves on the global stage by achieving remarkable recognition in the 2025 Global Undergraduate Awards, an esteemed international academic competition dedicated to honoring exceptional undergraduate research and creative endeavors. This year, the university ranked first in North America and second worldwide for “highly commended” students, continuing its tradition of excellence in these awards.

In total, Western secured notable placements, tying with Brown University for the second spot among regional winners and ranking second in North America for global winners. Among the standout individuals, classical studies student Jadyn Zajac was honored as the global winner in the Classical Studies and Archaeology category for her outstanding paper. This achievement marks the third consecutive year that a Western student has received this prestigious global award.

This year’s competition saw nearly 2,800 submissions from institutions across 48 countries. Participants submitted their work in one of 25 categories, vying for recognition as global winners, regional winners, or highly commended scholars. Each winner receives a certificate, publication of their paper in The Undergraduate Library, and access to the Undergraduate Award Network. Moreover, winners are invited to present their research at the Global Undergraduate Summit, scheduled to take place in Dublin, Ireland, from November 9 to 12, 2025.

Lise Laporte, senior director of Western International, expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments. “We’re so proud of these students and the dedication they’ve shown in pursuing research that makes a difference,” she noted. Their success not only highlights individual talent but also reflects Western’s commitment to fostering an environment where undergraduates can explore innovative ideas and perspectives.

Spotlight on Award-Winning Research

Among the winners, Zajac’s groundbreaking paper focuses on the role of women in the early Christian Church. Her research challenges traditional narratives by asserting that “women in the early Church were ordained to major positions such as presbyters and bishops,” and that historical censorship has obscured evidence of women’s leadership in liturgical settings. “I was in complete shock,” Zajac remarked after receiving the award. “To win the global award felt like the perfect conclusion to my time as an undergraduate.” She views this recognition as a confidence booster for her future academic pursuits.

Another notable regional winner, Renee Guerville, a student specializing in neuroscience and psychology, received accolades for her research on sensory processing in children with autism and ADHD. Her study utilized electromyography (EMG) to analyze how these children filter sensory information. Guerville commented, “The more we understand about how people experience the world, the better we can support and accommodate them.” She plans to continue her research in graduate studies focused on neuropsychology.

David Johnson, recognized in the mathematics and physics category, explored a classic problem in mechanical engineering known as Alt’s problem. His research employs computational methods to investigate how mechanical linkages can accurately trace complex paths. “It felt amazing to know that something I wrote resonated with others,” Johnson said, reflecting on the validation his work received.

Lastly, in the computer science category, Sarah You was awarded for her innovative research that applies artificial intelligence to financial risk modeling. Her deep learning model aims to improve the estimation of corporate default probabilities, addressing challenges faced by traditional statistical approaches. “Even when results aren’t perfect, the research process itself matters a lot,” said You, who is now pursuing further studies in statistics at Columbia University.

The achievements of Western University students in the Global Undergraduate Awards not only showcase their remarkable talents but also underscore the importance of recognizing undergraduate research, which often does not receive the attention it deserves. The recognition serves as an inspiration for students to continue their research endeavors and share their findings globally.