Western Students Excel in 2025 Global Undergraduate Awards

Students from Western University have achieved remarkable recognition in the 2025 Global Undergraduate Awards, an international competition that honors outstanding undergraduate research and creative projects. This year, Western secured a prestigious position, ranking first in North America and second globally for the number of “highly commended” students. The university tied for second place in regional winners with Brown University and also ranked second in North America for global winners, sharing the spotlight with four other institutions.

Such achievements underline Western’s continued success in this esteemed competition. Among the standout recipients, Jadyn Zajac, a classical studies student, was named the global winner in the Classical Studies and Archaeology category for her exceptional paper, marking the third consecutive year that a Western student has received this honor in this field. In total, 13 students were recognized as highly commended, three received regional winner titles, and one earned the prestigious global winner award.

“We’re so proud of these students and the dedication they’ve shown in pursuing research that makes a difference,” said Lise Laporte, Senior Director of Western International. “Their success on a global stage reflects not only their individual talent and hard work but also Western’s commitment to supporting undergraduates as they explore new ideas and perspectives.”

This year, nearly 2,800 submissions were received from institutions across 48 countries. Entrants submitted their work across 25 categories for the Global Undergraduate Awards. Winners, including global and regional recipients, receive a certificate, publication of their papers in The Undergraduate Library, and access to the Undergraduate Award Network. They are also invited to present their research at the Global Undergraduate Summit in Dublin, Ireland, scheduled for November 9-12, 2025.

Highlighting Individual Achievements

The awards not only celebrate institutional success but also spotlight individual achievements that contribute to academic excellence. Jadyn Zajac‘s winning paper explored women’s leadership in the early Christian Church, challenging traditional narratives surrounding female ordination. She argued that “women in the early Church were ordained to major positions such as presbyters and bishops,” asserting that later censorship erased evidence of their leadership.

“I was in complete shock,” Zajac shared about her global win. “Seeing names from Ivy League universities made me think I had no chance. Winning this award feels like the perfect conclusion to my undergraduate journey.”

Zajac, who will attend the Global Summit in Dublin, expressed that the recognition has bolstered her confidence in her academic path. “To finish my degree with such an award has shown me that through hard work, I am capable of achieving great things.”

Another prominent winner, Renee Guerville, a BSc student specializing in neuroscience, was recognized as a regional winner in the psychology category for her study on sensory processing in children diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Using electromyography (EMG), she examined how these children filter sensory information, noting that they often exhibit hyperreactivity compared to their typically developing peers.

“Knowledge is power,” Guerville stated, emphasizing the importance of understanding sensory experiences to better support neurodivergent individuals. Now serving as the lab manager of Western’s Sensory Perception Lab, she intends to pursue graduate studies focusing on neuropsychology and child clinical psychology.

Further Innovations in Research

Regional winner David Johnson, a fifth-year student in applied mathematics, received recognition in the mathematics and physics category for his work on Alt’s problem, a classic issue in mechanical engineering. His research utilized computational and combinatorial methods to investigate the design of mechanical linkages to trace complex paths, contributing to efforts toward a formal mathematical proof.

“It felt amazing to know that something I wrote resonated with others,” Johnson remarked. He will begin a master’s degree in applied mathematics at Western in January, aspiring to continue research in this field, potentially as a professor in the future.

Additionally, Sarah You, an HBA student specializing in finance and data science, earned regional winner status in the computer science category. She developed a deep learning model aimed at improving estimates of corporate default probabilities, using artificial intelligence to enhance financial risk modeling.

“Even when results aren’t perfect, the research process itself matters a lot,” You noted, highlighting the significance of tackling complex problems. Having graduated from Western’s Ivey Business School, she is now pursuing a master’s degree in statistics at Columbia University.

The achievements of Western students in the Global Undergraduate Awards not only reflect their dedication and talent but also contribute to the wider academic community by demonstrating the importance and potential of undergraduate research. As these students continue to explore their fields, they pave the way for future generations of scholars.