The University Libraries are pleased to announce the Wright State University 2024 Top Scholars. Top Scholars is an annual award given to a graduating senior from each college and Lake Campus. Top Scholars are selected by the dean and must have at least a 3.6 GPA, be on track to graduate in spring, and represent the mission, vision and values of our inclusive University.
Each recipient receives a certificate, and a book is purchased and added to the University Libraries’ permanent collections in honor of each Top Scholar. Bookplates with the student’s name, college, and award year are affixed to the book and are also added to the libraries catalog record. The subjects of the books are chosen from within the student’s major and the books are selected by the libraries’ collection management team. The Wright State University and the Friends of the Libraries fund the award, now in its 30th year.
We would like to publicly recognize and congratulate our seven Top Scholars for 2024 and share their after graduation plans and/or favorite memories as Wright State University students.
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Constantine Bambakidis
Major: Computer Science
Book: Understanding Cybersecurity Technologies: A Guide to Selecting the Right Cybersecurity Tools, by Abbas Moallem
“After graduation, I will be completing a master’s degree in the field of cyber security and pursuing a career in cyber operations. I also plan to start a cyber security club to participate in national competitions, expand my photography business and adopt a dog to hike the Appalachian Trail with.”
College of Science and Mathematics
Hannah Davidson
Major: Physiology and Neuroscience
Book: Immunohistochemistry: A Technical Guide to Current Practices, ed. By Trung Nguyen
“After graduating this spring, I will be completing my masters in Physiology & Neuroscience at Wright State University. This summer, I will be participating in the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program with the Naval Medical Research Unit-Dayton, where I have been interning for two years. Long-term, I plan to become a neonatologist and continue research in developmental neuroscience.
My undergraduate experience here at Wright State has been a such a sweet time – thanks to my experiences in groups like Asian Student Association, Dean’s Circle, and Student Government. I am so grateful for the support of family, faculty, and friends.”
College of Health, Education, and Human Services
Celeea T. Dixon
Major: Sign Language Interpretation
Book: Advances in Educational Interpreting, ed. By Elizabeth A. Winston & Stephen B. Fitzmaurice
“After graduation I am going to be attending the University of Miami-Oxford to obtain a Masters in Special Education. When that is finished, I plan to do both, sign language interpreting and be an Intervention Specialist for students who range with mild to moderate learning disabilities.
My all-time favorite memory was networking with the other African American students/organizations on campus. Going to Black Student Union events, and being initiated in the Illustrious EX chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. has made me a better person, teammate and friend. I will always be thankful for the connections I have made here at Wright State University.”
Raj Soin College of Business
Jacob Maher
Major: Financial Services
Book: Artificial Intelligence Applications in Banking and Financial Services, by Abhishek Gupta, Dwijendra Nath Dwivedi, and Jigar Shah
“A few of my favorite WSU memories include volunteering for several Raider Open House events where I had the opportunity to speak to potential students and families about the Raj Soin College of Business and tell them about campus life. I have made many very close friendships during my years at WSU which will last a lifetime, going on spring break trips and winning intramural sport championships with them are also amazing memories that I cherish.
Immediately after graduation I will be starting a full-time position at Buckingham Advisors in Centerville on the financial planning team. I had the opportunity to intern at Buckingham Advisors last year and was fortunate enough to receive a full-time offer to come back. Here I have already learned a ton about the field and gained valuable professional experience. Buckingham Advisors employs many WSU alumni, and I am excited to start my professional career with an amazing organization. My long-term goals include earning the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation and eventually starting my own financial planning firm.
I was fortunate enough to graduate high school with an Associate’s Degree from Edison State Community College, which allowed me to graduate in 3 short years. The first thing that stood out to me when I started at WSU was how genuine and caring the professors are. I am proud to have been a part of the Raj Soin College of Business and am excited to be part of the Raider Alumni Family. “
College of Liberal Arts
Bethany Moore
Major: International Studies
Book: The Geopolitics of Shaming,by Rochelle Terman
“Following my graduation, I will be working for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) as an intelligence specialist at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.”
Lake Campus
Zachary Pleiman
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Book: Theory of Machines: Kinematics and Dynamics, by Dustin Green
“Hello, my name is Zachary Pleiman. I was born in raised in Fort Loramie, OH. I grew up playing a variety of sports, including basketball, golf, track and field, and baseball. On my free time I would participate in outdoor activities along with helping at our family farm. I graduated from Fort Loramie High School as part of the 2020 class. I went right into my college career the following fall at Wright State University’s Lake Campus. I completed my entire 4-year tenure here and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering degree.
“When attending college, I also worked at a year-round Co-Op at Machine Concepts located in Minster, OH. This job allowed me to get a foot into the door and experience what a mechanical engineering career would have to offer. For the past 3 years at this company, I was able to learn a lot about this career field. With this said, after my college career is over, I plan to continue working at Machine Concepts as a full-time mechanical engineer.”
Boonshoft School of Medicine
Naser Zarrabi
Major: Public Health
Book: Indigenous Public Health, by Linda Burhansstipanov and Kathryn L. Braun
“After graduation, I plan to further my knowledge in the medical field through research and volunteering. My hope is to be accepted to the Boonshoft School of Medicine to pursue my ultimate goal of becoming a physician and helping people.
My favorite memory at WSU was having the opportunity to be an undergraduate teaching assistant for anatomy lab. I enjoyed this experience as I was able to help students improve their learning and understanding. I also appreciate all of my amazing professors and the faculty members that helped me throughout my studies at WSU. I would especially like to thank the Dean of Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dr. Toussaint, Dr. Hinson-Enslin, my advisor, Laura Marker, Professor Severt, Dr. Ritucci, Dr. Zhong, Professor Calabro, and all of my professors in the Public Health department. Their help has guided me to receive this award and continue on the path to reach my goal of becoming a physician.”
Congratulations to our 2024 Top Scholars!
The University Libraries and the Friends of the Libraries thank everyone who with hard work, collaboration and cooperation made this year’s Top Scholar awards possible.