Student Wins Research Award From The National Association for School-University Partnerships

Laura Wallender, a senior in the Florida Southern College School of Education, won the National Association for School-University Partnerships (NASUP) Student Action Research Award last month, for presenting her thesis on improving fine motor development in kindergarten students at the annual NASUP conference in Washington D.C.  
 
Wallender is completing her senior internship in a fourth-grade classroom at Pinewood Elementary School this semester. Her research was conducted as part of her honors thesis through the Florida Southern Honors Program. 
 
Wallender’s thesis focused on strengthening early childhood development. She conducted a study to investigate how implementing targeted fine motor skill interventions over six weeks could enhance hand-eye coordination, dexterity and precision in young learners. The research aimed to identify practical strategies teachers can use to support the physical development necessary for early learning and classroom readiness. 
 
The NASUP Student Action Research Award recognizes outstanding student research presented at the organization’s annual conference. Submissions are evaluated by a committee using criteria such as the clarity of the research question, the design of the study, analysis of data and the implications of the findings for teaching and learning. Winners are selected based on both the quality of their research and the effectiveness of their conference presentation. 
 
For Wallender, the award reflects not only her research but also the support she found within the School of Education. 
 
“The most meaningful moments of my time in the education department have been the relationships I have formed,” she said. “Everyone in the School of Education is beyond welcoming, and all want to see you succeed. From my peers to my professors, I know there will always be someone there for me whenever I need.” 
 
Wallender has been deeply involved at Florida Southern, serving as Social Media Manager for the School of Education Executive Board. She is also a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Alpha Delta Pi sorority and the Florida Southern Honors Program. 
 
She credits her time at Florida Southern with shaping her approach to teaching and leadership. The College’s emphasis on experiential learning helped her develop skills in creative problem-solving and taught her how to apply knowledge in real-world settings. 
 
“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of leading with both purpose and compassion,” Wallender said. “Through academic challenges, collaborative projects and hands-on learning experiences, I’ve learned to approach every task with integrity, adaptability and a genuine commitment to others.” 
 
Her national recognition highlights the strength of Florida Southern’s school-university partnerships and its commitment to preparing educators through clinical practice and research-based inquiry.