Alumni Association Awards
Outstanding Undergraduate Student
The Alumni Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Student is awarded to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to Gwynedd Mercy University and its Mercy Mission , as well as distinguished themselves in one or more of the following areas : academics , athletics , service , and / or leadership .
Recipient : Seydel Acuña Bachelor of Science in Biology
Seydel Acuña can be classified as one of the most active and engaging students on campus . She will be graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Biology with dual minors in Chemistry and Psychology and preserved her spot on the Dean ’ s List throughout her academic career .
Seydel conducted research in Summer 2021 which focused on the formation of biofilms upon several freshwater species and the various factors that have an impact . Seydel presented her findings at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students where she was also honored with a presentation award and served as GMercyU ’ s first undergraduate student to present . Seydel also presented her research at the annual SEPCHE Honors Conference and GMercyU ’ s annual Research Conference .
Seydel ’ s academic endeavors did not end there . She worked closely with Professor of Philosophy Robert Clewis , PhD on editing one of his books and served as the Biology Department ’ s Social Media Coordinator .
Seydel is also one of three seniors leading the Mercy Milkweed Service project on campus , which supports the Sisters of Mercy initiative of establishing butterfly gardens . She has dedicated her time to engaging in hands-on activities , fundraising efforts , and developing infographics for social media .
In addition to her academic and service achievements , Seydel was a member of GMercyU ’ s Women ’ s Lacrosse team all four years and was selected to serve as the team ’ s captain during her sophomore year , maintaining the position since .
Following graduation , Seydel plans to volunteer in hospitals to obtain patient care hours to assist in her application to Physician Assistant ( PA ) school . Her goal is to become an Emergency Room Physician Assistant .