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.
