Kuntz won for her thesis, “Biomechanical Characterization of Schistosoma Mansoni Thioredoxin Glutathione Reductase and its Validation as a Novel Drug Target.” According to Craig Gatto, an associate professor of biological sciences and a member of Kuntz's thesis committee, “Kuntz has produced the most comprehensive kinetic analysis of this important enzyme class published to date. This work is better described as pure scholarship, rather than a MS thesis; it can truly stand on its own amongst the work being performed across the globe in this important field.”
The runner-up in the Fisher competition was Terri Clemens representing the Department of History with her thesis titled, “Kluxing in Korn Kountry: The 1920s Ku Klux Klan in Central Illinois.” Mark Wyman, a distinguished professor emeritus of history and director of Clemens’s thesis, stated, “It is a gem of a master’s thesis, which will be read and cited by many scholars as interest in the 1920s continues to grow. The extensive research and outstanding writing shown in this project places it in top echelon of history master’s theses.”
Foreign Language student Eric Koeppel was also honored for winning the humanities division in the College with his thesis titled, “Structured Input Activities in Introductory German College Textbooks.” Lisa Huempfiner, an assistant professor of foreign languages who directed Koeppel’s thesis said, “In the Foreign Languages department, the preparation of a master’s thesis is an optional activity for our graduate students and not a requirement. I have no doubt his thesis will bring new light to the way textbook companies approach the teaching of German grammar.”
The Fisher award is named in honor of alumnus and former Illinois State University administrator James Fisher, who is president emeritus of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. He also is president emeritus of Towson State University in Maryland and currently is a consultant on higher education and a professor of Leadership and Philanthropic Studies at the Union Institute. Fisher, a College alumnus, was inducted into the College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in 2005.