KU News Release

LAWRENCE — This year’s doctoral hooding ceremony at the University of Kansas was especially memorable for two graduates. They were announced as recipients of a Marnie and Bill Argersinger Prize in recognition of their outstanding doctoral dissertations.

Kristen K. Epps received a doctorate in history and was recognized for “Bound Together: Masters and Slaves on the Kansas-Missouri Border, 1825-1865.” Her major adviser was Jonathan Earle, associate professor of history.

Michal Lukasz Szostak received a doctorate in medicinal chemistry and was recognized for “Synthesis and Reactivity of Medium-Bridged Twisted Lactams.” His adviser was Jeff Aubé, professor of medicinal chemistry.

Epps and Szostak defended their dissertations with honors, a requirement for the award. Doctoral candidates who defended their dissertation by April 21 and completed requirements for the degree for graduation in spring, summer or fall 2009 or spring 2010 were eligible for the prize. The Office of Research and Graduate Studies selected the recipients.

In addition to the cash awards, the names of the recipients will be affixed to a permanent plaque in the Kansas Union.

Epps, from Topeka, received a bachelor’s from William Jewell College in 2003 and a master’s from the College of William and Mary in 2005, both in history. She completed her KU doctorate this spring. She attended the May 15 hooding ceremony at the Lied Center and was part of the platform party.

Szostak is a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Chemistry at Princeton University. He was born in Wroclaw, Poland, where he received a master’s from Wroclaw Medical University. He earned a master’s degree in 2007 and a doctorate in fall 2009 from KU.

The Argersinger Prize was established through KU Endowment in 1992 and is named in honor of William J. Argersinger and his wife. He was KU’s first vice chancellor for research and graduate studies and dean of the graduate school.

KU Endowment is the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management foundation for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.