The Glushko Cognitive Science Undergraduate Prize for a Senior Thesis

This prize will recognize outstanding Senior Thesis research conducted by undergraduates enrolled in the Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Program in Cognitive Science at Georgetown University. 

Established in 2025, this award will be given to the top graduating senior in the undergrad CogSci Minor who writes the best thesis. A monetary award of $500 will be provided to the winner(s).

Previous Winners

2025–2026. Micaela Wells. “Is language special?: Learning and memory consolidation in language and non-language patterns.”

Eligibility

• Candidates must be declared Cognitive Science minors or equivalent engagement in Cognitive Science.
• The submitted project must be an honors thesis or equivalent senior research project.
• The project may be conducted either through ICOS 4970, ICOS 4971: Senior Thesis in Cognitive Science, or in the student’s Major department, and must reflect a clear foundation in and significant contribution toward cognitive science as an interdisciplinary field.

Award Process

• Each spring, all students in the Cognitive Science minor who are completing a senior thesis will be invited to submit their work for consideration.
• To be considered for the Glushko Cognitive Science Undergraduate Prize, students will submit their thesis to the CogSci Minor director, Dr. Kris Cook (klc132@georgetown.edu ), via email.
• A letter of nomination from the thesis advisor is also required.
• The deadline for both submissions will be noon on Friday, April 9, 2027. (the date will be announced at the beginning of the Fall semester annually).
• A multidisciplinary selection committee will evaluate submissions.
• One winner will be selected each year; in years where the committee is unable to select just one winner, two winners may be selected.
• Awards will be conferred at the Annual Symposium event. The Prize for the 2026–2027 academic year will be awarded at the 2027 Annual CogSci Symposium. Stay tuned for updates regarding the date and location.

Multidisciplinary Selection Committee Details

• The selection committee will be composed of 3-5 faculty members from the current steering committee for the Cognitive Science minor, along with the Director of the program.
• Evaluators will represent the interdisciplinary nature of the program, typically including faculty from Linguistics, Psychology, Interdepartmental Neuroscience, Philosophy, and Computer Science.
• Members will serve staggered terms to ensure continuity and fairness.
• The Chair of the Department of Linguistics will chair the committee in a non-voting role.

Evaluation Criteria

• Submissions will be judged on:
  • Intellectual merit
  • Originality and creativity
  • Interdisciplinary integration of cognitive science
  • Overall contribution to the field

Prize

• A monetary award ($500) will be provided to the winner.

Questions?

Please contact the Director, Dr. Kris Cook (klc132@georgetown.edu).