SOPA Awards 2025-26

Distinction in Research:
Ayra Matongdang
Shay Olaifa
Olivia Thom

Best Paper:
Karyn Fu
Angel Qu

SOPA Civic Impact Award:
Ruchi Tiwari

Joseph Cooper Award:
Chloe Pesqueira
Olivia Thom

SOPA Awards 2024-25

Distinction in Research:
Milan George
Alex Kornblum
Olivia Roark

Best Paper:
Olivia Roark, “The Importance of Regional Education Collaboratives for Education Equity: Lessons from the Omaha Learning Community.”

SOPA Civic Impact Award:
Jasir Rahman

Joseph Cooper Award:
Katherine Jeng

SOPA Awards 2023-24

Distinction in Research:
Joshua Fang
Kate Frucht

Joseph Cooper Award:
Gail Oudekerk
Randall Schulz

SOPA Awards 2022-23

Distinction in Research:
Becca Mak
Maria Alejandra Mora

Joseph Cooper Award:
Becca Mak

SOPA Awards 2020-21

Distinction in Research:
Carolyn Daly
Spoorthi Kamepalli
Sana Mohamed
Margaret Todd

Best Paper:
Sana Mohamed, "Do mandatory FAFSA graduation requirements increase 12th graders’ FAFSA submission and completion rates? Evidence from Louisiana and similar states."

Carolyn Daly & Mason Reece, "The Impact of Voting Method Implementation on Voter Decision Making: A Case Study of Harris County."

Joseph Cooper Award:
Cordy McJunkins
Connor Rothschild