Shera Selected as Dissertation Award Recipient

Samantha Shera has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Elizabeth V. Stout Dissertation Award for her dissertation titled, “The Mediating Effect of Motivation between Academic Self-Concept, School Connectedness, and College and Career Readiness for Students with/at-risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.”  Shera is a doctoral student in the COE's School Psychology program. 

Lee Kern, Professor and Director of the Center for Promoting Research to Practice, wrote in support of Shera's nomination, "Sam approached her dissertation on college and career readiness from a unique perspective. She explored variables that promote readiness, aligned conceptually with self-determination theory. "Shera's study examines whether intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, competence (measured by academic self-concept), and relatedness (measured by school connectedness) are associated with college and career readiness for students with/at-risk for EBD. 

Bridget Dever, Associate Dean for Research and Shera's dissertation chair, shared, "Sam’s dissertation makes a strong contribution to the literature on supporting positive outcomes for youth with/at-risk for EBD, both due to its methodological rigor and its theoretical lens."

The Elizabeth V. Stout Award recognizes significant scholarly achievement in a dissertation project. Endowed by the late Robert Stout, former dean of the graduate school and professor emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering, the Elizabeth V. Stout Award was created in memory of his wife. One graduate from each of Lehigh’s five colleges can receive the dissertation award at the Doctoral Hooding during Commencement each year.