FHSU University Communications
Fort Hays State University's Forsyth Library recently announced that Kelsie Winter, a senior double majoring in criminal justice and biology, is the 2025 recipient of the Lynn Haggard Undergraduate Library Research Award (LHULRA).
The LHULRA is awarded annually in honor of Lynn Haggard, a retired Forsyth librarian who served at Forsyth for 18 years. Applicants must demonstrate sophisticated literacy skills and excellence in undergraduate research that incorporates the use of Forsyth Library resources.
Winter’s submission highlighted her project, “Investigating Case Attrition Rates for Sexual Assault in Kansas,” which was completed for her CRJ 670 class. This project is also part of a larger research study on sexual assault attrition rates in urban and rural counties across the state, supported by the Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) at FHSU in collaboration with faculty mentor Wendy Rohleder-Sook and student researcher Grace McCord.
Winter’s academic interests include criminal justice and biology, with a focus on the field of forensics.
“I especially love being in the laboratory, gaining hands-on experience, and learning about human anatomy,” Winter said. “I also enjoy researching topics such as forensic evidence, and I have completed research projects such as papers, presentations, and a SACAD poster on this topic.”
Improving the fields of criminal justice and biology through studies of how each discipline influences the other is at the heart of much of Winter’s research.
“Kelsie’s work contributes meaningfully to understanding the systemic and procedural barriers that impact sexual assault case progression,” said Dr. Ziwei Qi, CRJ 670 professor. “And it does so with clarity, compassion, and scholarly integrity.”
Qi pointed out that Winter’s research reflects the qualities that the Lynn Haggard Award seeks to recognize - “intellectual depth, innovative use of library resources, and a meaningful contribution to academic discourse.”
The Lynn Haggard Undergraduate Library Research Award recognizes excellence in undergraduate research that incorporates the use of Forsyth Library resources and demonstrates sophisticated information literacy skills.
Forsyth Library Online Learning Librarian Heather VanDyne said that information literacy is necessary for students to evaluate and use information.
“Library resources not only help students expand their knowledge to assist them in finishing an assignment or passing a course but also help prepare them for their future by building skills and strategies to navigate the world around them,” she said.