Honors College Students Recognized with F. Ray Wilson Thesis Award

Honors College graduates Jeffrey Black, Olivia Gray, and Josiah Zeigler were recently named the 2024 recipients of the F. Ray Wilson Award for Best Thesis, a recognition that rewards excellence in the scholarship of undergraduate thesis writers in Baylor’s Honors Program.

This award honors the life of F. Ray Wilson II, Ph. D., beloved Baylor professor of biology, Master Teacher, and Director of the Honors Program. During more than 30 years of teaching at the University, Wilson directed 37 honors theses. Each year, the award recognizes outstanding theses in Physical and Life Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Winners are invited to return to campus to deliver remarks to Honors Program graduates.

Black, Gray, and Zeigler were honored during this year’s Honors Program and University Scholars Banquet on April 16. The three winners received an “Outstanding” designation following their thesis defense during Honors Week and were selected through a competitive review by a multi-disciplinary faculty selection committee.

Jeffrey Black

Jeffrey Black, who graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Biology, was awarded the Wilson Thesis Award in the category of Physical and Life Sciences. He is now a first-year medical student at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) in Fort Worth, Texas.

While at Baylor, Jeffrey conducted research in Dr. Erica Bruce’s toxicology lab, producing a thesis that examined the neuroinflammatory effects of acrolein—a cigarette-derived chemical—on human microglial cells in relation to Alzheimer’s Disease. His findings suggest a possible link between acrolein and neuroinflammation that may contribute to Alzheimer’s progression. The work was recently published in the International Journal of Environmental Studies.

Beyond the lab, Jeffrey was a leader on campus, serving on the executive boards of Tau Kappa Epsilon and Baylor Undergraduate Research in Science and Technology. He mentored students with dyslexia through Superpower Mentors and volunteered at the Mission Waco Free Healthcare Clinic. At TCOM, he continues his service-minded leadership as a Texas Medical Association delegate, treasurer of the Street Medicine Student Coalition, and as a ROME Rural Scholar.

Olivia Gray

Originally from Palos Verdes, California, Olivia Gray, the winner in social sciences, graduated in May 2024 with a B.A. in University Scholars, a secondary major in International Studies, and minors in Political Science and History. Her thesis, which offered original empirical research on combating human trafficking across the United States, reflects the kind of meaningful, justice-driven inquiry she pursued throughout her time at Baylor.

In addition to her academic work, Olivia served as a campus tour guide, Vice President of Student Productions, and an active member of Harris Creek Church. Her post-graduation path has already taken her from the Rocky Mountains—where she worked as a wrangler caring for 225 horses—to Washington, D.C., where she now works for the U.S. Department of State.

Reflecting on a challenging and meaningful Baylor curriculum, Olivia remains shocked that her personal research was granted such an honor as the Wilson Thesis Award. Thanks is owed to her thesis advisor Dr. Patrick Flavin for his direction throughout her ambitious and extensive research cycle. From the bottom of her heart, Olivia encourages all new graduates to remain full of hope and gratitude as post-grad life unfolds.

Josiah Zeigler 

From Saint Louis, Missouri, Josiah Zeigler graduated from Baylor with majors in Arabic and Middle East Studies and Political Science. He lived in the Honors Residential College, served as a Community Leader, and was actively involved with InterVarsity, Air Force ROTC, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Provost Scholars program.

His thesis, More than a Sandbox: Great Power Competition and the Middle State in the Middle East, earned the Wilson Thesis Award in the Humanities. The project analyzes the shifting dynamics of American influence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Using G. John Ikenberry’s dual hierarchy theory, Josiah argues that American success depends not only on military primacy, but also on selective economic engagement that supports shared goals between the United States and key Arab middle states.

Josiah’s deep understanding of the region was shaped by immersive study abroad experiences in Morocco (Project GO) and Jordan (Critical Language Scholarship). He currently serves as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and is completing intelligence officer training at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas. His first duty assignment is set to begin this summer.