Loren Frankel Student Researcher Award
This award honors a graduate student, post-doc, or new psychologist who has recently completed and defended a dissertation pertaining to boys, adolescent males, men or masculinities.
Eligibility
Nominees should be able to demonstrate their successful defense or submission of a finished dissertation after July 1 of the previous year. Nominees need not be members of SPSMM. Nomination materials should be accompanied by two letters of recommendation; one from a member of the dissertation committee, and one from a professor within the nominee's academic department.
How to Apply
A cover letter detailing the award and the person being nominated
Two letters of support from individuals other than the nominator (one from a member of the dissertation committee, one from a professor in the nominee’s department)
The nominee's vita
A phone number where the nominated person can be reached (can be included in the cover letter)
Past Recipients
Dr. Caitlin Moore
Dr. William B. Elder
Dr. Ali Shames-Dawson
Dr. Matthew Kane
Samuel Swischer
2026 Winner: Katrina Monton, Ph.D.
Katrina Monton, PhD, is an organizational psychologist and Assistant Teaching Professor in the Organizational Psychology Program at Rutgers University, where she also serves as Director of Experiential Learning. A former member of Team Canada, her research examines how organizational cultures, particularly masculinity contest cultures, shape well-being and performance in high-stakes environments. Through her scholarship, speaking engagements, podcasts, and media contributions, she is passionate about translating research into practical strategies for leaders and organizations across sectors. She has been invited to share her work at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and the U.S. Department of Justice, helping bridge research and practice to foster healthier, more sustainable approaches to high performance.
