A psychology major - whose educational and career goals were influenced by her opportunities to conduct research during undergraduate studies at UC Davis - has won the campus's top academic honor.

Jacqueline Teague, who earned a 3.96 grade point average on her way to a bachelor of science degree, will be presented with the University Medal and a $500 honorarium from the Cal Aggie Alumni Association at the 9 a.m. commencement of the College of Letters and Science on June 15.

The campus will also honor dozens of other students for outstanding scholarship and community service at other ceremonies through June 16.

Although Teague began her university studies in mathematics, a growing curiosity about the human mind led her into psychology. Participating in research in psychology, she said, demonstrated the rigors of the discipline that appeal to her.

Teague teamed with Professor Robert Post to conduct research in psychophysical perception and with him is co-author of an article submitted to a journal for publication. She worked with a graduate student investigating the emotions of guilt and shame.

And through a seminar in social psychology last quarter, Teague conducted independent research on art therapy and its effects on abused adolescents' fulfillment of intrinsic needs - research that she presented at the campus's Undergraduate Research Conference.

"Conducting research as an undergraduate has definitely influenced my educational goals at Davis," the award winner said. "It has been one of the key factors that has led to my decision to attend graduate school in psychology."

Teague plans to enter graduate school in 2003 to pursue a doctorate in clinical health psychology.

More immediately, she will begin a seven-month assignment with AmeriCorps. As a participant in the national service effort, she will establish a program providing mentoring services and peer mediation and counseling at her alma mater, Chico Senior High School.