ASU Psychology Graduate Honored with Dean’s Medalist Award for Research on Military Mental Health

April 29, 2026 - 14:51

When Ava Santiago first arrived at Arizona State University, she had no clear academic path—only a deep curiosity about human behavior. Originally from Silver Spring, Maryland, Santiago entered the university as an undecided exploratory social behavioral sciences major, unsure of where her interests would lead.

"I took classes in sociology, anthropology, economics and psychology, but I was most compelled by the questions asked in my psychology courses," Santiago recalled.

That initial spark of curiosity quickly transformed into a focused academic pursuit. By the end of her first year, Santiago declared psychology as her major and began actively seeking research opportunities. Her journey ultimately led her to study military mental health, a field that combines her passion for understanding human psychology with a commitment to serving those who serve the nation.

Santiago’s dedication to her research and academic excellence recently earned her the prestigious Dean’s Medalist honor, one of the highest recognitions awarded to graduating students in ASU’s psychology program. The award celebrates outstanding scholarly achievement, leadership, and contributions to the field.

Her work examines the psychological challenges faced by military personnel and veterans, including trauma, resilience, and the long-term effects of service-related stress. Through her research, Santiago aims to develop better mental health interventions and support systems for active-duty service members and veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Santiago’s academic journey from an undecided freshman to a Dean’s Medalist underscores the transformative power of curiosity-driven education and the importance of mental health research in military communities.