Dr. Jessica Weaver was awarded the John M. Houchens Prize, which is awarded to the doctoral student who represents the most meritorious dissertation for the December commencement. The John M. Houchens Prize honors a former Registrar of the University. In the fall and spring of each year doctoral dissertations are submitted to the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies for consideration. If one is deemed to be of special merit, a committee may recommend that its author be awarded the Houchens Prize. Dr. Weaver is a fourth year general surgery resident.