Emily Shannon Day, the recipient of the 41st annual Carl Albert Award, was recognized for her reception of the award and her outstanding academics today.

Day, physics senior, received an engraved plaque in addition to a $2,500 check at a ceremony in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

Her father, a physicist, was the first person to pique her interest in science, but didn't realize her full passion for science until high school, Day said.

She graduated from Ponca City High School in 2002 and decided to earn a degree from OU because she was intrigued by the story of the university's first president, David Ross Boyd.

In addition to her challenging course work over the years, Day has received many opportunities to participate in research projects.

She currently works with Lloyd Bumm in the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy, studying the synthesis and characterization of flat silver and gold nanoparticles.

She also worked as a research assistant at the Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology at Rice University during the summers of 2004 and 2005.

Paul Bell, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the award is given each year to an outstanding student in the College of Arts and Sciences. He said the award is based on academics, moral force of character and promise of future service.

Day will graduate summa cum laude on May 12 with a 4.0 GPA, a degree in physics and a minor in mathematics.

She has received numerous honors and awards while at OU and plans to pursue a career as an educator and researcher after earning a doctorate.

She said she isn't sure where she wants to go to graduate school, but will have to make decision by the deadline this Friday.

OU President David L. Boren said he is proud to present this award to such an outstanding student.

He said the name of the award is special because it bears the person who endowed it and who is receiving it.

"We don't remember people for what they do for themselves, we remember people for what they do for others," Boren said.

He said this is a history-making event because it's the first time the award has been given in the same family twice.

Day's older sister received this award exactly five years ago today.

Day said she remembered watching her sister give a speech five years ago and never imagined she would be in her place in the future.

"I guess lightning does strike twice," Day said.

She said she wouldn't be here without the love and support of her family.

"It's a pretty amazing honor. I couldn't imagine I'd be so lucky," Day said.

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