Three Global Business Management students receive Undergraduate Research Scholar Award
Three Global Business Management students, Isabell Repalust, Neva Vidović, and Natali Belušić, received the Undergraduate Research Scholar Award, a recognition presented to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and active engagement in research. The award honors the top 1 % of undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and contribute to the community through civic or volunteer activities, research, or professional work in their field. The criteria for receiving the award are that undergraduate students maintain a minimum GPA of 3.85 out of 4.0 and complete at least 83 credit hours of study, which is over two-thirds of the credit hours required for a bachelor’s degree. The selection is based on additional achievements such as creative projects, service on student committees, civic involvement, employment, and independent research.
Through their research experiences, all three students explored topics connected to business, education, entrepreneurship, and communication, while also developing valuable analytical, presentation, and collaboration skills.
For Neva Vidović, undergraduate research first began through the Honors Program under the mentorship of Professor Scott Coleman. Alongside Professor Coleman, she also collaborated with Dr. Ana Havelka-Meštrović, Instructor Angela Krčelić, Dr. Kristina Šorić, Dr. Vanja Vejzagić, and Dr. Maja Vidović. Her initial project explored the topic of female founders in Croatia through interviews with CEO’s and investors, eventually leading to presentations and published work at international student conferences in Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and beyond. “Research opportunities are a great addition to our education and are often not as big an undertaking as they might seem at first.”
Natali Belušić became involved in undergraduate research through her interest in exploring business topics beyond the classroom. Throughout her research journey, she collaborated with faculty mentors including Dr. Evelina Miščin, Dr. Jasminka Samardžija, Dr. Kristina Šorić, and Dr. Maja Vidović, whose guidance supported her academic and professional growth. “The most rewarding part was presenting my research and realizing that all the effort paid off,” Natali shared. “This award motivates me to continue learning, exploring new ideas, and challenging myself academically.” She emphasized that research experiences helped her grow both academically and professionally while opening opportunities she had not previously imagined, including presenting research in New York City.
Isabell Repalust focused her research on consumer values in private higher education institutions in Croatia. Together with her mentor, Dr. Nina Antičić, she explored how students’ expectations align with instructors’ perspectives through focus groups involving students and faculty from several Croatian private institutions. “At its core, the research asks what students actually value in their private higher education experience,” Isabell explained. She also noted that the project strengthened her understanding of communication, brand perception, and strategic thinking, topics she plans to continue exploring during her future master’s studies in marketing.
Beyond the recognition itself, all three students emphasized the importance of stepping outside of the classroom, asking questions, and actively seeking opportunities to participate in research projects. Through conference presentations, collaboration with mentors, and independent exploration of topics they are passionate about, they gained experiences that continue to shape both their academic and professional paths.
Their advice to younger students is to be curious, reach out to professors, and do not be afraid to pursue opportunities even if they initially seem intimidating.
