PITTSBURGH, Pa. (Diya TV) — Meena Sundrum, a graduating senior majoring in psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Gretchen Goldsmith Lankford Award, the university announced this month. The annual honor is presented to one student in CMU’s Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and a clear dedication to a future in education.
Sundrum, a scholar originally from India, has distinguished herself both inside and outside the classroom through a mix of academic rigor, research experience, and hands-on involvement in early childhood education. Her commitment to child development and emotional intelligence stood out among this year’s candidates, the university said in a press release.
One of Sundrum’s most impactful experiences took place during a self-directed internship at CMU’s Children’s School, where she worked closely with the Preschool 4 class. During that time, she created and introduced a “feelings thermometer”—a tool designed to help young children better identify and communicate their emotions.
“It was such a simple idea, but the response from the children was powerful,” Sundrum said in an interview with Carnegie Mellon University. “Helping them articulate their emotions gave me a deeper understanding of how critical emotional literacy is at that age.”
The feelings thermometer project became a centerpiece of Sundrum’s educational philosophy: empowering children through accessible emotional tools while reinforcing the psychological frameworks she studied in her coursework. The tool’s success highlighted her ability to translate theory into practice—an essential quality for educators and psychologists alike.
The Lankford Award, named after longtime CMU educator Gretchen Goldsmith Lankford, is one of the college’s most distinguished honors. It recognizes students who not only excel academically but also show a meaningful passion for shaping future generations through teaching, mentorship, or psychological support.
Sundrum’s academic journey at CMU included advanced coursework in developmental psychology, educational theory, and research methodology. Professors described her as a thoughtful scholar with a natural inclination toward empathy and leadership, qualities that made her stand out in a competitive field of nominees.
“She embodies the kind of educator and psychologist who leads with both intellect and heart,” said one faculty member familiar with her work, as reported by CMU’s internal communications.
Looking ahead, Sundrum plans to pursue graduate studies in education and child psychology to develop more tools and curricula focused on emotional learning in early childhood settings.
Her achievements arrive at a time when schools and educators are increasingly recognizing the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in child development. Sundrum’s work offers a glimpse into the future of education—one that values emotional intelligence alongside academic growth.
As she prepares to graduate this spring, Sundrum reflects on her time at Carnegie Mellon with gratitude. “Being part of a community that values innovation and compassion gave me the freedom to explore what matters to me,” she said. “This award is an incredible honor, but it’s also a responsibility I take seriously.”
