Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has announced that Meena Sundrum, a psychology major of Indian origin, has been honored with the 2025 Gretchen Goldsmith Lankford Award, a prestigious recognition given annually to a standout graduating student in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Known for her passion for childhood development and innovative teaching tools, Sundrum’s win celebrates not only her academic excellence but also her commitment to shaping the future of education.
Revolutionizing Preschool Classrooms with a “Feelings Thermometer”
During her self-directed internship at CMU’s Children’s School, Sundrum introduced a unique emotional regulation tool: a handmade “feelings thermometer.”
Crafted from paper the night before her lesson, the color-coded chart allowed preschoolers to identify and express their emotions, ranging from sleepy blues to angry reds.
“It was one of the most incredible moments of my life,” Sundrum shared. “One by one, the students came up, saying how they felt and why.”
To everyone’s surprise, the students continued using the thermometer long after its debut, updating their feelings throughout the day without prompts.
Initially intended for a single lesson, it became a permanent fixture in the classroom’s daily routine, illustrating the profound impact of emotionally aware teaching.
Academic Brilliance and Creative Innovation
With a GPA of 3.71, Sundrum stood out among her peers not only for her grades but also for her ability to engage critically with complex material. According to Lauren McCarthy, academic advisor in the Department of Psychology:
“Meena has consistently been among the top performers in her courses.”
She also took nearly every child development course offered at CMU and spearheaded several projects that integrated psychology with educational innovation.
In her Fall 2024 Practicum in Child Development, Sundrum curated a list of books on trauma and whole-child development.
These inspired faculty-wide book clubs and team reflections among Children’s School educators, demonstrating her influence beyond the classroom.
Thought Leadership and Future Aspirations
Sundrum further impressed her mentors by piloting a midterm classroom data project, which she later presented to the entire school staff.
In parallel, she is working on publishing a children’s book that helps kids navigate the fear of failure through visualization and mindfulness.
“It’s about finding courage in a hard moment,” Sundrum said. “Storytelling and psychology both give insight into parts of people we don’t usually see.”
Alongside writing the book, she is also illustrating it, underscoring her multifaceted talents in education, psychology, and creative communication.
About the Gretchen Goldsmith Lankford Award
The Gretchen Goldsmith Lankford Award recognizes a graduating student from the Dietrich College who demonstrates academic excellence and a deep commitment to a future in education.
The winner receives a $2,500 monetary award and a discipline-specific book inscribed with their name and the year of the honor.
“Not only does Meena embody the criteria of the award,” said Susanne Ferber, Head of the Department of Psychology, “she will also bring credit to the program.”
What’s Next for Meena Sundrum?
Sundrum plans to continue her journey in education by working in a teaching role post-graduation. She aims to deepen her understanding of schools and improve how educators communicate with and support young learners.
“I’d love to deepen my knowledge of school and education and how we communicate with these young people,” she added.
