College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Humanities (CASSH)

CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Research/Scholarship/Creative Endeavors

Hongying Xu (Department of Global Cultures & Languages) is the recipient of the 2022 CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence award for research/scholarship/creative endeavors. During her time at UWL, Hongying has made significant and continuous academic contributions to the fields of linguistics and language acquisition in Chinese studies. Her research agenda is impressive in its volume, interdisciplinarity, quality and relevance, and is strongly aligned with CASSH strategic goals towards global citizenship. Her research focuses on second language acquisition and Chinese language pedagogy, and her most recent promotion file includes 35 total significant peer-reviewed contributions. Hongying’s single-authored book project, The Instruction and Acquisition of the BA Construction by Students of Chinese as a Foreign Language will be published in summer 2022. Her research on flipped learning and language learners has been shared in five conference presentations, one book chapter under review, and one single-authored journal article in a publication with a 32% acceptance rate. She has also co-authored a book chapter on assessment and ePortfolios.  

Hongying’s research record is impressive, especially given that she is the only faculty member in UWL’s Chinese Studies program and devotes much of her time to teaching, recruitment, advising, and service alongside scholarly activities. According to her colleagues, “We are indebted to her for her work ethic, her spirit of collaboration, and the endless energy she brings towards her program’s growth. Dr. Xu is a role model for our junior faculty with her extraordinary success in scholarship and the ways in which her research projects intertwine with her teaching practice”.  

CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Service

Jason Sumontha (Department of Psychology) is the recipient of the 2022 CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence award for service. Since starting at UWL in 2019, he has invested in both students and faculty to build a more collaborative and equitable climate. He is faculty advisor to two student organizations: Asian Student Organization and Leaders Igniting Transformation. Jason has also participated in RISE UP, the CATL Inclusive Teaching Institute, and the Master Advising Program. He has been an integral member of multiple campus groups such as the BIPOC and International Self-Care and Teaching Group and the UW System Campus Climate Survey Working Group.  

Jason has contributed significantly to many department-specific equity initiatives, including making significant curriculum revisions, serving on the department’s Diversity and Equity Committee, and serving as the department’s equity co-liaison. He led the effort to draft a mission statement for the department that includes a way to publicly document its progress on infusing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) into teaching, research, and service. Additionally, he and another colleague are working to establish a more effective mentoring system for Psychology students from historically marginalized identities. Jason also currently co-chairs the CASSH Gardner Institute on Teaching and Learning Task Force. According to his department chair Jocelyn Newton, “Jason advocates for structural change at UWL to improve campus climate around inclusion, equity, diversity, and accountability. He does so by building connections with stakeholders and centering student voices”. 

CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Teaching

Zachary Stensen (Department of Art) is the recipient of the 2022 CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence award for teaching. In his first year at UWL, beginning fall 2020, Zachary taught 7 different courses. He adapted and innovated his teaching methods during the pandemic, including designing and fabricating portable printing tables and dividing the studio’s inks and supplies into take-home kits for students. In summer 2021, Zachary collaborated with his colleagues to redesign the Art Department’s curriculum. He redesigned the print media curriculum, including aligning the course titles, technical progression, and learning outcomes with contemporary trends in the field. He worked with a colleague to have a collaborative project with the Printmaking and Sculpture students to design objects and packaging for playful toys. The two continued this collaboration with the week-long visiting artist Rachel Cohn. Both classes combined light, sound, performance, drawing and sculpture as a way of exploring narrative through the medium of shadow puppetry.  

Zachary continues this spirit of collaboration with the Creative Imperatives visiting artist Leslie Iwai. He has collaborated with a colleague to organize a group of art students to meet each Friday to develop Leslie’s vision for her installation in the gallery. Additionally, Zachary developed a studio modification proposal that will be implemented this summer. In this project, he worked closely with Facilities Management, the CASSH Dean’s Office, and his Department Chair to create a safe and efficient studio, which supports the needs of his students and the print media curriculum. Finally, he listened to student feedback regarding their interests in learning more about digital printmaking, which resulted in applying and receiving funds to include digital technology in the print studio. According to his colleagues, Zachary "has reinjected a level of enthusiasm into the Printmaking area through department-wide collaboration and innovation”. 

CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Teaching

Kevin Zabel (Department of Psychology) is the recipient of the 2022 CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence award for teaching. Since starting at UWL in 2019, Kevin’s dedication to teaching is described by his colleagues as “transformational”, with a particular focus toward students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. His focus stems from his own experience as a first-generation college student at a school much like UWL. His dedication to high impact practices is evident throughout his classroom teaching, student mentoring, scholarly goals, and service contributions. In his first three years at UWL, he has taught six different courses and has obtained multiple CATL grants to further develop his teaching. Kevin’s approach to mentoring student research represents a student-focused and intentional perspective. He applies a social/cognitive psychology approach to examine attitude-behavior processes, interracial interactions, and diversity efforts, a research program that is particularly meaningful to a liberal arts education.  

Kevin fully integrates students into his research lab, regardless of their incoming skills, knowledge, and/or experience. He designs projects with students that result in ongoing relationships, whereby students can think critically about how to build a research agenda across multiple studies. His service contributions reflect his dedication to teaching. He serves on the UWL Pre-Med committee, has served as an Eagle Faculty Ambassador, and has been a peer reviewer for the UW System Certificate in Online Learning Program, among many other teaching-related service commitments. According to his department chair Jocelyn Newton, “Kevin can easily be described as a dedicated teacher and mentor”.  

CASSH Excellence Award for Community Engagement

Alysa Remsburg (Environmental Studies Program) is the recipient of the 2022 CASSH Recognition of Excellence award for community engagement. Since 2014, Alyssa has served as the Internship Coordinator and Service-Learning Liaison for the Environmental Studies Program. She connects every student in the program with a community partner for a semester-long service-learning experience connected to her Capstone class; this class has also earned the new Community Engaged Learning designation as well. Creating these service-learning partnerships involves coordinating students’ interests with 39 different community partners, 11 of whom have been new since fall 2021. Students engage in community activities as diverse as planning greenhouse gardens for Villa St. Joseph so that they would maximize nutrients and pest control, to helping promote and organize the Driftless Bioblitz event with Strive 2 Thrive. She is initiating a new course for the UW Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, which will be team-taught with environmental science professors at UW-Platteville next fall and involves community field trips and diverse guest speakers.  

Alysa also provides high impact community engagement opportunities for students in courses such as “Food, Culture, and the Environment” which included service learning with seven local food organizations and different meal kit experiences. Her “Woodlands of the Driftless” course has partnered with the FSPA Villa St Joseph for two years of student projects presenting land management and environmental education options. As the Environmental Studies Community Event Organizer, she also curates the Sustain UWL Facebook page, facilitating local events, job opportunities, and events for over 500 followers. As one of three founding members of Solar on La Crosse Schools, they raised over $50,000, bringing together the La Crosse School District and local renewable energy businesses to build the first-ever solar installations for La Crosse schools, including 300 panels on the roof of Hamilton Elementary. According to her program director, Kelly Sultzbach, “Dr. Remsburg is a tireless advocate and inspiring leader for community engagement, not just for CASSH and UWL, but also for our entire Driftless region”.

CASSH Academic Staff Recognition of Excellence, Teaching

Joshua Doster (Department of Art) is the recipient of the 2022 CASSH Academic Staff Recognition of Excellence award for teaching. Since starting at UWL in 2016, Joshua has taken on a range of teaching and service responsibilities in the Art Department. His enthusiasm for teaching also makes him an excellent instructor for the Art Department’s senior capstone course. When it was clear that there would no longer be an in-person reception or show due to COVID-19, he worked in conjunction with colleague Deborah-Eve Lombard and ITS to create an innovative and engaging online exhibition experience. This has now become standard practice for the class, archiving each thesis show and leaving it available for students and the public to access. Joshua continually looks for ways to bring the Art Department’s community together through interdisciplinary projects. For example, in Spring 2021 he co-designed a collaborative project between printmaking and sculpture students. In addition, this past fall Joshua also led another inter-departmental collaborative project, where students combined light, sound recordings, performance, drawing, and sculpture, as a way of exploring narrative through the medium of shadow puppetry. This project was part of an artist visit and week-long workshop by Rachael Cohn (Art Faculty at Ball State University), which Joshua also helped organize. He continued this spirit of community and collaboration this spring semester with the Creative Imperatives Visiting Artist Leslie Iwai. According to his colleagues Jarred Pfeiffer and Zachary Stensen, “Josh is a dedicated teacher and fantastic colleague that looks to bring the department together through collaboration and innovation”. 

CASSH Academic Staff Recognition of Excellence, Service

Jessica Peterson (Department of Communication Studies) is the recipient of the 2022 CASSH Academic Staff Recognition of Excellence award for service. She started at UWL in 2018, and since then has made an impact through her many service commitments, much of which have focused on civic engagement and social justice. According to her department chair Linda Dickmeyer, “Jess does not simply talk the talk with this work—she actively seeks opportunities for growth and advocacy”. She has co-authored multiple grants for CST and CASSH, which funded initiatives to bring a national speaker to discuss racial justice and equity to campus and a lesson study project intended to develop students’ civic engagement practices.  

Jessica currently co-chairs the CASSH Gardner Institute on Teaching and Learning Task Force and is a member of UWL’s Academic Policies and Standards Committee. She has also been a key member of multiple department committees, including the Public Speaking Competition Committee, CST 110 Textbook Committee, Social Justice Task Group, a recent hiring committee, and served as the department’s Library Liaison. She is also a strong advocate for IAS on campus, including her work in developing a network of IAS from all three colleges and SoE. She has been invited to present her work in teaching and development at local, regional, and national conferences. Alongside these service commitments, Jessica has also been working towards earning an EdD in Educational Leadership. 

CASSH Excellence Award for Inclusive Excellence

Ashley Edwards (Department of Communication Studies) is the recipient of the 2022 CASSH Recognition of Excellence award for inclusive excellence. She has infused a commitment to inclusive excellence in her teaching, research, service, and advocacy work. Ashley has engaged in significant faculty development work, including over 15 seminars and workshops, locally and across the nation, focusing on inclusive teaching practices, advocacy, social justice, leadership, writing, and assessment, including the UWL Inclusive Teaching Institute. Her 60-second Story assignment, informed by her participation in the Inclusive Teaching Institute, was shared at the 2021 UWL Conference on Teaching and Learning. 

She has been awarded more than $22,500 in UWL grant funds to support work in teaching, research, and service. Ashley has presented 15 scholarly projects, many highlighting her pedagogy and research in identity, positionality, classroom innovations, and student social support. She was awarded the Faculty Research Award for Extraordinary Service for her inclusion and diversity work that advances her home department, CASSH, UWL, and larger discipline of Communication Studies in areas of recruitment, retention, and advocacy. According to her department chair, Linda Dickmeyer, “Dr. Edwards works hard on behalf of inclusion and equity, gives voice to others, and leads by example. While this work seems to come naturally to her, it is still very hard work, and she has both earned and deserves the recognition”.  

CASSH University Staff Excellence Award

Krista Shulka (Department of Theatre Arts) is the recipient of the 2022 CASSH University Staff Recognition of Excellence award. As the ADA for the Department of Theatre Arts, Krista excels in both ADA-related responsibilities and as Box Office Manager for a working theatre with a full season. Krista brings extensive and indispensable institutional knowledge to both her department and colleagues across campus, often mentoring new ADAs on her own time. She collaborates with colleagues on solutions to a range of problems and situations, often volunteering for additional responsibilities, such as writing grants for the department and contributing to special projects, committees, and university events. In addition, Krista is the CFA Building Manager and works with her chair on the department’s involvement with the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. During the pandemic, Krista took on the challenge of finding and learning a replacement for the theatre’s online ticketing system. According to her department chair, Joe Anderson, “Krista is simply indispensable, and the department would be lost without her.”  

Joe & Pat Heim

Pat and Joe Heim have been a part of the UWL family since 1967. Joe is former chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, was Director of the Public Administration Program, and acted as the University’s Legislative Liaison. Pat graduated, cum laude, from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1971. Pat is a senior member of the firm O'Flaherty, Heim, & Curtis, Ltd. Joe is a past member of the UWL Foundation and Pat is past president of the UWL Alumni Association.  

Joe and Pat have 3 funds in the College of Arts Social Sciences and Humanities, including the Joseph P. Heim Endowed Scholarship for Graduating Seniors, the Joseph P. Heim Scholarship Fund for Undergraduate Students, and the Patricia Maslowski Heim Endowed Scholarship in Sociology. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology

Carley will graduate in spring of 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeological Studies and two minors: Art and Spanish. She has experience as an Archaeological Field Technician through the Gete Anishinaabeg Izichigewin Community Archaeology Project in Red Cliff, Wisconsin during summer 2021 and as an Archaeological Laboratory Technician Assistant at UWL in both 2019 and 2021. Carley became a Digital Archaeology Intern in January of 2022 where she conducts digital analysis and 3D photogrammetry of artifacts. She was the Events Coordinator in 2020-21 for the Archaeology and Anthropology Club and has been Secretary of the club since September 2021. Carley was also a Community Volunteer for the Milwaukee Community Archaeology Project from 2018-2019, where she led a noninvasive survey of a site and presented findings at a public symposium.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology

Anna will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeological Studies: Cultural Anthropology emphasis and four minors: International Studies, Linguistics, Spanish, and TESOL. In spring 2022, Anna engaged in field work in Talamanca, Costa Rica, which informed her thesis project, “The Articulation of Bribri Indigenous Knowledge in the Everyday Lives of People of Bribri Descent in Talamanca, Costa Rica”. She was a TEFL teacher with Cloud Forest Adventure in Cuellaje, Ecuador during summer 2019. During this experience, Anna taught English to Spanish-speaking children ages 5-11. Anna was also a TESOL instructor for a science summer camp at Lincoln Middle School during summer 2021. She is also a cross country and track student athlete. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Art

Andie will graduate in winter 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education. This semester, Andie is an Art Education Field Experience Teacher at Onalaska Middle School, developing lessons on a range of artistic practices such as printmaking, sculpture, and drawing, and leading the After School Art Club. She also completed field experience at Spence Elementary in La Crosse during fall 2021 and will be student teaching at North High School in Appleton during fall 2022. Andie has been the Art Education Studio Assistant for UWL during the 2021-22 academic year. She created art education posters and assisted the Art Education professor in making the studio a space for collaboration and creativity. In 2021, Andie was a class instructor for All Glazed Up! in La Crosse, where she supported students in creating art projects such as fused glass, mosaics, and pottery. She has also had artwork exhibited at Murphy’s Mug, River City Art Gallery, and in the 2022 All Student Juried Art Exhibition.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Communication Studies

Olivia will graduate in spring 2022 with a double major in Communication Studies: Interpersonal Communication emphasis and Spanish with a Psychology minor. Oliva studied abroad in Seville, Spain at the Spanish American Institute of International Education in spring 2020; during that time, she volunteered to teach English to children in Seville at the Colegio San José SS.CC. Olivia is involved in the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Studies Honor Society, Latin American Student Organization, Psychology Club, and the Communication Club. Olivia has volunteer experience with Viterbo’s Make a Difference Days in 2021 and the Emerson Elementary Health Stations in 2019, where she worked with children to develop mental and physical health management strategies. Olivia has experience as a Marketing Intern at 1Collision County Line and as a Communication Specialist Intern for 4 Sisters Creekside Pub & Grill, where she created content for social media and newsletters and collaborated on event planning. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Communication Studies

Timothy will graduate in summer 2022 with a double major in Communication Studies: Organizational and Professional Communication Emphasis and Public Health and Community Health Education. In 2019, Timothy was part of an International Study Abroad Experience to South Africa. Timothy has been a Food Insecurity Program Advisor since 2018, a role in which he advocates for healthy, accessible food for the UWL community. He is a Public Speaking Peer Consultant with the UWL Public Speaking Center and was a Teacher’s Assistant in 2019. He is the Zeta Omega Chapter President of Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Association, a Beta Phi Chapter member of the Eta Sigma Gamma National Health Education Honorary Society and has experience as the UWL Student Organization Committee Secretary. Timothy has experience as a Database Specialist Intern and Database Consultant for the Milwaukee Consortium for Hmong Health. Timothy was a Food Systems intern for Groundwork Milwaukee in 2020. His CST senior capstone research project focuses on organizational identification among essential workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Communication Studies

Grace will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies: Public Communication and Advocacy emphasis and a minor in Environmental Studies. Grace has experience as a Digital Marketing Assistant for Reg Cap, creating content for social media and email marketing. Grace is also an Illustrator for 12 Geniuses Podcast. Grace was a Fundraising Coordinator for Students for Sustainability, where Grace designed and sold calendars and organized campus fundraising events. Grace gained experience in 2020 as an Outreach Coordinator for the UWL Divestment Coalition, which involved advocating to campus leaders, students, and members of the UW System community. Grace has gained environmental advocacy experience as a Watercraft Inspector for the Department of Natural Resources and currently works as an Office Assistant at Holte Law, LLC. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Communication Studies

Olivia will graduate in spring 2022 with a major in Communication Studies: Organizational and Professional Communication Emphasis and is double minoring in Professional and Technical Writing and Leadership Development. Olivia was involved with Lambda Pi Eta, the Communication Studies honor society, as the Secretary for three semesters. In that time, she participated in multiple events, including a winter clothing and blanket drive for New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Center. Olivia has spent 5 semesters as a member of the Circle K student organization where she has contributed to a variety of service events in the community. She is currently a Technical Writing Intern and Match Support Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7 River Region; Olivia has also worked as the organization’s Social Media and Events Intern, where she contributed to a variety of development projects including the agency’s premiere annual fundraising event.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of English

Beau will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English: Writing & Rhetoric Studies emphasis and a CASSH Program Option Minor. Beau is completing his English capstone project on “Content and Confidence: First-Year Writing and the Writing Center”. He has published his work in Sister Speak Zine and attended a Writer’s Hour workshop with John Grisham at James Madison University. He has served UWL in a variety of roles as a student, including Student Veteran Services Liaison, Student Veteran Senator, member of the Diversity Organization Coalition, Student and Building Services Committee member, and Mental Health Advocate for the UWL Green Bandana Project. Beau also served in the United States Marine Corps from 2011-2015 in the US, Japan, and Australia.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of English

Emma will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. She is currently engaged in a community outreach service-learning project with Strive2Thrive Coulee Region, writing blog posts and supporting outreach events. Emma is a Cadet in the ROTC program and has been awarded the title of top MSIII Cadet and the 2022 George C. Marshall Award. Emma has an Otorhinolaryngology summer internship with Madigan Army Medical Center, is currently an In-Home Caregiver and new caregiver mentor with Brightstar La Crosse and has served as an In-Home Caregiver with Rosewood AFH. Emma has volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, Ruckin’ Food Drive, and Mayo Clinic Pediatric Department. Additionally, she has served UWL’s ROTC as Social Media Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Battalion Commander.

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Environmental Studies

Ben will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and double minors in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Business. Ben has experience as the Sustainability Intern for the City of La Crosse and assisted with projects such as the City Climate Action Plan. Ben also has experience as Lead Overnight Staff with Catholic Charities Warming Center, as a Tax Intern with Advisors Management Group, and a Teller at Citizen Bank of Mukwonago. He is Co-Chair for Students for Sustainability, and organizes events, leads meetings, supports club projects, and writes Green Fund Grants. Ben also serves as the Team Coordinator for the UW Divestment Coalition. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Environmental Studies

Elizabeth will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in French and a minor in TESOL. She currently serves as the UWL English as a Second Language Institute intern and has completed student teaching experiences at Longfellow Middle School and Logan Middle School in La Crosse. In fall 2021, Elizabeth completed the French as a Second Language program at the Université de Montréal. Her senior capstone project focused on best practices in teaching inclusive language in French classrooms to anglophone students of varying proficiencies with an emphasis on the third-person nonbinary pronoun “iel”. Elizabeth has earned badges from Academic Programs International (API) in Global-to-Local Community Engagement, Global Problem-Solving, and Global Teamwork. Elizabeth has also served as a counselor at YMCA Day Camp Heritage and Camp Onomia in Minnesota. In addition, she has experience as a Children’s Ministry Volunteer, Middle School Youth Leader, and has served in La Crosse Area CRU leadership.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Global Cultures & Languages

Maighdlin will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a double minor in Art Therapy and Linguistics. At UWL, Maighdlin is engaged with undergraduate research, Eta Phi Alpha honor society, Sigma Delta Pi Spanish honor society, Students for Sustainability, Ceramics Club, Active Minds, and the Self Sufficiency Program. She currently serves as a student employee in the UWL Language Resource Center and volunteers as a tutor and conversation partner for the GCL Department. In the past, Maighdlin has volunteered as a childcare supervisor with the UWL Self Sufficiency Program, a child tutor for Literacy Green Bay, and a peer tutor for Notre Dame Academy.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Global Cultures & Languages

Lauren will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeological Studies and a double minor in Anthropology and Chinese Studies. Lauren has participated in the Archaeology Club, Chinese Culture Club serving as Social Media Manager this year, International Student Organization, Swing and Ballroom Dance, and Global Buddies. Lauren has presented research at the UWL Research and Creativity Symposium. Her archaeological research has focused on the efficacy of quartz stone tools and her ethnographic research looks at the effects of the pandemic on international and study abroad students at UWL. Lauren has interned with the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology on archaeological lab sciences, artifact curation, and data analysis of collections from the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of History

Karlee will graduate in spring 2022 with a double major in Broadfield Social Studies Education and History Education, and a minor in Political Science Education. She is currently completing student teaching at Red Wing High School in Minnesota and has completed field experiences at West Salem High School and La Crescent Middle School. Karlee has also served as a TeachLive Simulation Instructor, facilitating class discussions to create culturally responsive lesson plans. She has experience as a mentor for the Mentoring and Readiness for College program with UWL’s Office of Multicultural Student Services. In addition, Karlee acted as a National History Day judge of documentary projects with the Wisconsin Historical Society.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Music

Kamilah will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education emphasizing Instrumental and General Music. Kamila was a Drum Major for the Screaming Eagles Marching Band from 2020-2021 and assisted in the co-direction of Marching Band rehearsals and performances. Kamila is currently a student teacher for West Salem Middle and High Schools, where they are teaching individual instrument lessons, conducting and teaching 4 different concert band ensembles, and rehearsing 3 jazz bands. Kamilah has also completed field experience at Logan High School and Onalaska Middle School. They have served as a Mallet Quartet Instructor with the UWL Percussion Ensemble, as a Teaching Assistant in the UWL Percussion Techniques class, and as a Percussion Technician at Onalaska High School. Kamilah attended the White Privilege Symposium in 2021, as well as the Wisconsin Music Educators' Association Conference in 2019 and 2021. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Philosophy

Joe will graduate in spring 2022 with a double-major in Philosophy and Mathematics. Joe has submitted a co-authored article to the journal, Linear Algebra and its Applications, and is preparing additional manuscripts for publication. Joe has participated in multiple research experiences such as the Moravian University Computational and Experimental Mathematics Research Experience for Undergraduates and the Dean’s Distinguished Fellowship. In addition, Joe has presented research at 9 events between spring 2020 and fall 2021 and has been awarded $2,200 in grant funds to support research activities. Joe volunteers as a mathematics tutor at the Murphy Learning Center and is a member of the Mathematics and Statistics Club (currently serving as President), the Womxn and Minorities in Math Club, the Rock Climbing Club, and the Gymnastics Club.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Jake will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and two minors: Biology and Spanish. Jake was an exchange student in spring 2020 at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valpararíso, Chile, and is currently a Spanish Conversation Partner for the UWL Language Resource Center. Jake was a Conservation Corps member for the WisCorps/AmeriCorps in 2021 where he assisted with wetland restoration projects in Indiana Dunes National Park. He has been a UWL Vanguard tour guide and was the Social Media Coordinator for Students for Sustainability from 2021-2022. From 2019 to 2021, Jake was part of the UWL Student Association as a Sustainability Director and Senator. In these roles, he advocated for and implemented sustainable projects on campus including a reusable food carry-out system, sustainable menstrual products, and reusable shopping bags. Jake is also an intern for the Office of the State Public Defender in La Crosse, where he assists investigators and attorneys with responsibilities such as evidence review, interviews, and preliminary arguments. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Political Science & Public Administration

Hailey will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a minor in Sociology. Hailey has experience as an office assistant for Pruitt Law Office S.C. and as a researcher for UWL in 2021, where she developed, conducted, analyzed, and reported survey data. Hailey’s on-campus involvement includes membership in the College Democrats from 2018-2020 and has continued to be a member of Black Student Unity since 2018, having recently taken on an Executive Member role. She also received the Multicultural Student Achievement Scholarship in 2018-2019. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Political Science & Public Administration

Amy will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and two minors: Environmental Studies and Legal Studies. On campus, she has served as an Executive Member and Waste Coordinator with Students for Sustainability, a member of the Political Science and Public Administration Association, and a member of the Pre-Law Society, an Eagle Guide, a stage crew member for 3 UWL Theatre productions, and a member of Eta Phi Alpha Honor Society. Amy has also held multiple positions on UWL Student Association, including secretary and chair of various committees. Amy’s community engagement experience includes membership in the Downtown Neighborhood Association and Climate Action Plan Steering Committee for the City of La Crosse and completing an Environmental Studies Capstone service-learning experience with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. In summer and fall 2021, Amy worked as the Sustainability Intern with the City of La Crosse Planning Department, including contributing to the Climate Action Plan. She has also worked as an Intern for the La Crosse County Office of the Wisconsin State Public Defender. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Katie will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She is currently engaged in research for the Psychology Honors Program; Katie’s project, “There’s no crying in baseball: Correlates of Competitive Anxiety and Personality in Athletes,” has been supported in part by an Undergraduate Research and Creativity grant and will be presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference and UWL Celebration of Student Research & Creativity. In addition, Katie is currently a Psychology Honors Seminar teaching apprentice, Public Speaking Center peer consultant, and student athlete and team captain on the Women’s Track and Field Team. She is a 5x National Championship Qualifier, 3x USTFCCA All-Academic Team, 1x National All-American, and 1x Team National Runner-Up. Katie has previously volunteered for on- and off-campus events such as the Hixon 50K and UWL football games. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Camryn will graduate in spring 2022 with a double major in Psychology and Communication Studies: Interpersonal Communication emphasis. Camryn is currently a Behavioral Treatment Technician with Reaching Your Potential, where she uses applied behavior analysis therapy in her work with children with autism. Camryn was a research assistant to three psychology professors while in the Eagle Apprenticeship Program. She also has experience as a teaching assistant for an Experimental Psychology Class and as a Psychology Tutor in the Murphy Learning Center. Camryn is a member of the Delta Kappa chapter of the Alpha Phi International Fraternity and four additional honor societies. She has served the campus community as a member of the CASSH Dean’s Student Advisory Council and the Student Conduct Hearing Committee. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Morgan will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in At-Risk Child and Youth Care. Morgan has worked with children with autism as a Respite Care Provider for the Family and Children’s Center since 2021, as well as a Behavioral Treatment Technician for Reaching Your Potential since 2020. Morgan was a Student Services Intern for Onalaska High School, working with students directly and organizing the annual Student Needs Survey. She gained experience at UWL as a Teaching Assistant for the Psychological Measurement course and as a Research Assistant for the Psychology Department regarding a social psychology study on the effects of mindset on prejudice control. Morgan’s volunteer experience includes providing piano lessons at the Boys & Girls Club, tutoring for the Mentoring and Readiness for College Program, as a Consumer Contact Assistant with the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Antigo, as an Advocate Assistant with the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center in Saukville, and as a Junior Counselor at Camp Luther in Three Lakes.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Shane will graduate in summer 2022 with a double-major in Psychology and Biology. Shane was the co-founder and vice president of Family Transcends, an international youth-led mentorship program and crisis hotline designed to lower the suicide rate and isolation of at-risk transgender youth, as well as the founder of THRIVE: Trans Healthcare Resource Initiative, Co-Chair of the student group Transform, leader of Awareness through Performance, member of NASA: Native American Student Association, and workshop facilitator and peer educator for LGBT+ panels, transgender education, and disability justice. They have studied abroad at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji and was a team member of USP Outrigger Ocean Canoe Team. Shane has also interned as a UWL Archaeology Intern focusing on flintknapping instruction. They currently serve as a Standardized Patient at Gundersen Health System and have worked as a Diet Aid at Gundersen Health System, a Manager at Quillins Quality Foods Grocery Store, and a caretaker for At-Home Hospice Care. 

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Mariah will graduate in spring 2022 with a double-major in Psychology and English: Writing & Rhetoric Studies emphasis. Mariah is currently serving the community in multiple capacities, including as a Mobile Mental Health Crisis Responder for La Crosse County, where she assists clients with risk assessment, forms safety plans, and advocates for clients. Mariah also works as a Daycare Teacher at First Steps Early Learning Center in La Crescent, as a Site Director for the La Crosse Area YMCA, and a volunteer at Catholic Charities Warming Center in La Crosse. Mariah has worked as a Youth Mentor at Aptiv, where she worked directly with youth to help them achieve their goals of independence.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Jake will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Environmental Studies. He is currently a research assistant for a project assessing risk-taking behavior and risk perceptions in the La Crosse area bluffs and among the UWL student body. Jake and his research team are currently developing a survey to assess outdoor risk and danger perceptions among UWL students. He is a Receiving Assistant at the Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area ReStore, a position that began as an Environmental Studies intern. Jake also works as a Garden and Lumber Associate at Home Depot and has worked with Out & Out Eatery and Catering in Cedarburg and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Emily will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She has experience as a Counseling Intern for CORE Professional Services in Mankato. In this role, Emily co-facilitated group psychotherapy sessions and provided individual counseling during Homework Help sessions. Emily is an Undergraduate Researcher for both the Psychology Department and the Psychology Honors Program. Her research projects are titled, “Conversation Content Influences Goals in Interracial Interactions” and “Let’s Eat: Perfectionism, Social Media and Problematic Eating Behaviors”. Both projects were accepted for the 2022 Midwestern Psychological Association Conference. Emily has received $3,000 in Undergraduate Research and Creativity Grant funds to support research. She was a teaching assistant in fall 2021 for the Abnormal Psychology class and has been a Psychology Tutor since 2020. Emily was also a volunteer for the La Crosse Warming Center from 2018-2021.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Thana will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a CASSH Program Option minor. She is a member of the UWL Emergency Response Team, Students for Sustainability, and Students Inclusivity Networking Committee. Thana has volunteered with Kane Street Garden and Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. Currently, she works as an Outdoor Connection trip leader and representative through the Recreational Eagle Center and as a Catering Server with the Waterfront Tavern and Restaurant. In the past, Thana has worked as a Resident Care Associate with Cass Street Assisted Living, a Counselor at Camp Manito-wish YMCA, and as a Child Care Assistant Teacher at Dahl Family YMCA. She has earned multiple certifications, including as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Wilderness First Responder, and Wilderness Water Safety and First Aid.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Race, Gender, & Sexuality Studies

Yecenia will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and two minors: Ethnic and Racial Studies and Spanish. As a McNair Scholar, Yecenia conducted research to understand the identity development process of non-Spanish speaking Latinx college students. She has attended the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, the Midwest Asian American Student Union, University of Northern Iowa Resident Assistant Conference, and the ACUHO-I STARS College Program. Yecenia has campus employment and leadership experience as Laux Hall Senior Staff, Student Assistant for the Office of Residence Life, Resident Assistant in Coate Hall, and Desk Assistant for Hutchinson Hall. Yecenia’s campus involvement includes memberships in the Latin American Student Organization, Eta Phi Alpha Honor Society, Mujeres Orgullosas, Leaders Igniting Transformation, Director’s Council, and Mentoring and Readiness for College Program. She has also served as the Diversity Organization Coalition representative for the Asian Student Organization, Leader for the Laux Hall Multicultural Club, and as a UWL Vanguard.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Race, Gender, & Sexuality Studies

Olivia will graduate in May 2023 with a double-major in Women’s Studies and Psychology. Olivia has received numerous awards, including the Jefferson Award in 2017, President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2018, and Psychology Student of the Year 2017-2018. She was a finalist for the UWL Public Speaking Competition in 2020. Olivia was a Legal Assistant for White and Associates in Elk River, where she drafted court documents and handled administrative services for clients. Olivia has had additional experience in multiple professional roles, such as an Adoption Volunteer for the Coon Rapids (MN) Humane Society, a Dietary Aide at Arbor Oaks in Andover, MN, and as a Desk Assistant at UWL.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice

Jordyn will graduate in spring 2022 with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. Jordyn has experience as a Crisis Advocate Intern at New Horizons Shelter & Outreach Centers. In this role, Jordyn received training in crisis advocacy, including interacting with residents, working on the crisis lines, and managing paperwork. Jordyn is also a Parent Educator for Stein Counseling and Consulting Services in La Crosse, implementing curriculum and interventions to support clients’ acquisition of parenting skills. In 2021, Jordyn was a School Age Care Assistant Teacher for the La Crosse YMCA. In this role, Jordyn created curriculum and led group activities to support character development and relationship building.

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice

Merryn will graduate in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Legal Studies. Merryn is currently a Law Office Runner for Hale Skemp Hansen Skemp & Sleik, where she assists attorneys and clients in a variety of ways. Merryn has additional experience as an intern for the WI State Public Defender in 2020. In this role, she gained experience reading criminal complaints, learning legal terminology, determining ethical violations, filing cases, and communicating with attorneys. Merryn is a member of the Pre-Law Society at UWL. She also has experience with competitive Irish dance and downhill skiing.  

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Theatre Arts

Lauren will graduate in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts: Arts Administration emphasis and a minor in Theatre Arts: Performance emphasis. Lauren has experience with the American Players Theater, including positions such as House Staff, Assistant House Manager, and House Manager. Since 2018, Lauren has been the Theater ADA Office Assistant at UWL. She also has collegiate theatre level experience in house management, publicity, and assistant stage management. Lauren has musical skills and experience in trumpet and guitar. As an actor, Lauren has had roles in ten performances, including Love/Sick, Songs for a New World, Influence, Little Women, and Urinetown at UWL.