https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/Campus ConnectionPosts tagged with 'Communication Studies':2024-01-31T13:45:26.293Zhttps://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/stories-of-reunion/Stories of reunion2024-01-31T13:45:26.293Z2024-01-30T15:55:00ZChloe Harthttps://uwlax.edu/profile/chart/chart@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">3:55 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Jan.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>30</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2024</span></p>
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<figcaption>Sara Docan-Morgan, a professor in the Communication Studies Department at UW-La Crosse, recently published “In Reunion: Transnational Korean adoptees and the communication of family.”</figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">In new book, Docan-Morgan documents experiences of transnational Korean adoptees</h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">What does it mean to be “family”? Many people wrestle with that question, and it may be especially nuanced for individuals who are adopted.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><a href="https://www.uwlax.edu/profile/sdocan-morgan/" data-mce-href="/profile/sdocan-morgan/"><span data-contrast="none">Sara Docan-Morgan</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, a professor in the </span><a href="https://www.uwlax.edu/academics/department/communication-studies/" data-mce-href="/academics/department/communication-studies/"><span>Communication Studies Department</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> at UW-La Crosse, recently published </span><span data-contrast="auto">“</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reunion-Transnational-Korean-Adoptees-Communication/dp/1439922837/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VH92M4V04MPZ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cBxWmmC4rxvL2HKPVhhzDQ.WLZ3HmCUeRNBGNlzRrArjtjK5ZJb8TzwiFv3E-0RzZ0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=in+reunion+sara+docan-morgan&amp;qid=1705603633&amp;sprefix=sara+docan-mo%2Caps%2C142&amp;sr=8-1" data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Reunion-Transnational-Korean-Adoptees-Communication/dp/1439922837/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VH92M4V04MPZ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cBxWmmC4rxvL2HKPVhhzDQ.WLZ3HmCUeRNBGNlzRrArjtjK5ZJb8TzwiFv3E-0RzZ0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=in+reunion+sara+docan-morgan&amp;qid=1705603633&amp;sprefix=sara+docan-mo%2Caps%2C142&amp;sr=8-1"><span data-contrast="none">In Reunion: Transnational Korean adoptees and the communication of family,”</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> a book exploring</span><span data-contrast="auto"> the complexities of communication surrounding reunions of transnational adoptees and their birth and adoptive families. The book is based on interviews with 18 transnational Korean adoptees who had been raised in America or Denmark and had reunited with their Korean birth families.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">“Hearing from and interacting with adoptees who have reunited and found the research helpful has been really rewarding,” Docan-Morgan says. “And it’s rewarding to generate something that is going to be useful and helpful to people in the future. I’ve always wanted to do research that was practical and applied.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">After her first set of interviews for the project in 2010, she authored several academic articles about her findings. “</span><span data-contrast="auto">In Reunion”</span><span data-contrast="auto"> started to take shape 10 years later, as she was interviewing more adoptees about the same topic, something she did not predict to do a decade earlier.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">“I think I always hoped to write a book because books tend to be written in a more accessible manner than journal articles written for other academics. Plus, there's more freedom in writing a book,” Docan-Morgan says. “I didn’t know how much I would enjoy it until I actually started doing it.”</span></p>
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<figcaption>The book is based on interviews with 18 transnational Korean adoptees.</figcaption>
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">One topic highlighted in the book is “discursive burden,” which Docan-Morgan defines as communicative responsibility. Adoptees who are in reunion bear a lot of discursive burden, ranging from initiating the search and reunion to masking uncomfortable feelings as they adjust to cultural norms that are different from those they were raised with.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">“In sharing that idea of discursive burden, I wanted people to know what they’re doing is hard and what they’re doing requires a lot of courage,” Docan-Morgan explains.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">There is the possibility of discursive burden happening within the adoptive family, too. Adoptive parents may feel threatened by the reunion, so the adoptee feels they must reassure them.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">“I want people to have a wider view of reunion,” Docan-Morgan says. “The book is not just for adoptees, but for families of adoptees who support them as they go through reunion.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">Docan-Morgan has a personal connection to the topic, being a transnational Korean adoptee. She first met her birth parents in 2009 and spent 2016 to 2018 in Korea building a relationship with them. Her personal experience led to her research, which has been both fulfilling and meaningful, but not always easy.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">“Getting emails and DMs from people that tell me the book has impacted them makes me feel fulfilled and thankful to be in the position I’m in,” Docan-Morgan says. “From a personal perspective, because I’ve reunited and I share part of my story in the book, people ask me personal questions in Q&amp;A and conversation. Being adopted is only one part of my identity, and sharing the book has been emotional and vulnerable as it’s made me think more about that part of my identity and my American parents who passed in 2003 and 2008. So, I wouldn't say it’s been easy, but it’s been meaningful.”</span><span data-contrast="auto"></span></p>
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<figcaption>Sara Docan-Morgan</figcaption>
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Taking a sabbatical in the 2021-2022 academic year helped Docan-Morgan create time to complete the project. She urges other faculty to do the same if they have research they would like to pursue but have trouble fitting it into their heavy teaching load.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">“A faculty sabbatical was really helpful for me,” Docan-Morgan says. “It's important that people support faculty research and talk about faculty research, and for faculty to learn how to set boundaries to create time to work on research projects.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">After publishing the book, Docan-Morgan has found another topic she would like to explore in future research: the process of interpretation. There is no standard way of translating across language and cultural barriers. Some translators give cultural context, while others think it should be as straight-forward as possible.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">“There’s an intertwined relationship between culture and language,” Docan-Morgan explains. “I’m interested in the different perspectives on how to best do it.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">Docan-Morgan has been on several podcasts talking about the topic and her book (Podcasts: “</span><a href="https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/connected-with-sara-docan-morgan-EKoeYSGI" data-mce-href="https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/connected-with-sara-docan-morgan-EKoeYSGI"><span data-contrast="none">Thriving adoptees</span></a><span data-contrast="none">,” “</span><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/season-7-episode-9-sara-docan-morgan-and-being-in-reunion/id1139544959?i=1000640618333" data-mce-href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/season-7-episode-9-sara-docan-morgan-and-being-in-reunion/id1139544959?i=1000640618333"><span data-contrast="none">Adapted”</span></a><span data-contrast="none"> and “</span><a href="https://www.onceuponatimeinadopteeland.com/episode/158-dr-sara-docan-morgan-in-reunion-transnational-korean-adoptees-and-the-communication-of-family" data-mce-href="https://www.onceuponatimeinadopteeland.com/episode/158-dr-sara-docan-morgan-in-reunion-transnational-korean-adoptees-and-the-communication-of-family"><span data-contrast="none">Once upon a time in adopteeland”</span></a><span data-contrast="none">).</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">Additionally, you can join Docan-Morgan for an evening book signing event on Feb. 29 at Pearl Street Books (323 Pearl St., La Crosse).</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto">“In Reunion: Transnational Korean adoptees and the communication of family</span><em><span data-contrast="auto">”</span></em><span data-contrast="auto"> is available for purchase </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reunion-Transnational-Korean-Adoptees-Communication/dp/1439922837/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VH92M4V04MPZ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cBxWmmC4rxvL2HKPVhhzDQ.WLZ3HmCUeRNBGNlzRrArjtjK5ZJb8TzwiFv3E-0RzZ0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=in+reunion+sara+docan-morgan&amp;qid=1705603633&amp;sprefix=sara+docan-mo%2Caps%2C142&amp;sr=8-1" data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Reunion-Transnational-Korean-Adoptees-Communication/dp/1439922837/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VH92M4V04MPZ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cBxWmmC4rxvL2HKPVhhzDQ.WLZ3HmCUeRNBGNlzRrArjtjK5ZJb8TzwiFv3E-0RzZ0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=in+reunion+sara+docan-morgan&amp;qid=1705603633&amp;sprefix=sara+docan-mo%2Caps%2C142&amp;sr=8-1"><span data-contrast="none">online</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/uwl-2023-professor-sara-docan-morgan-lightroom-5-copyc3.jpg/Medium" alt="Sara Docan-Morgan, a professor in the Communication Studies Department at UW-La Crosse, recently published “In Reunion: Transnational Korean adoptees and the communication of family.”" />
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<span class="title">Stories of reunion</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">3:55 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Jan.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>30</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2024</span></span>
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In new book, Docan-Morgan documents experiences of transnational Korean adoptees
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<span class="read">Read<span class="sr-only"> more about Stories of reunion</span></span>
</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/a-craft-of-love/A craft of love2024-01-18T11:04:09.123Z2024-01-18T11:03:00ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">11:03 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Thursday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Jan.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>18</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2024</span></p>
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<figcaption>UWL Alumna Renee Smith is the founder and owner of PartyHappier, a business she launched that sells cards, stationery and more. Smith graduated in 2008 communication studies major and professional writing and psychology minors. She went on to earn her M.S.Ed. at UWL in 2010. </figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">Alumna creates made-to-order cards and more, turning childhood craft hobby into a full-time job  </h3>
<p>As Valentine’s Day nears, one UW-La Crosse alumna is using her skills with paper, scissors and glue to build stronger connections between people. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Renee Smith,’08 &amp; ’10, has about 500 different cards and crafts to share with someone you care about in her <a data-mce-href="https://partyhappier.com/" href="https://partyhappier.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online store</a>, including greeting cards, Valentine’s Day decor and a set of 52 date night cards featuring a different date idea for every week of the year. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>But Smith's shop, PartyHappier, isn’t all about celebrating holidays. Instead, it’s about the simple joy she finds in creating connections through art. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I try to send a card when someone is not expecting it. Something to say ‘Hey, I’m just thinking about you,” she says. “And I think that is what most of my customers look for as well. I hope that what I create will brighten someone’s day.” &nbsp;</p>
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<figcaption>This stationery set is the first thing Smith started making when she launched PartyHappier. “I've always loved snail mail, so I started by making pretty cards and envelopes for family and friends and eventually started selling them,” she says. </figcaption>
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<p>About three years in, Smith’s Etsy shop began to take off with orders piling up, particularly around Christmas and graduation time. Even though she’d spent a full day at work and was often tired as she walked in the door to her apartment, she always looked forward to digging into her crafts at night. Despite her love for working in higher education, she realized this hobby should be a full-time business when it became difficult to balance the two and orders began to produce more money than she was making in her day job. In March 2022, she quit her career in advising and became a full-time entrepreneur. &nbsp;</p><p>Smith says her educational experience at UWL — with an undergraduate degree in <a data-mce-href="/academics/communication-studies/" href="/academics/communication-studies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Communication Studies</a> and a graduate degree in <a data-mce-href="/academics/department/student-affairs-administration/" href="/academics/department/student-affairs-administration/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Student Affairs Administration</a>— factored into her entrepreneurial abilities. She had a well-rounded education with classes that spoke to diverse interests in writing, psychology, advising, and more. She has a great mentor in Communications Studies Professor Linda Dickmeyer, who has always supported and encouraged her along the way, even after she graduated. &nbsp;Most of all, her educational path helped her find and fully explore her love of communication, which is at its root, is all about connection. &nbsp;</p><p>“I interact with people all the time through my business — communicating effectively and understanding people's needs has played a huge role in PartyHappier’s success,” she says. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<figcaption>Conversation hearts banner from PartyHappier</figcaption>
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<p>Smith’s shop grew out of a childhood passion for paper crafts. The youngest of three, she would sit at her desk in the bedroom of her Colby, Wisconsin, home building scrapbooks, coloring and journaling. That childhood hobby emerged again after college when she started working full time. She would stay up late after work mixing and matching paper colors and patterns to create cards for friends and family. &nbsp;</p><p>“You can do a lot with a single sheet of paper. Manipulating it, it becomes something original ... something exciting,” she says. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>In August 2014, Smith opened a shop on Etsy as a hobby filling orders for her various products such as stationery, cards, envelopes, banners, bookmarks, calendars, confetti, magnets and more. Over the years, the orders continued to grow, and it eventually became another full-time job outside of work. &nbsp;</p><p>At the time, Smith was working as a college career advisor, including a stint in UWL Career Services. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I was often meeting with students and asking them, ‘what your goals and passions and where do you see yourself?,’” she recalls. “As I was having these conversations, I realized maybe I needed to be having them with myself too. It helped me uncover the things I was most passionate about.” &nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<h3>Looking for a Valentine?   </h3>
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<figcaption>Date Night cards. The set of set of 52 date night cards feature a different date idea for every week of the year.   </figcaption>
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<p>Check out date night cards and conversation hearts banner on the <a data-mce-href="https://partyhappier.com/" href="https://partyhappier.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PartyHappier website</a>. Her goods are also available at <a data-mce-href="https://partyhappier.com/pages/find-us-locally" href="https://partyhappier.com/pages/find-us-locally" target="_blank" rel="noopener">physical locations.</a> &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Store Locations:</strong></p><ul><li>The Vintage Flip: 400 N Main St, Lake Mills, WI </li><li>Lake Milled Crafts: 107 N Main Street, Lake Mills, WI </li><li>Booth 121: 6203 Monona Dr, Monona, WI </li><li>The Coffee Coop: 608 N Division St, Colby, WI </li><li>35:35 Makers Collective: 265 W Peace Rd, Sycamore, IL&nbsp;</li></ul>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/alum-friends-logo-vertical-bk3.jpg/Medium" alt="UWL Alumna Renee Smith is the founder and owner of PartyHappier, a business she launched that sells cards, stationery and more. Smith graduated in 2008 communication studies major and professional writing and psychology minors. She went on to earn her M.S.Ed. at UWL in 2010. " />
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<span class="title">A craft of love</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">11:03 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Thursday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Jan.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>18</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2024</span></span>
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Alumna creates made-to-order cards and more, turning childhood craft hobby into a full-time job  
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<span class="read">Read<span class="sr-only"> more about A craft of love</span></span>
</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/sustainable-snow-solution/Sustainable snow solution2023-12-11T10:27:43.213Z2023-11-28T16:15:00ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">4:15 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Nov.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>28</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>From left, Scott Brown, Andrew Ericson and Casey Christ with the new brine equipment.</figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">Student’s brine research ushers in a greener winter on campus</h3>
<p>A UW-La Crosse student’s research on brine has led to a more budget-friendly and earth-friendly snow removal solution for campus this winter.</p><p>Casey Christ, ’23, learned of the impact of salt contamination on aquatic life during a fall 2022 class project. In this Communication and Civic Engagement class, she also learned about using brine as an alternative to rock salt, one of UWL’s primary method for removing snow and ice in winter months. Switching to brine reduces the amount of salt that is needed on sidewalks, parking lots and roads, saving money and reducing water contamination from salt runoff. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“All my life I’ve grown up thinking salt was a normal and necessary part of midwestern winters. But the more I learned about the long list of issues its use creates, the more I knew something needed to change in La Crosse, and that I had to take this a step further than a class research project,” says Christ.</p><p>Although salt is a natural part of the environment, too much salt comes with an environmental cost. Salt applied to roads and sidewalks hangs around after the snow melts, leaching into lakes, rivers and groundwater. Over the years, these freshwater systems have become saltier, and that’s a problem for wildlife. It takes only one teaspoon of salt to pollute five gallons of water to a level this is toxic to native aquatic organisms.</p><p>“The Mississippi River and the marsh are home to hundreds of unique species that are harmed every winter we continue to overuse road salt, not to mention the havoc it wreaks on infrastructure and human health,” says Christ. “La Crosse County and the UWL campus use a lot of it. Through my extensive research I discovered the steps that other universities in Wisconsin had implemented to mitigate salt use, and I knew La Crosse needed to follow suit.”</p><p>Christ's research is just one example of research that emerges from the Communication Studies course, <a data-mce-href="https://catalog.uwlax.edu/undergraduate/coursedescriptions/cst/" href="https://catalog.uwlax.edu/undergraduate/coursedescriptions/cst/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">CST 211</a>, where students complete a civic engagement project. They are tasked with identifying a community problem, conducting extensive community research on the problem and developing a plan to address it. At the culmination of the semester, students present their plan to community stakeholders.</p>
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<h3>Campus embraces brine</h3>
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<figcaption>From left, Andrew Ericson, Casey Christ and Scott Brown. UWL Facilities Management purchased two Hilltip Spray Strikers, which have GPS tracking that controls the rate that brine comes out. </figcaption>
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<p>Christ shared her findings about rock salt contamination with stakeholders on campus including UWL’s Sustainability Manager Andrew Ericson and Director of Facilities Management Scott Brown. The group looked into brine as a less-salty alternative. And, in the spring of 2023, UWL Facilities Management invested in new brine equipment.</p><p>“We have very driven students on this campus who are looking for ways to make a difference for their community and for the environment,” says Ericson. “It was so impressive to see how Casey championed this initiative that she cared about.”</p><p>Facilities management purchased two Hilltip Spray Strikers, which have GPS tracking that controls the rate that brine comes out, along with a 1,200-gallon storage tank where brine will be stored in bulk. Brine will be purchased from La Crosse County, an early adopter of brine.</p><p>“Facilities Management is always trying to improve the sustainability of our operations. Brine was a win both financially and environmentally,” says Brown. “We are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of this new method of winter maintenance.” &nbsp;</p><p>Ericson says the initiative to bring brine to campus is an example of how sustainability, an important and long-term initiative at UWL, intersects with UWL’s strategic plan to provide transformational education and community engagement. &nbsp;</p><p>“We are always looking to improve sustainability efforts across the campus as UWL aims to be a leader in sustainability in our region,” says Ericson. “When it comes to sustainability, we can think of campus as a living lab to apply what’s taught in our classrooms. But sometimes we need a champion for those efforts, and we are very grateful that Casey stepped up.”</p>
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<h3>What is brine?</h3>
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<figcaption>UWL Facilities Management purchased a 1,200-gallon storage tank where brine will be stored in bulk.</figcaption>
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<p>Brine is salty water that is used for snow removal. If you have ever seen faint white stripes on driving lanes, then you’ve seen brine in action. A 23.3% NaCl solution, brine works in the same way that rock salt does, but it has many added benefits.</p><h3>Why brine?</h3><ul><li>Reduces the amount of salt applied, which saves money and prevents water contamination. </li><li>Sticks to where it is placed and is not subject to being moved around like rock salt </li><li>Prevents snow/ice from adhering to the pavement surface if applied before a winter storm. This makes removal easier. </li><li>Works quicker than rock salt. Rock salt needs to become brine on the pavement surface, and then it will start working. Using brine from the start accelerates the process. &nbsp;</li></ul>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/brine-photo-2.jpg/Medium" alt="From left, Scott Brown, Andrew Ericson and Casey Christ with the new brine equipment." />
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<span class="section details">
<span class="title">Sustainable snow solution</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">4:15 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Nov.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>28</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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Student’s brine research ushers in a greener winter on campus
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/caml-grand-opening/CaML grand opening2023-10-20T10:27:33.753Z2023-10-20T10:00:00ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">10 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Friday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Oct.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>20</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>CaML Director Taylor Cole Miller giving a tour of the new media lab space. </figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">New media lab gets students over the humps of working with the latest A.I., virtual reality and more </h3>
<p>The metaverse. Augmented reality. Artificial intelligence. The rapidly-changing world of communication can be either feared or embraced. &nbsp;</p><p>UW-La Crosse students will be doing the latter in a new eight-room media lab suite called the <a data-mce-href="/academics/department/communication-studies/caml/" href="/academics/department/communication-studies/caml/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Communication and Media Lab</a> (or the CaML for short). The CaML provides <a data-mce-href="/cassh/" href="/cassh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UWL College of Arts, Social Sciences, &amp; Humanities</a> students and faculty a space for research and production using new and emerging digital media technologies and forms including podcasting, digital filmmaking, virtual reality, generative A.I., &nbsp;augmented reality, media research, A.I.-assisted participant observation, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<figcaption>CaML Director Taylor Cole Miller</figcaption>
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<p>“We are practicing with new technology because it is here whether we like it or not and understanding how it works and how to incorporate it into work will make our students more competitive in the professional world,” says CaML Director Taylor Cole Miller, an assistant professor of <a href="/academics/department/communication-studies/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="/academics/department/communication-studies/" rel="noopener">Communication Studies</a>. &nbsp;<br>A grand opening, ribbon cutting celebration, and open house for the &nbsp;CaML will be from <strong>4-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, in 165 Murphy Librar</strong>y, a lab suite located in the northwest wing of the first floor. To learn more about how a class or student could use CaML resources, attend the grand opening event or view the <a href="/academics/department/communication-studies/caml/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="/academics/department/communication-studies/caml/" rel="noopener">website</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>UWL Junior Ellie Davis, who wants to become a news anchor or reporter, says the new lab was one of the reasons she wanted to attend UWL. The technology in the lab makes the campus competitive with larger research universities, yet she can still have the small class sizes and connection with professors that she wanted in a university campus.&nbsp;</p><p>“It is a very welcoming space,” says Davis regarding the lab. “I definitely feel like I have a place on campus where I belong.”&nbsp;</p><p>During the open house, stations will be set up for public demonstrations of the technology and equipment available — including some Halloween-themed activities.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Evil laugh competition using podcasting equipment&nbsp;</li><li>Practice with the “vertigo effect” or dolly zooms -- a filmmaking technique made famous by Alfred Hitchcock's “Vertigo.”&nbsp;</li><li>Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences&nbsp;</li><li>Storyboarding practice&nbsp;</li><li>Student showcase in Media Production Classroom&nbsp;</li></ul>
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<h3>Space sparks teaching innovation</h3>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/cst338-mediaandsexuality.jpg/Large" alt="" />
<figcaption>Media Production Classroom in CaML.</figcaption>
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<p>Miller says the lab space energizes him to be more innovative with his teaching and hopes it will do the same for other CASSH faculty — even ones not teaching media production-focused classes. For example, with advancements in A.I.-generated content from platforms like ChatGPT, professors are looking for alternative ways to assess their students’ mastery of course concepts and meeting learning outcomes. In his course Media and Sexuality, for instance, not traditionally a media production course, students are creating podcasts and videographic essays.&nbsp;</p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/camel-neon3.jpg/Large" alt="" />
<figcaption>This neon camel generative A.I. art decorates the lab suite.</figcaption>
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<p>“It is really hard to let my teaching stagnate while I’m rushing to keep up with a professional world that is moving faster than it ever has before,” he says. &nbsp;</p><p>While the lab is futuristic — down to the generative A.I. art and drone photography decorating some walls — the CaML also pays homage to the robust media production history on campus with a curated display. For more than 40 years, broadcasting students earned their reporting chops through a student-run TV station, WMCM, located in Wing Technology Center. While that television and broadcasting program ended in 2019, its call letters are housed in a glass case in the lab entrance, along with other memorabilia documenting the history of media education on campus from Polaroid cameras to floppy disks, Camcorders to VHS tapes. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<h3>Who is the lab for? </h3>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/2023-uwl-communication-and-media-lab-92.jpg/Large" alt="" />
<figcaption>CaML pays homage to the robust media production history on the UWL campus with a curated display</figcaption>
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<p>The CaML is a resource for College of Arts, Social Sciences, &amp; Humanities faculty to enrich their classroom experience and research with new media projects. The lab offers both media production and research facilities and equipment. &nbsp;Anyone within CASSH can inquire about use of the space for a course or for an individual student during the open house or through a website form. &nbsp;</p><p>While the lab is currently used for various Communication Studies courses such as Digital Media Production, Interactive and Experiential Media, and Documentary Production, Miller envisions the CaML being used by a much broader group to improve digital media literacy, which could help in diverse careers from photography to nursing. &nbsp;</p><h3>What’s available in the space? &nbsp;</h3><ul><li>4K cameras&nbsp;</li><li>Professional podcasting equipment&nbsp;</li><li>Glasses with eye tracking software&nbsp;</li><li>Virtual reality and augmented reality equipment&nbsp;</li><li>Other cutting-edge research equipment &nbsp;</li><li>30 work stations new Mac computers for student projects including Adobe Creative Suite. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>A Research and Conference Room featuring a camera and omni microphone that use AI to find a specific speaker and capture sound and video. &nbsp;</li><li>Activity in the Research and Conference Room can be viewed in a separate observation room for participant observation research. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><p>“I’m so pleased that UWL, as a student-centered institution, is really investing in the professional readiness of its students with an incredible lab on par with major research universities,” says Miller.&nbsp;</p><h3>If you go — &nbsp;</h3><p><strong>What: </strong>CaML grand opening event with a ribbon cutting, cake, and demonstrations for the campus community to see how they might incorporate it into their CASSH classrooms or CASSH student projects.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>When:</strong> 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> CaML, 165 Murphy Library&nbsp;</p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/2023-uwl-communication-and-media-lab-2.jpg/Medium" alt="CaML Director Taylor Cole Miller giving a tour of the new media lab space. " />
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<span class="section details">
<span class="title">CaML grand opening</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">10 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Friday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Oct.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>20</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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New media lab gets students over the humps of working with the latest A.I., virtual reality and more 
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/cyber-cop/Cyber cop2023-06-27T12:34:18.73Z2023-06-27T12:34:18.73ZYoo Mee Howardhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/yhoward/yhoward@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">12:34 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>June</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>27</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>Dustin Darling, a former City of La Crosse police officer, was among the first to graduate from the new online Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Along with UWL, the other UW partner campuses in the program include Green Bay, Oshkosh, Parkside, Platteville, River Falls, Stevens Point and Superior. Darling was shot in the line of duty and after approximately eight years, he needed a career change to a field less stressful for his family. He is pictured here with his wife. </figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">Cybersecurity master’s now offered</h3>
<p>Cyber crime has grown as fast as the spread of smart phones, home computers and other mobile devices. UWL has joined seven other UW campuses to offer a 100% online master’s degree in cybersecurity to help curb the growing scams.</p><p>The need for cybersecurity experts across the nation will continue, says <a data-mce-href="/profile/jbutlermodaff/" href="/profile/jbutlermodaff/">Jennifer Butler Modaff</a>, an associate professor of communications studies and academic director of the new master’s program at UWL. The shortage of experts in the greater Wisconsin area is one that the program aims to address.</p><p>“Our program serves a wide variety of students ranging from those who have recently graduated to individuals with years of industry experience, as well as people hoping to make a career change,” explains Butler Modaff. “We are also serving a number of law enforcement and military veterans as they transition to the next stage of their lives.”</p><p>Butler Modaff says the program is unique because it has four tracks designed to meet the interests of each of these groups depending on future career goals. The tracks include Digital Forensics, Cyber Response, Governance and Leadership, and Security Architecture.</p><p>Some of the tracks are more technology intensive. For example, the Security Architecture track would be for someone with experience or more intensive computer programming knowledge. The Leadership and Governance track would be more appropriate for those with a less technical background.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/jbutlermodaff.jpg/Large" alt="" />
<figcaption>Jennifer Butler Modaff, associate professor of communications studies and academic director of the new cybersecurity master’s program at UWL.</figcaption>
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<p>The program requires 34 credits, which includes 21 credits of core courses, nine credits of specialized track courses, and a one-credit pre-capstone course and a three-credit capstone course.&nbsp;The capstone project is an experience students complete with an employer of their choosing. The hands-on opportunity helps demonstrate skills learned throughout the program.</p><p>Butler Modaff says one thing that makes the program unique is that it recognizes both the technology and human factors in cybersecurity.</p><p>“Some other cybersecurity programs around the country just focus on the technology, but we recognize both sides,” she says. “Our collaborative program, for example, has both communication and sociology represented. In addition to teaching solid technology skills, we are teaching the human side of things, so we have a communication course and sociology course in our core.”</p><p>Along with UWL, the other UW partner campuses include Green Bay, Oshkosh, Parkside, Platteville, River Falls, Stevens Point and Superior. Each campus is responsible for areas of specialization and the courses they have developed.</p><p>At UWL, the developed courses include those dealing with communication, teamwork and leadership. The UWL faculty come from the <a href="/communication-studies/" data-mce-href="/communication-studies/">Department of Communication Studies</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Butler Modaff was excited in May when students in the program’s inaugural cohort received their degrees. The program was launched in 2020, just as COVID-19 hit. All recruiting fairs and media efforts planned for the first few months had closed.&nbsp;When applications opened, a small but dedicated group of students that had been waiting for this program applied.</p><p>“It has been a small but steady group of applicants that has been slowly rising,” says Butler Modaff. “It has been difficult to grow a program over the pandemic, but we are seeing those numbers continue to steadily increase as our class sizes are increasing, our applications are increasing, and interest is increasing.”</p><p>Dustin Darling, a former City of La Crosse police officer, was among the first to graduate from the innovative program. Darling was shot in the line of duty. After approximately eight years, he needed a career change to a field less stressful for his family.</p><p>The online flexibility of the program was appealing to Darling. He admits not being in a classroom with small children at home offered its own challenges.</p><p>“The flexibility of an online program was great; however, it was very important for me to set specific times each week to ensure I could focus on my course work,” he says.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>While he held a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UW Oshkosh, Darling says the program helped him land a position as an information security analyst in Governance, Risk and Compliance for Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point.</p><p>“I believe it played a strong role in helping me obtain my current job,” he says. “I will look to leverage this degree to reach my goal of becoming&nbsp;a chief security&nbsp;officer.”&nbsp;</p><p>Darling encourages anyone wanting to reach the next level of their career or in search of a career change to check out the master’s degree.</p><p>“The program provided a lot of knowledge/skills, and being able to have this on my resume is great,” he says. &nbsp;</p><p><a href="/grad/cybersecurity/" data-mce-href="/grad/cybersecurity/">See more about the program.</a></p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/darling-dustin2.jpg/Medium" alt="Dustin Darling, a former City of La Crosse police officer, was among the first to graduate from the new online Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Along with UWL, the other UW partner campuses in the program include Green Bay, Oshkosh, Parkside, Platteville, River Falls, Stevens Point and Superior. Darling was shot in the line of duty and after approximately eight years, he needed a career change to a field less stressful for his family. He is pictured here with his wife. " />
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<span class="section details">
<span class="title">Cyber cop</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">12:34 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>June</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>27</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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Cybersecurity master’s now offered
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/from-dishwasher-to-iron-chef/From dishwasher to 'Iron Chef'2022-07-06T11:32:49.657Z2022-07-04T07:06:00ZNhouchee Yanghttps://uwlax.edu/profile/nyang2/nyang2@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">7:06 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Monday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>July</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>4</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/yia-vang-feature-image-0.jpg/Large" alt="" />
<figcaption>Yia Vang, '10, owner of Union Hmong Kitchen in Minneapolis, has established himself as one of the most celebrated chefs in he Midwest. In June, he was featured in Netflix's reboot of "Iron Chef." PHOTO CREDIT: Lauren Cutshall </figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">Known for Hmong cuisine, Yia Vang is a rising restaurateur</h3>
<p>Yia Vang used to wash dishes and count the days until he would never again have to work in a restaurant.</p><p>Then he had an epiphany.</p><p>“I always looked at working in restaurants as a job I did, living paycheck to paycheck,” Vang, ’10, explains. “One day, I had this aha moment where I realized that food isn’t just sustenance. It’s a universal language we can use to speak to one another. You can tell a story through the food you make.”</p><p>A decade later, Vang is one of the most celebrated chefs in the Midwest, known for his highly successful Union Hmong Kitchen in Minneapolis. The window-service-style restaurant blends two of Vang’s favorite things — Hmong food and storytelling — and has helped him become a rising star in the food industry.</p><p>On June 15, Vang and fellow Twin Cities chefs Mike Yuen and Marshall Paulsen were featured in the premiere episode of Netflix’s reboot of “Iron Chef.” On the show, guest chefs such as Vang square off against resident Iron Chefs in a timed cooking competition based around a secret ingredient.</p><p>It was a pinch-me moment for Vang, who was born in a Thai refugee camp, attended school in rural Wood County, Wisconsin, and grew up watching the iconic cooking show.</p><p>“When I walked into the Kitchen Stadium and saw the whole operation, I felt like a kid again,” Vang says. “Then when I saw the Iron Chef we had to battle against, when they revealed who it was, I freaked out. It was such an honor to be there.”</p><p>Even when the cameras were off, it was surreal.</p><p>“It was my first time flying first class, and I was like, ‘OK, act like you’ve been here before,’” he says. “And then when you get there, they put you in a green room with a personal assistant. At one point, I asked for some gum, and he came back with five different types. It was just incredible.”</p><p>While it was a thrill being treated like a star, that’s not why Vang loves to cook. His motivations are much more genuine and heartfelt.</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/220526lc_grazefeast-2.png/Large" alt="" />
<figcaption>The "Graze Feast," a dish available at Union Hmong Kitchen in Minneapolis. PHOTO CREDIT: Lauren Cutshall </figcaption>
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<p>Cooking is how Vang connects with his Hmong heritage and shares it with the world, one plate at a time.</p><p>It’s also a chance for him to use the lessons he learned as a communication studies student at UWL.</p><p>“In Hmong culture, our DNA is intricately woven into what we eat. It tells the story of where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going,” Vang notes. “As a communications student, I learned a lot about how to communicate that and how to get people to interpret your message. Those are definitely skills I use as a restaurateur.”</p><p>Vang says he owes a debt of gratitude to Hmong chefs who, after immigrating to the United States in the 1970s, became trailblazers in the restaurant industry.</p><p>He is also grateful to his parents, who passed down qualities like creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen, both hallmarks of Hmong cooking.</p><p>“No matter where Hmong people go, we make use of the produce and products around us,” Vang says. “Traditionally, we might have bamboo and certain kinds of vegetables and seasoning. But we’re in the Midwest, so instead we’re going to have root vegetables, heavy grain, pork and beef. Hmong food is reflective of the land. That’s an important part of the story.”</p><p>Building upon the success of Union Hmong Kitchen, Vang plans to open a proper sit-down-style restaurant in Minneapolis later this year. It will be called Vinai, named for the Thai refugee camp where Vang and his family lived before coming to the United States.</p><p>“The restaurant is really a love letter to my parents and where we’ve been as a family,” he says. “It’s going to encompass what Hmong food is all about.”</p>
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<figcaption>"No matter where Hmong people go, we make use of the produce and products around us," Vang says. "Hmong food is reflective of the land. That's an important part of the story." PHOTO CREDIT: Lauren Cutshall</figcaption>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/yia-vang-feature-image-0.jpg/Medium" alt="Yia Vang, '10, owner of Union Hmong Kitchen in Minneapolis, has established himself as one of the most celebrated chefs in he Midwest. In June, he was featured in Netflix's reboot of "Iron Chef." PHOTO CREDIT: Lauren Cutshall " />
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<span class="section details">
<span class="title">From dishwasher to 'Iron Chef'</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">7:06 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Monday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>July</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>4</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></span>
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Known for Hmong cuisine, Yia Vang is a rising restaurateur
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/what-to-say-to-someone-who-has-lost-a-loved-one/What to say to someone who has lost a loved one2022-06-16T14:18:17.243Z2022-06-16T14:18:17.243ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/2022-uwl-grieving-cemetery-0167.jpg/Medium" alt="Image of someone walking in a cemetery. Communicating support is about personalities and not generalities, explains Dena Huisman, UWL associate professor of Communication Studies." />
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<span class="section details">
<span class="title">What to say to someone who has lost a loved one</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">2:19 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Thursday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>June</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>16</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></span>
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UWL Associate Professor Dena Huisman shares how to communicate support in a TEDxUWLaCrosse presentation
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/three-uwl-faculty-named-wisconsin-teaching-fellows-and-scholars/Three UWL faculty named Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars2022-05-09T13:09:50.813Z2022-05-09T13:07:00ZNhouchee Yanghttps://uwlax.edu/profile/nyang2/nyang2@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">1:07 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Monday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>May</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>9</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></p>
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<figcaption>From left to right: Valerie Krage (Educational Studies), Kristina LaPlant (Political Science & Public Administration) and Taylor Cole Miller (Communication Studies) were named Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars. The distinction is reserved for educators across the UW System who demonstrate excellent teaching skills and a curiosity about student learning.</figcaption>
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<h3>Krage, LaPlant, Miller, receive UW System distinction</h3>
<p>Three UW-La Crosse faculty members have been named Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars.</p><p>Valerie Krage (Educational Studies), Kristina LaPlant (Political Science &amp; Public Administration) and Taylor Cole Miller (Communication Studies) were selected for the distinction, which is reserved for those who demonstrate excellent teaching skills and a curiosity about student learning. Nominations are made by provosts across the UW System.</p><p>The year-long program begins in late May and culminates with a research presentation at the annual Spring Conference on Teaching and Learning in Madison.</p><p>The program provides faculty and teaching academic staff a unique opportunity to collaborate with other exceptional educators across the UW System and from various disciplines. In addition to discussing influential literature, participants are guided through systematic research focused on improving student learning through a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project.</p><p>The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows &amp; Scholars is one of three signature programs offered by the UW System’s Office of Professional and Instructional Development. The office supports UW System's 13 Centers for Teaching and Learning in fostering a culture of teaching and learning excellence in Wisconsin.</p><p><br><br></p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/teaching-fellows.jpg/Medium" alt="From left to right: Valerie Krage (Educational Studies), Kristina LaPlant (Political Science & Public Administration) and Taylor Cole Miller (Communication Studies) were named Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars. The distinction is reserved for educators across the UW System who demonstrate excellent teaching skills and a curiosity about student learning." />
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<span class="title">Three UWL faculty named Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">1:07 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Monday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>May</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>9</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></span>
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Krage, LaPlant, Miller, receive UW System distinction
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/writing-in-communication-studies/Writing in Communication Studies2022-05-03T10:52:01.953Z2022-05-03T10:52:01.953ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<span class="title">Writing in Communication Studies</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">10:52 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>May</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>3</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></span>
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Associate Professor Dan Modaff shares writing projects he is working on, writing advice and more
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/renewal/Renewal2022-03-31T13:49:05.21Z2022-03-23T10:30:00ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">10:30 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>23</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></p>
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<figcaption>TEDxUWLaCrosse will explore the theme of renewal at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, in The Bluffs, Student Union at UWL.</figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">TEDxUWLaCrosse event April 19 features three speakers during a time of change </h3>
<p>Spring is a time of renewal. UW-La Crosse’s next TEDxUWLaCrosse event aims to renew our thinking about the community where we live, the natural space we inhabit and the communication we use to support others during difficult times.&nbsp;</p><p>TEDxUWLaCrosse will explore the theme of renewal at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, in The Bluffs, Student Union at UWL. A total of 300 free tickets will be available. Reserve your ticket at on the <a data-mce-href="/tedxuwlacrosse/" href="/tedxuwlacrosse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TEDxUWLaCrosse website</a>. Presentations will be recorded.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The event will include presentations from three speakers and watching TED Talks. Speakers include:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>UW-La Crosse Alumnus and Executive Director of B.L.A.C.K. Shaundel Spivey will reimagine what it takes to build an equitable and loving community. &nbsp;</li><li>Entomologist and UWL Biology Professor Barrett Klein will bring a renewed appreciation for the 10 quintillion insects on the planet.</li><li>Associate Professor of Communication Studies Dena Huisman will share how to connect and communicate with loved ones needing support — particularly as this need has become more visible during the COVID 19 pandemic.&nbsp;<br></li></ul><p>In 2013, <a data-mce-href="/tedxuwlacrosse/past-events/" href="/tedxuwlacrosse/past-events/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UWL started organizing</a> independently-coordinated TEDx events featuring local speakers on a range of topics. Many are familiar with <a data-mce-href="https://www.ted.com/" href="https://www.ted.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TED Talks</a>, the 18-minutes or less videos made available for free on TED.com. The organization is devoted to “ideas worth spreading,” and, in that spirt, it created TEDx, a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. TEDxUWLaCrosse Spring 2022.</p><p>Speakers include:</p>
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<h3>Dena Huisman: What to say to someone in distress</h3>
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<figcaption>Associate Professor of Communication Studies Dena Huisman will share how to connect and communicate with loved ones needing support</figcaption>
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<p>The need for social support has become more visible to us during the COVID 19 pandemic as we learned how to cope with isolation and health scares. While the need for support in troubled times is often significant, research often finds that our satisfaction with the support we receive is less than ideal and that people often don’t know what to say to others in distress. UWL Associate Professor of Communication Studies Dena Huisman will discuss how we can improve our connections to people through more conscious and deliberate communication choices that meet the individual and relational needs of loved ones needing support. The talk will discuss how cultural norms and expectations can help or hinder our success in relating meaningfully as humans experiencing challenges, and how careful attention to each other can overcome potential barriers to meaningful support.&nbsp;</p>
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<h3>Barrett Klein: What would the world look like without insects? </h3>
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<figcaption>Entomologist and UWL Biology Professor Barrett Klein will bring a renewed appreciation for the 10 quintillion insects on the planet </figcaption>
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<p>UWL Biology Professor Barrett Klein will explore and reveal cultural connections we have with the 10 quintillion insects with whom we share the planet. Insects not only serve vital ecosystem services like pollination, waste removal, and sustenance for others, but they also have intimately and profoundly shaped human culture for millennia. What we eat, where we live, how we dress, and what we believe are all affected by the six-legged animals around us. Renewal can be interpreted in many ways, and Klein sees the connection between his advocating for insects as a call to look at and treat our distant relatives with a new perspective and vigor. He believes that we need to renew our appreciation for and our connection with nature, or we will suffer the consequences of a depleted world. Distancing ourselves from the grand diversity of insects would diminish what best defines us. Human culture, in some key respects, stands on six legs.&nbsp;</p>
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<h3>Shaundel Spivey: Reimagining equity work</h3>
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<figcaption>UW-La Crosse Alumnus and Executive Director of B.L.A.C.K. Shaundel Spivey will reimagine what it takes to build an equitable and loving community.</figcaption>
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<p>You can’t do true authentic equity work without doing work on you first. As we strive to build an equitable and loving community, we have to imagine the work differently. To do this we must truly examine ourselves and the roles we all play in the perpetuation of this inequitable community we live in. Shaundel Spivey, executive director of Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge, will provide the audience a visible reminder of how to build an equitable community.&nbsp;</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p><h3>About TEDx, x = independently organized event&nbsp;</h3><p>In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.) About TED&nbsp;</p><p>TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Starting as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED conferences invite the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.&nbsp;</p><p>The annual TED conference takes place each spring in Vancouver, British Columbia. TED's media initiatives include TED.com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; TED Translators, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed. TED has established The Audacious Project that takes a collaborative approach to funding ideas with the potential to create change at thrilling scale; TEDx, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self- organized TED-style events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Follow TED on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TEDTalks, or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TED.&nbsp;</p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/april-19-event.jpg/Medium" alt="TEDxUWLaCrosse will explore the theme of renewal at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, in The Bluffs, Student Union at UWL." />
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<span class="title">Renewal</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">10:30 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>23</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></span>
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TEDxUWLaCrosse event April 19 features three speakers during a time of change
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