UW-La Crosse CSH Science & Health Summer 2018

Science & Health UNIVERSIT Y OF WISCONSIN-L A CROSSE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND HEALTH NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2

SUMMER 2018

The Prairie Springs Science Center

$2 million endowment – largest single gift ever to UWL – transforming science education

STORY ON PAGE 3 >>

in this issue 12. Age-friendly

Baby Boomers are getting older. And UWL faculty are working to get more of them involved with campus.

14. Making a difference

A student became a seasoned “mortar mixer” while overseas, but returned with much more.

Kitt Drewiske traveled to Guatemala in January 2018 as part of an eight-person team to participate in the Chapina Bonita Smokeless Stove project. She also added an educational component.

16. Exploring Cuba

UWL student Demi Weisbrod grew up hearing negative things about Cuba — and its government. But the story of Cuba isn’t so black and white — good or bad, as a number of UWL students found out.

24. Getting practice in a growing field

Jeremie Schiedermayer envisions a career improving people’s quality of life — maintaining an ability to walk and an independent daily routine, or staying in the workforce. The physical therapy student is aiming for a career in a growing field.

Program is prescription for area’s healthcare demand for 20 years.

2 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

Science & Health UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND HEALTH NEWSLETTER Summer 2018 Vol. 13, No. 2 The UWL College of Science and Health News is published in January and July for alumni and friends. Copy deadlines are May 1 and Nov. 1. Submit news to: Brad Quarberg, Editor, bquarberg@uwlax.edu Editor Brad Quarberg, ’85 Director, UWL News & Marketing Editorial Assistance Gubbi Sudhakaran Interim Associate Dean, CSH Art Director Florence Aliesch Director, UWL Creative Services Writers James Bushman, ’11 Kjerstin Lang Brad Quarberg, ’85 Photography Michael Lieurance, ’02

www.uwlax.edu/csh View past issues here Think B4U print! This online newsletter has many handy, direct links to videos and websites. Printed copies don’t contain hyperlink information. You may download and print this publication through ISSUU.

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The Prairie Springs Science Center

$2 million endowment – largest single gift ever to UWL – transforming science education

It’s transforming how science is being taught. It’s propelling the campus as a state environmental leader.

The $2 million gift from Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust does much more

educational opportunities for students from

Since Cowley Hall was constructed in

throughout campus.

the mid-’60s, science education has

The $2 million gift — the university’s largest

changed — moving from a “teaching-

single ever — creates an endowment fund to support: • Environmental studies and education • Wildlife and habitat protection

science-by-showing” model to “teachingscience-by-doing,” explains Haro. “Today, student learning has a hands-on, minds-on approach.”

“This is a way to promote environmental

than name the new science building, the

• Conservation

leaders for tomorrow,” says Haro, the 2015

Prairie Springs Science Center.

• Ecological technology

Wisconsin State Professor of the Year.

“Earth Day grew out of the Wisconsin Idea,”

The endowment will focus on establishing

explains UWL Biology Professor Roger Haro, referring to the state’s philosophy that education should influence people’s

educational programs taking place in the

“It truly is UWL’s opportunity to create environmental leaders.”

new science building opening by fall.

lives beyond the classroom. “This is UWL’s opportunity to contribute to the development of environmental leaders for Wisconsin and the nation.”

Haro, interim associate dean of the College of Science and Health, says it’s an

“Yes, it has been a long time coming. But finally, we scientists will have an outstanding and welcoming new place to call home!”

— Professor Aaron Monte, Chemistry and Biochemistry, at the groundbreaking of the building in October, 2016

exciting time for the college to provide new

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 3

The Prairie Springs Science Center FEATURES OF THE PRAIRIE SPRINGS SCIENCE CENTER • $82 million project, funded by the state

Who was Paul Fleckenstein?

• 187,000 square feet (2,000 square feet smaller than Centennial Hall) • Construction began fall 2016, completed by fall 2018 • 36 instructional labs • 23 research labs • Labs will support these programs: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, earth science, geography, microbiology, physics, River Studies Center and Radiation Center.

THAT WAS THEN

1966

THIS IS NOW

2018

UWL’s total student enrollment: 4,514

UWL’s total student enrollment: 10,400

56 instructional faculty members in programs housed in Cowley Hall

147 faculty crammed into Cowley Hall and scattered around campus in temporary offices

“teaching-scienceby-showing”

“teaching-scienceby-doing”

The Prairie Springs Science Center addresses space constraints and deteriorating infrastructure in Cowley Hall, the existing natural sciences building built in the late ’60s when there was half of the number of students on campus as there is today.

4 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

Paul Fleckenstein was a steadfast supporter of environmental education and conservation programs. He supported organizations such as the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee, the Nature Conservancy and the Denis Sullivan Schooner, now affiliated with Discovery World in Milwaukee.

He graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a major in urban education.

His property in Genesee, Wisconsin, was called Prairie Springs. When he purchased the home it was overrun with buckthorn. He cleared the land, reintroduced prairie plants, native trees, used controlled prairie burns to establish a healthy ecosystem, and eventually returned the land to its native state.

In recognition of his Prairie Springs home his charitable trust is named Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust. His sister, Carolyn Scott, ’85, and her husband Jay Scott, ’84, serve as the trustees.

The Prairie Springs Science Center at UWL joins the Prairie Springs Environmental Education Center at Carroll University, opened in 2016, in supporting scholarship and research at two of Wisconsin’s outstanding institutions of higher education.

PRAIRIE SPRINGS SCIENCE CENTER DEDICATION AND OPENING RECEPTION Thursday, Nov. 15 from 2-4 p.m.

Open to the public.

Reception in the Bluffs (Second floor of the Student Union)

Building tours will be available.

“The new space will support handson investigation and active-learning experiences that are essential to a modern college education in science.”

— Mark Sandheinrich, Dean UWL College of Science and Health

The Prairie Springs Science Center will include more than $1.5 million in new equipment to provide additional opportunities for undergraduate research.

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 5

The Prairie Springs Science Center WHY IS THIS GENEROUS GIFT BEING GIVEN TO UW-LA CROSSE? The donation is being given for a number of reasons, says Carolyn Scott.

The first round of student UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROJECTS funded by the Prairie Springs Endowment Fund >> BENJAMIN FINLEY, Geography and Earth Science. Semi-automatic detection of wild rice on the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Indian Reservation in central Wisconsin using satellite

One is the university’s outstanding

and drone-derived imagery.

students. “UW-La Crosse is attracting some of the brightest and most

>> CHASE HACKNER, Biology. An analysis of three existing energy-efficient homes to

prepared students from our state and region,” she says.

determine the most sustainable design features for homes in the Upper Midwest. >> SOPHIA KERO, Chemistry and Biochemistry. Development of green catalytic

Carolyn and her husband, Jay, also point to the university’s outstanding and caring faculty and staff. “The culture

heterogeneous synthesis of curcuminoids. >> CHARLOTTE PETERS, Geography and Earth Science. Continued analysis of a sediment core as a basis for understanding climate change and its effects on the settlement,

of quality instruction within a caring community of faculty and staff is key to a student’s success,” notes Jay.

habitation and subsequent abandonment of the Aztalan site in southeastern Wisconsin. >> OLIVIA SCHAULS, Archaeology and Anthropology. Examining the community supported agricultural program at Old Oak Family Farm and how it changes eating behavior.

The gift provides a margin of excellence.

“This allows us to support, through an endowment fund, the significant investment the people of the state of Wisconsin have made in the new science labs building,” says Jay.

,

Professor Greg Sandland, Biology, is conducting research on the Mississippi River near Stoddard, Wisconsin, with students from Chemistry Department colleague Nadia Carmosini’s real-world class format.

6 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

Nadia Carmosini, assistant professor of chemistry, says the real-world class format kept students engaged, asking questions and meeting with her throughout the semester. Carmosini and others are completing research on the use of a copper-based pesticide for controlling the invasive Faucet Snail in Pool 8 of the Upper Mississippi River north of Stoddard, Wisconsin.

Students in the Environmental Chemistry course took water samples at Myrick Marsh near a storm sewer pipe to find out if water quality is impacted by road salts.

Results showed the sampled waters didn’t exceed levels of concern initially, but more testing is needed.

Science Science & & Health Health NEWS NEWS Summer Summer 2018 2018 77

Q.How has the first semester as dean, without the interim title, gone?

A. Great! Everyone has been genuinely

welcoming, helpful and supportive.

The curve hasn’t been as steep as anticipated, but I still learn something new each day about the people and programs of the college and university.

Q.What are the biggest challenges

you’re expecting in the next 5-10 years?

A. All public universities face similar

challenges. Demographically, there are fewer students graduating from high school. This means increased competition for a shrinking pool of students. In addition, we are in the sixth year of a tuition freeze for state universities in Wisconsin, and state budgetary support has been reduced over the past decade. Consequently, it can be economically challenging to provide students with state-ofthe-art opportunities. Fortunately, UWL’s exceptional reputation for providing an excellent education has resulted in continued, strong enrollments. This fall we expect our largest class of first-year students.

This well-deserved reputation is due to the hard work of our outstanding faculty and staff who are dedicated to students and to providing the best education possible.

Q& A

WITH DEAN SANDHEINRICH Long-time biology professor and researcher Mark Sandheinrich became dean

Q.CSH is now the largest college on

of the College of Science and Health in January. Here are his reflections following his first

campus. What challenges and advantages does that bring? Are you expecting continued growth?

A. CSH has over 70 programs with

semester.

8 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

more than 250 faculty and 5,200 students. Each major has elements common to all college programs, but each also has a unique identity.

The challenge is understanding how to best support the common, as

well as the unique aspects to help each reach full potential. Our faculty are experts in their particular field of study and avidly integrate students into their scholarship — and bring that into the classroom. We also have smaller class sizes than researchoriented universities, our students are taught and advised by faculty, and they actively engage in the classroom, laboratory and field. Our students have great opportunities for working with faculty on research. I anticipate we will continue to grow. We are seeking ways to meet student demand by expanding our existing programs and developing new majors to help meet the needs of regional and national employers.

Q.How are you working with colleges across campus?

A. We are looking for new ways to

collaborate across campus to advance transformational education, part of the university’s recent strategic plan. For example, this past year faculty from CSH and the College of Liberal Studies developed a new, interdisciplinary minor in neuroscience for students planning to pursue graduate education in human health, psychology or philosophy.

Q.How do the opening of the Prairie Springs Science Center and the endowment change the college’s future?

A. The new space will support hands-

on investigation, active-learning experiences essential to a modern college education in science. The building addresses space constraints and deteriorating infrastructure in Cowley Hall. Moreover, the Prairie Springs Science Center will include more than $1.5 million in new equipment that provides additional opportunities for undergraduate research.

Award-winning

UWL one of six to offer innovative program The fastest-growing graduate program at UWL is the collaborative, online master’s degree in data science.

The University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) has named the degree offered jointly by six UW campuses the “2018 Outstanding Program” in the credit category.

Launched in fall 2015, the completely online program is offered

by UWL along with UW-Green Bay, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Superior. UW-Extension created the collaborative program as a solution to the high demand and low supply of data scientists. Currently, 85 students are enrolled in the program through UWL. The first student received a degree through UWL in fall 2017.

Designed for working adults, the 12-course, 36-credit University of Wisconsin online Master of Science in Data Science teaches how to clean, organize, analyze, and interpret data, deriving knowledge and communicating discoveries clearly, using sophisticated visualization techniques and other means. The

program of study includes a three-credit course focused on the Ethics of Data Science.

“I didn’t realize how much I’d enjoy teaching returning adults,” says Jeff Baggett, professor in Mathematics and Statistics, who is program manager and instructor of the program. “Their motivation and dedication remind me of why I teach.”

Throughout the UW System, the program hosts nearly 300 students and is expected to generate more than $1 million to be shared among the six campuses.

Data science is one of the fastest-growing professions of the 21st century. The master’s can serve as the foundation for a variety of positions, including: business intelligence, data modeler, data or research analyst, data mining engineer, data scientist, data warehouse architect and director of market intelligence.

David Reineke, professor in UWL Mathematics and Statistics, also serves as an instructor and Lynn Weiland, assistant director of UWL Continuing Education and Extension, serves as the campus program coordinator.

Members of the UW Data Science team and other UPCEA award recipients were honored at the 2018 UPCEA Annual Conference, March 14–16, in Baltimore.

The online UW Master of Science Data Science program — offered jointly by UWL and five other UW campuses — has earned top honors nationally.

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 9

: A2018 PERFECT MIX PROGRAM

TOURISM AND ORGANICS

Conference provides institute with its first major project Your Guide to the MOSES Organic Farming Conference and Directory of Exhibitors, Sponsors, and Presenters

10 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

A new research institute on campus had a strong start thanks to a robust, long-time conference.

Laurie Harmon, conducted the two-part study from 168 attendees (an 86.7 percent response rate) as they rode a conference shuttle bus.

Assisting them were RM undergraduates and an additional

The Midwest Organic & Sustainable

email survey was sent to those

Education Services (MOSES) Organic

agreeing to a follow-up. A total

Farming Conference at the La Crosse Center

of 39 individuals returned that

in February had more than 3,000 attendees

questionnaire (22.9 percent

and 170 vendors. Attendees filled hotels, ate

response). Participants came from

at local restaurants, and visited a variety of

Box 339, Spring Valley, Wis. 547 149 zip codes across 21 states.

67 • mosesorga nic.org

attractions resulting in significant economic impact. Understanding their perceptions is useful to conference marketers, regional business owners, and the La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau (LCVB).

UWL’s Tourism Research Institute (TRI), in the Recreation Management & Therapeutic Recreation Department (RMTR), played a key role in understanding the conference.

715-778-5775

reported using information from previous trips. Almost all (94.6 percent)

likely to revisit and 82.1 percent indicated

visit.

they would be somewhat or very likely to

Respondents frequently gained information

recommend a visit.

from other conference attendees (51.3

The survey also questioned memorable

percent), explored the region themselves

sites. The Mississippi River and Riverside

(48.7 percent), or searched the Internet

a resource for organizations looking to

mouth’s value, while reinforcing how

conduct travel, tourism and recreation-

comfortable visitors are with exploring the

related research. In addition, projects

region themselves.

related research with faculty.

92.3 percent were somewhat or very

received enough information to plan their

(43.6 percent). This confirms word-of-

graduate students to engage in tourism-

Your Guide to the and Directory of MOSES Organic Farming Conferen Exhibitors, Spon sors, and Presen ce ters

More than half of respondents

TRI, developed in February 2017, provides

provide opportunities for undergraduate and

2018 PROGRAM

• PO

Park came out on top. Downtown area restaurants and bars were also recommended, and visitors wanted to buy cheese.

The LCVB was extremely pleased with the

Another research component was helping

results. “The study was able to provide them

local businesses understand what visitors

with information they could use to evaluate

valued. Hotel service quality, meeting

transportation options ahead of next year’s

“The MOSES visitor study was a great first

facilities, proximity of conference center to

project for the institute,” says Assistant

hotel, and overall hotel location were the top

Professor Dan Plunkett, TRI director. “We

four most important attributes.

were able to work with a local community partner, involve recreation management graduates and undergraduates, and conduct research through the collaborative efforts of faculty. This one project really exemplified the reason the institute was created.”

Recreation management graduate researchers Patrick Killian and Lucie Patrick, along with Plunkett and RMTR Chair

region’s safety (4.69 on a five-point scale) and were satisfied with conference facilities, locations. These and other attributes will

get visitors out and into local businesses,” notes Plunkett.

MOSES visitors were most satisfied with the

friendly local residents, and ease of finding

event, and explore new opportunities to

TRI also assessed visitor satisfaction and community impact of the 43rd Annual NTPA Super National Truck and Tractor Pull in Tomah, Wisconsin, in June.

help LCVB future planning.

When asked to broadly rate their experience, 94.7 percent were somewhat or very satisfied with their visit. In addition,

Opposite page photo: Recreation Management Graduate Student Researcher Patrick Killian works the participant survey drop off box inside La Crosse Center.

Article by Associate Professor Laurie Harmon, Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 11

Age-friendly All are welcome:

Embracing learners of all ages

“Throughout the country we’re seeing an increase in agefriendly initiatives – it was a logical and easy choice for us at UWL to collaborate and bring forward the idea of becoming an Age-Friendly University,” explains Nancy Richeson,

Lindsey Kirschbaum, an associate lecturer in the Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation Department, oversees students in her therapeutic recreation class working with residents in a La Crosse’s Ping Manor.

12 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

Baby Boomers are getting older.

THE 10 AGE-FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY PRINCIPLES

And UWL faculty are working to get more of them involved with campus.

UW–La Crosse officially received the designation of Age-Friendly University (AFU) by the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) this spring. The designation resulted from a semester-long collaboration among individuals from four departments: Nancy Richeson, Recreation Management & Therapeutic Recreation; Dawn Norris, Sociology; Robert Jecklin, Health Education & Health Promotion; and Ellen Rozek and Erica Srinivasan, Psychology. Together they identified UWL’s distinctive contributions to meeting the interests, needs and opportunities for growth of the Coulee Region’s aging population.

The AFU network consists of higher education institutions around the globe that have endorsed the 10 AFU principles and commitment to implementing age-friendly programs and policies.

“Throughout the country we’re seeing an increase in age-friendly initiatives – it was a logical and easy choice for us at UWL to collaborate and bring forward the idea of becoming an Age-Friendly University,” explains Nancy Richeson, associate professor and program director of Therapeutic Recreation. “When AGHE started endorsing universities, we quickly realized we were already engaging in most of the principles espoused.”

Several programs, already in place, are showing particular promise in terms of connecting non-traditional, older and returning students to UWL. They also connect the university community with local agencies and regional organizations already supporting older adults.

Lifelong learning programs are currently offered for individuals over 60 who are able to take UWL classes at no charge. Several emeriti groups meet regularly and individuals may also gain access to the Recreation Eagle Center as part of this inclusive goal.

While the focus for this year was on garnering the age-friendly designation, the inter-disciplinary task force’s next focus will be on moving the 10 principles forward through actions, such as increasing classroom and research activity support and identifying a more centralized location for AFU information and resource dissemination.

In addition, the collaborative will begin addressing a series of identified needs including providing more diverse degree options for older students pursuing online degree, developing comprehensive support structures for returning students and strengthening student identity among older undergraduates.

With successful components already in place, opportunities for growth, and a highly engaged group of educators and scholars at the helm, UWL’s Age-Friendly Designation is well deserved.

Article by Associate Professor Laurie Harmon, Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation

>> Encourage participation of older adults in all the core activities of the university, including educational and research programs. >> Promote personal and career development in the second half of life and support those who wish to pursue second careers. >> Recognize the range of educational needs of older adults (from those who were early school-leavers through those who wish to pursue master’s or doctorate qualifications). >> Promote intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages. >> Widen access to online educational opportunities for older adults to ensure a diversity of routes to participation. >> Ensure that the university’s research agenda is informed by the needs of an aging society and promote public discourse on how higher education can better respond to the varied interests and needs of older adults. >> Increase the understanding of students of the longevity dividend, and the increasing complexity and richness that aging brings to our society. >> Enhance access for older adults to the university’s range of health and wellness programs, and its arts and cultural activities. >> Engage actively with the university’s own retired community. >> Ensure regular dialogue with organizations representing the interests of the aging population.

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 13

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Student’s overseas trip is more than a visit

KITT DREWISKE 14 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

A student became a seasoned “mortar mixer” while overseas, but returned with much more than that.

Kitt Drewiske traveled to Guatemala in January 2018 as part of an eight-person team to participate in the Chapina Bonita Smokeless Stove project, which is a partnership between Rotary International’s

AFTER

Hudson Daybreak Rotary and Guatemala del Este Rotary Clubs. As part of her preparation, Drewiske, a junior majoring in public health and community health education, developed an independent study course with her faculty advisor, Professor Dan Duquette, Health Education and Health Promotion.

Drewiske had been planning to participate in the Rotary project for several months, when, during a routine academic advising meeting, the idea of adding the educational component came about.

“I told Dr. Duquette about the project because I knew he’d be especially interested in the environmental health aspect,” says Drewiske.

Before departing, Drewiske, researched Guatemala’s geographic and health information. While there, she compiled a photo journal of her experiences, which culminated in March 2018 with a presentation to the PH 204 Introduction to Global Health class.

“The research helped me prepare and journaling made me reflect in a different way while there,” notes Drewiske.

BEFORE

Drewiske saw the educational experience come to life while installing specially designed, smokeless stoves in homes and

Duquette says he works to make visits like these special. “I wanted

schools in Guatemalan villages.

it to be her story, with my guidance,” he explains. “It’s about Kitt’s

“Each of us had a part in every step of the process, from hauling materials, mixing mortar and laying bricks,” Drewiske explains. “I was known as the mortar mixer—getting the consistency just right.”

The project is the inspiration of Carlos Galvez, a Guatemalan entrepreneur and Rotary club member. The stoves burn wood more

experience in helping to change the lives of those women and children.”

Drewiske grew from the experience. “You don’t have to change the people, but you can do this little thing to make their lives better,” she says.

efficiently and include chimneys to carry the smoke outside.

“There’s increased awareness of a better option for cooking, and by spending money on a stove you save on fuel and medical expenses,” notes Drewiske.

The gratitude expressed by those receiving stoves deeply touched her. “One woman saw I didn’t have any earrings, she took hers out and gave me them to me,” says Drewiske.

Article by Guy Herling, Academic Services Director, College of Science and Health

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 15

Exploring Cuba — and the contradictions

Students explore healthcare, education in a socialist society

UWL student Demi Weisbrod grew up hearing negative things about Cuba — and its government.

When her parents learned she was traveling to the communist-led country over spring break, they were initially concerned.

But the story of Cuba isn’t so black and white — good or bad. On the island, Weisbrod met “the most beautiful people I’ve met in a long time.” She also learned about the country’s education and healthcare systems, both different from the U.S., but yielding some impressive results.

Above photo: Despite having strong social systems in place for its people, Cuba has a difficult economic and political history — including the U.S. economic embargo since 1960.

16 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

Cubans on average live to the age of about 79 — the same age as in the U.S., according to the World Health Organization. And the infant mortality rate matches some of the world’s richest countries, with six deaths for every 1,000 births, according to data from the World Bank.

Despite having strong social systems in place for its people, Cuba has a difficult economic and political history — including

UWL student Demi Weisbrod talking to a girl at school in Las Terrazas, an organic community village the group visited.

the U.S. economic embargo since 1960.

While Cuba is more commercialized today and part of the global economy, the country

Weisbrod, a senior public health and

is frequently referred to as “frozen in time.”

Spanish major, received an undergraduate

Technological advances have been slow

research grant to study the The LGBTQ+

coming — even internet access is very

experience in Cuba. Her visit was part

limited.

of a semester-long research project that

For all of these contradictions and its

used an interdisciplinary lens — Spanish,

historical relationship with the U.S., Cuba

Latin American studies, Public Health and

provides a fascinating context for study,

Community Health education — to examine

says Omar Granados, associate professor

the social and political climate surrounding

of Global Cultures and Languages. That was

the LGBTQ+ community in contemporary

the impetus for the first UWL student trip to

Cuba. She also wanted to understand Cuba’s

Cuba over spring break, March 9-19.

low HIV and STD rates and prevention

Ten students — primarily Spanish majors and minors and half studying public health

majors find it hard to fit study abroad into But Cuba can offer an amazing opportunity to compare and contrast healthcare systems and a shorter trip makes it more accessible to more students, she says. It also helps prepare them for a future working with

efforts, after finding a dearth of information

diverse populations.

in literature here.

— learned about the country’s historic

Megan Strom, assistant professor of Global

relationship with the U.S., its education

Cultures and Languages, sees the trip as a

and healthcare systems. UWL’s Office of

tremendous opportunity to serve students in

International Education and Engagement

health professions. Many students in these

helped organize the trip.

their schedules.

The goal is to expand the trip into a winter intersession experience for community health majors in the future and potentially create a continuing education experience as well.

Junior Laura Fischer, public health major and Spanish minor, says study abroad — up until this point — was not possible because she worried about not graduating on time.

“After having this experience, I realize it was worth setting aside the time to do it,” she admits.

She saw Cuba’s great strides on disease prevention, even without some of the fancy machines and technology available in the U.S. It showed her the ways the U.S. could

Ten students — primarily Spanish majors and minors and half studying public health — learned about the country’s historic relationship with the U.S., its education and healthcare systems. Here faculty and students are at Castillo de la Real Fuerza, Habana Vieja. From left, Omar Granados, Demi Weisbrod, Rachel Steffen, Laura Fischer, Morgan Kuptz, Sydney Watts, Carissa Shlafer, Zoey Good, Lauren Olsen, Joshua Jensen, Megan Strom and Kimmesha Thomas.

be falling short.

An unintended experience for students was living — even for a short time — without internet access.

HEAR WHAT THE STUDENTS TRAVELING TO CUBA HAD TO SAY.

CLICK TO

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 17

A fresh idea

CSH collaborates with startup company at the frontier of sustainable agriculture

UWL students are getting a hand on the future of food growing.

In a biology lab, students nutured lettuce leaves from seedlings in dishes of water.

Biology faculty Anita Baines and Tom Volk led the class in figuring out whether an additive in the growing process was worthwhile. Their research would help answer questions for a startup company exploring the frontiers of food growing —

without soil or consistent sunlight — in a facility about 70 miles to the north.

Superior Fresh is an aquaponics facility just outside of Northfield, Wisconsin, that officially opened in August 2017. The business is the largest of its kind in the world; it sits on 720 acres and employs a cutting-edge method of fish farming and water-based gardening. Waste from Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout supplies nutrients for lettuce, which is grown hydroponically. The result is a quality product for sale, virtually zero waste — and plenty of food for thought.

Wagaman says it’s only natural that Superior Fresh would want to partner with universities nearby.

“We could send samples off to other labs, but we enjoy being able to be part of the learning process,” he says. “All it takes is one student who says, ‘I’m going to do this and become the next innovator in something huge.’”

During the 2017 Science Career Forum, Biology Professor Scott Cooper discussed the many ways faculty can get students involved in projects with off-campus partners. “I think we have a lot more untapped potential for this,” says Cooper. “Once we started talking to Superior Fresh, all kinds of options for research emerged.”

18 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

Superior Fresh has already hired one such student, UWL alumna, Kelsey Kotecki, now a lab technician in the company’s fish house. And Superior Fresh has also connected with more than a dozen UWL faculty members so far in subject areas from microbiology to entomology to business.

STARTING FRESH UWL’s collaborations with Superior Fresh started when Scott Cooper, UWL biology professor and director of Undergraduate Research, connected with Wagaman during the campus Science Career Forum in 2017. The annual event aims to help UWL students discover lab science-related careers and internships in the region.

It is also a recruiting opportunity for employers.

“At that time we were looking at staffing Superior Fresh and we needed the right players involved,” says Wagaman. “We thought, ‘why not go and see what some of the best of the best look like?’”

But the opportunities he found at UWL extended beyond hiring. Cooper and Wagaman got to talking about potential partnerships.

“I thought they were a very novel company — setting up aquaculture and hydroponics,” says Cooper. “And the company fits in with a lot of the green initiatives that I think many of our science students are interested in.” About a dozen faculty toured the Northfield facility last summer and some have already started working on

“Our owners want to prove that this sustainable model is viable and show the world we can get local, healthy, sustainable and organic food to everyone,” says Kurt Wagaman, general manager, Superior Fresh.

Anita Baines, associate professor of biology, and Biology Professor Tom Volk had their class conduct a study to determine if an additive — a particular mix of microbes that improves plant growth — would be worth the investment for Superior Fresh.

Their work was conducted fall semester.

At Superior Fresh 2,500 pounds of Atlantic Salmon are harvested each week, as well as 800 pounds of Rainbow Trout.

Photo courtesy of Superior Fresh.

projects. Xinhui Li, assistant professor of microbiology, tested food and environmental samples for pathogens this summer to assist with the company’s food safety standards.

In Baines and Volk’s Plant/Microbe Interactions class, students worked through the scientific research process starting with answering a real-world question and ending with a presentation of the results to a client.

Cooper says that kind of hands-on experience helps students apply knowledge they are learning in class.

Sabrina Aspenson, a UWL graduate student in biology, says in addition to exposing her to hydroponics — something she knew little about before, the class project also

provided a broader experience for her potential future doing lab research. “This experiment was all conducted through the students, including experimental design, running the tests and measurements, and doing the statistical analysis,” she says.

“These are all useful tools to be able to do in the science world.”

MORE ABOUT SUPERIOR FRESH The Northfield facility is situated on a 720-acre native restoration property near Northfield. The company started five years ago and harvested the first head of lettuce in July 2017. Todd Wanek, president and CEO of Ashley Furniture, and his wife, Karen Wanek, are the owners.

About a dozen UWL faculty toured Superior Fresh last summer and some have already started working on projects for the cuttingedge company. The startup in Northfield, Wisconsin, sits on a 720-acre native restoration property. Photo courtesy of Superior Fresh.

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 19

A gift for public health

Master’s grad collects new data on the health o UWL graduate student Choua Amee Vang compares running a data analysis to opening a present.

One never knows what they might find or what the implications will be. It’s an exciting thought as Vang brings together new health-related data on the Hmong population in Wisconsin to share with public health leaders statewide.

The data for her capstone project in Master’s of Public Health is on alcohol and substance use and mortality among Wisconsin’s Hmong population. It is the first collection of such data for Hmong Americans in Wisconsin and could serve as a model. Currently, Hmong health data is combined under “Asian,” and isn’t as insightful for Hmong-related epidemiological analyses, says UWL Professor Gary Gilmore, Vang’s graduate and capstone advisor.

Vang presented her results before the Wisconsin Public Health Council in February.

Having more specific data available will ultimately help the effectiveness of community health interventions to serve these Wisconsinites.

WISCONSIN’S LARGEST ASIAN AMERICAN ETHNIC POPULATION Hmong Americans are the largest Asian American ethnic group in Wisconsin Gilmore, a member and former chair of the Wisconsin Public Health Council,

20 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

h

of Wisconsin’s Hmong population originally had discussions about the need to tap into more Hmong-related health data with the council, including one of its members, Thai Vue, executive director of the Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Associations. The Hmong

population in Wisconsin is about 50,000 — comprising the largest Asian American ethnic group in the state. Wisconsin has the third-largest Hmong population in the country, behind California and Minnesota.

“It is really important when we talk about prevention and population health, to have this largest ethnic group in Wisconsin represented in the data collected,” says Gilmore.

Gilmore recommended Vang for the project as she is Hmong, is highly regarded for her work at Gundersen Health System, and has proven to be a responsible and detail-oriented student.

“It was clear that she would bring a responsible approach,” he says.

Her project entailed collecting data from a variety of sources including the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, local public health departments and the Department of Transportation. Some of the data collected verified the need for the

project. For example, data from the DOT regarding Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) citations show that Hmong OWI convictions were almost twice as high as the average person in Wisconsin. Data also show outcomes from those citations including accidents, injuries and mortality.

HER UNDERGRADUATE START Gilmore, who taught an undergraduate course in epidemiology, initially got Vang hooked on a future tied to improving community health.

physical activity, employment status and alcohol consumption — Hispanic women still demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of cervical cancer relative to white women.

After earning her undergraduate degree in sociology, Vang applied her research experience becoming a full-time breast cancer researcher with Gundersen Health System. She worked with surgeons to better understand outcomes such as the successfulness of lumpectomies and the impact of breast cancer blogs.

After six years at Gundersen, Vang returned to earn her Master’s of Public Health with the goal of working more directly with communities to improve public health.

Vang says it was UWL Professor Enilda Delgado who gave her the initial encouragement and support to pursue research in her future during an undergraduate research methods course in society.

“Within the first few weeks of having Choua in my Social Research I, I knew she had amazing research potential,” says Delgado.

In Delgado’s Senior Quantitative Capstone course, Vang was able to apply her research skills by using national health data to explore the disparities between Hispanic and white women in cervical cancer. Vang found, holding a variety of characteristics constant — including smoking behavior,

Choua Vang spoke during the Graduate Studies Hooding Ceremony in December. She has been in school throughout most of her children’s lives, starting out earning a medical assistant certificate at Western Technical College before attending UWL. The family is accustomed to sitting around the kitchen table doing homework together, she says.

A ROLE MODEL During graduate school, Vang transitioned into a quality-improvement specialist at Gundersen and worked full-time.

While being a mother, full-time employee and student is a busy life, it is also motivating, explains Vang. She wants to be a role model for her children and for her siblings as the oldest of eight. She is the first in her family to earn an undergraduate degree and now a master’s as well.

“I want to advance myself, so I can help my family,” she says. “An education can take you far.”

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 21

A PREVENTATIVE PROJECT Third stolen bike inspires a mapping, theft prevention project Joshua Rostek had left his new bike unlocked in back of a friend’s house for only 10 minutes when he noticed the fresh tire truck marks in the grass where he’d left it.

It was the third time someone had stolen the December graduate’s bike around UWL. “I was frustrated, sad and mad,” Rostek recalls.

But Rostek didn’t dwell on it. Instead, the geography major, with an emphasis in geographic information systems (GIS), decided to put his web-mapping skills to the test. He reached out to University Police to develop an internship to create an interactive bike theft map for campus.

The new tool could potentially help authorities and the general public better visualize the problem and find solutions. Rostek, also an environmental studies minor, shared his interactive map and educated campus about bike theft prevention as part of a capstone project. He held two “Lock It Up” events in December, which included handing out free U-locks.

Rostek admits that he either locked his bike improperly or didn’t lock it at all on the three occasions when it was stolen.

He worked to help other students avoid the same mistakes by sharing proper locking techniques and handing out the free locks.

Rostek ultimately aims to help promote a better biking culture on campus as more thefts could deter people from using this sustainable and healthy way of getting around.

From his interactive map project, he also shared with students the locations on campus to lock bikes where the greatest and least amounts of theft occur. Other statistics point to months when theft is the highest, among other statistics. The map helped visualize the information, notes Rostek.

“Crime has a location,” he explains. “If we see where theft is occurring, we can build a solution to combat the problem.”

Rostek’s mapping internship was one of three during college. He says being a first-generation student brought initial uncertainties, as he had to take on a large amount of student loans. But he hopes by taking advantage of so many college-related opportunities, it will pay off.

“College has prepared me for the real world. Not necessarily the course work, but all of the intangibles of living on my own and growing into myself,” he says. “I’ve learned to be open minded and think in the perspective of others. It’s been a multidimensional experience I hope to continue and make learning a life-long adventure.”

Joshua Rostek, a native of Sheboygan Falls who graduated in December, had three internships during college. He says the college experience was a multidimensional experience that helped him grow into himself.

22 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

Health insights from abroad Bathroom construction helps students understand public health issues in India

Above: Students from the school in India draw a kolam, a symmetrical design that women create on the front entrance of the home, or in this case the school.

In Pattamadai, India, the people value education. But, every so often, young girls at the village school simply don’t show up for class.

“To understand someone’s lifestyle and choices, it is important to be aware of their background and listen to their stories,” explains Kristy Pearson, a student in UWL’s Master of Public Health in Community Health Education program.

UWL Master of Public Health students Kristy Pearson, left, and Rachel LaValley at the newly constructed bathroom at a school in India.

Pearson and classmate Rachel LaValley got an up-close look at this particular story during a two-week trip to Pattamadai over winter break.

cycles. And the school didn’t have sufficient financial resources to build private bathrooms.

The two accompanied Sondra LeGrand, an ’83 alumna and Valley View Rotary Club member, to see a club project to build private boys and girls bathrooms at the school.

Pearson met LeGrand at a local fundraiser where LeGrand shared information about the need for the bathrooms. Students at the school used a hole in the ground — one for girls and one for boys — at separate locations in rice fields near the school. With no private bathroom, girls simply weren’t attending school during their menstrual

“I couldn’t imagine that,” says Pearson.

Both Pearson and LaValley raised funds to visit the school and learn about the project first-hand. When they arrived, the new bathrooms had just been constructed.

Teachers and others explained how popular they had become.

“It made me realize how much we take things for granted here — myself included,” says Pearson.

Pearson, who graduated in May, says the experience for her and LaValley was a chance to learn more about global health

issues and connect with people living in very different circumstances. That will be important as they embark on health education careers where understanding someone’s background is critical to understanding their health choices, she says.

“I was very proud of Kristy and Rachel as we experienced Indian culture together,” says LeGrand. “They eagerly reached out to make new friends and adapted to various situations — planned and unplanned.

They learned first-hand about public health challenges in India.”

MORE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE Pearson and LaValley’s trip complements other hands-on experiences required for the program. Students in the Master of Health Program complete a preceptorship, offering them practical experience in the public health field.

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 23

Getting practice in a growing field Physical therapy students partner with seniors

24 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

Jeremie Schiedermayer envisions a career of improving people’s quality of life — maintaining an ability to walk and an independent daily routine, or staying in the workforce.

The physical therapy student is aiming for a career in a growing field. Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Schiedermayer and other UWL Doctorate of Physical Therapy students got practice in the La Crosse community this spring. He and others led a falls-prevention program at Eagle Crest North, a senior community in Onalaska. They ran two, 70-minute sessions weekly focusing on strength, flexibility, balance and aerobic activity. They also covered risk factors.

Donna Brogan, Eagle Crest North life enrichment coordinator, says UWL students are frequent volunteers there.

“College students are amazing — this group especially. They are not just doing the exercises with our residents, they are also getting to know them,” she says.

“With that, the residents are more apt to come and do the exercises.”

That helps initiate a healthy life pattern.

Up to 15 assisted-living and independentliving residents attended. Brogan sees a need for continuous education on fall prevention. And having the convenience of doing exercises at the facility was a plus.

Falls prevention is just one of many community health and wellness programs with PT students in Professor Heather Fortuine’s class. Students conducted an Exercise Program for Older Adults at Bethany Church and a Parkinson’s Exercise Program on campus, among others.

The work fits well with the university’s strategic planning goal to increase UWL’s engagement with the community.

Doctorate of Physical Therapy student Jeremie Schiedermayer talking to a resident during a 13-week falls prevention program at Eagle Crest North, a Bethany Lutheran Homes senior community in Onalaska.

All of the student groups began their community projects by looking for health gaps based on a federal government Healthy People 2020 website. Then, students used their physical therapy knowledge to fill those gaps.

Schiedermayer’s group aimed to help residents minimize fall risks. Research shows nursing home residents averaged 1.5 falls annually and nearly 40 percent of those falling requiring medical treatment or activity restriction.

The student-developed programs served two purposes. “The first is using multi-modal intervention strategies for falls prevention in senior communities,” Schiedermayer explains. “The second is having the opportunity to build rapport with clients to gain a better understanding of their perspectives and goals.”

Fortuine is proud of the students’ work. “They each put a lot of scholarship and hard work into the development and implementation of these excellent programs,” she says. “It is wonderful to see the positive impact they are making in the lives of individuals and our larger community.”

Lasting legacy Remembering Lab Tech Larry Trammell A former lab technician left an impact on students and colleagues over three decades.

Now colleagues and students are impacting his legacy.

Microbiology Lab Technician Emeritus Larry Trammell died Dec. 6, 2017, in Tomah, Wisconsin. But he lives on in the life of campus.

Trammell’s colleagues have added to a scholarship established in his name to create the Larry Trammell Microbiology Prep Room, located in the Prairie Springs Science Center. The Larry Trammell Microbiology Prep Room Scholarship supports microbiology students who have worked in the lab for at least one year.

Trammell, a Vietnam veteran, graduated from UWL in 1971 with a biology major and geography minor. For 32 years, he was known for his reliability and exceptional work in the microbiology prep room. His work included maintenance and availability of an extensive bacterial culture collection, set-up and upkeep of labs, and supervising and training of other prep room employees and helpers.

In 1998 when UW System identified centers of excellence throughout the state, it called out UWL’s microbiology program. The nod was largely because of the extensive lab experiences given to its students, with Trammell at the reins.

“This wonderful tribute recognizes a long-time, dedicated staff member who greatly impacted campus,” says Greg Reichert, vice chancellor of Advancement and president of the UWL Foundation. “It’s truly appropriate to honor him this way.”

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 25

The NFL life Sport management alum’s career takes him to the big game When the arguably biggest sporting event in North America takes place annually, you’ll find Andrew Zink there. The 2012 sport management alumus works for a non-profit with the NFL Players Association and knows the Super Bowl means a chance to network with hundreds of current and former players.

“A lot of the time we only talk with the players on the phone,” says Zink. “This is an incredible chance to meet face-to-face and hear about their successes and challenges.”

Zink works for The Trust, which helps players navigate life after the NFL. They prioritize making sure players will be financially stable, have a support system, and assure their physical and mental health is cared for after NFL play.

“A lot of players go into the NFL banking on long careers — 10-15 years — but whether an injury or other factors, a significant number don’t make it that far,” explains Zink. “If they do things like finishing their degree, it’s extremely beneficial.”

Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis was the fifth Zink attended with the company. Of those, he’s gotten to one game. During the rest

Andrew Zink, ’12, right, collaborates with Dr. Gregory Stewart from Tulane University and the NFL’s Player Care Foundation to run a series of health screenings for current and former players during the Super Bowl festivities in Minneapolis.

he’s working, hosting a reception for current and former players and their families. “Stadiums are only so big and this is a good engagement point for us,” he notes.

There is time between the early mornings and long days to take in the atmosphere of host cities.

Zink imagined working for a university or team, not player transitions. But he found a passion for helping others.

He credits his UWL sport management degree for making that switch easy. “It was a relief,” Zink says. “I don’t think everything has that luxury.”

HEAR MORE FROM ZINK

CLICK TO 26 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

Senior Bailey Bogatitus, a biology and Spanish double major, with a pre-physician assistant track, is one of the undergraduate TAs who allow for the break out of smaller groups of students to examine anatomical structures at four cadaver tables.

Senior Cullen Murray, an exercise science pre-professional major, works as a teaching assistant in the cadaver lab.

Brittney Trybula, a senior biomedical science and pre-physician assistant track major, assists students in a lab working as a TA, teaching assistant.

More than a TA

Human anatomy, physiology teaching assistants play a vital role Why do you want to be a teaching assistant for human anatomy and physiology?

• “When I was taking the class, I saw the way the TAs worked with me and helped me to learn in different ways. I wanted to be able to offer that to other students.

Plus, it helps me stay up on my anatomy.”

• “I really wanted to be a teaching TA, A & P was a cool subject. I wanted to be involved with students and I wanted to take the cadaver dissection course in the summer.”

• “I really enjoyed anatomy and thought it would reinforce my knowledge. It’s really nice to impact someone else’s learning.”

• “I started as a tutor in the learning center; I liked seeing people grasp it. I thought this would be another opportunity to do that.”

These are just some responses from the 57 undergraduate teaching assistants (TAs) who assist in the anatomy and physiology laboratory (BIO 312 & 313) every semester.

The students are an integral part of the lab, providing instruction on anatomical

structures weekly and overseeing nightly open labs, Monday –Thursday, to give students access to laboratory materials from models and posters to other specimens they utilize to review and prepare for tests.

This spring there were 11 sections of BIO 312 and 17 sections of BIO 313, which are the Human Anatomy and Physiology series offered by the Biology Department. With 11 and 17 sections of BIO 312 and 313 respectively, each with between 20 and 24 students per lab section, the undergraduate students were key in helping deliver quality instruction to between 200 and 500 students a semester.

Students in the courses serve a variety of majors with a student population made up of students focusing on health professions, biology, psychology and exercise science.

The instruction by undergraduate TAs allows for the break out of smaller groups of students to examine anatomical structures at four cadaver tables. The TAs also allow faculty lab instructors to circulate the lab to address histology, lab specimens and course-content questions.

Instructional TAs must have achieved high grades in both BIO 312 and 313 before applying for the highly competitive position. Each week students “test out” on all structures they are reviewing on the cadavers during lab. The TAs present the material as in class, identifying every structure.

Students who participate as instructional TAs receive a one-course credit grade for Bio 479, while those who perform as open lab TAs receive a pass/fail for Bio 479. They are exceptional students who enjoy helping, are a joy to work with, and provide an essential service to the Biology Department and its students.

Article by Bill Haviland Lab Coordinator

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 27

CSH grads to receive alumni awards

Three College of Science and Health graduates are among the seven

Brunch and Ceremony is planned for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, in

who will receive the top awards bestowed by the UWL Alumni

the Student Union. Tickets are $25 per person and can be ordered

Association this fall. They’re being honored for distinguished service

through the Alumni Association at 608.785.8489.

and successful careers.

They’ll return to campus for a panel discussion at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, in the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center. An Alumni Awards

ORDER TICKETS

CLICK TO

THE MAURICE O. GRAFF DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD

RADA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD

BURT AND NORMA ALTMAN TEACHER EDUCATION AWARD

Recognizes outstanding achievement

Recognizes alumni who have graduated

Honors and recognizes outstanding

of alumni who have brought honor and

within the last 20 years, achieved

educators and the significant contributions

distinction to the university.

professional distinction and taken part in

they make to children and communities.

humanitarian activities.

PHIL ERTL, ’88

MATT BRANTNER, ’05

Accomplished

productive

Revered

educator;

contributor

conservation

Superintendent

and mentor in

advocate;

of Schools in

the fields of

founding

the Wauwatosa

kinesiology and

executive director

School District

adapted physical

of WisCorps,

since 2005.

activity; professor

a statewide

at Oregon State University.

conservation

JOONKOO YUN, ’92 Scholar,

Master’s of Science in special physical education.

corps.

Bachelor’s of Science in biology.

CALL OF DUTY AWARD ALISON SUSA, ’16, Conway, Arkansas, center, has received the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Association “Call of Duty Award” with colleague Aaron Smith, right, and student Jacob Riba. The trio ran to the aid of a basketball player who became unconscious and unresponsive during a workout last fall.

They used an AED and CPR to revive the player, who eventually received an implanted defibrillator and is recovering under the care of a cardiologist.

28 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

Bachelor’s of Science in physical education.

2018 outstanding CSH graduates THE MURPHY AWARDS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Recognizes the university’s top two graduating scholars, as chosen by the Scholarship and Awards Committee. Each co-recipient received $1,500.

AMY ENRIGHT

THE ROSANDICH GRADUATE THESIS AWARD

Apprenticeship program. Morrison plans to attend graduate school for a doctorate in mathematics at the University of California

Recognizes the best graduate thesis, based

Irvine.

on originality, impact and written quality.

When I’m 40 I want to be: researching

The recipient received $1,000.

mathematics, possibly as a professor at a

NICHOLAS

university.

SCHLOESSER

THE STRZELCZYK AWARD IN SCIENCE AND HEALTH

graduated in

microbiology

Recognizes an outstanding senior in the

of Science

with minors in

College of Science and Health for academic

in biology:

chemistry and

achievement, along with campus and

aquatic science

Spanish. Enright

community service. The recipient received

concentration,

made the dean’s list every semester and

$1,000.

with a minor in chemistry. Schloesser’s

participated in microbiology research

REID JOHNSON

graduate research opportunity and

throughout college, as well as Microbiology

graduated in May

student-scientist status was part of a long-

Club. She plans to work as a lab technician

with a Bachelor

term cooperative educational agreement

for a year before pursuing a doctorate in

of Science

between UWL and USGS Upper Midwest

microbiology.

in biology –

Environmental Sciences Center on French

When I’m 40 I want to be: a professional

biomedical science

Island, where he works.

microbiologist working to develop more

concentration,

He shared findings related to using

environmentally friendly solutions to

with a minor in

Environmental DNA monitoring to

modern demands in energy production,

chemistry. Johnson conducted research

help control populations of lamprey in

agriculture or bioremediation of pollutants.

from 2016-18. He plans to enter medical

December as part of his UWL master’s

school, specializing in orthopedic surgery

thesis project.

graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in

December 2017 with a Master

and clinical research.

DANIEL MORRISON graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and physics, with minors in

When I’m 40 I want to be: a fish biologist

When I’m 40 I want to be: a father,

— and I am 40 right now so it worked out

husband, influential member of my

pretty good — it just took me awhile.

community and practicing physician.

In these roles I hope to instill strong personality traits in my children and provide them with the opportunities to pursue their passions.

computer science and economics. Morrison was on the dean’s list every semester. As a freshman, he was a part of the Eagle

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 29

Two earn Eagle Teaching Excellence Awards Two faculty members from the College of Science and Health were among the six faculty recognized for excellence in teaching. The six were recognized at Spring Commencement in May. The Provost Office received approximately 800 teacher nominations from UWL students for the 2018 Eagle Teaching Excellence Awards.

A UWL committee selected the winners: • Stephen Brokaw, Marketing • Laurie Cooper Stoll, Sociology • Whitney George, Mathematics & Statistics • Christine Hippert, Archaeology & Anthropology • Renee Redman, Biology • Leslie Rogers, Educational Studies

WHITNEY GEORGE, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS

RENEE REDMAN, SENIOR LECTURER, BIOLOGY

Started at UWL: Fall 2014

Teaches: A variety of courses depending on the semester. As

Teaches: I typically teach two general education courses such as College Algebra, Calculus, or Mathematics for Decision Making, along with one upper division course, such as Topology.

Background: Prior to teaching at UWL, I was an assistant professor at West Chester University in Pennsylvania.

Started at UWL: Fall 2005 a cell biologist, my favorite class is, of course, cell biology. I also teach lectures in general biology, as well as anatomy and physiology labs and occasionally genetic labs.

Background: I received my doctoral degree in cell, molecular and structural biology from Northwestern University. I knew early on in my career that I loved teaching. So, during my post-doc, I began teaching an evening biology class to nursing students at

Favorite part of teaching?: I enjoy seeing students have those

Morton Community College and continued there even after I be-

“ah-ha” moments and knowing that I helped them achieve

gan on the research faculty in the Department of Pharmacolgy at

this. But, my ultimate favorite thing about teaching is seeing

Northwestern University Medical School, working on neurotrans-

the smiles on students’ faces when they finally understand a concept. Many of my students have negative experiences with math and for many of them, I will be their last math professor.

Being able to give them a positive experience to reflect upon is a great feeling.

mitter release. I left Chicago to join the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for eight years teaching cell biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, and general biology and then moved to La Crosse in 2004.

Favorite part of teaching?: The students. They make me laugh, they make me smile, they keep me on my toes, and I learn something from them every semester. There is nothing more rewarding than to challenge a student, see them struggle with a concept, apply what they have learned, and then figure it out and succeed.

30 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018

Cooking up conversation La Crosse Science Café brings science to the public On a recent Saturday evening, the topic of conversation at a La Crosse restaurant centered around the trade of brilliant, red vermillion dye between 19th century fur traders and Native Americans around Lake Superior. Traces of this mercuryladen dye can still be used today to track the trade routes of early settlers in the area.

These diverse conversations are now occurring monthly thanks to the La Crosse Science Café.

Organized by Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty members Basudeb Bhattacharyya, Nadia Carmosini and Benjamin Haenni, the science cafés are informal gatherings where scientists can discuss their research with the general public over a meal and beverages.

The La Crosse Science Café has its genesis in the La Crosse area March for Science, organized by Carmosini and Heather Schenck, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the desire to bring science to the public.

Since its inception in fall 2017, several UWL College of Science and Health faculty, as well as scientists from Winona State and UW-Madison, have presented on a wide range of topics. They’ve covered invasive species, chemotherapy, forensic anthropology and organ transplantation.

CSH faculty presenters have included Joan Bunbury, Geography and Earth Science; Greg Sandland, Biology; Tom Volk, Biology; and Kris Rolfhus, Chemistry and Biochemistry.

The La Crosse Science Café is sponsored

by CSH, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the American Chemical Society and JavaVino.

Discover more about the program and upcoming talks at: www.facebook.com/LaCrosseScienceCafe.

Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018 31

Change of heart Biology professor shares why he is sometimes grateful for heart disease, cancer UWL Biology Professor Tom Volk celebrated the anniversary of his heart transplant — again — on May 22. The moments leading up to his surgery 12 years ago are etched in his memory. He still vividly recalls the phone call from Mayo Clinic with a voice on the other end saying, “We have a heart for you.”

“I’ve replayed that call in my head 100,000 times because that’s when everything changed. My whole life changed at that point,” says Volk. “I wasn’t ready. I was terrified. The first thing I did was I went into my room and cried a lot …”

But, surviving his transplant and numerous other health issues has given Volk a different perspective — a change of heart so to speak.

Volk shared his story during the TEDxUWLaCrosse event Feb. 8, at UWL. During the presentation, he explains why there are days he is glad he had heart disease — and cancer.

HEAR HIS STORY

CLICK TO 32 Science & Health NEWS Summer 2018