Dean's Scholars

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars 10 11 College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars Emma Evans Major: Physics - Astronomy Year: Junior Emma is passionate about physics and especially interested in renewable energy and a sustainable earth. She is involved in research on the effects of low temperatures on solar cells. As a result of her work, she presented her research at the PASSHE Undergraduate Research Conference and was select- ed to attend the Women in Physics Conference at Temple University this past January. Emma is a member of the Society of Physics Students, for which she is the webmaster. “Enjoy your time here and don’t feel like you need to be rushed. Do what you are passionate about and the rest will work out.” Cynthia Diaz Major: English Year: Senior KU BEARS Summer 2019 Cynthia is a writer for the HerCampus chapter and she became a member of a related honor society. Cynthia also studied with Dr. Saidi in the History De- partment and was invited by Dr. Saidi to be her research assistant on a book project. Over summer of 2019, Cynthia assisted Dr. Saidi with her research by doing literature reviews. Along the way, Cynthia says she learned things she never imagined. Cynthia enjoyed the research work and would like to contin- ue to be involved in such projects. She hopes to attend graduate school after completing her degree. “I assumed English was the logical choice, but it’s definitely been a lot more difficult than I expected in a good, rewarding way. I feel it’s helped me grow.” “I love the campus and the faculty relationships. The bio department is big, but I know my professors and they know me. Having close relationships with my professors is something I didn’t expect.” Kylie is a strong student who has been a Board of Governors’ Scholarship recipient and whose name has appeared regularly on the Dean’s List. Because of her excellent academic record, Dr. Bunaciu invited Kylie to be her supplemental instructor for BIO 104, and she also invited Kylie to work on a research project concerning nutri- tion and renal patients. Kylie is an engaged member of the KU community: she is a member of the Health Careers Society, National Residence Hall Honorary, and the Honors Program. Upon graduation, Kylie hopes to attend graduate school to study public health, specifically epidemiology. Major: Biology - Molecular/Micro/Cell Minor: Bioethics Year: Sophomore Kylie DeVitis “KU has taught me the importance of language within a culture and vice versa. To understand their unique connection has made my love for language grow.” Eilieen is a hard-working student whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List and who is actively involved in the KU community. She is a student worker in the Language Partners Program and a volunteer for outreach events sponsored by the Department of Modern Languages. Eilieen plans to learn more languages and use those skills to help peo- ple. She is a member of the Hispanic National Honorary Society and was recently employed as a translator. Major: Spanish Year: Senior Eilieen de Leon Camacho “I originally chose physics because I fell in love with it in high school, but I didn’t choose engineering until last year as a freshman because I thought that was a better track for me because I do like to get my hands dirty, and I don’t like just straight physics. I’m not big on theories and stuff. I’m big on working with my hands.” Hunter became interested in Physics in high school, so he was excited to join KU’s physics program. Soon after Hunter began taking physics classes, he was invited to join a research team testing solar cells. He is hopeful that his concentration in engi- neering will eventually allow him to work in electronics, which interests him. Apart from his commitment to KU BEARS research, Hunter is also a huge supporter of the KU football team and he is getting involved with the Physics Club. He hopes to become the first in his family to attain his Ph.D. (in Physics). Major: Physics - Engineering Year: Sophomore Hunter Davis “Working with classmates and professors here at KU, I’ve realized that if I put in the effort, I can excel.” Major: Physics Year: Senior Gerald Curran Gerald is an excellent student who has been on the Dean’s List every semester since transferring to KU. According to his professors, Gerald has “shown tremendous growth” as a scholar and researcher. He has worked with Dr. Das for several semesters on Atomic Molecular Optics (AMO) Physics research and presented his work at the American Phys- ical Society annual meeting on AMO Physics in May. After graduation, he plans to attend graduate school.