Dean's Scholars

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars 14 15 College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars Jennifer Haas Major: Geography - Environmental Year: Junior Anna is a strong student whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List. Anna is working with Dr. Davis in research focusing on seasonal wind climatology over the Great Lakes and how a changing climate will affect circulation patterns in this region. She presented this research at the 2019 Middle States Division of the American Association of Geographers Annual meeting and will present updated findings at the 2020 American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting in Denver, CO. In addition to her studies, she is a member of the Geography Club and has an off-campus job. Anna would like to use her education in geographic information systems and cartography to work in conservation. “I’ve always loved science, but I didn’t know what field I wanted to pursue. After taking Physical Geography, I knew it was what I wanted to do, especially because Dr. Davis was so enthusiastic. He made learning geography so fun.” Anna Grayek Major: Political Science - Paralegal Studies Year: Senior Jennifer is an excellent student who is a member of the Honors Pro- gram and whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List. She is conduct- ing research into the representational priorities of U.S. House members for her Honors Capstone project; she hopes to present her work at the Northeastern Political Science Association Conference in the fall of 2020. Jennifer is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Sigma Lambda Adult Honor Society. After graduation, she plans to pursue a graduate degree with the ultimate goal of earning a Ph.D. “All of my professors, especially within the Political Science Department, have made my time here worthwhile by sharing their experience and expertise and offering guidance as I navigate my way through the program and plan for my future.” Elizabeth Hahn Major: Social Work Year: Graduate Student Elizabeth is a strong non-traditional student who has maintained a high GPA. She is currently interning with the Community Health Division of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, specifically the Veterans’ Health Program. Elizabeth had interned at LVHN-Pocono Hospital and has also been a research assistant on a project about services for domestic violence victims in Pennsylvania. Elizabeth is also the vice president of KU’s chapter of Phi Alpha, the National Honor Society of Social Work Scholars; she was crucial in the implementation of a new program that provides mentorship and support to an underserved fifth grade classroom. After graduation, Elizabeth would like to work in the healthcare industry with social work. “Life happens and that’s okay. You move through it and you get back up. Some- times you learn more through those experiences that didn’t happen perfectly.” Laura Gale Major: English - Professional Writing Year: Sophomore Jena is an excellent student whose name has regularly appeared on the Dean’s List. She came to KU for the professional writing program as well as the numer- ous opportunities for campus involvement. Jena is a writer for HerCampus, a poetry and fiction reader and copy editor for Shoofly Literary Magazine, and a member of the English Club. Jena is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She completed a study abroad trip in South Korea where she learned about herself, a new culture, and the world around her. “Every profession needs good writers. Writing, whether it’s telling stories, spreading facts and information, or voicing an opinion can change the way people view and learn about the world.” Jena Fowler Major: Anthropology Year: Senior Laura is an accomplished student recognized by her professors for her aca- demic excellence. She participated in the KU Archeology Field School in Stod- dartsville, and is currently working with Dr. Newlander to analyze some of the recovered artifacts. She additionally has worked with Dr. Sanelli on a project to learn about marginalized populations in the American Southwest, where she stayed on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona for about a week. Laura is applying to internships, job opportunities, and graduate schools in the archeology field in preparation for her graduation in December. “Don’t ever think you can’t do it. I graduated high school when I was 17 and thought I would have a doctorate right now, but I’m just getting my Bachelor’s. And it’s worth it. Just don’t ever think you can’t do it.” Christopher Gauntner Major: Biology - Ecology Minor: Bioethics Year: Senior KU BEARS Summer 2019 Christopher is a fully engaged student who became passionate about his studies in biology and has appeared on the Dean’s List. He was awarded a KU BEARS grant over Summer 2019, and he was able to continue his research in Fall 2019 through an independent study. Christopher also presented his undergraduate research at the 2019 PASSHE conference at Kutztown University. In addition to his involvement in the biological sciences, he is also the Vice President of the Philosophy Club. Chris- topher is currently applying for jobs within his field while preparing for the gradu- ate record exams (GREs). “The faculty in the biology department have taught me to be proactive instead of reactive both in the field and in a lab setting. They taught me how to fully engage and think critically in any situation I may find myself in.”