Dean's Scholars

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars 24 25 College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars Major: Biology - Allied Health Minor: Chemistry Year: Senior KU BEARS Summer 2019 Andrew Muscara is a transfer student who is also minoring in Chemis- try. In summer 2019, he was awarded a KU BEARS grant to work with Dr. Antoni to research protein PEBP1 and its relationship to autoim- munity and apoptosis cells. Andrew’s research primarily consisted of determining if the protein does or does not interact with apoptotic cells. Andrew hopes that his coursework and research will prepare him for a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Major: Geology Year: Senior David is an excellent student whose name appears regularly on the Dean’s List, and who has earned recognition from his professors for his dedication to his studies as well as his leadership qualities. During summer 2019, David was invited to participate in a NSF-funded research project at the University of Missouri. This work led to a presentation with his professors at the Geological Society of America conference. After graduating, David plans to pursue his master’s degree and to continue research out west. He hopes to move to the Rocky Mountains area where there are opportunities in his field. “I’m a big proponent of physical health; it’s very closely related to mental health. And a lot of times without proper mental health practices—mental and physical health practices, it’s hard to survive academically. Things can pile up and seem more daunting than they actually are.” Major: Information Technology Year: Graduate Student Jishitha Nambiar so impressed her professors with her academic performance that she was awarded a graduate assistantship in the Computer Science Department to tutor undergraduates. Jishitha is involved in research with Professor Thiep Pham in the area of augmented and virtual reality; she had the opportunity to do a post- er presentation on this research at the PASSHE STEM Conference last November. Jishitha was also hired as a student worker last summer in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office to help migrate data for the Kutztown University website redesign. After graduation, Jishitha is interested in employment in the field of data analytics. “Be confident and put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid of failing because all progress takes place out of your comfort zone and at end of the day all that matters is you tried, and success is the sum of all those small efforts!” “Take advantage of everything KU has to offer you, and don’t be afraid to ask those around you for help.” Megan is a diligent and accomplished student whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List every semester at KU. Megan attended the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) Annual Conference where she received the PSLA Outstanding Student Librarian Award. She additionally completed her Professional Writing internship at the Kutztown Community Library. Me- gan is also involved on campus through the Alpha Beta Alpha Honors Frater- nity and Library Outreach Leaders. After graduation, Megan plans to become a school librarian and continue her writing over school breaks. Majors: English - Professional Writing & Library Science Year: Senior Major: Biology - Organismal/Ecology Year: Senior “Find a major you are completely passionate about, one that you look forward going to class to learn about. I would also recommend taking part in research as a science major. It is a great opportunity to gain experience, while also enjoying the research experience.” KU BEARS Summer 2019 Cole is a first generation college student whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List every semester. In the summer of 2019, he received a KU BEARS grant to conduct research with Dr. Heineman. He and Dr. Heineman plan to present their findings at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists’ meeting in April. Cole has been inducted into the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. After graduating from KU, Cole will pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo. “Stay organized and know that there are so many resources available for you. Seize the opportunities. There’s a lot you can do at college, and there’s a lot to keep you busy. By prioritizing what you came here to do, you can set your goals so you can get out what you put in.” Hannah is a student athlete whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List. Hannah has been awarded several scholarships including the Board of Governors’ Scholarship, the Golden Bear Scholarship, and the Spanish for Modern Business Scholarship. She held a summer position as a legal intern during which she was also able to spend time with the company’s marketing team. Hannah is involved with several organizations on campus, including the American Marketing Association — she is president of their e-board — and Student Alliance for Latino Success and Achievement (SALSA). She is also a student worker in the Modern Language Studies Department. Major: Business Administration - Marketing Minor: Spanish for Modern Business Year: Senior David Muller Andrew Muscara Jishitha Nambiar Megan Meyer Cole Matrishin Hannah Marx