Dean's Scholars

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars 28 29 College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars Codi Rhodes Eric Rojas Alison Reynolds Major: Geography Year: Graduated in Fall 2019 Alison Reynolds is a strong student whose name appeared on the Dean’s List. She was part of Dr. Davis’s research group that worked on a project “examining [the] en- hancement of precipitation from the urban heat island.” She presented on her work at the 2018 American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting and the 2019 Middle States Division of the American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting and had begun work on a manuscript for the Middle States Geographer. Alison has been inducted into the Gamma Psi chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon, later becoming the chapter president. Alison received both the Carrie E. Babb scholarship as well as the Ensminger Scholarship for outstanding academic success and achievement. “Talk to your professors and show that you are interested. Take the opportunities that they give you. Dr. Michael Davis asked me to be an assistant on a research project. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it has put me ahead of the game.” Major: Geography - Environmental Year: Junior KU BEARS Summer 2019 Codi was awarded a KU BEARS grant to research the variability in late spring transitional temperatures with Dr. Davis. She presented her research at the 2019 Middle States Division of the American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting and will present at the 2020 conference as well. In the future, Codi hopes to publish the results of her research before graduation and then to work in conservation, forestry service or a related area. “I feel like this is a really great school where you can achieve great things. Your professors will notice that, push you to do even better, and really make you shine as a student if you show you’re willing to do the work.” Major: Marine Science - Oceanography Year: Sophomore Eric is an outstanding student whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List every semester. He speaks three languages fluently. Eric is working with Dr. Oakley on a research project and will soon start his own project. Outside of the classroom, Eric is an executive board member of the Marine Science Club, a member of the Geology Club, and a member of the Honors Program. Eric plans to pursue a graduate degree in physical oceanography. Carolyn Rene Isaac Reiter Jordan Pettit Majors: Psychology & Sociology Minor: Criminal Justice Year: Senior Jordan is a hard-working student whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List, and he has earned recognition from his professors due to his organizational skills, and his excellent writing and communication skills. He has been a peer tutor in the So- ciology Senior Seminar, and he has received invitations to join the Sociology Honor Society and Criminal Justice Honor Society. Jordan is currently completing an in- ternship as a counselor/day treatment intern at the Community Service Foundation Buxmont Academy. Jordan would like to go to graduate school to earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling so that he can become a school counselor. “My advice for future students is to manage your time wisely and do not change your- self for other people.” Major: Mathematics Year: Junior KU BEARS Summer 2019 Isaac is an engaged student who began taking KU math classes as a high school senior and whose name now appears regularly on the Dean’s List. Last summer he worked on research projects with two professors, the result of which was two con- ference presentations and two manuscripts in preparation. The main focus of his research, under the mentorship of Dr. Landquist, has been playing card cryptology: using playing cards to come up with a very secure cypher. He is also a magician and uses mathematics with his magic tricks. “Mathematics allowed me to do all sorts of magic tricks because I would be able to predict the future based on certain formulas and understand how the world works, and that helped me to experience amazement in a different way.” Major: Social Work Minor: Political Science Year: Junior KU BEARS Summer 2019 Carolyn is a hard-working student whose name appears regularly on the Dean’s List. Last summer, under the supervision of Dr. Svistova, Carolyn participated in a research project about the Impact of MUSO Microfinance Groups on individuals and commu- nities in rural Haiti. Traveling to Haiti, along with her work in translating and tran- scribing interviews, has taught Carolyn much about research as well as how to foster positive relationships. Carolyn presented her research findings at the Global Confer- ence at Millersville University. “How do I fix this; how do I fix this broken relationship? This is so important in terms of social work because when you get past all the data and numbers that’s what it is about—hu- man relationships and partnerships and being respectful of people and their cultures.”