Dean's Scholars

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars 30 31 College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars Sarah Schaffer Charles Schmied Giuliana Simmens “My research has been my most influential experience because it has helped with more than just my scientific skills. It has also helped with my communication and writing skills, and I’ve gained a lot of confidence. I feel like it helped me grow as a student and a person.” KU BEARS Summer 2019 Giuliana is a strong student whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List. She has been able to join with Dr. Kraal and Dr. Sirrakos on an NSF-funded project examining the lack of diversity in geosciences. Giuliana has gained valuable experience presenting on this research and she hopes that it will also result in publications. Giuliana is also involved in the Geology Club. Over the summer of 2019, Giuliana interned with two non-profit organizations doing land management and preservation, and she hopes to continue working with non-profits and communities to get more people involved with environmental science education. Major: Environmental Science - Geology Minor: Secondary Education Year: Senior “As both research assistant and tutor at the Writing Center, I research at the pleasure of the English faculty, as do I what I can for the wonderful students who come in to talk about their work and put up with me” Charles (CJ) has impressed his professors with his intellectual curiosity, his broad-ranging knowledge and his eagerness to participate in every oppor- tunity for engagement offered by the English Department. He has presented his paper examining a Soviet film adaptation of King Lear (1971) at the Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference. He is a tutor in the University Writing Center, and he is also the English Department Research Assistant. CJ is completing his master’s thesis and has been applying to Ph.D. programs in English. Even though CJ is an excellent scholar, he sees himself primarily as a future educa- tor. Major: English Year: Graduate Student “When I was growing up, I loved reading and writing. I chose writing when the time came to pick a major because I wanted to be able to cre- ate something that could leave an impact on others.” Sarah Schaffer is an excellent student whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List every semester. Additionally, she was awarded Board of Governors and Golden Bear scholarships. She has earned respect from her professors for her analytical and writing abilities. She is an active member of the KU community as an editor for HerCampus and a fiction reader and copy editor for Shoof- ly Literary Magazine. This summer, she will work as a professional writing intern at the Kutztown Community Library. Sarah hopes to attend graduate school in pursuit of a master’s degree and eventually to publish a novel. Major: English - Professional Writing Year: Senior Kathryn Sauers “We all come from different backgrounds and we all have different identi- ties. Embracing the world around you opens so many doors for success and achievement.” Kathryn is a strong student whose name has regularly appeared on the Dean’s List, and she has been the recipient of the Dent and Gundry Scholarship as well as the McDonald’s Franchise Scholarship. Kathryn is an active KU community member; she is a general member of National Residence Hall Honorary, a member of the Food Advisory Board, a member of Deatrick Hall Council, and a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Business Honors Society. She is a first-generation college student with aspirations to pursue a career as a book publisher. Majors: English & Business Administration - Marketing Minor: Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies Year: Senior Claire Santa “Undergrad students have the opportunity to work with professors one-on-one to con- duct research. That is super valuable because you’re doing the work. You’re doing the research. You’re doing everything that someone in the field would be doing.” Claire’s excellent performance in her classes combined with her curiosity and enthu- siasm for research has earned her recognition from her professors. Her name appears regularly on the Dean’s List. Claire has participated in a KU BEARS research project as well as a summer internship with the Plant Pathology Department at Penn State. Claire has additionally had opportunities to present her research at several conferences. Claire is also a highly engaged member of the KU community including being a member of the Biology Club, the Botany Club, the Environmental Science Club, and the Geology Club. She plans on attending graduate school and eventually earning her Ph.D. Majors: Environmental Science - Biology & Psychology Minor: Geology Year: Senior Cory Sanko “Apart from the material I learned in the classroom, I have learned a lot about myself. Four years is a long time to explore and figure out your place in the world. I met friends and tried new things every school year, and I think it all paid off.” Cory is a strong student whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List and who, in addition to his major, is completing a minor in Anthropology. He received a STEM scholarship for his first year at KU. Being interested in research and trav- el, Cory went to Nicaragua with the Global Brigades during his freshman year. He also spent three weeks at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station and is current- ly finishing research under the guidance of Dr. Hernandez. Cory is a member of the Marine Science Club and Outdoors Club. After graduation, Cory hopes to travel around the world and work in the marine science field before begin- ning graduate studies. Major: Marine Science - Biology Minor: Anthropology Year: Senior