Dean's Scholars

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars 6 7 College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars “My advice would be: be comfortable being uncomfortable. You never know what could happen if you put yourself out there.” Theresa majored in biochemistry with plans to continue her studies in grad- uate school. In the summer of 2019, she completed a Research Experience for Undergraduates at Penn State where she worked collaboratively with professors and graduate students on a project related to proteins. She is very positive about her experiences as a supplemental instructor for Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry; in this position she was able to help students and gain confidence in her own knowledge. Theresa was also an active member of the Chemistry Club, attending meetings and events such as the STEM Open House. Major: Biochemistry Year: Graduated in Fall 2019 Theresa Buckley “When I was applying to graduate school, faculty members gave me thoughtful advice about what schools want and what to expect over the next several years. All of them have been very committed to my academic success.” James is an excellent student whose name has appeared regularly on the Dean’s List. He has presented his research, “Arenas of Democracy and Stu- dent Movements in Latin America” at the Berks Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference in Reading, PA in 2019. James has been accept- ed into the graduate program at Temple University where he plans to pur- sue a Ph.D. in Political Science. He works at the KU Career Development Center and as a Staff Writer for the student newspaper, The Keystone. He is also a member of the Model United Nations Club. Majors: Political Science & Communication Studies Year: Senior James Bouffard “Definitely talk to your professors and ask questions. You don’t have to be an expert in what you’re interested in right now. You just have to show up, show interest, and be reliable.” Transferring from LCCC, Patrick immediately earned recognition as a leader when he became an active member of the Ornithology Club and demon- strated commitment to his studies. Dr. Underwood asked Patrick to join his research project as a volunteer field biologist, and Patrick also became pres- ident of the Ornithology Club. During summer 2019, Patrick worked with the USDA in their efforts to identify infestations of and then eradicate the invasive spotted lanternfly. Patrick hopes to keep working for the USDA and eventually to earn his Master’s degree. Major: Environmental Science - Biology Year: Senior Patrick Boos “There is no substitute for hard work. Just like exercise, there isn’t any quick fix to getting good grades, not to mention actually retaining the knowledge you are interested in. Find something that ignites you and have the discipline to follow through with it, and you might change the world.” Emily is an excellent student and researcher whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List every semester. She has been a lab assistant in the Biology Depart- ment and gave an impressive final presentation on her research to her depart- ment. Emily was awarded the Scott Electric Sustainability Scholarship, and she is a member of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. She currently has a part-time job in the Visitor Center at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Emily would like to work in the environmental science field after graduation. Emily Bohn Major: Environmental Science - Biology Year: Senior Milagros Battiti Major: Spanish Year: Senior “I’m a very ambitious person. My passion is definitely helping others, which I want to do as a translator or interpreter. I know how it felt not being able to understand in times of need and I want to be able to help.” Milagros (Millie) is a hard-working student who has emerged as a leader in the Spanish program. Millie works with students in the department’s Language Conversation Partners and Writers Workshops to help them develop oral and writing skills. She has completed a research project titled “Reasons for Decreas- ing Enrollment in Foreign Language Classes” and presented her findings at an undergraduate conference at East Stroudsburg University in November; she was accepted to KU Inspires, April 2020. Millie also traveled to Spain as part of KU’s Study Abroad Program in Valladolid. Millie has a passion for helping others and would like to use her skills to serve people as an interpreter in the medical field. “If you’re really focused on something and you enjoy it, you will find the discipline you need to accomplish that.” Paul is an excellent student whose name has appeared on the Dean’s List every semester. His wide-ranging interests are an indication of his love for learning. He has taken a large range of classes from Philoso- phy of Religion to Calculus. Considering the advice of three different professors, Paul plans to eventually begin a career in the Biostatistics industry after he completes a master’s degree in that field. Majors: Mathematics & Philosophy Minor: Fine Art Year: Senior Paul Barton