Meet the scholars
A page within McNair Scholars

Ky Ariano
Biology
Biology and Chemistry

Hannah Bechtel
Physics
Physics with astronomy emphasis
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shauna Sallmen & Dr. Shelly Lesher
UWL Graduation: May 2022
Hannah is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Notre Dame.

Elijah Behnke
Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sujet Sen

Leo Chavolla
Music
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jonathan Borja

Viviana Cheng
Psychology
Psychology and Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Ryan McKelley

Ezedike Chioma
Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Edward Kim
UWL Graduation: May 2022
Ezedike is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.

Samantha Crall
Mathematics Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Charlotte Roberts

Ana De La Torre
Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Lisa Kruse

Taylor Dobush
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Tesia Marshik

Jaiya Edwards
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jason Sumontha
UWL Graduation: May 2023
Jaiya was selected by her fellow students to give the 2023 Commencement Address.
In Sept 2023, Jaiya will begin a program in Clinical Counseling Psychology at Auburn University.

Camoya Evans
Biology
UWL Mentor: Dr. Roger Haro
UWL Graduation: May 2022
Camoya is attending a Master's program in Biology at Miami University.
Camoya is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.

Allie Fowle
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Tisha King-Heiden

Kassidy Frame
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Richie Erickson

Jazmin Gil
Computer Science
Faculty Mentor: Theodore Kim (Yale Univ.)
UWL Graduation: May 2023
Jazmin is continuing at UWL in Software Engineering.

Daniela Gomez-Meza
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Berna Gercek-Swing
Isaac Gonzales
History
Faculty Mentor: Dr. John Kovari

Julia Haas
Statistics
Faculty Mentor: David Elzinga
Ella Harris
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ruth Schumacher-Martinez

Sayla Hernandez
Psychology
Faculty Mentors: Ruth Schumacher-Martinez, Nese Nasif

Yecenia Hernandez
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Adele Lozano
UWL Graduation: May 2022
Yecenia is pursuing a Master's Degree at Iowa State University.

Jayden Hobson
Biology
Faculty Mentor: TBD

Paige Jansen
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shanna Felix
UWL Graduation: December 2021
Paige is attending Purdue University Global for a Master's Degree in Psychology.

Gabi Jimenez
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Michaella Olson

Andre Johnson
Physics
Faculty Mentor: Rebecca Surman (Univ. of Notre Dame)
UWL Graduation: December 2022
Andre is attending the University of Notre Dame where he is pursuing a PhD in Physics.

Delanie Johnson
Public Health
Public Health / Community Health
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sarah Pember
UWL Graduation: May 2023

Tamia Lipscomb
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. James Puckett

Katie Manzeck
Microbiology
Microbiology with a Biomedical Concentration
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Peter Wilker
UWL Graduation: May 2023
Katie is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Michigan in Biomedical Science.

Ana Marlis
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tesia Marshik

Ilariah McAnally
Archaeological Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Timothy McAndrews
UWL Graduation: May 2023

Matthias Murphy
Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Aaron Monte
Samantha Norby
Samantha Norby
English Literature
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rebekah Fowler
UWL Graduation: December 2021

Fayth Norzin
Computer Science
Faculty Mentor: Rig Das
Amethyst Owen
Archaeological Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tim McAndrews
UWL Graduation: May 2023

Kailey Peterson
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Kevin Zabel
Nikki Rauls
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Jessica Schweigert

Desiree Rogers
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Todd Osmundson

Kelly Rudolph
Communication Studies
Faculty Mentor: Michael Tollefson

Mya Salinas
Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Agatha Heltquist
UWL Graduation: May 2023
Mya is attending The American University and studying International Peace & Conflict Resolution.

Breckin Sargeant
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jessica Schweigert
UWL Graduation: May 2023
Breckin is attending Northwestern University to pursue a Masters degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology.

Jess Schaefer
Anthropology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Christine Hippert
UWL Graduation: May 2023

Hailey Schock
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Richard Breaux

Dom Smith
Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Hoffman
UWL Graduation: May 2022
Dom is pursuing a a Master's Degree at The University of Wisconsin - Madison in Bacteriology.
Sophia Sorenson

Sophia Sorenson
Biochemistry

Jaden Stanelle
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ryan McKelley

Nhia Thao
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Vincent Her
UWL Graduation: December 2021
Nhia is attending Winona State University for a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Raffy Traas
Physics
Physics with an astronomy emphasis
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shauna Sallmen
UWL Graduation: May 2022
Raffy is enrolled in a Physics graduate program at Depaul University.

Vang Xiong
Computer Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jason Sumontha
UWL Graduation: December 2023

Angelique Vega
Biomedical
Neuroscience
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Barrett Klein
John Vue

John Vue
Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Xong Xiong
UWL Graduation: May 2022
John is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.

Grace Wittmann
Public and Community Health
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Anders Cedegren
Dr. Jeffrey Albrecht

Dr. Jeffrey Albrecht
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Katy Kortenkamp
UWL Graduation: May 2013
Contact: jrajr1210@gmail.com
Jeffrey earned his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Michigan in 2019.
Stephany Anzueto

Stephany Anzueto
Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Enilda Delgado
UWL Graduation: May 2016
Stephanie earned a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Florida in 2018.
Amanda Bailey

Amanda Bailey
Archaeology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Connie Arzigian
UWL Graduation: May 2011
Read Amanda's submission to the 2010 UWL Journal of Undergraduate Research.

Dr. Scott Barrera
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ryan McKelley
UWL Graduation: May 2016
Contact: smbarrera@bsu.edu
Scott has earned his Masters of Arts and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Ball State University.
Francesca Bautista

Francesca Bautista
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Betty DeBoer
UWL Graduation: May 2012
Francesca earned her Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University in May, 2014.
Kalon Bell

Kalon Bell
Communication Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Richard Breaux
UWL Graduation: May 2016
Kalon earned a Master of Arts in Emerging Media Studies from Boston University in 2017.
Aiyana Dettmann (Bloome)

Aiyana Dettmann (Bloome)
Communication Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dena Huisman
Contact: adettmann@uwlax.edu
UWL Graduation: May 2012; Master of Science in Education in Student Affairs Administration, May 2014.
Chris Bloomingdale

Chris Bloomingdale
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robin Tyser
UWL Graduation: December 2012
Chris earned a Master of Science degree in Entomology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2015. He currently works at Michigan State University.

Rosalea Botka
Public Health and Community Health Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Gary Gilmore
UWL Graduation: May 2019
Rosalea is pursuing a Master's degree at The University of Wisconsin - Superior in Clinical Mental Health.
Rosalea is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.
Adia Brooks

Adia Brooks
Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Cecilia Manrique
UWL Graduation: May 2012
Adia earned a Masters degree in African and African Diaspora Studies from the
The University of Texas at Austin in May of 2014; she graduated with a J.D. from the UT School of Law in 2017.
Read Adia's submission to the UWL Journal of Undergraduate Research.
Sasha Deonarine (Chihak)

Sasha Deonarine (Chihak)
Chemistry
Faculty mentor: Dr. Nadia Carmosini
Contact: sasha.chihak@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2012
Sasha earned a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from Texas A&M University in December 2016.
Alex Clussman

Alex Clussman
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Roger Haro and Dr. Greg Sandland
UWL Graduation: May 2015
Biology: Aquatic Science

Nate Conley
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dawn Norris
UWL Graduation: May 2019
Nate received a Masters in Genetic Counseling from the University of Cincinnati in 2021.
Teahlyn Crow

Teahlyn Crow
Archaeology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Peacock
UWL Graduation: May 2017
Teah earned a Master of Arts in Anthropology from Northern Arizona University in 2019.

Vanessa Czeszynski
Biology
Biology: Aquatic Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Eric Strauss
UWL Graduation: May 2020; M.S.May 2023
Vanessa earned a Master's degree in Biology at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at the University of Minnesota on a Diversity of Views & Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship.
Vanessa is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.
Kyle Danielson

Kyle Danielson
Physics
Faculty mentor: Dr. Robin Tyser
UWL Graduation: May 2011
Amanda De Cora

Amanda De Cora
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Christine Bakkum
Contact: amanda.decora@ho-chunk.com
UWL Graduation: May 2015

Lizeth Dominguez Mendez
Biology
Biology (Plant & Fungal)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Todd Osmundson
UWL Graduation: December 2020
Alyssa Foley (Dorosz)

Alyssa Foley (Dorosz)
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Albrecht
Contact: alyssa.dorosz@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2016
Jordon Drohner

Jordon Drohner
Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Julia McReynolds-Perez
UWL Graduation: May 2018
Jordon completed a Masters of Social Work program at the University of Michigan in 2019.

Kandyce Dunlap
Community Health Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tracy Caravella
Contact: Dunlap.kandyce@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2017
Kandyce graduated from the Masters of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2019 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Health at the University of Alabama.
Kandyce is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.
Sara Dziki (Erickson)

Sara Dziki (Erickson)
Biology
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Colin Belby, Dr. Ryan Perroz
UWL Graduation: May 2013
Sara completed her Master of Science in Recreational Management at UWL in May 2015 and is currently working as a Fish Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Jamie Erickson
Exercise & Sports Science
Exercise & Sports Science; Nutrition
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Karen Skemp
Contact: ericksonjamier@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2015; Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science - Human Performance, August 2017.

David Fernandez Antelo
Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jeremy Arney
UWL Graduation: May 2019
In 2023 David earned his J.D. from the Seattle University School of Law.
Leah Foltman

Leah Foltman
Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dawn Norris
UWL-Graduation: May 2018
Leah is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Sociology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Michael Fuerte

Michael Fuerte
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robin Tyser, Dr. Douglas Baumann
UWL Graduation: May 2017
Michael graduated with a Masters of Environmental Management degree in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health from Duke University in 2019.
Here is an article about Michael's undergraduate research at UWL.
Raquel Garcia
Raquel Garcia
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Megan Strom
UWL Graduation: May 2020
Sonia Garcia

Sonia Garcia
Communication Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Katherine Lavelle
Contact: soniamgarcia4@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: December 2017
Sonia completed a Masters degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Colorado State University in 2020.

Yessica Garcia
Psychology
Psychology & Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Carol Miller
Contact: ygarcia@cityyear.org
UWL Graduation: May 2014
In 2023 Yessica earned a Masters of Social Work from Boston College.
Michael Gonzales

Michael Gonzales
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Alessandro Quartiroli
Contact: mgonzales4@wisc.edu
UWL Graduation: May 2017
Michael completed a Post-Baccalaureate Nurse Residency Program with the VA Healthcare System in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Michael is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.

Julian Greenup
Biology
Biology: Biomedical Science
Faculty mentor: Dr. Jennifer Klein
UWL Graduation: May 2017

Andres Guerrero
Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Valeria Stepanova
UWL Graduation: May 2020
Andres is pursuing a PhD at The University of Oregon in Chemistry.
Sergio Guerrero

Sergio Guerrero
Psychology
Psychology & Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Omar Granados
UWL Graduation: May 2018
Sergio completed his graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at St. Cloud State University in 2020.
Amanda Hall

Amanda Hall
Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Enilda Delgado
Contact: hall.aman@alumni.uwlax.edu
UWL Graduation: December 2013
Amanda completed a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in May 2016.
Phyllis Hand

Phyllis Hand
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ryan McKelley
UWL Graduation: May 2015
Travis Harrison

Travis Harrison
Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Barrett Klein
UWL Graduation: December 2016

Adrienne Hester
Physics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Taviare Hawkins
UWL Graduation: December 2019
Adrienne is pursuing a MBA at The University of St. Thomas.
Adrienne is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.
Xavier James

Xavier James
Physics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shelly Lesher
UWL Graduation: May 2019
Xavier is pursuing a Ph.D. in nuclear physics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Xavier is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.

Dr. Atticus Jaramillo
History
History & Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. James Longhurst
Contact: atticusa@live.unc.edu
UWL Graduation: May 2014
Atticus earned a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in May 2016. He was a national finalist in the HUD Innovation in Affordable Housing Competition.
Atticus earned his Ph.D. in 2022 in City and Regional Planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Ford Fellow.
Cassandra Jens

Cassandra Jens
Computer Science
Faculty mentor: Dr. Thomas Gendreau
UWL Graduation: May 2013

Micaela Julian
Psychology & Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Berna Gercek Swing
UWL Graduation: May 2019
Micaela is currently pursuing a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Oklahoma.
Eric King

Eric King
English
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Bryan Kopp
Contact: king.eric.ryan@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2012
Eric graduated with a Master of Arts in English from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in May 2014.
Read Eric's submission to the 2012 UWL Journal of Undergraduate Research.

Sofia Kozidis
Geography
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Berlin
UWL Graduation: May 2018
In 2020 Sofia earned a Master's Degree in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Michelle Lane

Michelle Lane
Microbiology
Faculty mentor: Dr. William Schwan
Contact: Lanem7285@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2014
Learn more about biomedical research in which Michelle collaborated as an undergraduate student.

Nico Lang
Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Valeria Stepanova
UWL Graduation: May 2020
Nico is pursuing a PhD at the University of Utah in Chemistry.

Camryn Larson
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Roger Haro
UWL Graduation: May 2020
Biology (Aquatic Science)
Camryn is pursuing a Master's Degree at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Elizabeth Lee
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ryan McKelley
UWL Graduation: May 2012
Elizabeth earned a Master of Arts in Family Therapy at Nyack College in 2016.
Pahna Lee
Pahna Lee
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Xong Xiong
UWL Graduation: December 2019

Paul Lee
Geography
Faculty Mentor: Dr. John Kelly
UWL Graduation: May 2020
Paul is pursuing a Master's Degree at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.
Yifat Levenstein

Yifat Levenstein
Psychology
Faculty mentor: Dr. Ryan McKelley
UWL Graduation: May 2014
Yifat received national recognition when she was named the national winner of the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies' 2014 student poster competition for her research on cross-cultural similarities and differences in predictors of disordered eating between American and Israeli women. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Utah.

Nicole Hazelton (Lomeli)
Psychology
Faculty mentor: Dr. Betty De Boer
Contact: lomeli.nico@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: December 2013
Nicole completed her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan in December 2015.

Timothy Lomeli
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Alessandro Quartiroli
Contact: twlomeli@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2015
Timothy earned a Master of Arts degree in Language, Literature, and Translation with a concentration in French and Francophone Language, Literature, and Culture from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee in December 2017. In 2019 he earned a Master of Arts degree in Pedagogy from Indiana University and is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in French at Florida State University.

Chee Lor
Biology
Biology: Biomedical Science & Biochemistry
Faculty mentor: Dr. Sumei Liu
UWL Graduation: May 2014.
Chee earned his M.D. from the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018.
Mai Nue Lor

Mai Nue Lor
Communication Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dena Huisman
Contact: lor.main@uwlax.edu
UWL Graduation: May 2018
Mai Nue is currently pursuing her graduate degree in the Student Affairs Administration program at UWL.
Xao Lor

Xao Lor
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shelly Lesher
Contact: lorxao@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: August 2011

Yer Lor
Biology
Cellular & Molecular Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tisha King-Heiden
Contact: lor.yer89@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2014
Yer earned a Master of Science in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi in May 2016.
Yer is currently a Geneticist at the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center in La Crosse.
Sakiah Marks-Rivera

Sakiah Marks-Rivera
Sakiah is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.
Brian Manske

Brian Manske
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tom Volk
UWL Graduation: August 2014
Destiny Miller

Destiny Miller
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Betty Deboer
UWL Graduation: May 2019; Ed.S. May 2022
Destiny received her Ed.S. degree at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse in the area of School Psychology in May 2022. She worked in the McNair office as a graduate assistant while earning her degree.

Mackenzie Mindel (Moen)
Philosophy
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Samuel Cocks
UWL-Graduation: December 2017
Mackenzie completed a Master of Arts degree in Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership at Edgewood College in 2019.

Dylan Montoure
Biology
Environmental Science Concentration
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Meredith Thomsen
Contact: Dmontoure11@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2016

Mark Moralez
Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. John Kovari
UWL Graduation: May 2020
In May 2023, Mark graduated with an M.S. in Public Affairs and will be continuing to a Ph.D. program in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis at Univ. of Wisconsin Madison.
Cecilia Moreno

Cecilia Moreno
Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Keely Rees
UWL-Graduation: May 2018
Cecilia is currently pursuing dual degrees in Public Health and Latin American Studies at the University of Arizona.
Cecilia is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.
Ryan Nell

Ryan Nell
Communication Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jörg Vianden
UWL Graduation: May 2012; Master of Science in Education in Student Affairs Administration, May 2014.

Malcolm Nelson
Anthropology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Christine Hippert
UWL Graduation: May 2021
Anthropology & Philosophy
Malcolm is pursuing a Master's Degree in Anthropology & Environmental Policy at the University of Maine.
Yolona Ngandali

Yolona Ngandali
Archaeological Studies
Faculty mentor: Dr. Connie Arzigian
Contact: ngandali@uw.edu
UWL Graduation: December 2015
Yolona earned her Master of Arts in Anthropology and is continuing her doctoral studies at the University of Washington.

Cristian Noriega-Sagastume
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tori Svoboda
UWL Graduation: May 2017
Cristian completed his Master of Education in Higher Education at Loyola University in 2019.
Alfredo Novoa

Alfredo Novoa
Health
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Teri Holford-Talpe, Dr. Mark Sandheinrich
UWL Graduation: May 2016
Health, Spanish & French
Alfredo earned his Master of Health Informatics from the University of Michigan in 2018.
Mikka Nyarko

Mikka Nyarko
Public Health
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Keely Rees
UWL-Graduation: May 2018
Mikka earned a Masters in Public Health at Oregon State University in 2020. She is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.

Sara Schmidt (Opffer)
Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dawn Norris
UWL Graduation Date: May 2017
Sara graduated with a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Maryland in 2019.
Isabel Ortiz

Isabel Ortiz
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Adele Lozano
UWL Graduation: May 2020

Dr. Kingsley Ozongwu
Biology
Biology: Biomedical Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Anne Galbraith
Contact: ko389@drexel.edu
UWL Graduation: May 2016
Kingsley earned his M.D. at Drexel University College of Medicine, where he also earned a Master of Science degree.

Sarah Pease
Exercise & Sports Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Jecklin
Contact: sarah.pease@wustl.edu
UWL Graduation: May 2017
Sara earned her doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy at the Washington University School of Medicine in 2020.

Dr. Cassandra Philippon
Psychology
Psychology & Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nicholas Bakken
Contact: cphilipponhintz@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2016
Cassandra earned her Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University in 2018. She then attended the University of Maryland to complete her Ph.D. in 2023 in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Ebony Phillips

Ebony Phillips
Psychology
Faculty mentor: Dr. Tori Svoboda
UWL Graduation: December 2015
Ebony graduated with a Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee in 2019.
Felipe Pincheira-Berthelon

Felipe Pincheira-Berthelon
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Peacock
Contact: pincheir.felipe@uwlax.edu
UWL-Graduation: May 2018; M.S. Applied Statistics, May 2020

Dr. Hannah Piper
Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Todd Weaver
Contact: hpiper@iastate.edu
UWL Graduation: May 2017
Biochemistry & Microbiology
Hannah earned her Ph.D. in May 2023 from Iowa State University in the Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology.

Ellen Poeschel
Political Science
Political Science & Spanish
Faculty mentor: Dr. Jean Janecki
UWL Graduation: May 2011
Yes, Ellen really was crowned Miss Oktoberfest in 2011.

Dr. Andrew Prudhom
Mathematics
Mathematics & Physics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Eric Gansen
UWL Graduation: May 2013
Dr. Prudhom completed his Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2019.
Lucas Purnell

Lucas Purnell
Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ray Block
UWL Graduation: December 2012

Dr. Edward Quinn
Biology
Faculty mentor: Dr. Timothy McAndrews
Contact: ebqebq73@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2011
Edward earned his Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Alabama and a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Florida.
Alicia Quiñones

Alicia Quiñones
Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Nizam Arain
UWL-Graduation: May 2018
Alicia earned a Masters in Public Policy at the University of Maryland in 2020.

Melanie Quiñones
Sociology
Sociology and Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tim Gongaware
UWL Graduation: May 2013
Melanie graduated with a Master's in Social Work from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2015 and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala.

Justin Radomski
Microbiology
Microbiology (Biomedical Science)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Peter Wilker
UWL Graduation: May 2014
Justin earned his Master in Biomedical Science degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2016.
Damien Rasmussen

Damien Rasmussen
Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. John May
UWL Graduation: May 2017
Damien is completing doctoral work in Biochemistry at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Mickey Redington
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Suthakaran Veerasamy
UWL Graduation: May 2021
Mickey earned her Masters of Counseling from Arizona State University in 2023.
Jessi Reidy

Jessi Reidy
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Suthakaran Veerasamy
UWL Graduation: May 2017
Jessie completed a Master of Science degree in Psychology from Marquette University in 2019 and is continuing her doctoral studies.
Nichole Rich

Nichole Rich
Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Enilda Delgado
UWL Graduation: May 2011

José Rubio-Zepeda
Political Science
Political Science & Spanish
Faculty mentor: Dr. Omar Granados
Contact:jdrubzep0990@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2014
José completed his Master of Arts in Latin American Studies and his Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning at The University of Texas at Austin in 2017. He now works at UWL and is a member of the McNair Scholars Advisory Committee.
Read articles about José's May 2014 commencement speech in the La Crosse Tribune and the UWL Campus Connection.
José's Biography
Rosa Salas
Rosa Salas
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Anne Galbraith
UWL Graduation: May 2021

Victoria Salerno
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Barrett Klein
UWL Graduation: May 2020
Victoria is pursuing a Master's Degree at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in Agroecology.

Maricruz Sanchez
Psychology
Psychology & Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nici Ploeger-Lyons
UWL Graduation: May 2016
Maricruz completed her Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University in 2018.
Dr. Vanessa Reynolds (Schwartz)

Dr. Vanessa Reynolds (Schwartz)
Psychology
Faculty mentor: Dr. Bianca Basten
UWL Graduation: May 2012
Dr. Reynolds completed her Master of Science and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is the co-founder of Empowerment Counseling.

Elizabeth Seramur
Microbiology
Microbiology (Biomedical Science)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Peg Maher
UWL Graduation: August 2011
Elizabeth also completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Viterbo University in 2017.
Jeffrey Siegenthaler

Jeffrey Siegenthaler
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Alexander O'Brien
UWL Graduation: December 2010
Migdalia Simpson

Migdalia Simpson
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Suthakaran Veerasamy
UWL Graduation: December 2019
Salvatore Skare

Salvatore Skare
Computer Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Allison Sauppe
UWL Graduation: December 2019

Alexis Smith
Communication Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Scott Dickmeyer
UWL Graduation: May 2015
Alexis completed a Master's of Professional Studies in Human Resources from Cornell University in 2022.

Josey Sorenson
Mathematics
Mathematics & Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Gregory Sandland
Josey is pursuing a Doctorate Degree at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in Biostatistics.
Josey is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.
Fernando Souza
Fernando Souza
Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Hoffmann
UWL Graduation: May 2020
Fernando is pursuing graduate studies at Duke University.
Fernando is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.
Donica Spence

Donica Spence
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Christine Hippert
UWL Graduation: December 2013
Donica earned her Master of Science in Anthropology from New Mexico State University in 2015.

Yang Cha Thao
Therapeutic Recreation
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jearold Holland
Contact: yangchathao1@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2012; Master of Science in Education from the UWL Student Affairs Administration, program in 2014.
As part of her graduate work, she completed an internship in the McNair's Scholars Office and served on our Advisory Committee as an alumni member.
Read more about Yang Cha's undergraduate contributions to Ka's Garden, a bilingual children's book.

Briannae Theodore
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Hoffman
UWL Graduation: December 2019
Briannae is attending University of Wisconsin - Madison for her M.D.

Kemmesha Thomas
Public Health
Public Health & Community Health Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laurie Cooper Stoll
UWL Graduation: May 2020
In May 2023, Kemmesha earned an MPH in Health Equity.
Kemmesha is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.
Briana Priniski (Tong)

Briana Priniski (Tong)
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dung Ngo
UWL Graduation: May 2012
Anthony Torres

Anthony Torres
Recreation Management
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Brian Kumm-Schaley
UWL Graduation: May 2020
Anthony is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.

Brandon Tristano
Education
Middle Childhood/Early Adolescent Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Roi Kawai, Dr. Ann Yehle
UWL Graduation: December 2019
Brandon is attending graduate school at The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

Corina Tibbitts (Valencia)
Microbiology
Microbiology (Biomedical)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Peter Wilker
UWL Graduation: May 2019
Corina earned her MPH in 2021 from the Environmental Health Master of Public Health program at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.
Corina is an alum of the UWL First Year Research Exposure program.

Brian Vanderheyden
Public Health
Community Health Education
Faculty mentor: Dr. Keely Rees
UWL Graduation: May 2011
Brian earned a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University in 2013 and a Master of Public Health program at Des Moines University in 2021.

Pa Houa Vang
Education
Early Childhood Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ann Epstein & Dr. Barb Gander
Contact: pahouav@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: May 2012; Master of Education-Professional Development Learning Community Program in 2015.
Read more about Pa Houa's undergraduate contributions to Ka's Garden, a bilingual children's book.

Aaron Vesey
Philosophy
Philosophy & Physics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mary Krizan
UWL Graduation: May 2016
Aaron earned a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in 2019.
Liza Walleser

Liza Walleser
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Roger Haro
UWL Graduation: May 2010; Master of Science in Biology in 2012.
Christian Wendland

Christian Wendland
Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laurie Cooper Stoll
Contact: Wendland.chri@gmail.com
UWL Graduation: December 2015
Christian completed a Master of Health Administration in Health Policy and Management from Johns Hopkins University in 2017.
Amber West

Amber West
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Ryan McKelley
UWL Graduation: May 2020
Kory Wilkinson

Kory Wilkinson
Clinical Laboratory Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Howard, Dr. Scott Cooper
UWL Graduation: May 2013
Dewayne Wrencher

Dewayne Wrencher
Art
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Donald Sloan
UWL Graduation: August 2014
Dewayne completed his Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art at Stonybrook University in New York.
Watch a video or read an article about Dewayne's performance at the 2013 TEDxUWLaCrosse.
Chai Yang

Chai Yang
Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ray Block
UWL Graduation: May 2017
Chai is completed his Master of Social work degree at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2019.
Gaokhia Yang

Gaokhia Yang
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Peg Maher
UWL Graduation: May 2017
Gaokhia is currently completing her Master of Science in Biology at UWL.
Lee Yang

Lee Yang
Public Health
Faculty mentor: Dr. Anders Cedergren
UWL Graduation: May 2015, Master in Public Health in 2017.
Public Health: Community Health Education
Nancy Yang

Nancy Yang
Geography
Faculty Mentor: Dr. John Kelly
UWL Graduation: May 2019
Nancy completed a Masters in Arts degree in Disability Studies from The City University in New York in 2020.

TC Yang
Education
Middle Childhood/Early Adolescence Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Joyce Shanks
UWL Graduation: May 2011; Master of Science in Education in the Student Affairs Administration program in 2015.
While completing graduate work at UWL, TC also served as a graduate assistant in the McNair Scholars office.
Vang Yang

Vang Yang
Information Systems
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Patrick Barlow
UWL Graduation: May 2016

Xiong Yang
Biology
Biology (Biomedical Science)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Margaret Maher
UWL Graduation: May 2011, Master of Science in Biology in 2015.
Read Xiong's submission to the UWL Journal of Undergraduate Research.

Sydney Yarbrough
Sociology
Sociology & Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laurie Cooper Stoll
UWL Graduation: May 2019
Sydney completed her M.A. in Sociology at the University of Maryland in 2021.
Dr. Sarah Zahirudin-Rother

Dr. Sarah Zahirudin-Rother
Exercise & Sports Science
Exercise & Sports Science & Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Thomas Kernozek
UWL Graduation: May 2015
Sarah completed a Master of Public Health at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in 2017 and in May 2023 her Doctorate in Pharmacology (PharmD.)
Melissa Zins

Melissa Zins
Biology
Faculty mentor: Dr. Michael Hoffman
UWL Graduation: December 2014