University News

UW-Platteville and Edgewood College Launch New Partnership

Written By: Ed Taylor, Edgewood College | Published On: Mar 04, 2020 | Featured in: Press Release, STEM

UW-Platteville and Edgewood College are pleased to announce the Engineering Dual Degree, that will allow students to complete two degrees simultaneously. Students will earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physics from Edgewood College, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in either Electrical or Mechanical Engineering at UW-Platteville. The two institutions celebrated the agreement at a signing ceremony held today.

Brooke Kunkel and Monica Radtke examine the results of a DEXA scan.

Students to present research on health benefits of yoga at Research in the Rotunda

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Mar 04, 2020 | Featured in: Education, Research

91��-Platteville health and human performance students Brooke Kunkel, Ann Larson and Monica Radtke will present their research on the health benefits of yoga at the 17th annual Research in the Rotunda at the Capitol Building in Madison, Wisconsin.

Students take first place and innovation award for cutting-edge technique at casting competition

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Mar 04, 2020 | Featured in: Applied Engineering Technology Management, STEM

Students in the American Foundry Society Club at the 91��-Platteville recently topped their previous successes in a regional casting competition by not only taking a first-place finish, but also earning the competition’s Imagination in Metalcasting Award – a first in the competition’s history.

Mueller to present research on dopamine at Research in the Rotunda

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Mar 03, 2020 | Featured in: Psychology, Research

Dana Mueller, a senior psychology major at UW-Platteville, will present her research on dopamine and utilitarian moral judgment at the 17th annual Research in Rotunda on Wednesday, March 11, at the Capitol Building in Madison, Wisconsin.

Pictured left to right are Jonas Wagner and Logan Shefchik.

Students to present disaster response applications at Research in the Rotunda

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Mar 02, 2020 | Featured in: STEM, Research

Natural disasters are inevitable, but a group of students are researching how an application can assist with disaster response. Several students are collaborating with Electrical and Computer Engineering Assistant Professor Dr. Mehdi Roopaei on their research topic, device analytics for disaster response applications.

Golden’s research aims to advance transistor technology

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Mar 02, 2020 | Featured in: STEM, Research

The race to create faster, smarter and smaller electronic devices has consumed the tech industry for decades, but is there a physical limit to just how small they can go? It is a question being explored in UW-Platteville's Material Fabrication and Nano Characterization Lab. Kayla Golden, a senior electrical engineering major, will present her research on nanoscale vacuum-channel field emission transistors at the annual UW System Research in the Rotunda event in Madison, Wisconsin.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Theron Parsons

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Feb 28, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Psychology

Dr. Theron Parsons, a professor of psychology at the 91��-Platteville since 1996, teaches both clinical and non-clinical psychology courses. In addition to teaching full-time at the undergraduate level on campus, he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses online for the university’s School of Education and Center for Distance Learning for more than 10 years.

WI State Assembly Rep. Sargent to present ‘Representation and Justice in Politics’ March 12

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Feb 27, 2020 | Featured in: Press Release, Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation

On Thursday, March 12, Wisconsin State Assembly Rep. Melissa Sargent will present “Representation and Justice in Politics” in Room 136 Doudna Hall at the 91��-Platteville at 5 p.m. The presentation, sponsored by the university’s Social and Environmental Justice Program, is free and open to all.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Fang Yang

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Feb 21, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, STEM

As an associate professor of electrical engineering, Dr. Fang Yang specializes in power engineering – an interest she developed during a summer camp in middle school, where she had a chance to visit power plants. Now she teaches these concepts to a unique group of students on the UW Oshkosh Fox Cities campus through the UW-Platteville Engineering Partnership.

Vaping, e-cigarettes and medical ethics to be discussed on Baraboo Sauk County campus

Written By: John Christensen | Published On: Feb 21, 2020 | Featured in: Baraboo Sauk County

UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County campus will host a community conversation on youth vaping, e-cigarettes, and medical ethics on Tuesday, March 3 from 7-9 p.m.

Group of students on Border Immersion Trip

Students head south for immersive border experience

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Feb 19, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

A group of 12 UW-Platteville students recently gained an up close and inside look at immigration policy, culture and complexities at the U.S.-Mexico border when they participated in a Border Immersion Trip to Texas and New Mexico, Jan. 18-26.

Forum to explore how Colombian novel enhances understanding of history

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Feb 19, 2020 | Featured in: History, Humanities

On Thursday, March 5, the College of Liberal Arts and Education will host a faculty forum, “Talking Bones: The Writing of Assassination in Colombia,” in Room 136 Doudna Hall from 5-6:30 p.m.

Redfearn credits family, UW-Platteville for igniting passion for history

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Feb 19, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, History

From the time she was about nine years old, UW-Platteville alumna Winifred (Winnie) Redfearn knew that she wanted to be a history professor. Over the years, her love of history grew, and she realized that, more than anything, she wanted to open a window to the past and share the stories of those whose voices had never been heard.

Frayer to receive Distinguished Teaching Award from the Wisconsin Section of the Mathematical Association of America

Written By: Mathematical Association of America – Wisconsin Section | Published On: Feb 18, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Press Release, STEM

91��-Platteville Professor of Mathematics Dr. Chris Frayer will receive the 2020 Distinguished Teaching Award from the Wisconsin Section of the Mathematical Association of America.

Syrian refugee to discuss civil liberties through her music and journey to the United States

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Feb 18, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Press Release

UPDATE: Due to safety and health concerns around COVID-19, this event has been cancelled as a precautionary measure.

Pictured left to right are Hannah Williams, Maria Bast, Courtney Miess and Abigail Parker.

Education students attend state reading convention

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Feb 18, 2020 | Featured in: Education

Four elementary education students recently attended the 2020 Wisconsin State Reading Association Convention at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

UW System Board of Regents approves new online Master of Science in cybersecurity

Written By: UW System | Published On: Feb 17, 2020 | Featured in: Press Release, Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation

The UW System Board of Regents has granted its approval to offer a 12-course, 34-credit online master’s degree in cybersecurity. The program is a collaboration of 91�� Extended Campus and eight UW System campuses, including UW-Platteville.

Students researching in field with Dr. John Peterson

Students hope research brings awareness about emerging disease in snakes

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Feb 17, 2020 | Featured in: Biology, STEM, Research

For the past several years, UW-Platteville students, led by Dr. John Peterson, associate professor of biology, have been researching an emerging snake fungal disease that threatens to disrupt the balance of ecosystems across the country, including in Wisconsin.

A thousand tiny things: Dr. Ilke Celik’s students save energy one choice at a time

Written By: Jane Halpern | Published On: Feb 14, 2020 | Featured in: STEM

Anyone who has touched a light switch in the 91��-Platteville’s Ottensman Hall recently may have noticed a small green placard near the plate urging people to turn the lights off when they leave the room. That placard is the work of Dr. Ilke Celik’s Green Building Design students, who are trying to get everyone to think about how the tiny choices they make add up to big energy savings.

Pioneer Spotlight: Gloria Stuckey

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Feb 14, 2020 | Featured in: Biology

For nearly 30 years, Gloria Stuckey has worked at the 91��-Platteville Biology Department as the laboratory manager. She assists faculty, staff and students with any questions in the lab, while supervising student employees.

Jon Hutson (James Tyrone), Logan Eigenberger (as Edmund Tyrone), Andrew Arevalo (Jamie Tyrone)

Pioneer Players tackle an American tragedy in Eugene O'Neill's ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’

Written By: Maddie Harbour | Published On: Feb 12, 2020 | Featured in: Arts & Culture

The Department of Performing and Visual Arts-Theatre and Pioneer Players will continue their 2019-20 season with the classic Eugene O’Neill masterpiece, “Long Day’s Journey Into Night.”

EMS students showcase their ‘Kiln Rats’ pottery in Nohr Gallery

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Feb 11, 2020 | Featured in: Arts & Culture, STEM

Two students from the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science are using a creative outlet to enhance their education. Brady Zink and Sam Horsnell share a passion of science and ceramics, which has led their collection of pottery — titled Kiln Rats — to be showcased in the Harry and Laura Nohr Gallery until March 3.

Chamber Choir performs, explores British culture in London

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Feb 11, 2020 | Featured in: Arts & Culture

Thirty-seven 91��-Platteville Chamber Choir students and faculty recently enjoyed a whirlwind of cultural experiences in London, England, as part of “London Calling,” a short-term, faculty-led program.

Lancaster Community Fund to sponsor scholarships for College for Kids and Middle University

Written By: Tamera Bradley | Published On: Feb 11, 2020 | Featured in: Continuing Education Institute, Press Release

The Charles “Sonny” Tiedemann Charitable Fund awarded $1,000 to the UW-Platteville College for Kids program during the Lancaster Community Grant presentation ceremony held at Vesperman Farms. The check was received by Jessica Munz, program manager.

UW-Platteville philosophy program rated great value in nation

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Feb 11, 2020 | Featured in: Press Release

UW-Platteville's philosophy program has been named to Great Value Colleges’ ranking of the 100 Great Value Colleges for a bachelor’s in philosophy for 2020.

Something That You Love Doing: The David Murphy and Virginia Bowar Scholarship

Written By: Jane Halpern | Published On: Feb 10, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, STEM

When you ask Dave Murphy to describe the goals of the UW-Platteville scholarship that bears his name, the recently-retired president of MSA Professional Services is typically modest. “I really hope that I made it easier on the students’ parents, on the families who are supporting them,” he said. “And I hope it makes a difference to the students.”

Pioneer Spotlight: Ed Janairo

Written By: John Christensen | Published On: Feb 07, 2020 | Featured in: Baraboo Sauk County

Ed Janairo has been dean at the UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County campus since the integration of the branch campuses in 2018. As campus dean, he leads the operation of the Baraboo Sauk County campus, from academics and student affairs, to budget and administration and management of facilities and other operations, to external relations with alumni, government, and other stakeholders.

Platteville Community Fund awards scholarships for College for Kids and Middle University

Written By: Tamera Bradley | Published On: Feb 06, 2020 | Featured in: Continuing Education Institute, Press Release, Youth Programs

The 91��-Platteville College for Kids program was granted $700 from the Robert and Marian Graham Community Fund, which will provide full scholarships for seven students to attend the 2020 program. The award was received by Jessica Munz, program manager, during the Platteville Community Fund Awards Banquet. This grant will benefit children in kindergarten through seventh grade from the Platteville School District.

Strand Associates’ impactful gift to support College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science students

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Feb 05, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, STEM

A longtime partnership between the 91��-Platteville and Strand Associates was recently reaffirmed with a $200,000 commitment from the engineering firm, located in Madison, Wisconsin.

Selent and students prepare for battle

Written By: Jane Halpern | Published On: Feb 04, 2020 | Featured in: STEM

Somewhere, right now, on the 91��-Platteville’s idyllic rural campus, a battle is brewing. Dr. Doug Selent’s students are feverishly perfecting their programmed pets for Pokemon-style virtual combat, in a game tournament the software engineering assistant professor calls “Battle Pets.”

Mock Trial Team wins Civility Award

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Feb 03, 2020 | Featured in: Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation

The UW-Platteville Mock Trial Team won the Mary Lynn Neuhaus Civility Award at the 32nd National Mock Trial Invitational. Recipients of the award are chosen by their peers as the team that most exemplifies civility, sportsmanship and courtesy.

Chitwood finds ideal fit, gains valuable skills at UW-Platteville

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Jan 31, 2020 | Featured in: Psychology

Hands-on learning opportunities and a caring, supportive learning environment have been key to Mackenzie Chitwood’s success as a student at the 91��-Platteville.

Boebel Hall renovations set to begin

Written By: Paul Erickson | Published On: Jan 25, 2020 | Featured in: Biology, Environmental Sciences, Press Release, STEM, Research

The $23.7 million Boebel Hall renovations are set to begin in the upcoming weeks. The project will renovate existing laboratory and classroom space to become instructional laboratories, preparation and support space, research and undergraduate research space and a general assignment classroom while adding stunning new looks.

Pioneer Spotlight: Greg Nelson

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Jan 24, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Arts & Culture

From the moment Greg Nelson began teaching studio art courses in graphic design and printmaking at the 91��-Platteville in August 2002, his goal has been to share his experiences and knowledge of the industry with his students to help them succeed.

UW-Platteville faculty, students help defend the Great Lakes

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Jan 22, 2020 | Featured in: STEM, Research

It is no secret that Wisconsin has great fishing opportunities, however, many are unaware of a threat posed to the state’s fishing industry by invasive fish, such as bighead carp and silver carp. Dr. Thomas Zolper, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UW-Platteville, and his students, have spent the past several years collaborating with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to combat this threat.

Restorative Justice Conference: repairing harm, promoting healing

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Jan 21, 2020 | Featured in: Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation

The Department of Criminal Justice will host its biannual Restorative Justice Conference in the university’s Velzy Commons, Ullsvik Hall, from 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

Withstand more, fail better: Dr. Robabeh Jazaei contends with concrete

Written By: Jane Halpern | Published On: Jan 21, 2020 | Featured in: STEM, Research

Dr. Robabeh Jazaei is an expert in the characterization and simulation of advanced materials subject to static and dynamic loadings; but more than that; she is an expert in a special type of failure. The lecturer in civil and environmental engineering at the 91��-Platteville has forged her career around the study of failure mechanism in all its forms: cracking, crumbling, and collapsing.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Mark Levenstein

Written By: Garrison Ledbury | Published On: Jan 17, 2020 | Featured in: Biology, Campus & Community

Dr. Mark Levenstein is an assistant professor of molecular biology and biotechnology. He is also the director of the Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology program. These various titles influence Levenstein’s areas of scientific research and enable him to decipher the questions of life that have intrigued him since his childhood.

Schulenburg listens to slavery's Latin American ghosts in essay

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Jan 16, 2020 | Featured in: Humanities

Dr. Chris Schulenburg, professor of Spanish at the 91��-Platteville, co-authored “It Hurts So Good: Resuscitating Female Slave Narratives in Fe en disfraz,” a scholarly article recently published in Arizona State University’s “Chasqui,” an academic journal devoted to Latin American literature.

Forum to examine disappearance of Native American ‘Two Spirits’

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Jan 15, 2020 | Featured in: Arts & Culture

On Thursday, Feb. 6, the College of Liberal Arts and Education will host a faculty forum, “Where Have the Two Spirits Gone?” in Room 136 Doudna Hall from 5-6:30 p.m.

UW-Platteville will receive EDA-funded technical assistance from Rural Innovation Strategies, Inc.

Written By: Aidan Calvelli, Rural Innovation Initiative | Published On: Jan 10, 2020 | Featured in: Press Release, Business

Rural Innovation Strategies, Inc. announced that the 91��-Platteville has been chosen in a highly competitive process to participate in the 2020 Rural Innovation Initiative, a technical assistance program supporting rural communities working to create digital economy jobs with an innovation hub strategy.

Brogley one of 200 chosen worldwide by Google for global meetup

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Jan 10, 2020 | Featured in: Education

Jessica Brogley, instructor in UW-Platteville's School of Education, was one of 200 people chosen worldwide by Google to attend “Google Local Guides Connect Live 2019,” a global meetup for some of the world’s best contributors to Google Maps, held Nov. 12-15 in San Jose, California, and at the Google campus in Sunnyvale, California.

College of LAE recognizes excellence at award reception

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Jan 10, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

UW-Platteville's College of Liberal Arts and Education recently recognized several faculty and staff members at its 2019 Award Recognition Reception held in the Nohr Gallery, Ullsvik Hall.

Pioneer Spotlight: Mary Bartling

Written By: Garrison Ledbury | Published On: Jan 10, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Business

Mary Bartling came to UW-Platteville in the fall of 2016 as an assistant professor in supply chain management. She brings to the business program an assortment of work experience, including time at Harley Davidson Motor Company, MillerCoors, General Electric and Bon-Ton Stores that benefits her students. However, teaching called more to Bartling as she continued to work in her field and eventually led her to UW-Platteville.

Gordon pens book on Faulkner’s ties to LGBTQ literature and culture

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Jan 07, 2020 | Featured in: Arts & Culture

Dr. Pip Gordon, associate professor of English and Gay Studies coordinator at UW-Platteville, explores Nobel Prize-winning novelist William Faulkner’s ties to LGBTQ literature and culture in his recently-published book, “Gay Faulkner: Uncovering a Homosexual Presence in Yoknapatawpha and Beyond.”

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Yi Tong

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Jan 03, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Dr. Yi Tong is a lecturer of philosophy at the 91��-Platteville. His special interests include questions of methodology, philosophy of language and ethics. He is also interested in philosophy of law, an area where many important aspects of modern social political life and issues such as individual freedom, responsibility and luck intersect.

Pictured left to right are Deb Putnam, Murphy Bleymeyer, Raiven Breseman, Clay Spooner, Sydney Williams and Valerie Gill, MSW, LISW

Students volunteer time and talents at Ruby’s Pantry

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Dec 23, 2019 | Featured in: Psychology, Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation

This fall, four UW-Platteville students had an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by volunteering their time and talents at Platteville’s Ruby’s Pantry, a nonprofit, faith-based organization in Platteville that provides food for Southwest Wisconsin and surrounding communities.