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Category: Academics

K-State students present posters to Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol  

Five undergraduate students from Kansas State University presented their research at Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol on Friday, March 1.  

K-State’s Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research (SDUR) commends these students for their efforts, learning outcomes and exemplary representation of K-State. Gratitude is also due to the faculty mentors and research programs who helped create these transformative student experiences. 

Student presenters, photographed left to right are:  

  • Helen Winters, sophomore, “Form and Function of Dominant Prairie Grass Across Climate Gradients: Identifying Climate-adapted Populations for Restoration and Conservation,” mentored by Dr. Loretta Johnson 
  • Kalea Nippert, senior, Is extreme fire the key to reversing grassland loss due to woody encroachment? A test in the tallgrass prairie,” mentored by Zak Ratajczak 
  • Ellienne Warnes, senior, “Exercise Improves Cognitive Performance and Increases Hippocampal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Expression in Female Autism Spectrum Disorder Modeled Rats,” mentored by Bethany Plakke 
  • Cassidy Hartig, senior, “The Middle of Everywhere: One Kansas Effigy’s Storied Past and Present,” mentored by Dr. Lisa Tatonetti 
  • Grace Schieferecke, junior, “Molecular Analysis of Benzimidazole Resistance in Hookworms in Kansas Dogs,” mentored by Dr. Jeba Jesudoss Chelladurai 

students stand with their posters

Students were selected through a formal application process and reviewed by a committee. Upon selection, students attended a training session, created their research posters and invited their state representatives to attend the event.  

This poster session featured presenters from each of the Kansas Board of Regents institutions (KBOR). Throughout the presentation, the students interacted with a diverse group of attendees: peers, state representatives and their staff, administrators from KBOR institutions, and the public.  

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to further celebrate the efforts of undergraduate researchers from all corners of campus at the upcoming Undergraduate Research Symposium, on Thursday, April 11, from 4-6 p.m. in the Student Union Grand Ballroom. (link) 

Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research is housed within the Staley School of Leadership. The Staley School also includes undergraduate and graduate leadership studies academic programs, leadership and service co-curricular programs, and the University Honors Program. The Staley School equips learners with leadership skills and academic excellence through applied learning experiences, in-class learning, and community partnerships around the world. To learn more, visit www.k-state.edu/leadership. ­­ 

Seeking nominations for University Honors Program undergraduate and faculty awards

The University Honors Program is seeking nominations for undergraduate awards and the UHP Teaching and Mentoring Award. Anyone can nominate a student, instructor or faculty member for these awards. Self-nominations are also encouraged. Eligibility for awards and links to the nomination forms are listed below.

Not sure if a student is in honors? Nominate them and the UHP staff will determine their eligibility. Email ksuhonors@k-state.edu with any questions.

University Honors Program Outstanding First-Year Award | Nominations due 5 p.m. Friday, March 1

This award will honor a current first-year, non-transfer student in the University Honors program who has demonstrated academic excellence and involvement in the Honors community. The winner will receive a $500 scholarship.

Minimum qualifications

  • Current 3.5 K-State GPA
  • Successful completion of (or current enrollment in) UHP 189

 

University Honors Program Outstanding Student Award| Nominations due 5 p.m. Friday, March 1

This award will honor a current student (not a first-year student) in the University Honors Program who has demonstrated academic excellence and involvement in the Honors community. The winner will receive a $500 scholarship.

Minimum qualifications

  • Current 3.5 K-State GPA
  • Successful completion of UHP 189
  • Additional involvement in the UHP. This can include participation in honors events, involvement in the Honors House, completion of (or current enrollment in) Honors courses (beyond UHP 189), or completion of a co-curricular experience.

 

University Honors Program Teaching and Mentoring Award| Nominations or applications are due by Friday, March, 1

This acknowledges the role that instructors and mentors play in supporting students in the University Honors Program (UHP) in any or all of the following ways:

  • Challenging students intellectually
  • Supporting academic growth
  • Mentoring UHP capstone projects and experiences
  • Advising students
  • Helping students prepare for careers after college

Award applicants may self-nominate, can be nominated by another faculty member, or can be nominated by current UHP students. The winner will receive a $500 award as DRA funds. Any faculty or staff member (any rank) who works in a mentoring or teaching capacity with UHP students is eligible.

 

Leadership Communication celebrates doctoral graduate

The Leadership Communication doctoral program at Kansas State University proudly announces its fall 2023 graduate. Lindsey Dreiling, Ph.D., completed her doctorate in leadership communication, an interdisciplinary program with faculty from the Department of Communications and Agricultural Education, the Department of Communication Studies, the College of Education, the Staley School of Leadership and the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication.

Lindsey Dreiling earned two B.S. degrees in professional pilot and technology management and a M.S. in counseling and student development. Continue reading “Leadership Communication celebrates doctoral graduate”