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Software by �� professor, students helps international museum collections shine – literally – in 3D

giffeyt — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Software by �� professor, students helps international museum collections shine – literally – in 3Dgiffeyt June 9, 2025

Kintsugi 3D used by Minneapolis Institute of Art, other institutions to capture surface details of heritage objects

Software developed at University of Wisconsin-Stout is helping museums around the world preserve pieces of cultural heritage for future generations by creating 3D models that accurately capture every detail of the color, texture and brightness of objects.

Kintsugi 3D is the creation of Michael Tetzlaff, an assistant professor of computer science, and numerous �� students. The software has been used by notable institutions worldwide to create models of artifacts in their collections, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam; the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, Norway; the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C; and the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia).

“Documenting the art is incredibly important, and we want to get it out in the world however we can,” explained Mia Lead Collections Photographer Charles Walbridge, an avid user of the software. “The Kintsugi project has helped us be able to share more accurate 3D models that we’ve been making in the museum.”

Kintsugi 3D gets its name from the Japanese art of kintsugi, a method of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and precious metals to create unique pieces that celebrate, rather than camouflage, their fractures. Likewise, the software allows photo professionals to capture true-to-life 3D models of sculptures, paintings and other cultural heritage objects.

The Kintsugi 3D Viewer software, a part of the project that students Tyler Betanski, Jacob Buelow, Isabel Smith, Victor Mondragon, Kyle Boatwright and Melissa Kosharek worked on. / Submitted image

While existing photogrammetry software – which combines hundreds of photos from different angles to create a 3D model – can effectively record many aspects of an object ��. appearance, it falls short in capturing the essence of materials and textures, Tetzlaff said. In particular, photogrammetry software struggles with specularity – the reflectivity of a surface and how it varies – particularly with objects that are shiny or metallic. Kintsugi 3D solves this problem by creating much more true-to-life renderings, capturing the sparkle of a bit of gold leaf or the depth of a brush stroke in oil paint.

“The big thing that our software does is it allows you to process those photographs and then builds a compact representation of what the material of the object looks like so that we can create new, interactive, dynamic 3D renderings where the user can change the viewpoint, change the lighting,” Tetzlaff explained. The resulting 3D models can be rotated by the user, with virtual light playing off the details of the surfaces, whether they are dull or dazzling, giving a much more realistic representation of the item. This is particularly valuable for accurately portraying older objects, whose surfaces may have been damaged or worn unevenly over time.

These models can be shared widely, helping scholars and the public appreciate cultural heritage objects. And they also serve as a kind of insurance, allowing the objects to live on – virtually, at least – if they are damaged or lost.

Kintsugi 3D was used to create these images of "Man from Sudan in Algerian Dress," a 19th-century sculpture by Charles Cordier. / Minneapolis Institute of Art

Software funded with federal, state grants

Tetzlaff said the software grew out of work he did as a doctoral student, and it received a significant boost in 2023 thanks to a $75,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant received in conjunction with Mia and Cultural Heritage Imaging, a San Francisco-based nonprofit. This and other funding, including from �� . Office of Research & Sponsored Programs as well as a recent grant from WiSys, has helped pay for students to work to improve the software.

Luke Denney, a computer science major from Byron, Minnesota, who graduated in May, has put hundreds of hours into Kintsugi 3D over the past two years. In fact, he even gave the software its current name, inspired in part by a “Star Wars” character who repaired his helmet kintsugi-style.

Denney has worked on the software ��. loading screen, trying to make it more user-friendly, particularly for those who aren’t programmers themselves. “A big part of this project was user experience design,” Tetzlaff explained. “There was basically working software that I had developed, but it wasn’t very usable. A lot of the research was working with user experience experts and stakeholders in cultural heritage to figure out what works for them.”

Denney shared the work he ��. done on Kintsugi 3D at �� . Research Day as well as at two other prestigious venues this spring: the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Pittsburgh and the Universities of Wisconsin ��. Research in the Rotunda event in the state Capitol in Madison.

Denney said the project has been invaluable in preparing him for his future career, in part because working on Kintsugi 3D required him to become familiar with a massive codebase. He expects that skill will come in handy when he begins his job later this year at IBM in Rochester, Minnesota.

In addition to navigating thousands of lines of code and gathering user feedback to improve software features, Denney said the project helped him learn to solve problems independently. “Something I focused on more last summer was taking more time before I ask a question,” Denney said. “When I’d run into a roadblock and have the temptation to go ask for help, I thought, ‘Wait, I want to give myself more time to figure this out before asking.’ And most of the time I was successful with that, so that felt really good,” he said.

�� Assistant Professor Michael Tetzlaff, left, and students Luke Denney, at podium, and Chloe Ferguson gave a presentation about Kintsugi 3D at Research Day, May 6, 2025

Denney is just one of more than a dozen �� students from a variety of disciplines who have contributed to the software. Among them is Chloe Ferguson, master of fine arts in design, Spring Valley.

Ferguson began working as a user experience designer on the program last fall, gathering data to see what features users wanted from the program. Working on the project has given Ferguson a better understanding of the science behind textures and materials, as well as the rewarding opportunity to work with stakeholders on improving the software, she said.

“User experience is all about considering and analyzing the user, striving to make your content more useful and accessible to them,” Ferguson said, noting the skills she is building now will be directly applicable to her future career.

“I feel proud of my work, especially with how directly this program has benefited cultural heritage groups,” she said. “We regularly meet with our stakeholders at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Cultural Heritage Imaging, which has allowed me to see the impact of my work on these groups firsthand.”

Other students and recent graduates who have worked – or are still working – on the project include master of fine arts in design candidate D. Magda Hannen; game design and development majors Isabel Smith, Elliot Duffy, Lou Brown and Augusto Freitas; and computer science majors Tyler Betanski, Jacob Buelow, Victor Mondragon, Ian Anderson, Zoe Cuthrell, Blane Suess, Isaac Tesch, Nathaniel Willius, Atlas Collins, Kyle Boatwright, Melissa Kosharek, Chris Medina, and Jacob Sletten.

Kintsugi 3D was used to create this image of a sculpture of dancer Loie Fuller by artist Joseph Kratina, which is in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. / Minneapolis Institute of Art

Software draws focus to ��

Walbridge, of Mia, is one of those who meets frequently with the Kintsugi 3D team to provide feedback. He has been part of Kintsugi 3D and related projects for years, having met Tetzlaff when the latter was a doctoral student at the University of Minnesota working on 3D photography and photogrammetry projects at Mia. “It ��. been such a pleasure to continue to work on this with Michael and his team,” said Walbridge, who praised the backing the project has received from ��.

Walbridge has worked to get other professionals involved in Kintsugi 3D as well, making presentations about the software and how to use it, including a training visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in April.

Among the objects from the Mia collection scanned with Kintsugi 3D is a sculpture of 19th-century dancer Loie Fuller by Czech artist Joseph Kratina. In digital photos the bronze sculpture appears to be a yellowish-brown, but it practically comes to life in a three-dimensional scan made with Kintsugi 3D. As a user rotates the image virtually, light plays against the sculpture ��. gold patina, and shadows of the dancer ��. arms are cast across her voluminous skirt. The software allows users to examine the sculpture in greater detail, giving the impression of walking around it in a well-lit gallery.

Gathering photos that will be used to created 3D models with Kintsugi 3D. / Minneapolis Institute of Art

“None of the current forms of 3D scanning are able to capture this kind of specularity,” Walbridge explained. The high level of realistic detail provided by the software is a boon to scholars studying such objects online, Walbridge said, and making these models available digitally fits with the ethos, shared by institutions such as Mia, of making cultural heritage freely and publicly available.

The software ��. use by professionals at the National Gallery of Art has led to a collaboration between that institution and �� . game design program, Tetzlaff added.

“It ��. a nice feedback loop where we’re supporting the museums and their work with the software, but then they’re becoming more aware of Stout, and that ��. leading to additional opportunities for Stout students,” he said.

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Kintsugi 3D used by Minneapolis Institute of Art, other institutions to capture surface details of heritage objects A computer screen shows the Kintsugi 3D software.

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Hero Caption: �� Assistant Professor Michael Tetzlaff, at podium, and students Chloe Ferguson and Luke Denney, gave a presentation about Kintsugi 3D at Research Day, May 6, 2025.

Michael Tetzlaff

Michael Tetzlaff is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin–Stout. He received his B.S. from Bethel University in St. Paul, and his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. His research interests include image-based computer graphics techniques and especially their applications in cultural heritage. He is the lead developer of Kintsugi 3D, an open-source software project for empirically based rendering of 3D cultural heritage artifacts captured using photogrammetry.

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Website: Kintsugi 3D Project Website

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Degree: Ph.D. Computer Science

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

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Real-world research: Engineering team designs South African trolley system; science students investigate heavy metals

goersab — Thu, 15 May 2025 12:30:00 +0000

Real-world research: Engineering team designs South African trolley system; science students investigate heavy metalsgoersab May 15, 2025

Cross-disciplinary teams present prototypes at Research Day, Engineers Without Borders' design challenge addressed by nearly 90 students

Abbey Goers

More than 300 undergraduate and graduate students and faculty presented their research across realms during �� . annual Research Day on May 6, with individuals and cross-disciplinary teams representing more than 30 degree fields.

Research ranged from heavy metals present in everyday products to regional topics, like housing and water quality in the Chippewa Valley, to health and wellbeing interests of the nation ��. citizens, to developing global solutions through an Engineers Without Borders’ international design challenge.

Nearly 90 students in 23 teams addressed the EWB challenge. One group focused on engineering a safer, more accessible transportation system in South Africa ��. suburbs. Revitalizing Makers Valley: Future-Ready Roads for Safety, Efficiency, and Growth was presented by:

Gabriel Morken, manufacturing engineering, Eau Claire
Ann Moss, computer and electrical engineering, Johnsburg, Illinois
Christian Bretey, mechanical engineering, Eau Claire
Christian Klein, mechanical engineering, St. Paul

Gabriel Morken, Ann Moss, Christian Bretey and Christian Klein at Research Day

Two biochemistry and molecular biology and chemistry students focused on heavy metals. Some products, such as chocolate, have trace amounts occurring in them naturally through the farming process, and some products are manufactured to contain heavy metals. The researchers were:

Natalie Chartrand, of St. Croix Falls: An Analysis of Heavy Metals in Chocolate
Riley Strobush, of St. Paul: Trace Metals in Various Nicotine Salts Brands

Research Day invites industry professionals and the campus and surrounding communities to engage with students and faculty and discuss their research and creative works through posters, prototypes, exhibits and collaborative faculty-student oral panel presentations.

Engineering a safer transportation system in South Africa

The Impacts of Engineering course introduces students to the engineering design process from initiation to completion and broadens their awareness of the social, environmental and economic implications of engineering.

Engineers Without Borders’ international Engineering for People Design Challenge brings together more than 12,000 engineering students from more than 40 universities in the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa.

This year ��. challenge was organized by Engineers Without Borders UK and South Africa, in collaboration with the nonprofit Makers Valley Partnership.

Lecturer Mark Dolan talks with engineering students as they build prototypes for the EWB challenge

Students developed sustainable engineering solutions centered around the needs of the 46,000 residents of Makers Valley, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. The area experienced urban decay and high unemployment, but in recent years has seen a wave of regeneration driven by social and creative enterprises.

Solutions students addressed included the general built environment, food security, reliable access to energy, waste reduction and recycling, safe drinking water, sanitation and transport infrastructure.

“The design challenge reinforces the goal of Stout ��. applied learning concept. Student teams work together, use applied math in their engineering calculations, write a professional-quality paper suitable for the EWB competition and build a functioning prototype of their proposed solution,” said engineering Lecturer Mark Dolan.

Morken, Moss, Bretey and Klein researched the current road conditions of Makers Valley and the city ��. most popular modes of transportation.

They found that Makers Valley does not regularly maintain its paved roads, which are pitted with numerous large potholes and litter; and biking and walking are most common, as many people can’t afford cars, Morken said.

“With the rough roads and concerns for the safety of bikers and pedestrians, even with sidewalks, Makers Valley is looking for safe and inexpensive updates to its transportation system,” Bretey said.

Gabriel Morken, Ann Moss, Christian Bretey and Christian Klein's trolley prototype

There is also a lack of trust in public transportation, Klein added. Feuds between taxi companies cause fear through intimidation tactics used on drivers and customers. And while school buses provide transportation for children to and from school, there are fees for the service, Moss explained.

“Many of the taxi drivers jack up their prices so they can afford to live. What shocked me about this was that I never stopped to consider just how many aspects of life poverty can affect,” Morken said. “We tried to figure out a way to get cars off the road, while simultaneously trying to figure out a way to have accessible transportation for anybody. We thought that a trolley system would solve both of those problems.”

The team landed on the idea of engineering a trolley system because it ��. a permanent network and can be designed as hybrid, running mainly on electricity. “But since the electrical grid is not always reliable in Makers Valley, the trollies could also run on fuel as a backup,” Bretey said.

“If we used an electric bus, that vehicle would have to stop and take breaks to regain a charge and be out of service during that time,” Moss added. “A trolley receives power through its connection to the track and would only need fuel when the power grid is down. This means that a trolley can be in commission longer than a bus could.”

The initial infrastructure cost of a trolley system is higher than a bussing system because of the need to install tracks, Morken said. “However, we thought that a trolley would be better in the long term because usually they can carry more passengers, have lower operating costs (some don’t need a driver) and they can be powered by electricity,” he added.

The team ��. design also incorporated safety features for pedestrians and bikers, with marked and lighted crosswalks and a separate lane for bicycles, with reflective posts between the car and bike lanes, Bretey added.

Moss hopes the team ��. research can help ensure the safety of Makers Valley commuters. “Even if only a part of our design were implemented, it could make a positive difference in the city. I believe that our design can work for other places as well that struggle with pedestrian safety and unreliable transportation systems,” she said.

Student projects submitted to the EWB challenge may be picked up by a company, nongovernmental or other organization and become a real solution for people.

The Impact of Engineering course is part of Stout Core, foundational general education classes where students gain global perspective and ethical reasoning to understand social responsibility, so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

Heavy metals in consumer products

Heavy metals can build up in the human body over time and lead to severe health issues.

Lead is known to cause neurological damage and cognitive impairments, particularly in young adults. It can also lead to developmental issues, memory loss, insomnia and muscle weakness.

While iron, manganese, and zinc are essential micronutrients, excessive amounts can cause organ damage and oxidative stress; can affect the nervous system; and can cause nausea, vomiting and weaken the immune system, Strobush explained.

Cadmium and nickel in long-term exposure are known to cause kidney failure and increased risks for cancer, anemia and cardiovascular diseases, added Chartrand, who conducted an analysis of four of her favorite chocolate brands.

Chemistry student Natalie Chartrand tests heavy metals in chocolates

“Heavy metal exposure should be kept to a minimum, especially in foods, which is why the FDA and other health organizations regulate it. While the FDA has strict guidelines on heavy metals, it ��. impossible to completely eradicate all heavy metal exposure in our daily lives,” she said.

Chartrand knew chocolate contains heavy metals, usually found in trace amounts in chocolates that are less processed, like dark and semi-sweet chocolates.

“Both lead and cadmium are common environmental pollutants found in modern farming practices; these metals can be absorbed into the cacao beans we use to make chocolate,” she said. “Nickel is used in the manufacturing process of chocolate, though it shouldn’t end up in the product itself.”

Because of this, she wasn’t surprised to find detectable lead levels in three of her chocolate samples.

“Lead is naturally found in cacao beans and is retained through the manufacturing process, at levels so low they’re not considered toxic, but are detectable on our instrument, nonetheless. I found no cadmium in any of my samples, and only very trace amounts of nickel,” she said. “Just because studies have found small amounts in chocolates doesn't mean that the highly processed chocolates we eat regularly will contain the same levels.”

Chemistry Professor Jonathan Frisch, Riley Strobush and Natalie Chartrand

During Strobush ��. initial research, she found numerous studies on heavy metals in vape pods and cartridges, but relatively few on nicotine salts. She conducted her research on four brands of nicotine salts.

“Although there are traces of metals in the liquid, the liquid is heated into a vapor through a metal coil, introducing more metals into the aerosol that is consumed by the user when using their e-cigarette,” she said. “Lead was the most frequently detected heavy metal in my samples, contrary to my initial expectation of a more balanced distribution of heavy metal elements.”

She was also intrigued by the marketing of the products. “Each of them has colorful, appealing designs and flavors that you would see on candy or soda. It hides the harsh potential health impacts caused by consuming the liquids,” she said.

Strobush hopes her research raises awareness about the dangers of these products and encourages more rigorous testing, especially in the aerosol form. “This could lead to improved regulations and safer product formulations, ultimately protecting public health,” she said.

Strobush noted that she is not a user of nicotine salts or similar substances. She and Chartrand took the necessary precautions during their studies to ensure their peers’ and their own safety.

Biochemistry and molecular biology student Riley Strobush presents at Research Day

Chemistry and physics Associate Professor Jonathan Frisch served as Strobush ��. and Chartrand ��. research mentor. In Frisch ��. College Chemistry I course, students learn the chemistry and physics behind several types of chemical instrumentation and gain practical experience using those instruments to investigate samples of their choice.

“The students are allowed to ask any questions they want, at which time they design and carry out experiments to answer those questions. Every semester, I am surprised by some of the results. There are contaminants in and on all sorts of things I would have never expected or even thought about analyzing,” he said.

Outstanding researchers recognized at Research Day

After the poster and exhibit session, where Chartrand, Strobush and the engineering students shared their work, an award ceremony recognized outstanding researchers – both faculty and students.

Since 1987, �� has awarded faculty for their outstanding research, nominated by a review committee of their peers.

The Outstanding Researcher honors for leadership and significant contributions to research and scholarly activities are awarded by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, on behalf of the Provost's Office and the committee. This year ��. recipients are:

Julie Watts: Senior Outstanding Researcher
Nicole Hayes: Emerging Outstanding Researcher
Pranabendu Mitra: Outstanding Research Mentor.

Outstanding student researcher awardees are:

Valacia Casper: CAHS, undergraduate
Elaina Blazei: CSTEMM, undergraduate
Bex Cermin: CAHS, graduate student
Cortney Dean: CSTEMM, graduate student
Nikolaus Nelson (CAHS) and Theodore Welch (CSTEMM): Honorable Mentions.

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Software by �� professor, students helps international museum collections shine – literally – in 3D

Kintsugi 3D used by Minneapolis Institute of Art, other institutions to capture surface details of heritage objects

June 9, 2025

Real-world research: Engineering team designs South African trolley system; science students investigate heavy metals

Cross-disciplinary teams present prototypes at Research Day, Engineers Without Borders' design challenge addressed by nearly 90 students

May 15, 2025

Spring Showcase 2025: Signature events highlight professionalism of polytechnic distinction

Multiple design, research and performing arts events in April, May open to the public

April 7, 2025

Cross-disciplinary teams present prototypes at Research Day, Engineers Without Borders' design challenge addressed by nearly 90 students Chemistry Professor Jonathan Frisch, Riley Strobush and Natalie Chartrand

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��'s Research Day is an annual showcase that underscores the applied learning and research of Wisconsin's polytechnic students.

Search Keywords: Research DayEngineers Without Borders Design for People Challengeheavy metals in chocolatesheavy metals in nicotine saltstransportation in Makers Valley

Hero Caption: Biochemistry and molecular biology student Riley Strobush tests heavy metals in nicotine salts. She presented her findings at Research Day on May 6.

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Spring Showcase 2025: Signature events highlight professionalism of polytechnic distinction

goersab — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Spring Showcase 2025: Signature events highlight professionalism of polytechnic distinctiongoersab April 7, 2025

Multiple design, research and performing arts events in April, May open to the public

Abbey Goers

Spring semester is in full swing, and students at �� are gearing up for a plethora of events, inviting the community to celebrate their creativity, research and innovation.

The Stout Spring Showcase, featuring special events in April and May which highlight what Wisconsin ��. �� is all about, includes:

“Alice by Heart”: Thursday, April 10, to Saturday, April 12
Communications Skills Showcase: Wednesday, April 16
University Choirs concert: Saturday, April 26
Symphonic Band concert: Sunday, April 27
WEAR Fashion Show, Saturday, May 3
Blue Devil Jazz Orchestra concert: Saturday, May 3
Research Day: Tuesday, May 6
Stout Game Expo: Thursday, May 8
SOAD Senior Show: Friday, May 9
Student Artist-in-Residence exhibition reception: Friday, May 9
Unspooled Film and Animation Festival: Saturday, May 10, to Sunday, May 11
4th Annual Design Wisconsin: Friday, May 16, to Sunday, May 18

Fashion, gaming and design events rival industry exhibitions

Fashion design and development students’ clothing collections will be featured at the WEAR Fashion Show, at 4 p.m. on May 3, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall. Tickets are on sale.

Juniors and seniors will show their design collections, modeled by the designers themselves, friends, family and alumni. Seniors will model their capstone projects – full collections, complete with brand names. The event is hosted by the WEAR Fashion Association student organization.

Fashion Without Fabric, to be held on April 12, is sold out. Overflow tickets are still available.

Join the fun at Stout Game Expo, western Wisconsin's largest game developers' event from 6 to 9 p.m. on May 8, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall and ballrooms.

SGX features the works of about 250 first-year to senior students in game design and development-art; and the game design concentration in computer science. They will share their tabletop games, board and card games, conventional video games, virtual reality experiences and rhythm games.

SOAD Senior Show features capstone projects by nearly 120 graduating School of Art and Design seniors, 6 to 9 p.m. on May 9. Meet with students and talk about their creative works in exhibits throughout Applied Arts and Micheels Hall.

Fine art sales by students will be held throughout the buildings. The Student Artist-in-Residence reception will be held in Furlong Gallery.

Design Wisconsin, May 16-18, celebrates Wisconsin's legacy of industrial design and fashion design innovation and impact on culture, commerce, community and brand. The event includes an open house of major Wisconsin and Minnesota design and manufacturer groups. In the past, these have included TREK, Milwaukee Tool, Kohler, Mercury Marine, Polaris, Fiskars, Oshkosh and more.

Polytechnic research showcase highlights societal impact

Research Day, on May 6, hosts multiple events, including WiSys Quick Pitch Competition from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Quick Pitch is a three-minute, elevator-pitch-style competition open to undergraduate and graduate students in all programs.

The community is invited to meet with �� faculty, staff and students, as well as students from Chippewa Valley Technical College, as they present their research through more than 150 posters, exhibits, art and design displays, and oral and panel presentations.

The day also includes:

1 to 2:45 p.m.: Innovative Insights, a faculty and student showcase of oral presentations
3 to 5 p.m.: Posters and exhibits, with researchers open for discussions
5:15 to 6 p.m.: Outstanding Researcher awards ceremony

Research Day

��'s Research Day is an annual showcase that underscores the applied learning and research of Wisconsin's polytechnic students.

An awards ceremony will recognize outstanding faculty and students across fields of study, nominated by their peers.

Research Day is coordinated by �� . Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

�� student researchers also showcased their research at Wisconsin ��. Capitol Rotunda on April 2, during Research in the Rotunda, and students will present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, April 7-9, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They will join more than 4,000 undergraduates from across the country, representing all disciplines.

Student writers, artists invite community discussions

Join the launch of the 2025 issue of Prometheus for a reception and reading from authors and talk with artists, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on April 11, in Harvey Hall Café.

The Communication Skills Showcase will begin at 6 p.m. on April 16, in the Memorial Student Center ballrooms. It is a celebration of student work, with presentations from first-year composition and communication courses, philosophy, advanced writing, and digital humanities, as well as an opportunity for audience members to interact with students and discuss their work.

The showcase will also recognize the finalists and the winners of the Andrea Deacon Writing Award, which recognizes excellence in first-year composition courses.

Author Peter Geye will present and read from his new novel, “A Lesser Light,” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on April 21, at Harvey Hall Theatre. The novel will be released on April 15.

Journey down the rabbit hole in ‘Alice by Heart’

Students will perform “Alice by Heart” at Harvey Hall Theatre. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 10*, 11 and 12.

“Alice by Heart” is a musical set during World War II, in the rubble of the London Blitz. Alice Spencer ��. teenage life is turned upside down, when she and her friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.

* An accessible performance will be held on April 10, with a more informal atmosphere aimed to welcome those with sensory difficulties or autism. The performance will remain the same but with small adjustments. House lights will remain on, loud noises will be softened, and audience members are free to leave and re-enter.

Tickets are available at uwstout.universitytickets.com.

The Symphonic Singers, Chamber Choir and Devil Tones Acappella will perform their concert Life on the World Scale at 7 p.m. on April 26, at Our Savior ��. Lutheran Church, 910 E. Ninth St., in Menomonie.

The Symphonic Band will perform Around the World at 2 p.m. on April 27, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall.

The Blue Devil Jazz Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. on May 3, at Harvey Hall Theatre.

Tickets are available at uwstout.universitytickets.com.

Unspooled Film & Animation Festival

A �� supported community event showcasing innovative works of film and animation by students and independent producers.

Unspooled welcomes international filmmakers to Menomonie

The Unspooled Film and Animation Festival is an annual juried event, featuring films and animations made by regional and international independent storytellers – professionals and students alike.

Films are screened at �� . historic Harvey Hall Theatre. The event also offers workshops and guest speakers, and awards in several categories.

Reserve tickets, or submit a film via Film Freeway by April 20.

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Community invited to exhibitions, civic and literary conversations, film screenings and performances

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Multiple design, research and performing arts events in April, May open to the public Wear Fashion Show

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Forty-four food science students present plans to prevent food contamination, illness

goersab — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 13:05:31 +0000

Forty-four food science students present plans to prevent food contamination, illnessgoersab June 21, 2024

Students present Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans at Research Day, prepare for careers in quality assurance in food industry

Abbey Goers

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million people per year contract a foodborne illness, such as salmonella and E. coli.

To help identify and prevent biological, chemical and physical hazards in food, �� master's in food science and technology student Srihaasa Vempatapu and FST undergraduate senior Lainie Carlson researched Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point – a food safety measurement system used in every stage of the production process.

With forty-two of their food science peers in Professor Taejo Kim ��. Food Quality class, they researched HACCP for dairy, juice, meat, poultry, seafood and low-acid canned foods, conducting hands-on testing of foods in the labs.

“HACCP covers the entire food system from growing and harvesting to processing, manufacturing, distributing, merchandising and consumption to reduce the risk of foodborne illness,” said Kim, whose goal is to train students to be qualified quality assurance personnel.

Food science graduate students and faculty at Research Day / Vempatapu

Students presented their HACCP plans and other research at �� . annual Research Day, an event showcasing student, faculty and staff research, creativity, and innovation and its impact. Several were awarded for their efforts in the field.

The concept of HACCP was first developed in the 1960s by NASA to assess and implement food safety requirements for the space program. It was presented to the food industry in 1971 through the National Conference on Food Protection.

Vempatapu, of India, thinks HACCP is important because it systematically discovers, assesses and manages possible hazards that could jeopardize food safety.

“HACCP assists in preventing contamination, microbial development and other hazards that could result in foodborne illnesses by concentrating on crucial control points throughout the production process,” she said. “Public health and consumer confidence in the food supply chain are protected by this methodical approach, which also improves quality control and regulatory compliance and guarantees the safety of food items.”

More than 40 food science students presented their HACCP plans at Research Day / ��

Carlson, of Elk River, Minn., believes that the basic consumer does not know how many steps are taken to ensure safety in their food.

“They just have faith in the manufacturers. HACCP is the reason for that faith. I learned a lot more about the food industry and how important it is to keep food safe,” she said.

Students learned the significance of HACCP's seven principles and applications, which include conducting a hazard analysis, determining the critical control points and establishing critical limits, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, verification procedures, and record-keeping and documentation procedures.

In the U.S., the principles are managed by the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods, chartered under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are universally accepted by government agencies, trade associations and food industries around the world, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Union's Food Safety Authority and the International HACCP Alliance.

To become certified, individuals must successfully pass a third-party certification audit, provided by a qualified food safety auditor. Businesses achieve accreditation, verified by a qualified auditor, by conducting a hazard analysis, establishing critical control points and implementing procedures to control those hazards.

Graduate student Mohanth Sri Sai Prudhvi Yeluri presents his research on 'HACCP Plan of Frozen Cooked Beef Patties' at Research Day / Yeluri

Research Day is an ‘opportunity to showcase their talent’

During Research Day, Vempatapu gave an oral presentation on “HACCP on Low Fat Mayonnaise,” which entails locating possible risks, such as microbiological contamination, insufficient pasteurization or ingredient spoiling.

“In order to reduce these hazards, critical control points are implemented, such as temperature control during production and hygienic packing,” she said. “The safety and quality of the low-fat mayonnaise are guaranteed by routine monitoring and documentation, which guarantees that safety precautions are continuously followed throughout production.”

Carlson designed an “HACCP Plan for Raw Milk Cheese” – cheese made from unpasteurized milk.

“Through many different databases, I found how raw milk cheese has six critical control points: receiving raw milk, storage of raw milk, salting of the cheese, fermentation, metal detection, storage and distribution,” she said.

Food science graduate students and Professor Taejo Kim in the Food Science Lab / ��

Carlson enjoyed researching regulations, including how raw milk cheese has to be fermented for at least 60 days before it can be sold, so soft cheeses cannot be made with raw milk, she explained.

Vempatapu and Carlson think Research Day is a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their talent and efforts, and where they can share their projects with others to show the impact food science has on the food industry.

They feel that their research has given them valuable insights on HACCP and has helped prepare them for their post-graduation goals.

“The labs at Stout have shown to be beneficial in my hands-on learning,” Vempatapu said. “They offer chances to put theoretical knowledge into practice, carry out investigations, collect data and hone the kind of practical abilities that are necessary for research in a variety of fields.

“Engaging in experiential education can promote a more profound comprehension of ideas and approaches, equipping researchers to effectively tackle problems in the real world.”

Food science graduate students examine glucose specimens / ��

Award-winning research in food science

Shuyi Zhou, a second-year student who plans to go on to graduate school, enjoys analyzing the hazards of biological chemicals and physical problems in food and beverage products.

At Research Day, she presented her poster “Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Process Development for Ready-to-Eat Spiced Ham.”

“I think any food product without HACCP is not a safe product. The HACCP of food products is like the birth certificate of a baby,” she explained, meaning the plan affirms that a product is ready for shelf-life and consumption.

Food science award recipients, presenters and faculty at Research Day / ��

Zhou, of China, won first place for her poster presentation at Research Day, and four graduate students were awarded for their contributions to food science:

Priyanka Shah and Vraj Shah won first place for their oral presentation on the “Effect of Chickpea and Sweet Pea Milk on the Physicochemical, Textural and Sensory Properties of Sugar-Free Vegan Ice Cream”
Tejasri Vanga won second place at the WiSys Quick Pitch held during Research Day, as well as Audience Favorite, for her presentation on “Comparative Study on the Properties of Various Thickeners for Producing Plant-Based Meat Analogs”
Areeba Ali received an Outstanding Graduate Researcher honorable mention.

Tejasri Vanga receives her WiSys Quick Pitch awards during Research Day from Chancellor Katherine Frank and Provost Glendalí Rodríguez / ��

Priyanka and Vraj, with mentor Professor Pranabendu Mitra, aimed to develop a sugar-free, lactose-free dessert using unconventional milk, fat and sweetener to achieve a vegan ice cream with similar texture and taste of dairy-based ice cream.

“Stout has been a key component of our success, providing us all the technical assistance and unwavering support of our mentors for bringing our ideas into reality in the food science labs,” they said.

Vanga conducted research to identify the physiochemical properties of thickeners, like methylcellulose, gellan gum and citrus pectin, which play an important role in the texturization of alternate muscle fibers, or plant-based meat analogs, she said.

PBMAs offer vegetarian options that simulate meat-like flavors and are designed to improve the nutritional functionality of the product.

“The comparison and evaluation of thickeners can provide a clear understanding of their water-holding capacity, solubility, viscosity and particle size analysis,” said Vanga, whose mentor was Program Director Eun Joo Lee.

Vanga, Priyanka and Vraj, of India, will graduate in December. They plan to pursue careers in research and development.

Areeba Ali receives an Outstanding Graduate Researcher honorable mention from Chancellor Katherine Frank and Provost Glendalí Rodríguez / ��

Ali, of Eau Claire, was the lead presenter for the poster titled the “Effect of Strawberry Powder on Physiochemical, Textural and Sensory Properties of No-Added Sugar Chewing Gum.” It was co-authored with Akshar Sunilbhai Patel, Prudhvi Sureddi and Manikanta Yadlapalli, of India. They were awarded a Student Research Grant through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

“The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of strawberry powder on sugar-free gums to meet consumers’ demand for gum-like products. The findings of this research would be helpful in improving gum products, which are essential for the satiety of consumers such as people with diabetes,” Ali said. “It was a good learning experience in the food science labs for conducting our textural analysis and physiochemical studies of our product.”

Ali graduated in May and plans to earn her Ph.D. in food science and technology.

“My future research will be based on the research projects and scholarly activities conducted at ��. Each project and activity have shaped my aspirations and commitment to make impactful contributions towards the advancement of science,” she said, citing her project in the development of biodegradable, fully sustainable food and beverage packaging materials, as well as innovative and health-conscious food options for people with diabetes and those who are obese.”

�� . food science and technology programs are offered through the kinesiology, health, food and nutritional sciences department. The department also offers a bachelor ��. in health, wellness and fitness; as well as a bachelor ��. in dietetics and a master ��. in nutrition and dietetics.

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Students present Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans at Research Day, prepare for careers in quality assurance in food industry Food science students conduct glucose test in the lab

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Eighty-six engineering students work to improve quality of life for people in rural Cambodia

goersab — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:50:00 +0000

Eighty-six engineering students work to improve quality of life for people in rural Cambodiagoersab June 12, 2024

Cross-disciplinary teams present prototypes at Research Day, Engineers Without Borders' U.S. Grand Finals design challenge

Abbey Goers

Cross-disciplinary students in the Impacts of Engineering course at �� this spring investigated ways to improve the quality of life for people in the remote forests of eastern Cambodia.

Through the Engineers Without Borders' Design for People Challenge, they worked in teams to engineer solutions for the Bunong people in the rural village of Pu Ngaol.

Twenty teams of 86 engineering and several other majors, as well as area high school students, presented their ideas and prototypes at �� . Research Day on May 6. The day highlighted the works of nearly 300 faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, who shared their research through posters and prototypes, exhibits, art and design displays, and oral and panel presentations.

Nearly 300 research projects were presented on Research Day, along with 20 Engineers Without Borders projects / ��

After researching the Bunong people, their culture and low financial means, and taking into consideration the landscape and weather, as well as machinery and materials available in the region, the teams built prototypes and presented ways to create accessible roadways and transportation solutions; renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar polar; reliable food supplies and filtration design for clean drinking water; efficient built environments, including ventilation; safe waste management; and ways to advance information technology.

�� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering is dedicated to enhancing the learning and industry-aligned experiences of its more than 1,000 students to help produce the next generation of engineers. It offers five undergraduate programs – computer and electrical engineering, engineering technology, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering and plastics engineering; and a master's in manufacturing engineering, available on campus and online.

“The Impacts of Engineering course introduces students to the engineering design process from initiation to completion, while broadening their awareness of the social, environmental and economic implications of engineering, both past and present,” said Senior Lecturer Brenda Puck.

Students presented design solutions for roadways, renewable energy, clean food and water and more at Research Day / ��

The course is part of Stout Core, foundational general education classes where students gain global perspective and ethical reasoning to understand social responsibility, so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

Two teams present at U.S. Grand Finals

The international Design for People Challenge brings together more than 12,000 engineering students from 46 universities in the U.S., the United Kingdom and Ireland. This year ��. challenge was organized by Engineers Without Borders Australia, which has worked with communities in Cambodia since 2005. Designs considered sustainability, community livelihoods, and natural and cultural preservation.

Two �� teams, with students from six majors, presented their research and designs virtually to an expert panel of judges in the final round of the U.S. Grand Finals, May 30 to June 1:

Power to the Poor: Trevor Kappel, computer and electrical engineering, Spring Grove, Ill.; Brett Palubicki, construction management, Crandon; and William Gruber and Lucas Traun, recent Durand High School graduates.
Design Solution for Transportation: Kaleb Kazmarek, supply chain management, Menomonie; Carly Kauffman, graphic design and interactive media, Hanover, Minn.; Rose Wille, supply chain management and business administration, Cannon Falls, Minn.; and Frankie Genereaux, mechanical engineering, Hudson.

Engineers Without Borders students Lucas Traun, William Gruber, Trevor Kappel and Brett Palubicki at Research Day / Traun, Gruber, Kappel and Palubicki

“We chose to use the design challenge as part of the course because it provides a robust exposure to the key components of our polytechnic mission and the Stout Core, no matter what degree a student is enrolled in at ��,” Puck said.

Projects may be picked up by a company, nongovernmental or other organization and become a real solution for people.

Harnessing wind to bring power to rural areas

With a major goal of the Cambodian government to increase renewable energy production, Kappel, Palubicki, Gruber and Traun aimed to harness wind energy to address the challenge of finding a reliable source of power to cook in rural communities.

In Pu Ngaol, only half the community has access to mainstream electricity because of high connection costs. Further research from the Global Wind Atlas provided the team with average wind speeds in Cambodia, which led them to choose wind turbines as a source of power.

“The biggest inspiration came from seeing the potential of renewable energy to transform communities. The idea that a small wind turbine could provide sustainable power to areas without reliable electricity was incredibly motivating,” Traun said. “I enjoyed the hands-on experience of building and testing our model. Applying theoretical knowledge to a real-world problem and seeing tangible results was incredibly fulfilling.”

A model prototype of a wind turbine / ��

The team researched how different turbine blades and mounting placements would function. Their concepts included vertical blades mounted on a pole, like a windmill; horizontal blades mounted on a roof; and vertical blades mounted on a roof. They proceeded with the third concept for their prototype, based on energy produced and stored, energy output, wind efficiency, durability, safety, cost and usability.

Their model involves three main components: a turbine, car battery and stove. Wind drives the rotation of turbine blades. This mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy by a generator within the turbine, which is then directed to charge a car battery. The battery stores energy for later use to power a stove for up to two hours a day. Considering the monsoon season, the team opted to encase the generator in stainless steel housing to ensure a longer lifespan.

“As we advance our wind turbine prototype, our main goals are to refine its design, improve efficiency and lower production costs without compromising quality or functionality for wider accessibility,” the team said in their Grand Finals presentation.

“I’d like to thank our professors and mentors for their guidance and support throughout this project. Their expertise was invaluable, and we couldn't have achieved what we did without them,” Traun added. “Research Day and the Grand Finals was a great opportunity to get feedback and network with other students and professionals in the field. The experience helped us improve our project and gave us confidence in our engineering skills.”

A transportation solution for safer, more accessible roads

Kazmarek, Kauffman, Wille and Genereaux ��. transportation solution was to create a rake and roller attachment compatible with the motorized rice plows used in Pu Ngaol.

A model prototype of a motorized rice plow / Kazmarek, Kauffman, Wille and Genereaux

The machine would allow community members easier travel and transport, improve existing road conditions by effectively rototilling and flattening the road surface to ensure a safer path, and could be used even during the monsoon season.

Roads in Pu Ngaol are mainly dirt tracks, which become damaged and inaccessible in the monsoon season, limiting people ��. access to necessities, such as work, school or health care.

“It is important that we help solve their road problems as it makes it easier for people to travel and commute safely. We are motivated to helping the community of Pu Ngaol because we feel that we are fortunate enough to have roads that are easily transportable on,” they said in their presentation.

A motorized rice plow used for transportation in the flood season / Engineers Without Borders Australia

The team researched different machines used in Pu Ngaol, such as rice plows, four-wheelers, cars, gravel dispensers and soil compactors. They determined that rice plows offered the best solution, based on compatibility, material cost and accessibility, system attachments and weight.

“This project is a testament to the power of addressing real world challenges, promising to improve the daily life of those in Pu Ngaol,” they said.

Members of the university ��. Engineers Without Borders chapter traveled to the village of Naranjal, Ecuador in summer 2023 to help the 100 residents install a clean water system. They plan to begin the second phase of the two-mile-long mountainside project this summer.

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Cross-disciplinary teams present prototypes at Research Day, Engineers Without Borders' U.S. Grand Finals design challenge Engineers Without Borders projects shown at Research Day

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Hero Caption: Teams of engineering students designed solutions for the Bunong people in the rural village of Pu Ngaol, Cambodia. Photo by Engineers Without Borders Australia.

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Spring Showcase 2024: Experience what the Polytechnic Advantage is all about

goersab — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 16:35:37 +0000

Spring Showcase 2024: Experience what the Polytechnic Advantage is all aboutgoersab April 8, 2024

Multiple research and design events in April, May open to the public

Abbey Goers

Hands-on research is a standard part of �� . Polytechnic Advantage. From day one, it ��. wrapped into students’ applied learning experiences.

For standout student researcher Ethan Kalin, hands-on research opportunities in his undergrad boosted his confidence in his knowledge, skillset and love for science in countless ways, he said.

Kalin, of St. Paul, will be one of nearly 300 undergraduate and graduate students presenting at Research Day, on Monday, April 29, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall and ballrooms.

The community is invited to meet with �� faculty, staff and students, as well as students from Chippewa Valley Technical College, as they present their research through more than 170 posters, exhibits, art and design displays, and oral and panel presentations.

Nearly 300 students will present at Research Day on Monday, April 29.

Research Day, part of the Stout Spring Showcase, special events in April and May, celebrates student research, creativity and innovation.

Spring Showcase events also include:

Human Sciences Day: Tuesday, April 16
University Choirs concert: Saturday, April 20
Symphonic Band concert: Sunday, April 21
Communications Skills Showcase: Wednesday, April 24
WEAR Fashion Show, Saturday, April 27
Blue Devil Jazz Orchestra concert: Saturday, April 27
Stout Game Expo: Thursday, May 2
SOAD Senior Show: Friday, May 3
Student Artist in Residence and Best of Design exhibitions reception and awards ceremony: Friday, May 3
Unspooled Film and Animation Festival: Thursday, May 9, to Saturday, May 11

Stout Spring Showcase

Join us for weeks of events that celebrate ��'s polytechnic research, creativity and innovation.

Polytechnic research showcase

Research Day hosts multiple events, including WiSys Quick Pitch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Quick Pitch is a three-minute, elevator-pitch-style competition open to undergraduate and graduate students in all programs.

The day also includes:

1 to 2:45 p.m.: Oral presentations
3 to 5:30 p.m.: Posters and exhibits
5:45 to 6:30 p.m.: Outstanding Researcher awards ceremony

“The research component allows for a broader educational experience for �� students,” said Anne Hoeltke, director of Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. “Students are able to explore the effects of applying new thought processes and experience the practical application of their project.

“This is one of the core foundations of being a polytechnic institution and is a high impact practice. It is also an opportunity for students to work with our wonderful faculty who can light the fire of curiosity in students and provide a lifetime of learning. Research is a powerful part of the educational experience and one we are proud to share with our students,” she said.

Research Day

��'s Research Day is an annual showcase that underscores the applied learning and research of Wisconsin's polytechnic students.

The awards ceremony will recognize the following faculty and students:

Jerry Hui, music: Senior Outstanding Researcher
Dana Linnell, psychology: Emerging Outstanding Researcher
Jennifer Grant, biology: Outstanding Research Mentor
Genevieve Czaplewski, applied social science, Grand Island, Neb.: College of Arts and Human Sciences Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher
Olivier Charest, applied science, La Prairie, Quebec: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher
Brianna Capra, M.F.A. design, Menomonie: Outstanding Graduate Student Researcher

Research Day is coordinated by �� . Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The �� event is a qualifier for the state meet to be held July 24-26, at UW-Superior.

�� students and faculty will also present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, April 8-11, in Long Beach, Calif. The 14 students will join more than 4,000 undergraduates from across the country, representing all disciplines with research ranging from urban stream restoration to the influence on first-generation college students to AI, mental health, civic knowledge and more.

Hands-on, cross-disciplinary research

Kalin will present three projects at Research Day, displaying his cross-disciplinary studies in environmental science, psychology and biology:

“Temporal Analysis of Toxin-Producing Cyanobacteria,” with mentor Nicole Hayes. Research focused on the relationship between blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, and the toxins it produces, particularly in lakes Menomin and Tainter in late summer.
“How Concussions Affect Balance,” with mentor Desiree Budd. Kalin analyzed data collected from college student athletes and observed how the contact levels of varying sports interact with the number of concussions experienced.
“Comparing Tissue Processing Methods Using Zebrafish Tissue,” with mentor Tiffany Hoage. Research of different tissue preparation methods allowed for analysis of parts of the fish body using a microscope to observe the creature ��. intricate design at the cellular level.

Kalin is an applied science senior with a concentration in biology and a minor in cognitive neuroscience. He presented his temporal analysis at Research in the Rotunda on March 6, at the state Capitol.

Students Natalie Mercill, Ethan Kalin and Sarah Loreth in the Cadaver Lab

“I believe that these projects and the many others I've had the chance to work on throughout my career have bolstered my preparedness for jobs and graduate-level programs,” Kalin said.

Kalin received two grants through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs for research exploring the MCA1 gene, with Hayes; and zebrafish tissue processing methods, with Hoage and co-researcher Natalie Mercill, a biology major at UW-Eau Claire. The Stout University Foundation supports many student research and dissemination projects through its internal grant program.

Cadaver Lab offers students unique perspective on inner workings of the human body

Hands-on approach to learning prepares university students for careers in medicine, science and applied research

“As faculty members, the very curiosity and passion that once launched our journey into research often takes a backseat amidst the demands of teaching and administrative responsibilities,” Budd said. “Then, a student like Ethan enters our classroom, full of curiosity and a passion for learning and exploration. In these moments, we are vividly reminded of the joy and wonder that initially propelled us into the realm of research.

“Thus, the involvement of undergraduates in research not only nurtures the development of critical thinking and analytical skills in students but also revitalizes the spirit of inquiry within the academic community.”

Kalin is among eight student volunteers in the university ��. Cadaver Lab, helping run tours for visiting high schools. As part of an independent project for his Honors College contract, he completed a dissection and then presentation of the central nervous system with Dr. Alex Hall in the Cadaver Lab, studying the brain from an individual with an Alzheimer ��. diagnosis.

Ethan Kalin helps lead a tour for high school students in the Cadaver Lab

“Getting to dissect and study a human brain with such a well-known neurological condition has been a huge steppingstone in my understanding of neural anatomy and further solidified my passion for research in neuroscience,” he said.

Kalin will graduate in May and is applying to graduate schools for a doctorate program in neural molecular biology, neuroscience or other related subjects.

Fashion, gaming and visual arts events

Fashion design and development students’ clothing collections will be featured at the WEAR Fashion Show, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall.

WEAR Fashion Show is on Saturday, April 27.

Join the fun at Stout Game Expo, western Wisconsin's largest game developers' event from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall and ballrooms.

Fifteen game design students attended the Game Developers Conference and Independent Games Festival in San Francisco recently, with professors Andrew Williams and Karl Koehle. They also visited Ubisoft Studio, the Cartoon Art Museum, a vintage arcade at Fisherman's Wharf and attended a concert featuring Nintendo themes played by a string trio.

Stout Game Expo is on Thursday, May 2.

SOAD Senior Show features capstone projects by nearly 120 graduating School of Art and Design seniors, 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 3. Meet with students and talk about their creative works in exhibits throughout Applied Arts and Micheels Hall:

Ceramics and enameling: AA room 101
Painting and sculpture: AA room 121
Printmaking: AA rooms 202 and 203
Photography: AA room 205
Studio Art: AA Gallery 209
Video production and animation: AA room 210
Industrial and product design: AA room 216
“Illuminate”: AA room 217
Interior design: AA rooms 219 and 220
Graphic design and interactive media: AA room 221E
Furniture design: AA room 226 
Comics: AA room 234  
Game design: Micheels room 184
Animation production: Micheels room 290

Fine art sales by students will be held throughout the buildings, and cow sculptures will be on display in the Furlong atrium.

SOAD Senior Show is on Friday, May 3.

�� . Furlong Gallery will host the Student Artist in Residence Exhibition and the Best of Design Juried Exhibition, Monday, April 29, to Saturday, Sept. 7. A reception and awards ceremony will be from 5 to 9 p.m. during SOAD Senior Show.

Human Sciences Day

Human Sciences Day, on Tuesday, April 16, is a professional development opportunity for students in the College of Arts and Human Sciences to explore career opportunities in nonprofit, government, public and private companies.

Students can meet with more than 25 employers, both local and out-of-state, for one-on-one interviews from 2 to 4 p.m., and attend the three employer panels.

Employers interested in participating may reach out to Abby Tengwall, with Career Services.

Concert performances

The Symphonic Singers, Chamber Choir and Devil Tones Acappella will present their concert Green Grass and Blue Water at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, at Our Savior ��. Lutheran Church, 910 E. 9th St., in Menomonie.

The Symphonic Band will present Stars and Sky at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall.

The Blue Devil Jazz Orchestra will present Jazz from Harvey at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at the historic Harvey Hall Theatre.

Concert tickets are available online at uwstout.universitytickets.com and the door.

Performing Arts

Take the stage at �� with our choir, band, and theatre programs.

Spoken and written word presentations

The Communications Skills Showcase celebrates students’ work in first-year writing and public speaking classes. The showcase will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, in the Memorial Student Center ballrooms A and B. It is free and open to the public.

Awards will be given to the top three speakers, as chosen by a panel of judges. In its first year, the Andrea Deacon Writing Award will honor students for their essays. The award is named for Professor Andrea Deacon, who passed away from cancer in 2021. Deacon was the driving force behind the first-year writing program at ��.

Unspooled Film and Animation Festival

The Unspooled Film and Animation Festival will be held Thursday, May 9, to Saturday, May 11. The annual juried event features films and animations made by regional and international independent storytellers – professionals and students, alike. Films are screened at �� . historic Harvey Hall Theatre. The event also offers workshops and guest speakers.

May 9, 4 to 9 p.m.: Student films and awards, Harvey Hall Theatre
May 10, 4 to 9 p.m.: Independent films and awards, Harvey Hall Theatre and Brewery Nønic
May 11, 1 to 9 p.m.: Animation films and awards, Harvey Hall Theatre and Zymurgy Brewing

Unspooled Film & Animation Festival

A �� supported community event showcasing innovative works of film and animation by students and independent producers.

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Recognizing Excellence in Food Engineering

lairde — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 19:04:01 +0000

Recognizing Excellence in Food Engineeringlairde June 15, 2023

Food Engineering Assistant Professor Mitra and his students receive awards

About 40 undergraduate and graduate students and visiting scholars/scientists of the food engineering research group led by Dr. Pranabendu Mitra, Assistant Professor of Food Science and Technology program in the Department of Kinesiology, Health, Food and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, presented 19 research posters, gave 5 oral presentations and delivered 6 WiSys Quick Pitches at the �� Research Day held on May 2, 2023.

Dr. Mitra received the 2023 Emerging Outstanding Researcher Award for his contributions (i.e., publications, presentations, grant-funding activities, curriculum and program improvement and research facility and laboratory improvement) to several domains of food engineering, which have focused on integrated applications of engineering principles and practices to develop novel processes for the delivery of better-quality foods.

The award recognizes a highly noteworthy individual for leadership and significant contributions to research and scholarly activities.

Pranabendu Mitra in between Chancellor Katherine P. Frank and Provost Glendali Rodriguez – Received 2023 Emerging Outstanding Researcher Award on May 2

Presently at Dr. Mitra ��. food engineering laboratory, students are researching extrusion food processing; drying of agricultural crops; extraction and isolation of bioactive functional ingredients; 3D food printing for plant-based meat development; use of food processing novel technologies for the quantifying and controlling of physicochemical properties, rheology and texture of foods for extending shelf-life of the products; and green food packaging solutions.

“The primary goal of research is to advance the knowledge, and the primary goal of teaching is to develop and enhance abilities of students. As a faculty, I think research and teaching should be performed simultaneously for enhancing teaching by utilizing the updated knowledge,” said Dr. Mitra.

“I am really thankful for the research grant supports of �� Faculty Research Initiative (FRI) grant, Evelyn Van Donk Steenbock Endowed Chair grant, Wisys Spark grant, Maybelle Ranney Price Professorship grant, �� Discovery Center Research Fellow grant, Classroom and Lab Modernization grant and some Wisconsin ��. food industry supports such as brewer ��. spent grains donated by the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and cranberry pomaces donated by the Cranberry Partners /Cranberry Network LLC,” said Dr. Mitra.

Sadhana Thokachichu, who graduated on May 6 with a master ��. in food science and technology, received the 2023 Outstanding Graduate Researcher Award for her research and scholarly/artistic activities. She gave an oral presentation and presented a poster on her master ��. thesis research at Research Day. She won the WiSys People ��. Choice Quick Pitch at �� on May 2. She also received a 2023 Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award.

Sadhana Thokachichu in between Chancellor Katherine P. Frank and Provost Glendali Rodriguez – Received 2023 Outstanding Graduate Researcher Award on May 2

“I am thrilled to win the 2023 Outstanding Graduate Researcher Award. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized for my hard work and dedication to research. I am happy to be a part of Dr. Mitra ��. food engineering research group to conduct my thesis on Optimization of Brewers’ Spent Grain Fortification to Develop Value-added Breakfast Cereals Using a Single Screw Extrusion Process. I worked to solve the drawbacks of health and nutritional aspects with current high carbohydrate-based cereals and the underutilization of the brewery industry wastes in the food sector for my thesis study. I developed research skills, machine handling, time management, and critical thinking by working on this project. My research is beneficial for the sustainability of the brewery industry because barley spent grain has the potential to use as a value-added product in breakfast cereal development as it is rich in protein and fiber,” said Thokachichu.

Areeba Ali, a graduate student in food science and technology, won the WiSys Quick Pitch competition. She had three minutes to impress the judges with Development of Eco-friendly Milk Whey Protein Isolate Biodegradable Packaging. Her pitch conveyed the relevance and economic impact of her research. She will participate in state final Quick Pitch competition in August.

Areeba Ali – Received Wisys 1st Place Quick Pitch Award from the Chancellor Katherine P. Frank

“I am thrilled to have emerged as the winner of the Quick Pitch Competition 2023. This competition held a special significance for me as it not only allowed me to showcase my public speaking skills but also reignited my passion I had left behind seven years ago. It fills me with immense pride and happiness to have secured this victory amidst a pool of highly competitive students from ��.

“I owe a great deal of gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Mitra, whose unwavering support and guidance played a crucial role in transforming my initial research idea into a practical and impactful project. Our aim is to develop a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging for food items. By utilizing milk proteins and plasticizers, we are creating a biodegradable film that can be used for packaging purposes. This innovation in developing milk protein biodegradable packaging films has the potential to significantly reduce our reliance on plastic packaging, which poses a significant threat to environmental safety. In this era of increasing environmental concerns, it is imperative for all of us to work together in pursuit of a greater good for our planet. By championing sustainable solutions like our biodegradable packaging, we can contribute to a healthier and more eco-friendly future,” said Ali.

Resha Tandukar presenting her poster at �� Research Day on May 2

Resha Tandukar, a graduate student in food science and technology, gave an oral presentation on her master ��. thesis, presented three posters and competed in the Quick Pitch. She received a Travel Grant from theOffice of Research and Sponsored Program to disseminate her thesis work by presenting a poster at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) annual meeting conference in July, 2023.

“I am deeply grateful to the Office of Research and Sponsored Program for providing me the Travel Grant award to disseminate my research in the prestigious IFT annual meeting conference. I believe that this opportunity will help me to explore new horizons and gain invaluable experiences that shape my professional journey. I am happy to be part of my research project on Developing Vegan Yogurt by Utilizing Plant-based Non-dairy Milks from Soybean, Almond, Coconut, Quinoa and Pinto Beans under the guidance of my supervisor Dr. Pranabendu Mitra. Considering the number of lactose intolerance people in the United States and the popularity of veganism worldwide, my research has focused to develop a vegan yogurt that has a comparable taste and nutrition to dairy yogurt. This study will help to expand the vegan yogurt market by contributing to the promotion of rising veganism worldwide, which also meets environmental and ethical obligations associated with dairy milk,” said Tandukar.

Hongdi Li (left) and Elizabeth Her (right) presenting their poster at �� Research Day on May 2

Elizabeth Her, undergraduate student of Food Science and Technology, received the 2023 undergraduate scholarship from the Wisconsin Section Institute of Food Technologists for the term of 2023-2024. She along with another undergraduate student Hongdi Li presented a poster on cranberry pomace fortified gluten free cupcake development at �� Research Day on May 2 and presented another poster on value-added gluten free cupcakes at National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2023 on April 14. She also contested for Wisys Quick Pitch competition 2023 at �� Research Day as well as Quick Pitch NCUR 2023 competition.

“I am excited to have been awarded the undergraduate 2023 scholarship from the Wisconsin Section Institute of Food Technologists. Being a first-generation, non-traditional student, I realize how many possibilities I can get with a higher education. I hope to show future generations of first-generation and non-traditional students that they too can achieve anything they set their mind to. As an undergraduate student, I am happy to be a part of the research project on “Optimization of By-product Cranberry Pomace Fortification in Gluten Free Cupcake Formulations based on Physicochemical, Textural and Sensory Properties” funded by Dr. Mitra ��. Evelyn Van Donk Steenbock Endowed Chair grant. Collaborating on this project has improved my teamwork, time management, and interpersonal skills,” said Her.

Daniel Oyinloye presenting his poster at �� Research Day on May 2

Daniel Olaitan Oyinloye, who is a visiting scholar at �� and is pursuing doctoral study with a collaboration between �� and Redeemer ��. University, Ede., Nigeria under Dr. Adeleke Osho (Nigeria) and Dr. Pranabendu Mitra, received a Nigeria Government TETfund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund) scholarship and a research support from Evelyn Van Donk Steenbock Endowed Chair grant. He gave an oral presentation and presented a poster on his PhD thesis research and contested for Wisys Quick Pitch Competition 2023 at �� Research Day on May 2.

“I am proud to share that I have recently been honored with the Nigeria Government TETfund scholarship. Receiving this accolade was an immensely gratifying experience, as it served as validation of my hard work and effort.

I am happy to complete a part of my PhD thesis that is “Developing medicinal plant extracts fortified diabetes remedial and anti-bacterial cookies” with a support of Evelyn Van Donk Steenbock Endowed Chair grant at Dr. Mitra ��. food engineering lab. The findings of my research have a potential to guide policy decisions, drive positive changes in the food industry, and enhance the overall health and well-being of individuals,” said Oyinloye.

CAHS Dean Maria Alm (5th from left back row) and Professor Eun Joo Lee (6th from left back row) with some Food Science and Technology students at Research Day on May 2

Research Day 2023 | Food Engineering Recap

Quick Pitch Presentations

Areeba Ali, Development of Eco-friendly Milk Whey Protein Isolate Biodegradable Packaging
Daniel Olaitan Oyinloye, Developing Diabetes Remedial Cookies
Elizabeth Her, Food Industry By-product Cranberry Pomace Fortified Gluten Free Value-added Nutritionally Rich Cupcakes
Rajesh Dangal, Food Industry By-products Brewer ��. Spent grain and Cranberry Pomace fortified Soy Protein Rich Extruded Snacks/Cereals
Resha Tandukar, Value-added Plant-based Vegan Yogurts as an Alternative of Dairy Yogurts
Sadhana Thokachichu, Conversion of brewer ��. by-products into value added extruded foods

Oral Presentations

Daniel Oyinloye , Adeleke Osho and Pranabendu Mitra, Antimicrobial and Anti-diabetic Properties of Plant Extracts of Picralima nitida and Momordica charantia in Diabetes-induced Rats
Rajesh Dangal and Pranabendu Mitra, Optimization of single screw extrusion processing variables on the physicochemical properties of brewer ��. spent grain fortified soy flour and rice flour blend extruded cereal/snacks
Resha Tandukar and Pranabendu Mitra, Developing vegan yogurt utilizing plant-based milks from soybean, almond, coconut, quinoa and pintobeans
Sadhana Thokachichu and Pranabendu Mitra, Development of value-added breakfast cereal-like product utilizing brewery industry by-products using a single screw extrusion process
Sahdeo Prasad, Pranabendu Mitra and Christopher Pennell, Food and Nutrition in Inflammatory Chronic Diseases

Posters Presentations

Areeba Ali, Pratima Jampani, Prativa Gaire, Amrutha Kilaru, Hema Chandu Immadisetty and Pranabendu Mitra, Effect of Plasticizer Glycerol on the Physicochemical and Migration Properties of Biodegradable Whey Protein Isolate Packaging Films
Daniel Oyinloye, Adeleke Osho and Pranabendu Mitra, Optimization of Banana Flour Cookie Formulations based on Physicochemical Properties using Response Surface Methodology
Hari Kavya Kommineni, Amrutha Kilaru, Pratima Jampani, Manoj Maddipati, Kiran Mane, Parker Ward and Pranabendu Mitra, A Review on Isolation, Modification and Characterization of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Starch
Hema Chandu Immadisetty, Mrudula Laxmi Durbhakula, Prativa Gaire, Sai Siddhardha Dasari, Sreeja Gade and Pranabendu Mitra, A Review on Applications of 3D Printing Technology in Food Processing
Hongdi Li, Elizabeth Her and Pranabendu Mitra, Optimization of By-product Cranberry Pomace Fortification in Gluten Free Cupcake Formulations based on Physicochemical, Textural and Sensory Properties
Kamal Hasan Shaik, Sambasiva Rao Bandla, Blais Hurst, Stephen Aduboffour, Venkata Ramana Ambadi and Pranabendu Mitra, Developing edible cutlery using whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour and rice flour as an alternative of non-biodegradable plastic cutlery
Rajesh Dangal, Kavya Bangaru, Sambasiva Rao Bandla, Venkata Ramana Ambadi, Kiran Mai Adari and Pranabendu Mitra, Processing and Quality Evaluation of Fruits Flavored Soy-Yogurt: A Review
Kiran Mane, Hari Kavya Kommineni, Jeevan Kumar Melmai, Manoj Maddipati, Gayathri Medarametla and Pranabendu Mitra, Development of Cranberry Pomace Fortified Active and Edible Packaging Films with a Blend of Potato Starch, Chitosan and Sorbitol
Lathika Venugopalan, Resha Tandukar, Kamal Hasan, Manikanta Yadlapalli, Prudhvi Sureddi, Tejasri Vanga and Pranabendu Mitra, A Review on Consumer Acceptance of Cultured Meat and Plant based Meat
Parker Ward, Prudhvi Sureddi, Kavya Bangaru, Tejasri Vanga, Lathika Venugopalan, Manikanta Yadlapalli and Pranabendu Mitra, Optimization of Plasticizer Glycerol and Sorbitol for Developing Biodegradable Packaging Films using the Blends of Seaweed Extract, Tapioca Starch and Ginger Extract
Tatiana Nasrallah, Jeevan Kumar Melmai, Gayathri Medarametlla, Narayana Moorthi Pachipala, Chandana Pakala and Pranabendu Mitra, Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Food Industry
Vraj Shah, Akshar Patel, Neha Patil, Priyanka Shah, Harsha Vardhan Reddy Pashika, Chaithanya Pidikiti and Pranabendu Mitra, A review on quality characteristics of value- added pasta products.
Priyanka Shah, Neha Patil, Vraj Shah, Akshar Patel, Kiran Mai Adari and Pranabendu Mitra, Developing Edible Ice-cream Packaging Containers using the Combinations of Whole Wheat Flour, Rice Flour and Corn Flour
Rajesh Dangal, Jhansi Badineedi, Prativa Gaire, Areeba Ali, Sai Siddharth Dasari, Sreeja Gade, Stephen Aduboffour, Blais Hurst and Pranabendu Mitra, Effect of Hot Air Oven Drying Temperature on Physicochemical and Textural Properties of Dried Apples
Resha Tandukar, Parker Ward, Sameera Shaik, Pablo Sotomayor, Lathika Venugopalan, Manikantha Yadlapalli, Amrutha Kilaru and Pranabendu Mitra, Effect of Storage Temperature, Packaging Materials, and Chemical Pre-treatments on the Shelf Life of Fresh Cut Apples.
Sadhana Thokachichu and Pranabendu Mitra, Characterization and prediction of sorption isotherm phenomenon of brewers’ spent grain fortified extruded cereal-like products using GAB modeling
Sreeja Gade, Rajesh Dangal, Sai Siddhardha Dasari, Resha Tandukar, Laxmi Durbhakula and Pranabendu Mitra, Optimization of Plasticizer Glycerol Content on the Physicochemical and Migration Properties of Biodegradable Tapioca Starch Packaging Films
Manikanta Yadlapalli, Tatiana Nasrallah and Pranabendu Mitra, Enhancing physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of peanut snacks using edible coating and hard cookies as primary packaging
Narayana Moorthi Pachipala, Chaithanya Pidikiti, Chandana Pakala, Harsha Vardhan Reddy Pashika, Tatiana Nasrallah and Pranabendu Mitra, Developing Edible Packaging Films using Xanthan Gum and Glycerol Plasticizer as an Alternative of Plastic Films

Food Engineering Assistant Professor Mitra and his students receive awards 2cam8536.jpg

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B.S. Dietetics

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B.S. Food Science & Technology

Earn a degree that prepares you to use technology to develop the future of food systems and safety.

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B.S. Health, Wellness & Fitness

Our B.S. Health, Wellness & Fitness program goes beyond traditional kinesiology education with additional business management training.

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M.S. Food Science & Technology

Preparing the food industry's future food technologists/leaders through education, research and outreach.

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M.S. Nutrition & Dietetics

Earn your master's degree and you'll be eligible to take the CDR RDN credentialing examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

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Champions of research: Faculty, students recognized with annual awards

polingj — Mon, 08 May 2023 20:17:30 +0000

Champions of research: Faculty, students recognized with annual awardspolingj May 8, 2023

Joshua Rusnak, applied biochemistry and molecular biology major studying bacteria, one of nine to be honored on Research Day

Joshua Rusnak, a junior at ��, has known for a long time that he wants to be a scientist and go into research.

“In grade school our science teacher told us that everything was made of elements and those elements were made of atoms. From that moment I thought, ‘That ��. it. Understanding that and how it works is the only thing that I can see,” said Rusnak, of Minneapolis.

That passion for science brought him to �� for the applied biochemistry and molecular biology major. The lab-based program has allowed him to dive into research, especially on the subject of bacteriophages, viral entities that infect some types of bacteria. Bacteriophages someday could be a new way to treat drug-resistant infections.

Joshua Rusnak works in a �� microbiology lab surrounded by agar plates, in which bacteria and fungi are grown using a layer of nutrient in a Petri dish. / ��

In recognition of his success and the promise he shows, Rusnak has been named this year ��. Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management.

“It is exciting and validating to have the work I have put toward research recognized,” Rusnak said. “Research can be a frustrating and time-consuming process, so the recognition feels like a badge of honor, like you’ve truly come into yourself as a scientist.”

Rusnak, whose adviser is Assistant Professor Brian Teague, was one of nine to be honored during the Research Day presentations and awards held recently at the Memorial Student Center.

From left, faculty Outstanding Researcher award winners are Laura McCullough, Pranabendu Mitra and Tina Lee. / ��

Faculty award winners are:

Tina Lee, social science, Outstanding Research Mentor
Laura McCullough, chemistry and physics, Senior Outstanding Researcher
Pranabendu Mitra, food science, Emerging Outstanding Researcher.

Other students honored and their faculty advisers are:

Delaney Hoffman, of Dorchester, senior, video production: College of Arts and Human Sciences, Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher; Keif Oss
Sadhana Thokachichu, of Khammam, India, Master of Science in food science and technology: Outstanding Graduate Student Researcher; Mitra.

Honorable mention student awards are:

Jonathan Alesch, of Shell Lake, Master of Fine arts, design; Erik Evensen
Britney Serafina, of Baldwin, senior, environmental science, CSTEMM; Amanda Little
DJ Walker, of Menomonie, senior, applied social science, CAHS; Lee, Thomas Pearson, Chris Marshall.

From left, student Outstanding Researcher award winners are Sadhana Thokachichu, Joshua Rusnak and Delaney Hoffman. / ��

The faculty mentor and graduate student awards are new this year.

The faculty mentor honor recognizes a highly noteworthy individual who has demonstrated excellence in supporting student research and fostering students’ educational, professional and personal growth through participation.

Research Day is hosted by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, which supports research across campus. The annual event featured projects and presentations by nearly 300 students on May 2 and the launch of the annual Journal of Student Research.

Students Ben Bryans, foreground, and Joshua Rusnak conduct an experiment in a �� lab. / ��

Three years of research immersion

Rusnak has been a lab teaching assistant for two semesters and part of Teague ��. research group. Since February, Rusnak has isolated seven bacteriophages that have been loaded into a DNA sequencer for analysis.

“I’ve mentored over 100 undergraduate researchers, and Joshua is definitely in the top five,” Teague said. “The scope of Joshua ��. interests and the sophistication of his projects keep expanding, culminating in the bacteriophage project where I am more or less helping him access the resources he needs, letting him use my research space and otherwise staying out of his way!” Teague said. “He has developed from a student doing mentored research to a full-fledged junior collaborator and contributor to the broader scientific enterprise.”

Joshua Rusnak talks about his research during Research Day on campus. / ��

Last fall, in Teague ��. Bioinformatics and Big Data course, Rusnak sequenced, assembled and annotated the genome of an uncommon bacterium that is potentially related to hospital-acquired infections and colony collapse in bee hives, Teague said, then uploaded his work to the National Center for Biotechnology Information database for access by researchers around the world.

Rusnak, who applied for and received a Student Research Grant funded by Stout University Foundation, hopes to continue his bacteriophage research in graduate school. He also presented his work at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in Eau Claire in April.

He started doing research as a first-year student. Skills he has learned include molecular cloning, sample preparation, inventory and record keeping, how to make a standard curve, how to apply and use math to solve real-world problems and much more.

He said his access to professors, mentors, labs and equipment at �� have “exceeded my expectations.” Core courses in his major have included semesterlong research projects. �� has three times more labs than classrooms, part of the university ��. applied learning focus.

“Research has greatly helped to solidify the often difficult concepts we learn in the classroom and move them to a tangible space. Research is the space where you can observe theory come to life,” Rusnak said, noting he enjoys the collaborative process with Teague and other students. “The adviser-advisee relationship has been one of the most important relationships I have and has shaped the scientist I am today.”

###

Joshua Rusnak, a junior at ��, has known for a long time that he wants to be a scientist and go into research. Joshua Rusnak plates

University Marketing

Big stage: More than 50 students to present STEM, social science research at national conference

Emily Dzikowich is excited to present research about small things, soil microbes, on a large stage — the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Hero Caption: Students present their project posters during Research Day at ��.

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Research Day on May 2 to feature nearly 150 projects by almost 300 students

polingj — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:19:19 +0000

Research Day on May 2 to feature nearly 150 projects by almost 300 studentspolingj April 28, 2023

Journal of Student Research, featuring 10 students, also to be launched; CVTC students presenting

Nearly 300 University of Wisconsin-Stout students will share their research, scholarly and artistic works at Research Day from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall and ballrooms.

The annual event features nearly 150 posters, exhibits and oral presentations representing graduate and undergraduate programs from across the university. Also, this year students from Chippewa Valley Technical College were invited to present; 22 students will be part of eight presentations.

The schedule is:

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., WiSys Quick Pitch competition among 14 students at the MSC Great Hall
1:30 to 3 p.m., posters and exhibits Session A, Great Hall and ballrooms
3 to 4:30 p.m., oral presentations by nine students, Great Hall
4:30 to 6 p.m., posters and exhibits, Session B, Great Hall and ballrooms
6 to 6:30 p.m., awards ceremony announcing the faculty and student researchers of the year, Great Hall.

The event is free and open to the public.

Nikki Latterell, a 2022 senior from Hugo, Minn., majoring in psychology, presented research at the 2022 Research Day. / ��

Several faculty and staff also will present research.

In addition, students will be presenting virtually from Monday, May 1, to Friday, May 5. Anyone can access the presentations.
Community members should select UW Continuing Education Student, then Need a Canvas Account, then register for the Research Day 2023 course. �� faculty, staff and students can log in through the UW Employee/Faculty/Student option.

Research Day is coordinated by �� . Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

“The benefits to students who participate in research are many, including enhanced student learning, increased retention, increased enrollment in graduate education and effective career preparation,” said Anne Hoeltke, ORSP director. “The dissemination of student and faculty research at Stout ��. Research Day supports our pedagogical approach and allows students and faculty to communicate their research, transfer their knowledge and raise awareness about their learning, all while inviting audience engagement, participation and feedback.”

Faculty-led research is one aspect of the experiential learning required in all �� undergraduate and graduate programs and part of the university ��. polytechnic advantage.

Our Polytechnic Advantage

What is a Polytechnic? Learn about this remarkable designation and why it's so important to our students.

Journal of Student Research

ORSP also oversees publication of the annual Journal of Student Research. The 2022-23 edition of the peer-reviewed publication will be launched during Research Day. Students published this year are:

Authors

Kyle Baemmert, of Kiel, a recent graduate in environmental science
Heather Dickrell, of Marengo, senior in human development and family studies
Christopher Jones, of Racine, recent graduate in environmental science; and business administration
Jordan Kunze, of Merrill, a senior in applied science
Britney Serafina, of Baldwin, senior in environmental science
DJ Walker, of Menomonie, senior in applied social science

Fine art

Lauren Dillinger, of Auburndale, senior in studio art
Carley Holzem, of Mosinee, senior in studio art
Brodie Spolar, of Milwaukee, senior in studio art
Zachary Zajda, of Montello, senior in studio art

The journal is designed by students in graphic communications management.

The journal will be available online, and individual articles will be available separately through Minds@UW, making the research available to the public and so that students can share their work with potential employers and graduate schools.

In addition to Research Day, various �� students have presented research this spring at the state capitol for Research in the Rotunda, in Eau Claire at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and on campus during the UW System Board of Regents’ Student Polytechnic Showcase.

For Research Day, student work and catering is supported by the Stout University Foundation.

###

Nearly 300 �� students will share their research, scholarly and artistic works at Research Day on Tuesday, May 2. Nikiki Latterell

University Marketing

Big stage: More than 50 students to present STEM, social science research at national conference

Emily Dzikowich is excited to present research about small things, soil microbes, on a large stage — the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Hero Caption: DJ Walker, a senior from Menomonie in applied social science, presents research at the 2022 Research Day at ��. This year ��. event is scheduled Tuesday, May 2.

Chela Cea

Chela is the Associate Director for Outreach Programs within the Educational Pathways and Outreach team that, among an array of services, organizes educational conferences and events, offers credit-bearing courses and programs through Stout Online, provides non-credit professional development and career training opportunities, and supports youth through camps and dual credit options. Chela ��. focus within that team is on outreach to �� . industry and community partners to understand their needs and on collaboration with �� . faculty and staff to develop and deliver continuing education programs that meet our partners’ professional and workforce development needs.

Through fall semester 2025, Chela also provides support in �� . Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) in the area of student grants and professional development grants. She served as the Research Program Coordinator in ORSP for four years and is a passionate advocate for student research and creative activity as high-impact practices in higher education. Previously, she was an Editor for the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute and Study Abroad Adviser in the Office of International Education. In all of these roles, Chela has enjoyed collaborating with faculty, staff and students as well as the university ��. many partners.

Chela is a recipient of �� . Chancellor's Academic Staff Award for Excellence. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Ohio University in International Affairs and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in Biology and Humanistic Studies. She is fluent in Spanish and loves to travel, trying to visit a couple new countries each year.

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Department: Educational Pathways & Outreach Office of Research & Sponsored Programs

Education:

Degree: M.A International Affairs

University: Ohio University

Degree: B.S. Biology

University: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

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Faculty recognized for research in rehabilitation counseling, natural resource economics

goersab — Fri, 06 May 2022 15:00:30 +0000

Faculty recognized for research in rehabilitation counseling, natural resource economicsgoersab May 6, 2022

Students also awarded for works in video, autoimmune diseases, E.coli detection in water

Abbey Goers

Since 1987, �� has awarded faculty for their outstanding research, nominated by a review committee of their peers.

A student presents at Research Day / ��

On Research Day, May 3, Associate Professor Cayte Anderson, counseling, rehabilitation and human services department, was named the Senior Outstanding Researcher; and Associate Professor Zach Raff, social science department, was named the Emerging Outstanding Researcher.

The senior researcher award recognizes individuals who have been at �� for seven or more years. And the emerging researcher award recognizes those who have been with the university for six years or fewer.

Three outstanding student researchers, one from each academic college, also were named.

Paving new pathways for impactful work

Anderson and Raff are honored to be recognized by the �� community and to have their research supported and valued, they said.

Anderson has been engaged in research and development in rehabilitation counseling since 2000 and enjoys collaborating with diverse teams, including engaging students in the research process.

Associate Professor Cayte Anderson / ��

“Early in my career as a rehabilitation counselor, I had the opportunity to work on state-level teams conducting research to inform policy and systems change in the areas of disability, employment and health,” she said.

“Through this experience, I learned that my curiosity and interest in learning how to improve rehabilitation counseling practice and systems, in close collaboration with individuals with disabilities, was the direction I wanted my career to take.”

Her research focuses on better understanding and improving socioeconomic opportunities for individuals with disabilities through the development and use of evidence-based practices. Her emphasis is on youth and families, competitive integrated employment, career pathways and financial empowerment.

Anderson believes contributing to evidence-based research to inform improvements in policy, service delivery, funding and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families is critical.

“Bridging the gap between research and practice is also key and fits well with the polytechnic model of our campus,” she added. “I look forward to fostering and implementing research efforts with colleagues and students for many years to come.”

Associate Professor Zach Raff / ��

Raff ��. research is in environmental and natural resource economics. It examines the political economy; the benefits and costs of land use decisions and regulatory policy; and the environmental impacts of land use decisions.

Having worked with the Environmental Protection Agency, Raff ��. questions focus on relevant policies and what is important for the public.

“My field is economics, and the primary purpose of my work is to recommend better paths forward that lead to the efficient allocation of resources in society,” he explained.

“My current body of work consists of projects that examine the role that politics plays in the implementation of environmental policy and the welfare consequences of different environmental policy tools. In essence, my work strives to establish optimal policy that maximizes social net benefits.

“I hope that the outstanding researcher award paves new pathways to continue to perform impactful work.”

Outstanding Undergraduate Researchers

Each college also nominates an undergraduate for exceptional accomplishments in student research and scholarly activities and impact on the university. This year, the winners are:

Simon Anderson, a senior video production student from River Falls, representing the College of Arts, Communication, Humanities and Social Sciences
Jacob Gasner, a senior applied science student from Medford, Minn., representing the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management
Caitlyn Lisota, a second-year food science and technology student from Mukwonago, representing the College of Education, Hospitality, Health and Human Sciences.

Honorable mentions were awarded to Devin Leary, a senior in video production from Tomah, CACHSS; and Abby Cullen, an environmental science junior from Menomonie, CSTEMM.

Simon Anderson / ��

Simon Anderson

Anderson loves to watch movies and wanted to make his own, especially in the horror genre.

He was awarded for his research in independent filmmaking and video skills, creating short films and client work.

“I hope it advances my skills in filmmaking and videography; to know how to approach storytelling in a film manner; and to really learn how to listen to client needs,” he said. “It feels amazing to be recognized in this manner. I think it's great that my creative endeavors have amounted to this award.”

Jacob Gasner / ��

Jacob Gasner

Gasner has a concentration in biology and is in the pre-medicine pathway within the applied science major.

He was awarded for his research “Second-Generation Synthesis of a Small Molecule Probes for the Detection of the Amino Acid Citrulline.”

He was inspired working with Program Director Dmitry Kadnikov and observing the presence of a high concentration of citrulline within people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases, he explained.

“I hope the work I have put forth through my research has the ability to assist in the development of a cheap, effective and specific chemical probe to aid in the in-vitro diagnosis of autoimmune diseases,” he said.

Caitlyn Lisota / ��

Caitlyn Lisota

When looking at available water test kits for the detection of E. coli/Coliforms, Lisota found many negative reviews about the kits being difficult to use or that the results were not accurate.

So, she set out to develop a water test kit that was rapid, ready-to-use, reliable and affordable.

“Since E.coli/Coliforms contamination of water can be dangerous to people ��. health, it is important that the results from a water test kit are accurate and easy to understand,” she said.

Her goal was to formulate a new culture media that could be incorporated into a water test kit to effectively detect even small numbers of E.coli/Coliforms cells to ensure users that their water is safe for consumption.

“The culture media that was developed can accurately detect E.coli/Coliforms, so this media could potentially be used to help determine if E.coli/Coliforms are present in food as well,” Lisota added.

“I feel honored that the research that I have been working on for the past two years has helped me be recognized as an outstanding researcher.”

Research

All Research News

Year of Design celebration central to ��'s spring 2026 event schedule

Community invited to exhibitions, civic and literary conversations, film screenings and performances

February 11, 2026

Building with air – how nature ��. hole-filled blueprints shape manufacturing

Professor Anne Schmitz investigates how nature provides a blueprint for better engineering.

February 5, 2026

Design focus anchors ��'s fall 2025 event schedule

Community invited to exhibitions, lectures and discussions, readings and performances

September 25, 2025

Students also awarded for works in video, autoimmune diseases, E.coli detection in water research_day_1.jpg

University Marketing

Hero Caption: Faculty and students presented their scholarly and artistic research on Research Day, May 3.

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs

Investigate. Collaborate. Disseminate.

The mission of the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) at Wisconsin ��. polytechnic university is to create and support a university culture that promotes research and assists the �� community in securing the funds to advance research, scholarship, industry collaboration, and other innovations.

ORSP offers support to faculty, staff, and students in their research endeavors. We guide researchers through the pre-award funding process, offering support in proposal development, budget development, and submission. Read on to learn more about our services.

Campus-Wide Support

Extramural Grant Applications and Administration
Internal Professional Development Grants
Research and Grant-Related Workshops and Training
Compliance
- Institutional Review Board
- Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee
- Responsible Conduct of Research
- Financial Conflict of Interest
Research Day
- Outstanding Faculty and Student Researcher Awards

Browse a full list of services

for �� faculty and staff through the ORSP intranet

Student Support

Student Research and Dissemination Grants
Connections to Academic Journals for Publication
Annual Events
- Research in the Rotunda
- National Conference on Undergraduate Research
- UW Symposium
- Quick Pitch
- SPARK Symposium

Browse a full list of services

for �� students through the ORSP intranet

Research Sponsors & Partners

�� partners with a number of State, Foundational and Federal Sponsors, including but not limited to the following (in alphabetical order):

3M Foundation
American Lung Association
American Math Society
Centers for Disease Control
Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin
Margaret A. Cargill Foundation
National Endowment for the Humanities
National Science Foundation
United States Department of Commerce
United States Department of Defense
United States Department of Education
United States Department of State
West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Xcel Energy Foundation

Web Production ORSP

Search Keywords: ORSPresearch servicesstudent research supportfaculty research supportresearch grant support

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Research Day 2018

Contact Information

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs

201 Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center

715-232-4042

rs@uwstout.edu

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Protection of Research Subjects:

For the safety of human subjects, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a federally-mandated review board that exists to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects.

To ensure animal safety, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) monitors and regulates the use of animals in research. Please find the IACUC Whistleblower Procedure here.

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News

Software by �������� professor, students helps international museum collections shine – literally – in 3D

Software funded with federal, state grants

Software draws focus to ��������

Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science Department

Real-world research: Engineering team designs South African trolley system; science students investigate heavy metals

Engineering a safer transportation system in South Africa

Heavy metals in consumer products

Outstanding researchers recognized at Research Day

Research Day

Spring Showcase 2025: Signature events highlight professionalism of polytechnic distinction

Fashion, gaming and design events rival industry exhibitions

Polytechnic research showcase highlights societal impact

Research Day

Student writers, artists invite community discussions

Journey down the rabbit hole in ‘Alice by Heart’

Unspooled Film & Animation Festival

Unspooled welcomes international filmmakers to Menomonie

Stout Spring Showcase

Forty-four food science students present plans to prevent food contamination, illness

Research Day is an ‘opportunity to showcase their talent’

Award-winning research in food science

B.S. Food Science & Technology

M.S. Food Science & Technology

Eighty-six engineering students work to improve quality of life for people in rural Cambodia

Two teams present at U.S. Grand Finals

Harnessing wind to bring power to rural areas

A transportation solution for safer, more accessible roads

Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering

Crossing borders: �������� students engineering new, clean water system for village in Ecuador

Spring Showcase 2024: Experience what the Polytechnic Advantage is all about

Spring Showcase events also include:

Stout Spring Showcase

Polytechnic research showcase

Research Day

Hands-on, cross-disciplinary research

Cadaver Lab offers students unique perspective on inner workings of the human body

Fashion, gaming and visual arts events

Human Sciences Day

Concert performances

Performing Arts

Spoken and written word presentations

Unspooled Film and Animation Festival

Unspooled Film & Animation Festival

Stout Spring Showcase

Recognizing Excellence in Food Engineering

Research Day 2023 | Food Engineering Recap

B.S. Dietetics

B.S. Food Science & Technology

B.S. Health, Wellness & Fitness

M.S. Food Science & Technology

M.S. Nutrition & Dietetics

Champions of research: Faculty, students recognized with annual awards

Three years of research immersion

Big stage: More than 50 students to present STEM, social science research at national conference

Research Day on May 2 to feature nearly 150 projects by almost 300 students

Our Polytechnic Advantage

Journal of Student Research

Big stage: More than 50 students to present STEM, social science research at national conference

Faculty recognized for research in rehabilitation counseling, natural resource economics

Paving new pathways for impactful work

Outstanding Undergraduate Researchers

Campus-Wide Support

Browse a full list of services

Student Support

Browse a full list of services

Research Sponsors & Partners

Software by �� professor, students helps international museum collections shine – literally – in 3D

Software draws focus to ��

Crossing borders: �� students engineering new, clean water system for village in Ecuador