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AI reshaping industry: �� professor examines impact on manufacturing, supply chains, health care, more

goersab — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:40:00 +0000

AI reshaping industry: �� professor examines impact on manufacturing, supply chains, health care, moregoersab January 14, 2026

Karaman Kabadurmus develops new economics course on AI in the Modern Economy

Abbey Goers

Assistant Professor Fatma Karaman Kabadurmus, with �� . social science department, researched how digital technologies and emerging tools, often described as “AI-enabled” or part of Industry 4.0, are reshaping how firms innovate, manage supply chains and compete in today ��. economy. A central focus of this work is how digitalization helped firms respond to the unprecedented disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through her research, Karaman Kabadurmus recently co-authored two book chapters in “The Palgrave Handbook of Supply Chain and Disruptive Technologies.” The chapters were “The Impact of Digitalization on Firm-Level Innovation Performance During the Pandemic” and “Revolutionizing Last-Mile Delivery: Discovering Disruptive Technologies and Innovative Solutions.”

The role of AI and predictive analytics in health care / GetOnData

Her chapters examine how supply chain digitalization influenced firms’ innovation performance during the pandemic. “The findings highlight that digital transformation helps firms adapt to shocks in logistics, inventory management, labor availability and rapidly changing demand,” she said.

Her research on last-mile delivery and Industry 4.0 critically reviewed emerging technologies, such as AI/ML (machine learning) applications, big data analytics, blockchain, IoT, digital twins, and autonomous systems, and evaluated their implications for efficiency, innovation, and implementation barriers in supply chain operations.

A smart factory ecosystem diagram / LightGuide, Inc.

“This work builds on my broader research agenda in the economics of innovation. Rather than focusing on the technical design of technologies, my research asks economic and social science questions: When do firms adopt new technologies? What barriers do they face? And how do market conditions, competition and institutions shape innovation outcomes?” Karaman Kabadurmus said.

Impact on students and career readiness

Karaman Kabadurmus’ research has a direct impact on her teaching and students’ learning, particularly through a new course she developed, which launches this spring semester: Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in the Modern Economy.

“Employers want AI literacy,” Karaman Kabadurmus said. “As part of the Stout Core foundational education classes, I designed this course for students from all majors. They will learn to understand AI through an applied economic and social science lens.”

The course is an introduction to how digital and AI-enabled technologies shape innovation across sectors, such as health care, manufacturing, supply chains and more. Students examine real-world case studies, such as Amazon, Tesla and Google; observe changes in labor markets and firm strategy; explore ethical and regulatory dimensions; and study public policy debates that affect everyday economic decisions.

Stout Core ��. areas of expertise offer students opportunities to grow their global perspective, communication and critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning, and more, so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

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Karaman Kabadurmus develops new economics course on AI in the Modern Economy Fatma Karaman Kabadurmus research, role of AI and predictive analytics in health care. Graphic by GetOnData

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Fatma Nur Karaman Kabadurmus

Dr. Karaman Kabadurmus is an assistant professor of economics in the Social Science Department. She is also one of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) fellows for the 2024-2025 academic year.

From 2022 to 2023, Dr. Karaman taught in the John E. Walker Department of Economics at Clemson University. Prior to that, from 2013 to 2021, she served on the faculty in the Department of Economics at Yasar University. She worked as a visiting assistant professor at Kalamazoo College after completing her Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Her research focuses on the economics of innovation, health economics, industrial organization, and international trade.

Full Name: Fatma Nur Karaman Kabadurmus

Job Title: Assistant Professor

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Area of Expertise: Economics of Innovation Health Economics Industrial Organization International Trade

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Social Science Department

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B.S. Applied Social Science

Curriculum Vitae: Fatma Nur Karaman Kabadurmus CV (156.34 KB)

Website: Google Scholar

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Economics

University: Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Degree: M.S. Economics

University: Istanbul Technical University

Degree: B.A. Business Administration

University: Istanbul University

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Inspiring Graduate: Sophia Moore, B.S. Applied Social Science

giffeyt — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:45:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Sophia Moore, B.S. Applied Social Science giffeyt December 23, 2025

Leading the way through advocacy and public policy

Inspiring Graduate: Sophia Moore (’25)

Hometown: Red Wing, Minnesota
Degrees: B.S. Applied Social Science
Concentration: History & Politics
Minors: Psychology and Conflict Resolution & Nonviolence Leadership

Sophia Moore knew from a very young age that she wanted to work in public policy and law. With her passion, she pursued an applied social science degree at ��, and she became an advocate for student voices.

Sophia Moore receives her diploma from Chancellor Katherine Frank during the fall 2025 commencement ceremony.

Moore served as a student senator for the Stout Student Association, later becoming a vice chair and then director of Legislative Affairs. She was a civic engagement student lead at the university ��. Involvement Center, a student orientation leader for incoming first-year students, and sat on several committees, all charged with maintaining a student-driven campus, including the Student Retention Committee.

“Our campus is uniquely full of leadership opportunities, and our faculty and staff are so incredibly helpful in equipping you with the skills needed to become a great leader,” Moore said.

Applied social science student Sophia Moore at the Wisconsin State Capitol. / Submitted photo

For her on-campus leadership, service, and involvement, Moore received the Samuel E. Wood Medallion, the university ��. highest nonacademic honor for students. She also received the Alec Kirby Memorial Award for Leadership in Social Justice, was named a 2025 Outstanding Student Leader of the Year, and was awarded the Tommy G. Thompson Leadership Scholarship, sponsored by the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership.

Moore, of Red Wing, Minnesota, earned her B.S. in applied social science and crossed the commencement stage on Dec. 20 as one of 527 �� graduates, and served as commencement speaker for the College of Art and Human Sciences. She is applying for several congressional internships in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

“While my goal is to progress into legislature and public policy, I have interest in some policy-driven nonprofits in Minnesota,” said Moore, who chose �� because it was close to home and for its affordability.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

I hope to make an impact in my field in the same way I have done it here. There is no doubt in my mind that I made a difference on our campus. I hope to bring all the skills I have learned through being a campus leader in the vastly expanding job market.

People have yet to fully understand that most of the issues we face in day-to-day life stem from policy decisions made by the people we elect, and being a leading figure in changing legislation and voting outcomes for the betterment of our communities is such a passion of mine.

How has �� prepared you to work in your field?

I think humanities majors have a very different experience of the polytechnic advantage than the majority of majors at Stout. Meaning, I had very little time utilizing labs in my major, but instead Stout has allowed me to grow stronger in developing qualitative and quantitative research.

My major also does not require an internship to graduate, but that did not stop me from obtaining one. I interned for AmeriCorps Summer Impact Corps as a Housing Stability Fellow at a local advocacy center and domestic violence and homeless shelter.

This internship was life-changing for me and taught me the inner work for nonprofit organizations and the importance of community engagement and legislation regarding social welfare programs.

Sophia Moore was one of the student speakers at the fall 2025 commencement ceremony.

What stands out about your �� experience? 

The faculty and staff at this institution are singlehandedly responsible for my success in my time here. Stout quickly began to feel like home because of the connections and relationships I have been able to build.

Having a community of people rooting for your success not only gets you to the finish line, with the confidence to keep going even after you leave. Each of my professors knows me; they know what I need to succeed the best, what I enjoy and what I hate, not because I just willingly share all those details but because they take it upon themselves to get to know each of their students. This makes for such a comfortable environment tailored for success.

What's in My Backpack? Episode 4: Sophia

How did your involvement in campus impact your experience? 

Campus involvement was my entire experience. In my time at Stout, I have had the amazing opportunity of working in our campus Involvement Center, hosting events that impact large groups of students every week.

I was in student government, the Stout Student Association, for three years, which completely enhanced my academic career and my future career in public service. I have won more than five different awards and four scholarships, all outlining my success in student leadership on campus.

Without these experiences, I would not be the person I am today. Being able to interact with students and community members from all walks of life has been such a guiding experience within my academic major and life.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them? 

Like many students who attend Stout, I am low income and first generation, which comes with a lot of challenges regarding successfully navigating a four-year institution. A lot of my free time outside of student organizations or coursework was spent working to make a living while in college.

At one point, I was balancing four jobs on and off campus to stay afloat. What truly helped me and made my time here easier were Foundation Scholarships, taking a major financial burden off my shoulders.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I am most proud of the person I have become. I came to this school with a “just get by” mindset, taking a bare minimum approach from high school and assuming it would get me to graduation. I quickly realized this attitude would get me nowhere, as I spent days in my dorm with nothing to show for myself.

Becoming involved in our university is where I found real joy and happiness, changing the trajectories of students who were once where I started and getting them confident in becoming leaders themselves.

I am also very proud of the coursework I have done, witnessing tremendous growth in my writing and research.

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Leading the way through advocacy and public policy Sophia Moore gets diploma at fall 2025 Commencement

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Inspiring Graduate: Evan Mancl, B.S. Applied Social Science

giffeyt — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Evan Mancl, B.S. Applied Social Science giffeyt December 23, 2025

A future teacher, guiding students to be more prepared to help the world

Inspiring Graduate: Evan Mancl (’25)

Hometown: Chippewa Falls
Degree: B.S. Applied Social Science
Concentrations: History & Politics, Sociology & Anthropology

Evan Mancl has always been interested in sociology. The prospect of a related degree brought him to ��.

“The applied social science program felt like the best way to learn more about sociology,” said Mancl, who is a special education paraprofessional with Edustaff in Eau Claire.

“If I can be a teacher who students can feel seen around, someone that encourages the introverted to speak on what motivates them, someone who can destigmatize politics as partisan sports teams, someone who can make learning history enjoyable and can foster critical thinking regarding one ��. surroundings, then I would consider that impact enough for me,” he said.

Evan Mancl receives his diploma from Chancellor Katherine Frank during the fall 2025 commencement.

Mancl earned his applied social science degree and crossed the commencement stage on Dec. 20 as one of 527 �� graduates. He plans to begin substitute teaching full-time.

“I would love to teach social studies in high school within the Eau Claire area, where my wife and I are comfortable putting down roots. Although I’m not currently seeking a degree in education, the substitute position would open doors to other educators, teachers and principals who could help me learn curriculum building and classroom etiquette.

“This way I can begin my real dream of teaching full time, as an expert within the field of social sciences and in a way that makes teens about to enter the adult phase of their lives more aware of their environments: getting them civic-minded, culturally respectful and open to understanding their communities so that they may be more prepared to help the world,” he said.

How has �� prepared you to work in your field?

APSS is, I would say, more interesting than other majors in the Stout polytechnic model. Sociology, political science, anthropology and history are all subjects that people tend to hold within high academia. But truly, these are people who are on the ground constantly, studying the built environment of society. Their findings contribute to important government programs, important understandings of the myriads of cultures that span all around the state and raise awareness of social problems that many people talk about, but with very little ideas of solutions.

�� has an emphasis on graduation to career, and APSS does that by teaching us what groups we can join with our academic knowledge. How does the DNR create environmental policies around rural areas? What does city planning actually look like to communities who live in historic strife and oppression? In what ways are minority groups, who encompass a great deal of the state ��. demographic, feeling separated from a government that is supposed to provide the basic necessities of life? How are people, regardless of class, impacted by the decisions made and how can they best be supported?

With the guidance of my capstone professors Tina Lee and Courtney Juelich, I’m surrounded by my colleagues within the program who are looking at positions within government and advocacy groups that are actively changing and influencing our social and physical environments. I’ve no doubt that I’ll be a great teacher, because I can convey all of these “big thoughts” in ways that compel people to seek out their solutions within their surroundings.

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What stands out about your �� experience? 

The capstone is just a wonderful class. It directly trains you on everything you learn in the APSS program. I helped my classmates with Qualtrics surveys, physically explored the cultural roots in the Chippewa Valley I grew up in, and got constant feedback for a research paper that I’m very proud of authoring.

Truly, it gave me a sense of “I’ve always been able to do this, and so can everyone I meet.” The knowledge comes second to the passion of wanting things to be done. But it ��. because of Tina and Courtney that I know how to put that passion into action.

My capstone, “The Social Construction of Cemeteries in the Chippewa Valley,” is really the culmination of my entire duration here. Every mistake I’ve made on papers before, every assignment I missed the deadline for, and the unbridled force of my sheer determination was a foundation for this project.

My research was based on interviews, fieldwork and a growing robust literature review that seeks to analyze the patterns of grief that people share with cemeteries. They’re an interesting space in public perception: serving a clear purpose and goal, yet largely different from how grief trends even in the last 20 years have shaped the way we sculpt physical memorials in our environment. I really wanted to write this paper also as a means of bringing death back to a point of public discussion. It ��. a taboo topic, but it ��. also kind of one of the core human experiences.

How did your involvement in campus impact your experience? 

Living off campus in a city away and commuting, I personally feel has kept me away from trying out the many clubs and opportunities the campus offers. If I could do anything over, I would want to be involved more in the school itself because there ��. just so many ways to get involved.

It ��. my biggest regret, but hopefully someone can take this in mind and say, “Sure, I’ll go check out the free movie that ��. put on every week or so.” Or “Yeah, being a part of representing students’ needs on campus does sound very helpful and cool.” It ��. worth doing it now.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them? 

During a couple of semesters, I was really becoming mentally fatigued and taxed by overworking myself in my job and school. I was able to see a counselor, who was able to help me get in touch with a psychiatrist in Eau Claire. I was officially diagnosed with ADHD and autism and was prescribed medication. The counselor helped me with managing strategies and behavioral techniques.

Being able to have that space and time to learn more about myself, along with the wonderful patience of the APSS faculty, I think is what got me through college. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t feel the support I have, which makes me incredibly luckier than many others.

The Stout counseling department is amazing, and you can feel the passion of APSS professors. If you have questions, you will get answers and help with whatever you need because they want you to be the best you can be. It ��. effort that gets applied both ways.

Any words of advice?

Whatever career you want to have, whatever subject you want to learn about, remember this; it affects where you live and how you live. Not just you, but your neighbors and their neighbors. At no point truly are we isolated from cause and effect. So, find where you are in that, and remember it. And if you want to know more about that vague word of advice, I know a really great college program that teaches you everything you need to know about it.

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A future teacher, guiding students to be more prepared to help the world Evan Mancl at Fall Commencement 2025

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AI flower power: Pondview Lavender Farm joins in professors' research on agricultural robot

goersab — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000

AI flower power: Pondview Lavender Farm joins in professors' research on agricultural robot goersab July 22, 2025

Use of Amiga robot seeks to ease automation for specialty crop farmers in Wisconsin

Abbey Goers

Tucked right off Highway 29 near Chippewa Falls is a small family farm bursting with scent and color in June and July. Pondview Lavender Farm, owned by �� operations and management Lecturer Bob Sworski, welcomes folks to pick lavender during the harvest season.

Recently, an agricultural robot helped to advance Pondview ��. lavender harvesting process as well, as part of cross-disciplinary research led by �� engineering Professor Yuan Xing and applied social science Program Director Tina Lee. Their project, A HumanCentered Collaborative Approach to Designing an Energy-Efficient Wireless Sensor Network, aims to advance Wisconsin ��. agricultural system.

The project includes several elements to help farmers make informed decisions about their crops or livestock, including creating an ease of automation for specialty crop farmers, like Sworski.

The Amiga robot, by Farm-ng, at Pondview Lavender Farm in Chippewa Falls

The Amiga robot, by Farm-ng, is a battery-operated micro-tractor designed for 24/7 automation in specialty crop farming. The all-terrain, all-weather robot can be used as a scouting robot in the field, programmed for pest and disease control; for weeding or harvesting of specialty crops, such as lavender or berries; and to capture real-time images at ground level, with a mounted vision sensor camera.

The Amiga can be trained to learn the parameters of a field. It can hold up to 1,000 pounds, saving a significant amount of labor for workers, Xing said. The agricultural robot can travel 5 1/2 mph, fully loaded for four to five hours, or eight hours on light duty. Its ground clearance is about two feet, and its height and width can be adjusted as needed. It is also equipped with a mini-PC for data collection.

Bob Sworski, Cheng Liu, Jake See, Aaron Post and Yuan Xing gather at Pondview Lavender Farm

The cross-disciplinary project received a two-year, $175,000 Universities of Wisconsin Innovation Grant. Additional research is being conducted by Lee, who is leading support for a livestock farm at River Falls, where the team plans to install cow manager sensors and create an AI livestock monitoring system. Also involved in the research are engineering professors Cheng Liu, sensor hardware implementation, and Abhishek Verma, UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) system design, and UW-River Falls Professor Bob Zhiwei Zeng, agricultural machinery design.

AI supporting specialty crop farmers

Xing is working with Liu and students Aaron Post and Jake See to develop a fully automatic system with an individual Amiga artificial intelligence brain, designed on the NVIDIA Jetson Xavier processor. Post is a computer and electrical engineering major from Sussex, and See is an applied mathematics and computer science major from Singapore.

“The AI brain configuration is ongoing, and when configured, we are considering installing the brain on the Amiga and activating the fully automatic self-driving and vision inspection function at Pondview, which can further save labor,” Xing said.

Students Aaron Post and Jake See are helping faculty develop an AI brain for the Amiga robot

See, who has a concentration in artificial intelligence, is Xing ��. research assistant and is helping to acquire new AI/machine learning knowledge and tools to develop models for industrial applications and contributing to scientific papers, such as IEEE Xplore. He hopes the new technology can allow specialty crop farms the ability to produce higher-quality crops and become more efficient and cost-effective.

“Automation and data analysis can be used to improve the health of crops and to lower labor, time and money costs,” he said. “Sensors that collect data about soil properties and weather conditions can help farmers make more optimal decisions. Image analysis can help identify disease within crops or monitor livestock. Robotic automation can make the planting or harvesting process easier, allowing farmers to reallocate time and labor to other efforts, such as expanding their farms or other elements of their business.”

See is naturally inquisitive and finds the world to be fascinating and beautiful. “I think math and computer science provide a lens through which I can explore, appreciate and enjoy this beauty in our world. They also provide a fun platform where I can create useful things to engage with people and our surroundings, ideally to benefit society,” he said.

Applied mathematics and computer science student Jake See is Professor Yuan Xing's research assistant

Although this was See ��. first time working with the Amiga robot, he has been interested in programming since he was 7 years old, when he joined a robotics club in school. He has competed in national and international robotics competitions.

“AI is an incredibly powerful tool that has seen an explosion in use and development in recent times. It also intersects with many other personal interests of mine –understanding how the brain works, human behavior and learning, visuals, optimization and more,” he said.

His plan is to one day work as an AI researcher or software engineer focusing on computer vision or machine learning theory to contribute to the study and advancement of technology.

The faculty and students follow the Amiga robot out to the lavender field

�� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering has four undergraduate programs and one master ��. program in engineering, as well as an engineering technology degree. The applied social science program is housed in the College of Arts and Human Sciences.

From engineering to communication and counseling, manufacturing, marketing and design, construction, supply chain and more, �� is preparing graduates to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving workforce by embedding AI training in all of its degree programs. �� . AI Fellows, centers, and services collaborate with community, business and industry partners to help Wisconsin leverage AI-driven solutions that put it ahead of the curve.

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Use of Amiga robot seeks to ease automation for specialty crop farmers in Wisconsin Pondview Lavender Farm, faculty robotics research

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Social science, engineering project for precision agriculture funded by Universities of Wisconsin

Search Keywords: Amiga Farmbotagricultural robotPondview Lavender FarmUniversities of Wisconsin Innovation Grant

Yuan Xing

Full Name: Yuan Xing

Job Title: Assistant Professor

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Area of Expertise: Energy-Efficient AI Algorithms AI System Integration

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering Engineering & Technology Department

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B.S. Computer & Electrical Engineering

Curriculum Vitae: Yuan Xing CV (113.57 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Electrical & Computer Engineering

University: Baylor University

Degree: M.S. Electrical & Computer Engineering

University: University of Rochester

Degree: B.S. Telecommunication Engineering

University: Beijing Jiaotong University

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Tina Lee

Dr. Lee is an applied anthropologist who specializes in the anthropology of the contemporary United States, specifically public policy and inequality. She is a graduate of the Anthropology PhD program at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center and has conducted research about the child welfare system, environmental governance, and humanitarian engineering. She is the author of Catching a Case: Inequality and Fear in New York City's Child Welfare System, published by Rutgers University Press in 2016, as well as serval articles based on her fieldwork in New York City. A book chapter on her follow-up work on child welfare in rural Wisconsin will be published soon. She is also the co-director of the LAKES REU, an NSF-funded research experience for undergraduates site which trains students through research on phosphorous pollution in the Red Cedar Watershed and how it might be mitigated. She teaches anthropology, research methods, and women and gender studies courses and is the program director for the Applied Social Science major as well as the Stout Core Director (Stout's polytechnic version of general education).

Teaching Interests: Cultural Anthropology, Anthropology of Gender, Anthropology of the Contemporary U.S., Qualitative Research Methods, Applied Anthropology

Research Interests: Gender, Race, Poverty and Class; Family and the Law; Women ��. Activism; Public Policy; Urban United States

Full Name: Dr. Tina Lee

Job Title: Professor / Program Director / Certificate Advisor

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Social Science Department

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Curriculum Vitae: Tina Lee CV (57.7 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Anthropology

University: The Graduate Center, City University of New York

Degree: Women's Studies Certificate Women's Studies

University: Graduate Center, City University of New York

Degree: M.A. Anthropology

University: Arizona State University

Degree: B.A. Anthropology

University: University of Houston

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�� Leadership Awards recognize more than 100 outstanding students

goersab — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

�� Leadership Awards recognize more than 100 outstanding studentsgoersab June 5, 2025

Wood Medallion recipients Liester, Moore share experiences in service to campus, peers

Abbey Goers

Alongside more than 100 of their peers, 16 �� seniors were awarded the Samuel E. Wood Medallion, the university ��. highest nonacademic honor for students, for their outstanding leadership, involvement and service at the annual Leadership Awards.

Two Wood Medallion recipients were also named Outstanding Student Leaders of the Year: Katy Liester, professional and technical communication, of Menomonie; and Sophia Moore, applied social science, of Red Wing, Minnesota.

Sophia Moore and Katy Liester, Wood Medallion and Outstanding Student Leader award recipients

“Katy has been an involved student since the moment she stepped foot on �� . campus. It seems impossible to find a space on campus that Katy hasn’t been involved in,” Liester ��. nominator said, adding that her greatest leadership qualities are her ability to adapt and be flexible. “Katy never fails to make people feel included and comfortable. Katy thrives in any leadership role, but she has the unique skill of knowing when to let go and build others up to lead as well.”

Moore stands out as a leader due to her boldness, kindness, and compassion, which enable her to lead with both confidence and empathy, her nominator said. “As an advocate for student voices, Sophia is deeply committed to ensuring that students are heard and represented in all areas of campus life. She is determined and driven, always pushing forward to create meaningful change and opportunities for others. Through her leadership, Sophia has contributed significantly to the growth and development of others, encouraging them to take action, make informed decisions and become leaders themselves,” they added.

Less than 1% of full-time students receive the Wood Medallion. It is presented to seniors who have contributed to student activities and have demonstrated leadership and scholastic ability. Winners are selected by a committee of faculty, staff and students.

Liester: A leader in events management

Liester ��. leadership experiences began with Blue Devil Productions, where she worked in three positions: communications director, homecoming and films director, and executive producer.

She has also served as the social media lead for the Involvement Center, as well as the administrative and programs student lead for a summer co-op experience. She thinks her leadership roles in the Involvement Center were pivotal in her development as a student and a professional.

“Through these opportunities, I accomplished more than what I thought I was capable of doing, from planning a celebrity Q&A for more than 700 attendees to creating a whole new points system to recognize the student leaders of our campus. I learned more about myself and gained a support system of friends and mentors that I will carry with me beyond my graduation,” Leister said.

“My leadership skills and accomplishments are all thanks to those who supported me as a student at Stout. I’m especially grateful for the professional staff, my teammates, and others who have supported me and helped me grow stronger in my leadership with each opportunity and role,” she added.

Liester will graduate in August and plans to find a career in events management. “I hope I can continue to grow and utilize my leadership skills to bring more events to different audiences and support others in their leadership development as a role model and mentor,” she said.

Moore: An advocate for student voices

Moore ��. on-campus leadership includes serving as a student senator for the Stout Student Association, later becoming a vice chair, and now, director of Legislative Affairs. She is a civic engagement student lead at the university ��. Involvement Center, a student orientation leader for incoming first-year students, and sits on committees, like the Student Retention Committee, all charged with maintaining a student-driven campus.

“Our campus is uniquely full of leadership opportunities, and our faculty and staff are so incredibly helpful in equipping you with the skills needed to become a great leader,” Moore said.

Moore will graduate in winter 2026 and hopes to continue her journey into public service as an intern or staff member for a legislator before applying to law school.

2025 Wood Medallion recipients

Leadership Awards

Leadership award recipients are selected by a committee of faculty, staff and students. Other Wood Medallion recipients were:

Alex Cluphf, computer science, Kenosha
Nathan Hammer, computer networking and information technology, Wisconsin Rapids
Hailey Herzog, animation and digital media, Minneapolis
Bailey Jacque, hotel, restaurant and tourism management; real estate property management, Thorp
Francis Kaunda, business administration, real estate property management, Lilongwe, Malawi
Emma Kronbeck, hotel, restaurant and tourism management, Red Wing, Minnesota
Ella Lamppa, business administration, supply chain management, Eveleth, Minnesota
Taylor Luxem, human development and family studies, Appleton
Kiara Malloy-Salgado, graphic design and interactive media, Middleton
Catherine Miller, graphic design and interactive media, Mayville
Lucas Moreno-Martinez III, fashion design and development, Vesper
Jeremy O’Connor, construction, Preston, Minnesota
Rosey Silvano, business administration, Minneapolis
Abbi Williams, early childhood education, Waupaca

Samuel E. Wood was a longtime assistant chancellor for Student Services/Dean of Students. He retired in 1991 and died in February 2013.

Additional awards presented were:

In addition to Liester and Moore, Ava Allroggen was also named Outstanding Student Leader of the Year. Allroggen is a clinical mental health counseling graduate student from Minneapolis.
Student Employee of the Year, three winners: Josilyn Farrier, Forest Lake, Minnesota, University Dining; Kiara Malloy-Salgado, Middleton, MSC design team; and Kenton Newman, Holmen, Math Teaching and Learning Center
Student Staff Team of the Year, three winners: Student Center ��. MSC design team; Writing Center ��. peer writing consultants; and Student Counseling Center ��. Wellness PROs
Student Organization of the Year, two winners: Blue Devil Productions and Service Club
Student Organization Event of the Year, four winners: Club Managers Association of America, Career Conference Hospitality Mixer; People ��. Organization of Network Gaming, Classy-LAN; International Club, International Night; and Alpha Phi, Red Dress Gala
Bill Siedlecki Advisor of the Year, two winners: Eric Brey, Club Managers Association of America; and Darrin Witucki, Stout Student Association

The award ceremony was sponsored by the Involvement Center, Stout Student Association and Career Services. Twenty students also received the Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award.

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Students recognized for leadership, academic excellence in packaging, social science, food technology, interior design

goersab — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 16:41:38 +0000

Students recognized for leadership, academic excellence in packaging, social science, food technology, interior designgoersab February 11, 2025

Competitive industry-sponsored scholarships positively impact graduate, undergraduates

Abbey Goers

Paying for college can be stressful. But as a Money Magazine 2024 Best Colleges in Wisconsin, �� understands. Noted for its focus on affordability and student outcomes, �� has resources to help alleviate some of that financial pressure.

From offering on-campus jobs through Career Services’ Handshake app, providing one-on-one guidance at the Financial Wellness & Literacy Center, and coordinating hundreds of �� Foundation scholarships and external industry-sponsored scholarships, Wisconsin ��. �� makes sure Blue Devils reach their graduation goals.

This academic year, more than 1,000 students have been awarded nearly $3 million in external and Foundation scholarships, reflecting their dedication to their fields of study and promise in their future careers.

Packaging senior Makenna Lowell / Makenna Lowell

Scholarships impact students’ education, allowing them to focus on their degree programs, applied research and creative endeavors at Wisconsin ��. ��, as well as motivate students to continue to strive for excellence in their fields through professional development opportunities.

“With this support, I can dedicate more time to hands-on projects, collaborate with peers and faculty, and participate in industry-related events. This will enhance my skills and knowledge in packaging, preparing me for a successful career,” said packaging senior Makenna Lowell, of Frederick, Md.

Lowell was recently awarded two industry-sponsored scholarships: a $5,000 Mark C. Garvey Scholarship by PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and a $500 scholarship from the Institute of Packaging Professionals Minnesota Chapter.

Other recent external scholarship recipients include:

Packaging senior Elaina Marxen, of Rochester, Minn.: $5,000 Cindy Finley Memorial Scholarship, on behalf of the Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association.
Applied social science senior Sophia Moore, of Redwing, Minn.: $3,000 Tommy G. Thompson Leadership Scholarship, sponsored by the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership.
M.S. food science and technology graduate student Meghana Maske: $3,000 Food Safety Scholarship, sponsored by the FMI Foundation in partnership with the Safe Quality Food Institute.
Interior design senior Lindsey Phillips, of Eden Prairie, Minn.: $7,500 Network of Executive Women in Hospitality ��. Icon of Industry Scholarship.

In addition, 48 students received $1,500 scholarships from Mayo Clinic Health Systems, for a total of $72,000; and five students received $2,000 each from the Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Minneapolis for pursuing careers in commercial real estate and building management.

Gaining professional development opportunities in packaging

Marxen and Lowell enjoy how broad the packaging industry is and the opportunities for students and careers in the field, yet how tightly knit the professional community feels.

“It is a growing industry that is pertinent to the function of daily life. I hope to develop and design creative packaging solutions that benefit sustainability efforts and positive consumer experiences,” Marxen said.

Packaging senior Elaina Marxen

Lowell added, “There are tons of opportunities in niches of packaging that most people have never even thought of. I am excited by the idea of so many possibilities for my future and many career paths to choose from.”

Marxen, who has minors in graphic media and print management and global perspectives on engineering, has completed two co-ops: one with Starbucks’ global research and development and engineering team in Seattle and one with Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

“I see the major advantage to my Stout education when interacting with engineering students from other universities. Stout requiring a co-op not only encourages me to test out different areas of my field but also gives me related job experience I can talk about in interviews and bring forward into my career.

“These co-ops made me more confident than ever that I made the right decision to attend ��. The polytechnic education and career-focused program give me the tools and knowledge I need to be able to exceed expectations in my future endeavors,” added Marxen, who will graduate in May 2025.

Lowell, who has a minor in sustainability, has completed a seven-month co-op at Kimberly-Clark in Appleton, working on real-world projects that resulted in her contributions being featured on store shelves.

Packaging students Griffin Reisman and Makenna Lowell, IOPP scholarship recipients / Mary Paz Alvarez Valverde

“During this time, I honed my professional communication skills and learned extensively about project management and work timelines,” she said. “I have accepted a second seven-month co-op with Ocean Spray in Lakeville, Mass., and I am excited to collaborate with a new team and deepen my knowledge of the food packaging industry.”

Lowell will graduate in May 2026. She ��. interested in working for a consumer goods company on the East Coast, closer to her hometown.

“The packaging industry is so broad, and I have had so many memorable experiences with fellow packaging students from other universities and with industry professionals. I am excited for what the future brings and the many great people in the industry that I have yet to meet,” she said.

Moore is leading the way in public service

Moore has known from a very young age that she wanted to work in public policy and law. Within her applied social science degree, she ��. concentrating on history and politics.

Applied social science student Sophia Moore at the State Capitol Building / Sophia Moore

Moore is one of 15 students across the Universities of Wisconsin to receive the Tommy G. Thompson Leadership Scholarship, awarded for their spirit of tackling big problems through teamwork and determination to make Wisconsin a better place.

Last summer, Moore interned with AmeriCorps as a Housing Stability Fellow for a local domestic violence and homeless shelter.

“My experience there was completely life-changing,” she said. “Having an understanding of nonprofits and legislation regarding social welfare programs definitely enhanced my experience while on the job.”

“Our campus is uniquely full of leadership opportunities, and our faculty and staff are so incredibly helpful in equipping you with the skills needed to become a great leader,” Moore said.

“The leadership scholarship will allow me to continue my undergraduate education at a lower cost, alleviating me of some financial burden as a low-income college student and leaving me able to put my all into my studies and leadership responsibilities,” she said.

Moore will graduate in winter 2026 and hopes to continue her journey into public service as an intern or staff member for a legislator before applying to law school.

Maske awarded for addressing challenges in food product development

Maske is passionate about advancing food safety protocols and leveraging her skills in quality management to enhance product integrity and sustainability.

Meghana Maske, M.S. food science and technology graduate student / Meghana Maske

She is one of 15 recipients from across the U.S., Canada and Mexico to receive the FMI scholarship, which recognizes outstanding food safety scholars based on academic ability, leadership potential, motivation and initiative.

Her thesis research, “Development of 3D Printed Fish Analogs with Enhanced Omega-3 Fatty Acids,” uses extrusion-based 3D printing technology to create plant-based fish analogs.

Maske has researched plant-based ingredients and is refining formulations to optimize texture and nutritional composition and to replicate the muscle fiber structure of fish.

“An ongoing focus of my research is enhancing omega-3 fatty acid levels from plant-based sources, an essential aspect of nutritional benefits. This project aims to contribute to sustainable food innovation and provide viable alternatives to traditional fish products,” she said.

“My research has greatly enhanced my technical and analytical capabilities, allowing me to systematically approach challenges in food product development. This structured and methodical approach has strengthened my collaborative skills and problem-solving mindset to enable me to contribute effectively to advancing food innovation, particularly in the development of sustainable food products,” she said.

Her research is funded by �� . Student Research Grant.

Maske will graduate in May 2025. She plans to work in food safety and quality assurance and thinks her research and internship as a food safety and quality intern at Bunge, in Danville, Ill., have prepared her for a career. At Bunge, Maske gained experience in conducting audits, developing standard operating procedures and managing food safety documentation.

Maske is grateful for the opportunity to receive the FMI scholarship.

“Meghana ��. strengths are her positive thinking and proactiveness in everything she does. This is an important virtue for personal success and for successfully leading a team,” said Program Director Eun Joo Lee. “Meghana ��. case is a good example of the snowball effect of success, showing how student's small successes lead to big successes continuously. I am very proud of her.”

Maske and FMI scholarship recipients are invited to attend the SQF Unites Conference, March 2-5, in Orlando, Fla.

Phillips creates perfect spaces for her clients

Phillips enjoys creating functional, beautiful and inspiring environments. “I have always been someone who loves puzzles, so solving problems with design, space planning and budgeting was a good fit for me. Turning a space with infinite possibilities into the perfect space for the client is what inspires me to design,” she said.

Interior design student Lindsey Phillips / Lindsey Phillips

She thinks her classes and studios have opened her eyes to what being an interior designer truly means. She has designed workspaces, retail, libraries, residential spaces and more.

“With courses like lighting design, construction documents, contracts and codes, my projects have developed to be the most successful and realistic products I can design,” said Phillips, who worked as a sales intern with Southern Lights, in Burnsville, Minn., last summer.

Phillips NEWH Icon of Industry scholarship covers almost all her senior year tuition.

“It has been very helpful since I pay for all my expenses by myself. I have been taking out loans and working multiple jobs while staying a full-time student. This scholarship not only helps me financially but also confirms that my hard work has paid off,” she said.

Phillips, who has a minor in project management, will graduate in May 2025. She plans to work for a commercial design firm that focuses on hospitality design.

NEWH Inc. fosters leadership development, scholarships, advancing education, mentorship and networking in the hospitality industry.

“This is a wonderful accomplishment for Lindsey, and we are all very proud of her. NEWH is a great organization and has supported our students for years,” said Program Director Shelley Pecha.

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Can Trump just order new names for Denali and the Gulf of Mexico?

hugginsm — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 16:45:27 +0000

Can Trump just order new names for Denali and the Gulf of Mexico?hugginsm January 25, 2025

Geography professor Innisfree McKinnon explains who decides what goes on the map.

Innisfree McKinnon

This article appeared in Scientific American, Fast Company, News Break and others, and originated from The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

President Donald Trump ��. executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska ��. Denali, the tallest peak in the country, has resulted in lots of discussion. While for some, such renaming might seem less important than the big problems the country faces, there is a formal process in the United States for renaming places, and that process is taken seriously.

Usually, so people don’t get confused, official, agreed-upon names are used by the government. In the U.S., place names are standardized by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, which is part of the U.S. Geological Survey, the agency in charge of making maps.

In his executive order, Trump asks the Board on Geographic Names “to honor the contributions of visionary and patriotic Americans” and change its policies and procedures to reflect that.

Usually, renaming a place starts locally. The people in the state or county propose a name change and gather support. The process in each state is different.

Lake Bde Maka Ska, formerly Lake Calhoun, is the largest lake in Minneapolis. / YinYang/E+ via Getty

How to change a place name

Minnesota recently changed the name of a large lake in Minneapolis to Bde Maka Ska, which the Minneapolis Park Board described as “a Dakota name for the lake that has been passed down in oral history for many years.”

The board voted to change the name and took its request to the county commissioners. When the county agreed, the request was then sent to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which made it official for Minnesota. Then, the state of Minnesota sent the request to the Board on Geographic Names, which made it official for the entire U.S.

It ��. a lot of paperwork for something so seemingly minor, but people get passionate about place names. It took 40 years to rename Denali from the name established in the late 19th century, Mount McKinley.

The state of Alaska requested the name change in 1975, but the Board on Geographic Names didn’t take action. Members of the Ohio congressional delegation – President William McKinley was from Ohio – objected over many years to requests to rename the mountain, and the board did not act on those requests.

The president appoints the secretary of the Interior Department. The secretary works with the heads of related agencies to appoint the Board on Geographic Names. Current committee policy states, “Input from State geographic names authorities, land management agencies, local governments, and Tribal Governments are actively pursued.”

In 2015, President Barack Obama named a new leader for the Department of the Interior, Sally Jewell. Just as Obama made a trip to Alaska in late August 2015, Jewell declared the name change official under a law that allows the secretary of the Interior to change a name if the board doesn’t act on the proposal in a “reasonable” amount of time.

Today we’re returning Mount McKinley to its native name - Denali, a step to reflect the heritage of Alaska Natives. pic.twitter.com/WyzQImKymX
— President Obama (@POTUS44) August 31, 2015

“This name change recognizes the sacred status of Denali to many Alaska Natives,” Jewell said. “The name Denali has been official for use by the State of Alaska since 1975, but even more importantly, the mountain has been known as Denali for generations. With our own sense of reverence for this place, we are officially renaming the mountain Denali in recognition of the traditions of Alaska Natives and the strong support of the people of Alaska.”

You won’t find the Gulf of America on any map. / Sean Gladwell/Moment via Getty

If someone objects to a name change, they could ask the courts to rule on whether the name change was made legally. Going back to Bde Maka Ska, some people objected to changing the name from Lake Calhoun, so they took the state natural resources agency to court. Eventually, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the name change was done correctly.

Alaska ��. two U.S. senators and prominent state figures have strongly objected to Trump ��. renaming attempt.

How not to change a place name

Renaming the Gulf of Mexico is a different kind of case, however, from renaming a geographic place within U.S. borders.

The gulf is not within the territorial U.S. On the coast, the first 12 miles from shore are considered part of that country, but outside of that is international waters.

The Board on Geographic Names could change the name to Gulf of America on official U.S. maps, but there is no international board in charge of place names. Each country decides what to call places. And there is no official way for the U.S. to make other countries change the name.

It ��. possible that the U.S. could formally ask other countries to change the name, or even impose sanctions against countries that don’t comply.

If the names were officially changed in the U.S., the government would use the new names in official documents, signage and maps. As for all the people and companies in the world that make maps, they usually use the official names. But there is nothing that would force them to, if they believed that a certain name is more widely recognized.

On Jan. 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a statement on the name changes:

“In accordance with President Donald J. Trump ��. recent executive order, the Department of the Interior is proud to announce the implementation of name restorations that honor the legacy of American greatness, with efforts already underway.

"As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North America ��. highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley….The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, under the purview of the Department of the Interior, is working expeditiously to update the official federal nomenclature in the Geographic Names Information System to reflect these changes, effective immediately for federal use.”

This story has been updated to reflect the Department of Interior ��. statement on Jan. 25, 2025.

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Geography professor Innisfree McKinnon explains if POTUS can just order new names for Denali and the Gulf of Mexico. Denali Park Mountain Range

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Innisfree McKinnon

Brief Biography: I am a human-environment geographer with GIS expertise. I'm trained as a political ecologist and have done research on environmental and community planning, conservation conflicts, loss of agricultural land to urbanization, rural tourism, sustainable cites, use of GIS and mapping in the social sciences and humanities, and spaces for children/youth. I teach a wide range of courses including general geography courses, environmental & food studies, and GIS.

If you need help with GIS or geospatial technologies, please refer to my website or YouTube channel.

Teaching Interests: human geography, environmental studies, geographic information systems

Research Interests: community and regional planning, conservation planning, political ecology, geographies of food and agriculture, urban-rural interactions, geographies of tourism and recreation, participatory and critical GIS, citizen science, critical geographies of children and youth

Full Name: Innisfree McKinnon

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Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Geography

University: University of Oregon

Degree: M.A. Geography/Landscape Architecture

University: University of California, Davis

Degree: B.S. Environmental Science

University: Antioch College

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Future of farming in Wisconsin: Professors design customized, energy-efficient, low-cost technology

goersab — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:50:00 +0000

Future of farming in Wisconsin: Professors design customized, energy-efficient, low-cost technologygoersab November 11, 2024

Social science, engineering project for precision agriculture funded by Universities of Wisconsin

Abbey Goers

Engineering and social science professors at �� are helping to advance the next generation of agricultural support systems to ensure that new technologies meet the needs of Wisconsin farmers.

Through customized, energy-efficient, low-cost technology for precision agriculture, the team is looking to improve productivity, enhance farming efficiency, increase crop yield and quality and boost profitability for farmers with beef and grazing cattle, small dairies, specialty and large cash crops and agronomists.

The project, A HumanCentered Collaborative Approach to Designing an Energy-Efficient Wireless Sensor Network, includes several aspects: a ground wireless sensor network, machinery for automation, livestock monitoring and drone data collection to help farmers make informed decisions based on real-time and historical data.

The team, led by �� engineering Professor Yuan Xing, overseeing the overall system design, and applied social science Program Director Tina Lee, includes �� engineering professors Cheng Liu, sensor hardware implementation, and Abhishek Verma, UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) system design, as well as UW-River Falls Professor Bob Zhiwei Zeng, agricultural machinery design.

Engineering Professor Yuan Xing presents the livestock monitoring software and its AI capabilities / ��

The cross-disciplinary engineering/social science project received a two-year, $175,000 Universities of Wisconsin Innovation Grant.

The team recently demonstrated the prototypes and machinery at Mann Valley Farm in River Falls.

The demonstration included how AI methodologies for data analysis can be integrated into each system, allowing farmers to view historical data of their property, including weather- and animal-related data and more.

“These technologies are available now, but we want the data results to be useful to farmers at an affordable price,” Xing said. “This system is the first of its kind available to the farmers in Wisconsin. The uniqueness includes the energy-saving orientated AI algorithms and human-centered DIY hardware design.”

Engineering faculty, college deans, area farmers and AI professionals attended the demonstration, as well as student members of �� . Artificial Intelligence Club, who are interested in the progression of technology, and how it can change the future of farming and be applied to other areas.

A human-centered approach to technology

The project began this spring, when Lee held eight preliminary interviews with farmers in Dunn, Barron and St. Croix counties to learn how the technology could be designed to meet their individual needs.

The presentation was attended by faculty, staff, students and area farmers / ��

“Farmers feel a great pressure to be profitable, while remaining environmentally friendly,” Lee said. “We need to understand their point of view, while making sure the technology is readily available at a low cost, is efficient, easy to use and easy to learn how to use.

“Then, what do we do with all the data collected? We need to understand how to make that data useful, as each type of farmer has different needs based on their crops or livestock, so the system is designed to be customized based on a farmer ��. needs,” she added.

Originally, the engineering faculty and Lee were applying separately for the Innovations Grant, but university leadership encouraged them to join forces, Lee said.

Wireless sensor networks: a miniature weather tower

The HOBO energy-efficient wireless sensor network has up to 50 sensors to monitor water management, solar intensity, humidity, rainfall, soil health, and wind speed and direction.

Engineering Professor Cheng Liu presents the wireless sensor network and weather monitoring functions / ��

The miniature weather tower has a simple graphical user panel. It is solar-powered and runs on an internal battery, making it 99% energy efficient. It stands about 10 feet tall, with an adjustable height, and is grounded in case of severe weather, Liu said.

The wireless sensor network at Mann Valley Farm has been in place since June, collecting data in a cornfield.

“The sensor network is reasonable and practical because of the high amount of data collected at a low cost,” Liu said. “A farmer can remotely manage their sensor data, and data is accessed via an app on their phone. Historical data can be viewed in the HOBO online data dashboard to assist farmers with farming decisions.”

The AI data analysis system runs algorithms to process data and help a farmer make informed decisions, Xing said.

“The AI model is trained to predict weather conditions based on historical data of the farm, such as moisture in an afternoon based on data collected that morning. New data can be predicated based on historical data, and the more data that is collected allows AI to calculate more accurate predictions within 5% accuracy,” Xing said.

The AI model can also be trained to identify types of pests or diseases present based on photos, but the training takes time, he added.

The ease of automation for specialty crop farmers

The Amiga robot, by Farm-ng, is a battery-operated micro-tractor designed for 24/7 automation in specialty crop farming. The all-terrain, all-weather robot can be used:

As a scouting robot in the field, programmed for pest and disease control
For weeding or harvesting of specialty crops, such as lavender or berries
To capture real-time images at ground level, with a mounted vision sensor camera.

�� Artificial Intelligence student club members pose with the Amiga Farm-ng robot / ��

The Amiga can be trained to learn the parameters of a field. It can hold up to 1,000 pounds and travel 5 1/2 mph, fully loaded for four to five hours, or eight hours on light duty. Its ground clearance is about two feet, and its height and width can be adjusted as needed, Zeng said.

Liu installed a $120 mini-PC into the Amiga for data collection.

Livestock monitoring to save time and money

A computer vision system offers a high-resolution live camera and video feed of livestock in a field or barn. The video feed tags individual animals and includes a real-time behavior analysis, such as if an animal is standing, feeding or sleeping. It can also count the number of animals present.

The Cow Manager software has an online dashboard to help a farmer monitor and track an individual animal ��. health, such as its digestion or body temperature to predict fertility or stress.

“A farmer can know days before a cow will be in heat if they need to have a bull ready on hand or to know when the cow will be viable for artificial insemination. This can save a farmer time and money,” Zeng said.

The software analysis can also be loaded into an AI model to predict future health conditions based on an animal ��. present state.

Collecting drone data from the seat of your tractor

A drone, or UAV monitoring system, can be used to collect data through high-resolution photos and video.

For farming purposes, the UAV can be used to photograph bare ground, dry grass or fresh plants. It can detect pests, weeds, water content or nutrient deficiency through a hyperspectral camera. Farmers can have an aerial view of their entire crop from their front porch.

Engineering Professor Abhishek Verma shows faculty, staff and students the UAV's live video feed / ��

“For instance, simple image processing of a corn field can be used to estimate its water content by running a low complexity AI model,” Verma said. “The drone can cover 60 acres in two hours, and the data collected can then be analyzed in minutes.”

The UAV can be taught the parameters of a field, similar to geofencing, and can be programmed to follow an optimal flight path over crops. It can correct its path to stay on course if there is a change in wind speed or direction, Verma said.

“Fifty feet is the optimal height for data collection, and the camera offers a maximum zoom of 200X. The map on the handheld control panel shows a real-time location and video feed,” he added.

Abhishek Verma and the UAV / ��

The team will continue testing and collecting data throughout the fall and will conduct a broader survey and interview five to seven more farmers this winter.

Design modifications will begin in 2025 when the team will gather feedback for improvements from participating farmers. Seminars will be held in select counties across the state to explain the system and offer farmers free trial use of the prototypes, with a finalized system planned for December 2025.

The project is an outgrowth of �� . CROPS — the emerging Center for Rural Opportunity, Prosperity and Sustainability. CROPS is piloting ongoing research about issues facing rural communities, including farm consolidation, the loss of population and small businesses, rural poverty and environmental issues related to conventional agriculture.

Professors received initial support from the Dunn County Land and Water Conservation Division; Joe Ailts of Ailts Agronomy, a crop consultant serving farmers in northwest Wisconsin; and a local farmer.

In 2022, �� mathematics professors received a $36,000 grant from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin for a similar project, Crop Per Drop in Sandy Soils.

�� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering has four undergraduate and one master ��. program in engineering, as well as an engineering technology degree. The applied social science program is housed in the College of Arts and Human Sciences.

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Interdisciplinary innovation: �� professors’ wireless sensor network for crops receives $175,000 grant

In a perfect world, farmers could wave a magic wand over their fields and get bigger and better crops, save money and energy, and help the environment.

Hero Caption: �� and UW-RF engineering and social science professors demonstrated their technology developments at Mann Valley Farm.

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Area of Expertise: Energy-Efficient AI Algorithms AI System Integration

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering Engineering & Technology Department

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B.S. Computer & Electrical Engineering

Curriculum Vitae: Yuan Xing CV (113.57 KB)

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Degree: Ph.D. Electrical & Computer Engineering

University: Baylor University

Degree: M.S. Electrical & Computer Engineering

University: University of Rochester

Degree: B.S. Telecommunication Engineering

University: Beijing Jiaotong University

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Tina Lee

Teaching Interests: Cultural Anthropology, Anthropology of Gender, Anthropology of the Contemporary U.S., Qualitative Research Methods, Applied Anthropology

Research Interests: Gender, Race, Poverty and Class; Family and the Law; Women ��. Activism; Public Policy; Urban United States

Full Name: Dr. Tina Lee

Job Title: Professor / Program Director / Certificate Advisor

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Social Science Department

Program

All Degree Programs

Curriculum Vitae: Tina Lee CV (57.7 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Anthropology

University: The Graduate Center, City University of New York

Degree: Women's Studies Certificate Women's Studies

University: Graduate Center, City University of New York

Degree: M.A. Anthropology

University: Arizona State University

Degree: B.A. Anthropology

University: University of Houston

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Students from across country address water quality issues in Red Cedar watershed with �� mentors

goersab — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:17:31 +0000

Students from across country address water quality issues in Red Cedar watershed with �� mentorsgoersab July 22, 2024

LAKES researchers to present on dynamics of water quality, community efforts to protect it on Aug. 8 at Raw Deal in Menomonie

Abbey Goers

Undergraduate researchers from across the U.S. and Canada have spent the summer in the Chippewa Valley investigating water quality awareness, invasive species, groundwater pollutants, public opinion and local mitigation for positive change in the Red Cedar watershed.

Led by �� co-directors Professor Tina Lee and Senior Lecturer Arthur Kneeland, LAKES REU students from eight universities are collaborating on research to improve the health of the watershed and develop sustainable solutions with community and government partners, local citizens and policymakers.

The interdisciplinary team of students represents a range of academic fields: anthropology, biology, environmental science, political science, mechanical engineering, and applied mathematics and computer science.

LAKES students gather on a hillside for a soil lesson at a local farm / Tina Lee

Students and mentors will present their findings from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, at the Raw Deal, 603 S. Broadway St., Menomonie. Community members are encouraged to join them in conversations about the local environment and issues facing the watershed.

Their research will be shared with local policymakers through reports, conversations and participation in the Red Cedar Water Quality Partnership in hopes of facilitating positive change in land use and water quality regulations and practices.

LAKES 2024 researchers

In addition to Lee and Kneeland, LAKES mentors include Professor Devin Berg, Assistant Professor Nicole Hayes and Professor Kim Zagorski.

“LAKES gives students the experience of being able to focus on research for a whole summer and to really immerse themselves in the problems they are working on. They get to work with and get to know community members and work on a problem that is important to the community,” Lee said.

Lee believes it ��. important to consider the issues of water quality and pollution from various angles, from the biology of pollutants to human interactions with waterways.

“To address the dynamics of water quality issues in the Red Cedar watershed, we need to understand the people who live and own land here in an empathic way,” she said. “Our research adds to our knowledge and helps inform those who are working to address water quality issues. It ��. important to understand the economic, social and cultural constraints people face as well as the capacities they have to help address problems, and these topics are a key focus of our work.”

Students, their degrees, schools and mentors are:

Murphy Boksanski: environmental science at University of San Francisco, Lee and Kneeland
Eva Elbert: environment and gender, sexuality, feminist and social justice studies at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Lee
Lara Erickson: environmental studies at Carleton College, Northfield, Minn., Zagorski
Olivia Franklin: community sustainability at UW-Stevens Point, Zagorski
Maya Hoffman: public health science at University of Maryland College Park, Hayes
Jennifer Kahn: biology at UW-Stevens Point, Hayes
Lucas Krueger: anthropology and history at Beloit College, Lee
Jessica Qualich: mechanical engineering at ��, Berg
Shayla Riley: public policy at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Zagorski

LAKES students collect plant samples during a soil lesson at a local farm / Tina Lee

LAKES REU is in its ninth year at ��. It is funded by the National Science Foundation and by the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, which works to enhance its water-related academic programs.

Lindsey Redepenning, an applied mathematics and computer science student at ��, and Professor Keith Wojciechowski are collaborating with LAKES researchers. Their research is funded through a separate Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin grant.

“Environmental sustainability and water quality is such an important issue and one we can’t ignore. Mentoring students is the absolute best part of my job, and it ��. a privilege to get to know such an amazing group of young people each summer,” Lee said.

Making a decade of research accessible

Boksanski thinks that a direct pairing of science and communication is uncommon for undergraduate research opportunities, which makes LAKES stand out from other programs.

He is collaborating with local organizations to post infographics in the community to best present nearly a decade of LAKES research collected by nearly 100 students.

He read 20 peer-reviewed papers on scientific communication and found that different forms of communication appeal to different audiences and that the most effective presentations are jargon-free with simple statistics and offer background on researchers to give them credibility.

“The process of synthesizing nearly a decade ��. worth of data can be grueling. You cannot fit all the information into a few reports, so picking the most important information from each topic is the biggest challenge,” Boksanski said.

“But it is rewarding. To put everything together and share our research with our community is important and feels great.”

Social Science: Activism in the community

As an applied anthropologist, Lee feels strongly that she should apply her research skills to problems that affect the area “since I’ve made it my home and am raising my children here,” she said.

Her hope for Elbert and Krueger is that they build a strong grounding in interviewing and qualitative coding techniques and are more prepared to conduct research in their careers or graduate school.

LAKES students help with fencing at a local farm / Tina Lee

Elbert ��. project is connected to work Lee has been involved with in collaboration with Grassland 2.0. She is interviewing community members from a variety of sectors in the area to explore what a healthy rural community would look like to them, what changes they see that should be made and how the community might come together to make those changes.

Krueger will present on the history of environmental activism around the Red Cedar watershed. He is reviewing archival material and interviewing community members to highlight their efforts.

“From the Great Lakes to wild rice, to the success of Chicago and Minneapolis as river cities, water and Midwestern culture are nearly synonymous. By studying either, we learn more about both,” he said.

Krueger believes that changes in water are reflective of changes in culture, citing the reversal of the Chicago River by civil engineers in 1900 and the damming of the Red Cedar River in the 1880s to create a mill pond for the lumber industry, forming what is now Lake Menomin.

“By studying what people protected and how they did it, we can better appreciate the water and land around us,” he said.

Biology: surveys on wind patterns and zebra mussels

Hayes wants Hoffman ��. and Kahn ��. LAKES experience to be their first steps as independent researchers as they survey harmful aquatic plant and animal species on Lake Menomin.

“I want Maya and Jennifer to leave LAKES with a better understanding of the scope and magnitude of the impact humans have on lakes and of how much we still need to learn about lakes,” she said.

LAKES students Olivia Franklin, Lara Erickson, Jennifer Kahn and Maya Hoffman / ��

Kahn is surveying the zebra mussel population density and hopes to raise awareness of the invasive species. In one field experience, she led Hoffman, Erickson and Franklin on a search for the mollusks at Lakeside Boat Launch near the Menomonie Public Library.

The finding of zebra mussels in the lake is recent. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources discovered several hundreds of the mollusks last fall when removing docks from the lake before winter.

At Lakeside, Kahn turned over rock after rock and sifted through sediment. She identified several zebra mussels, as well as Chinese mystery snails, also an invasive species.

“There isn’t a way to get rid of zebra mussels once they arrive, but we can limit the spread. People need to be aware of the species’ presence to prevent accidental introductions to noninfested water bodies. They should inspect and remove any aquatic plants or animals from their boats, trailers and equipment before leaving a launch,” Kahn said.

LAKES students collect zebra mussels and Chinese mystery snails on Lake Menomin / ��

Hoffman is determining the impact of wind patterns on cyanobacteria bloom sizes and distribution.

This research on the harmful algae formations is her first exposure to limnology – the study of freshwater bodies. She has conducted different forms of data collection in the field, trekking through streams and collecting lake water samples while boating across Menomin and Tainter lakes. She is also gaining hands-on laboratory skills, filtering water samples to find Microcystis toxin concentrations and nutrient makeups and measuring algae colonies under the microscope.

“Looking at wind as a factor with cyanobacteria blooms is especially important when considering a recent phenomenon called atmospheric stilling,” Hoffman said. “This phenomenon is a climate change-driven pattern in which surface-level winds have been decreasing across the globe. These decreasing wind levels have been linked to increased harmful blooms in various other lakes across the world. Finding a link between climate change-driven patterns and these harmful blooms is an important sign to put more focus into this pressing environmental issue.”

Political science: Connecting awareness and policy

LAKES offers Erickson, Franklin and Riley an intersection of political science and environmental studies.

Erickson is compiling and analyzing perceptions of nitrate contamination in private wells in Dunn County, which may impact residents’ health and well-being.

Franklin is researching urban and residential runoff, its effects on waterways, public opinion and local mitigation on runoff. She is also investigating attitudes regarding sustainability and public perception.

Riley is a nontraditional student who grew up in a neighborhood next to a paper mill. Over the years, she noticed that people from the area suffered from reproductive issues and various cancers, including herself. She began to wonder if there was a link between the two. The experience inspired her passion for environmental studies.

Her LAKES research involves understanding if there is a relationship between a household ��. awareness of local water pollution, the source of their indoor water and its quality.

“Existing research shows a strong connection between awareness and policy,” Riley said. “I think gaining detailed knowledge about local water quality issues empowers residents to take informed actions, whether advocating for better practices, participating in local initiatives or implementing personal changes to improve their own water safety.

“LAKES has been instrumental in my development as a student and researcher. It perfectly aligns with my plans to engage with and advocate for communities like my hometown and Dunn County to understand what resources are needed to make the changes necessary to improve the quality of life.”

Mechanical engineering and mathematics: Advancing agricultural technology

Berg, Qualich, Wojciechowski and Redepenning are collaborating on research to advance agricultural technology, working in the Jarvis Hall Greenhouse Lab on campus and with Chippewa Valley Bean of Dunn County, the world ��. largest producer of dark red kidney beans. Wojciechowski is a project consultant at Chippewa Valley Bean.

LAKES student Jessica Qualich and AMCS student Lindsey Redepenning measure kidney beans in the Jarvis Hall Greenhouse / Keith Wojciechowski

Qualich, of Buffalo Grove, Ill., is growing kidney beans using Farmbot, an automated three-axis robotic farming system housed in the greenhouse. Farmbot allows Qualich to study precision planting, watering and soil analysis techniques and climate simulations.

Redepenning, of Elk River, Minn., is using Farmbot to receive data input such as irrigation levels and to take photos of the kidney bean crop canopy cover twice weekly. The data and photos help her track growth through a canopy cover model, which displays leaf area, ground cover area, plant conditions and productivity.

Redepenning was drawn to ��'s AMCS program because it offers “the perfect balance of math and computer science to give me a wealth of knowledge in both subjects.” She will graduate in December 2025 and plans to work in industry or earn her master ��. degree.

AMCS student Lindsey Redepenning installs a Farmbot to collect data at Chippewa Valley Bean / Keith Wojciechowski

Students’ 2024 research will be posted in August on the LAKES website, where past research is also available.

Students receive a $5,400 research stipend for the summer, as well as housing in �� . residence halls, a $450 food allowance, up to $500 in travel reimbursement and funding support to travel to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research to present their final research findings.

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LAKES researchers to present on dynamics of water quality, community efforts to protect it on Aug. 8 at Raw Deal in Menomonie LAKES students collecting invasive species on Lake Menomin

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Experience LAKES REU

Experience LAKES REU. Spend two months in Menomonie, WI, research with professional mentors and present your findings at an academic conference.

Hero Caption: LAKES students look for zebra mussels on Lake Menomin for a research survey on the invasive species.

Tina Lee

Teaching Interests: Cultural Anthropology, Anthropology of Gender, Anthropology of the Contemporary U.S., Qualitative Research Methods, Applied Anthropology

Research Interests: Gender, Race, Poverty and Class; Family and the Law; Women ��. Activism; Public Policy; Urban United States

Full Name: Dr. Tina Lee

Job Title: Professor / Program Director / Certificate Advisor

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Social Science Department

Program

All Degree Programs

Curriculum Vitae: Tina Lee CV (57.7 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Anthropology

University: The Graduate Center, City University of New York

Degree: Women's Studies Certificate Women's Studies

University: Graduate Center, City University of New York

Degree: M.A. Anthropology

University: Arizona State University

Degree: B.A. Anthropology

University: University of Houston

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Arthur Kneeland

Skills: Teaching, Entomological taxonomy, sampling and IPM. Sustainable Agriculture, GIS proficiency, ARCgis and ERDAS. Statistical proficiency, SAS,

Teaching Interests: Entomology, lab teaching,

Research Interests: Innovative sustainable agricultural techniques, Insect Ecology,

Full Name: Arthur J. Kneeland, M.S.

Job Title: Senior Lecturer

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Biology Department

Curriculum Vitae: Arthur Kneeland CV (51.93 KB)

Education:

Degree: M.S. Renewable Resources Entomology

University: University of Wyoming

Degree: B.A. Sc Applied Science Lab Management

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

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�� Center for Sustainable Communities aims to help rural areas thrive

polingj — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:33:54 +0000

�� Center for Sustainable Communities aims to help rural areas thrivepolingj June 4, 2024

UW, Freshwater Collaborative grants support environmental, social, economic efforts of faculty, students

By Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin

Rural communities experienced widespread population decreases between 2010 and 2020 for the first time in history, impacting jobs, health care, education and other services.

�� is in a unique position to help strengthen Wisconsin ��. rural communities. Since 2021, the university has received multiple grants from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin to help faculty and students engage with and support local communities in western Wisconsin.

A key project was helping to establish the Center for Sustainable Communities. The goal of this emerging center is to help identify opportunities for research, service learning, outreach, community involvement and student experiences that strengthen environmental, social and economic sustainability in rural areas.

�� environmental science Professor Keith Gilland, left, and students conduct stream research near Menomonie. / ��

One of the first research projects to fall under the center ��. umbrella is being funded by a two-year, $175,000 Innovation Grant from the Universities of Wisconsin. A multidisciplinary team of �� faculty will build a network of eight sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, wind, soil moisture, heat and other factors. The data collected will help farmers make decisions about their crops and increase their profitability.

Faculty are also working with faculty at UW-Madison and Grassland 2.0 to create a learning hub around agriculture issues in the Red Cedar Basin. Grassland 2.0 is a collaborative group of farmers, researchers, and public and private sector leaders who focus on restorative agricultural process. Their goal is to work together to increase farmer profitability while also improving water quality, soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

“The learning hub was proposed by our local community,” says Tina Lee, professor in the social science department who is helping to lead the center and is working on the Innovation Grant. “We are getting community input from the agricultural sector on what the learning hub will look like.”

B.S. Environmental Science

Our B.S. Environmental Science program offers lab-based learning, applied research, and field experiences to prepare you to conserve the natural world.

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The center will go beyond farming, however. Keith Gilland, an associate professor of biology who teaches environmental science, leads the Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group funded by the Freshwater Collaborative. He and his students work with Trout Unlimited, Prairie Enthusiasts and the City of Menomonie to evaluate the effects of trout stream and prairie restoration.

“There ��. a big component of what we’ve done with the Red Cedar Basin that ��. rooted in the idea that for healthy, thriving rural areas it ��. not just about farms,” he says. “We also need healthy natural environments. We need recreational activities and places people want to go to spend time.”

Gilland is exploring ideas to expand his research and partnerships through the center. He wants his research to improve conditions in Menomonie from an environmental standpoint while also getting more students involved in that work so they can get hands-on experience that trains them for the workforce.

As the center grows, it will become a central place where community members can tap into faculty expertise beyond water quality and create service-learning projects for students in a variety of areas from economics to healthcare to rural education.

“The goal is for people in the community to bring projects to us that they are interested in having done so that students could work on them,” Lee says. “This could become a one-stop shop for small communities in the area with a focus on improving both the natural environment and local economies.”

###

Rural communities experienced broad population decreases between 2010 and 2020 for the first time in history, impacting jobs, health care, education and more. Red Cedar Basin 2

University Marketing

Interdisciplinary innovation: �� professors’ wireless sensor network for crops receives $175,000 grant

In a perfect world, farmers could wave a magic wand over their fields and get bigger and better crops, save money and energy, and help the environment.

Tina Lee

Teaching Interests: Cultural Anthropology, Anthropology of Gender, Anthropology of the Contemporary U.S., Qualitative Research Methods, Applied Anthropology

Research Interests: Gender, Race, Poverty and Class; Family and the Law; Women ��. Activism; Public Policy; Urban United States

Full Name: Dr. Tina Lee

Job Title: Professor / Program Director / Certificate Advisor

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Social Science Department

Program

All Degree Programs

Curriculum Vitae: Tina Lee CV (57.7 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Anthropology

University: The Graduate Center, City University of New York

Degree: Women's Studies Certificate Women's Studies

University: Graduate Center, City University of New York

Degree: M.A. Anthropology

University: Arizona State University

Degree: B.A. Anthropology

University: University of Houston

CACHSS

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Keith Gilland

I am interested in the impacts humans have on the environment and the ways we can mitigate those impacts through the restoration of Wisconsin's natural communities. Here at Stout, I work on the reclamation and restoration of oak savannas, prairies, and riparian corridor communities in the Red Cedar Watershed with the aim to improve surface water quality through land management practices. I work with several local groups including the Prairie Enthusiasts, Trout Unlimited, the Lower Chippewa Invasives Partnership, and local governments to implement and monitor restoration projects involving students in the Environmental Science Program as well as our General Education courses.

I manage the UW-stout Greenhouse, advise the Natural Areas Club student org, and teach courses in Plant Biology, Restoration Ecology, Biostatistics, Research Methods, and Sustainability. My student researchers and I are currently working on projects involving urban stream stressors and restoration, invasive plant management, wetland restoration, and prairie/savanna restoration on former sand and gravel mine sites.

Full Name: Keith E. Gilland, Ph.D.

Job Title: Associate Professor

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Biology Department

Program

All Degree Programs

B.S. Environmental Science

Curriculum Vitae: Keith Gilland CV (197.36 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Plant Ecology

University: Ohio University

Degree: B.S. Botany/Environmental Science

University: Miami University

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Interdisciplinary innovation: �������� professors’ wireless sensor network for crops receives $175,000 grant

Students from across country address water quality issues in Red Cedar watershed with �������� mentors

LAKES 2024 researchers

Making a decade of research accessible

Social Science: Activism in the community

Biology: surveys on wind patterns and zebra mussels

Political science: Connecting awareness and policy

Mechanical engineering and mathematics: Advancing agricultural technology

Experience LAKES REU

�������� Center for Sustainable Communities aims to help rural areas thrive

B.S. Environmental Science

Interdisciplinary innovation: �������� professors’ wireless sensor network for crops receives $175,000 grant

AI reshaping industry: �� professor examines impact on manufacturing, supply chains, health care, more

�� Leadership Awards recognize more than 100 outstanding students

Interdisciplinary innovation: �� professors’ wireless sensor network for crops receives $175,000 grant

Students from across country address water quality issues in Red Cedar watershed with �� mentors

�� Center for Sustainable Communities aims to help rural areas thrive

Interdisciplinary innovation: �� professors’ wireless sensor network for crops receives $175,000 grant