University News

McLanahan creates lab-simulating applications for students

“We are all sacrificing much for the COVID-19 crisis. I didn't want my students to sacrifice anything more than they had to,” said Dr. A. L. Ranen McLanahan, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UW-Platteville. To help transition his thermal systems lab courses into a new alternative delivery, he created four interactive lab-simulating applications for his students to download, calling the series, “Little Dude in Consulting World.” The apps allow students to control a 2D avatar who explores a 2D lab world from inside the classroom.

University Counseling Services offers advice to help with COVID-19 crisis

Teresa Miller, assistant director of University Counseling Services, offers some advice to the UW-Platteville community as they cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Wayne Weber

As dean of UW-Platteville’s College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture, Dr. Wayne Weber presides over a wide range of academic programs, all of which seem to be introducing new, imaginative initiatives at the same time.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Mehdi Roopaei

Dr. Mehdi Roopaei is an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and joined UW-Platteville in 2018. He has several research interests, including machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Schuler flourishes in UW-Platteville Theatre Program

For as long as she can remember, Blair Schuler, a senior theatre major at UW-Platteville, has loved performing. When she graduates from UW-Platteville this May, she hopes to pursue a career in theatre performance and/or costume design.

Pioneers answer the call for help

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many UW-Platteville students are finding themselves facing mounting financial challenges. But in a show of Pioneer spirit, many alumni, friends, faculty and staff have already stepped in to help. Created in 2019, the Pioneers Helping Pioneers fund provides emergency financial support to students with unexpected expenses, outside of tuition. When a call for assistance went out to alumni, friends, faculty and staff last week, more than $5,500 was raised for the fund in only a few days, with donations continuing to come in.

Shop staff creates face shields for area health care workers

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is partnering with a local hospital to help protect health care workers on the front lines of COVID-19. The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science shop supervisors are using 3D printers to create face shields for medical professionals at Southwest Health.

UW-Platteville student creates a community-wide mutual aid and care network

Kayla Golden, a senior electrical engineering student at UW-Platteville, created the Platteville-area Mutual Aid and Collective Care Network – a support network for Platteville-area residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evetovich appointed as provost, vice chancellor

University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dennis J. Shields announced that Dr. Tammy Evetovich has been appointed provost and vice chancellor of Academic Affairs at UW-Platteville.

UW-Platteville names new athletic director

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is pleased to announce Dr. Kristina Navarro as the new director of athletics and assistant chancellor for sports administration.

Students present at Research in the Rotunda

Students, faculty and staff from all three University of Wisconsin-Platteville campuses filled the state capitol on Wednesday for the 17th annual Research in the Rotunda. Eight research teams represented the university and presented their findings with legislators, state leaders, alumni and the public. More than 100 undergraduate researchers from across the UW System participated in the event.

Students plan, lead Health and Human Performance Pre-Professional Conference

Four UW-Platteville health and human performance students recently planned and led the second annual “Health and Human Performance Pre-Professional Conference” for more than 140 students in the university’s Williams Fieldhouse.

Forum to explore concept of ‘moral luck’ and its legal implications

Update, 4/16/2020: Due to safety and health concerns around COVID-19, this event has been cancelled as a precautionary measure. A rescheduled date will be announced at a later time.

On Thursday, April 2, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s College of Liberal Arts and Education will host a faculty forum, “Moral Luck and the Justification of Legal Punishment,” in Room 136 Doudna Hall from 5-6:30 p.m.

McDonald gains critical skills during internships, prepares for social work career

Ever since she arrived at UW-Platteville in September 2016, Sydney McDonald, a senior psychology major with a criminal justice minor, has pursued as many hands-on learning opportunities the university offered as she could. She knew that these experiences would enable her to gain the knowledge, skills and experience she needed to excel in her chosen field, social work.

UW-Platteville to host big data and AI workshop

UPDATE: Due to safety and health concerns around COVID-19, this event has been cancelled as a precautionary measure. The UW-Platteville Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering is partnering with OpenPOWER to present the Big Data and AI Workshop on Tuesday, April 7. Attendees will learn about the latest research and development on big data, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

Students research prairie plant genetic diversity

Ongoing work, involving students, in analyzing, cataloging, and sharing the DNA profiles of native grasses and other plant life in preserves and open spaces around Sauk County will aid prairie restoration efforts in communities across Wisconsin and in other regions as well. That’s according to research currently performed by University of Wisconsin-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County students Emily Forbush and Brooke Martin, who together are working to understand what grasses and plants make up a thriving prairie in the rocky and all-season conditions found near the campus.

Biology students document a rarely seen species in Southwest Wisconsin

Students and faculty at UW-Platteville are researching an animal that some Platteville residents might be surprised to learn they have in their own backyard – the southern flying squirrel.

Pioneer Spotlight: James Valiga

When James (Jim) Valiga began teaching geography classes at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in fall 2013, his main goal was to pass on his life experience and knowledge. Each day, he strives to provide students with the knowledge, skills and support they need to succeed in their careers and be curious about the world.

Chemistry students to present research at state, national levels

Four chemistry students are preparing to present their undergraduate research, learning biochemistry the write way: applying writing-to-learn in STEM, at three different events across the country, including Posters on the Hill in Washington, D.C.

Nguyen to present research on Vietnam economy

Vietnam, Ha Nguyen’s home before enrolling at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Richland, has undergone big structural economic change since the mid-1980s, when most market restrictions were lifted. She has performed a review of the Vietnamese government’s major economic policy changes over the last 30 years, and will share her research with legislators, state leaders, alumni and the public at the 17th annual Research in the Rotunda event.

Pioneer Mock Trial Team wins Witness Award, more at regional tournament

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Mock Trial Team had an impressive showing at the American Mock Trial Association Regional Tournament held recently in Wheaton, Illinois.

UW-Platteville and Edgewood College Launch New Partnership

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

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

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

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

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

Mueller to present research on dopamine at Research in the Rotunda

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

Students to present disaster response applications at Research in the Rotunda

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

Golden’s research aims to advance transistor technology

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

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Theron Parsons

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

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

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

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Fang Yang

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

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

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

Students head south for immersive border experience

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

Forum to explore how Colombian novel enhances understanding of history

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Education students attend state reading convention

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

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

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

Students hope research brings awareness about emerging disease in snakes

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

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

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

Pioneer Spotlight: Gloria Stuckey

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

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

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

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

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

Chamber Choir performs, explores British culture in London

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

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

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

UW-Platteville philosophy program rated great value in nation

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

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

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

Pioneer Spotlight: Ed Janairo

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

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

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

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

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