University News

From Peru to Platteville, Madueno Morales prepares to graduate

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Diversity Equity and Inclusion, International, STEM

When Nuria Madueno Morales traveled from her hometown of Lima, Peru, to UW-Platteville in January 2019, she expected to be on campus only one semester as part of an international exchange program. Now, nearly two years later, she is preparing to graduate from UW-Platteville with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, after finding opportunities and support on campus that made it feel like home.


Mechanical engineering student awarded scholarships from UW System and Internship Draft Day

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: STEM

As mechanical engineering senior Rkia Talbi prepares for her final days at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, she is being recognized for her academic success and professional experience through two scholarships. Talbi was selected as the “Top Draft Pick” at the manufacturing career fair Internship Draft Day and named one of two recipients of the 2020 Alliant Energy Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Academic Achievement Award.


Ivanov’s new book explores impact of Reformation, Enlightenment in Russia

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: History

Dr. Andrey Ivanov, associate professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, recently published “A Spiritual Revolution: The Impact of Reformation and Enlightenment in Orthodox Russia.”


Second-year art student’s work selected for international exhibit

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Arts & Culture

The artwork of Melanie Bisbach, a sophomore cross-disciplinary fine arts major from Dodgeville, Wisconsin, was recently selected to be part of an international online exhibit. Bisbach’s entry was one of just over 80 pieces selected from 797 worldwide entries for the BOUNDLESS exhibit, sponsored by Art Fluent.


New internship program offers unique student teaching experience

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Education

The UW-Platteville School of Education is collaborating with Cuba City Elementary School to offer a new internship program that is not only providing four UW-Platteville students with an unmatched teaching experience, but also playing a vital role in helping the school limit the spread of COVID-19 and offer in-person learning.


Pioneer Spotlight: Samantha Birkicht

Written By: Jason Piddington | Published On: | Featured in: Alumni, Campus & Community

Samantha (Rogers) Birkicht is currently in her fourth year as head volleyball coach for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.


Students to showcase capstone projects at Senior Design Open House

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: STEM

UW-Platteville will host a virtual Senior Design Open House on Wednesday, Dec. 16, offering engineering students the opportunity to showcase their capstone projects to students, faculty, industry representatives and the general public.


Seven years of driftless oaks research project published

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Geography, Research

Thousands of hours of field work and undergraduate research, conducted by more than 75 UW-Platteville students spanning seven years, has come to fruition. Dr. Chris Underwood, associate professor of geography and department chair, Dr. Evan Larson, professor of geography, and alumna Sara Allen, a 2013 history and geography graduate, co-authored “The Driftless Oaks: A new network of tree-ring chronologies to improve regional perspectives of drought in the Upper Midwest, USA.”


Students adapt to online learning, credit professors with transition

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Campus & Community

To assist with hybrid and online learning, the Teaching and Technology Center created professional development opportunities to help instructors develop familiarity with tools that facilitate blended learning. More than 90% of UW-Platteville instructors took advantage of these opportunities over the summer, and UW-Platteville students are now crediting their professors with helping them adjust to new learning modes.


Confucius Institute to celebrate 2021 Chinese New Year

Written By: Marie Whisenant, Coordinator, Confucius Institute | Published On: | Featured in: Confucius Institute, Continuing, Press Release

The Confucius Institute at UW-Platteville welcomes all to a free virtual Chinese New Year Celebration on Feb. 6, 2021, at 1 p.m.


Alumnus to conclude Engineering Seminar Series

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Alumni, STEM

Alumnus Lavern Nall, a 1972 civil engineering graduate, will present at the final virtual event of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science Engineering Seminar Series on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Nall, who is the president of Strass Maguire and Associates, will discuss the topic of Protection of Buildings from the Construction of Milwaukee’s “Deep Tunnel.”


Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Asad Azemi

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Campus & Community, STEM

This summer, Dr. Asad Azemi joined UW-Platteville as the department chair and professor of electrical and computer engineering. Prior to his move to the Midwest, Azemi was an associate professor of engineering at Penn State. His research interests are in the areas of estimation and signal processing with agriculture and health science applications.


UW-Platteville, UW-Stout to offer associate’s degree in hospitality and tourism

Written By: John Christensen | Published On: | Featured in: Baraboo Sauk County, Press Release, Business & Leadership

To further serve the needs of employees and employers in Southwest Wisconsin, UW-Platteville and UW-Stout will form a partnership starting in Fall 2021 – offering a new associate’s degree in hospitality and tourism, centered at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, joined with a pioneering transfer path available for students who want to continue toward a bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management from UW-Stout’s nationally-recognized program.


Business faculty publish and present across several areas of expertise

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Business & Leadership

Several faculty members in the UW-Platteville School of Business are capping off the year with recent publications and major conference presentations, demonstrating their breadth of expertise in a variety of areas.


Students share ideas for eco-friendly concrete in competition

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: STEM

The UW-Platteville chapter of the American Concrete Institute recently participated in the 2020 Concrete Solutions Competition, where students competed against 18 teams representing six countries. Held virtually, the competition tasked teams with conceptualizing and demonstrating a use of concrete that could positively impact the world.


Engineering alumni create the Beth and Gary Goldberg Scholarship

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Alumni, STEM

The Goldbergs credit their education at UW-Platteville with giving them the foundation to succeed. To help assist current Pioneers on their collegiate journey, the couple have established the Beth and Gary Goldberg Scholarship.


UW-Platteville alumni invited to participate in national survey

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Alumni, Press Release

UW-Platteville has partnered with the Career Leadership Collective, a higher education solutions group, to conduct a national online survey to collect career pathway data from alumni.


Dornak publishes research on land use, bird conservation efforts

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Geography, Research

Amid a decades-long trend of declining bird populations in North America, setting land aside for preservation has long been a primary approach to protect biodiversity. Dr. Lynnette Dornak, associate professor of geography at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, researched the effectiveness of this method, and her work, “Assessing the Efficacy of Protected and Multiple-Use Lands for Bird Conservation in the U.S.,” was recently published by the scientific journal, PLOS ONE.


Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Afzal Upal

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

Dr. Afzal Upal joined UW-Platteville in July as the chair of the Computer Science and Software Engineering Department. He has more than 20 years of experience in the computing field, with an expertise in artificial intelligence and cognitive science. Upal has held several technical and leadership positions in the computer science and software engineering industry and government, however his love for education brought him back to academia.


UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County to offer free COVID-19 testing to area residents

Written By: John Christensen | Published On: | Featured in: Baraboo Sauk County

UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County will offer free COVID-19 testing to area residents, ages five years and older, on Wednesdays from Nov. 18 through Jan. 20. Testing is free, and participants do not need to be students or employees of the university.


Criminal Justice Instructor Chris Polzer wins 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award

Written By: Cheryl Lange | Published On: | Featured in: Alumni, Distance Education, Graduate Studies, Law & Justice

Two-time UW-Platteville graduate and Criminal Justice Instructor Chris Polzer was named one of the university’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni. Recipients of the honor, which is presented by the Alumni Association, are chosen for their contributions to and recognition in their professions and communities, and continued engagement with the university.


UW-Platteville Richland to offer free COVID-19 testing to area residents

Written By: John Christensen | Published On: | Featured in: Richland

UW-Platteville Richland will offer free COVID-19 testing to area residents, ages five years and older, on Wednesdays from Nov. 18-Jan. 20. Participants do not need to be students or employees of the university.


Researchers look for a taste of success

Written By: Megan Hinderman | Published On: | Featured in: Dairy Innovation Hub, Agriculture & Dairy, STEM, Research

Wisconsin is known worldwide for its dairy products, and ice cream is an almost universal favorite. Yet what we love about it can often be hard to describe. Now, mechanical engineering professors Dr. Thomas Zolper and Dr. Bidhan Roy are looking at the science behind one of the world’s most popular treats as part of their research for the UW-Platteville Dairy Innovation Hub.


Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Weigel

Written By: Megan Hinderman | Published On: | Featured in: Alumni, Dairy Innovation Hub, Agriculture & Dairy

Throughout his career, Ryan Weigel has felt the influence of UW-Platteville. From the time he graduated as an animal science major, to his own role as an educator today, Weigel acknowledges the friends, family and mentors that have helped him along the way.


UW-Platteville continues to be a pioneer in distance education

Written By: Stephen Kelley | Published On: | Featured in: Campus & Community, Distance Education, Graduate Studies

UW-Platteville is known as the Pioneers, but the moniker is much more than a nickname. The university has been a pioneer and industry leader in distance education since 1978, when it began offering degrees through its print-based program.


Student creates peer-led mental health awareness program

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Psychology

Thanks to an internship at UW-Platteville's University Counseling Services, Anna Klimesh had the opportunity to make a potentially big impact on both current and future students at the university. This summer, Klimesh was tasked with creating and publicizing Peers Promoting Mental Health – a student-led support program that aims to increase student engagement in mental health promotion, education and awareness on campus.


Pioneer Spotlight: Angela Yang

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Campus & Community

Growing up as the oldest of seven, Angela Yang was the first in her family to earn a college degree. Yang, an alumna of UW-Platteville, now hopes to inspire students throughout their collegiate journey. As a TRIO Student Support Services advisor and SUCCEED coordinator, she works with incoming UW-Platteville students and assists them with accessing campus resources.


Pioneer Mock Trial Team earns top witness award

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Law & Justice

The UW-Platteville Mock Trial Team participated in its first invitational tournament of the season and received a top witness award. “Testing the Waters” tournament took place virtually from Oct.16-18 and featured 12 colleges from across the country.


Pioneers Players return with some socially-distant Shakespeare

Written By: Maddie Harbour, fine arts-theatre major | Published On: | Featured in: Arts & Culture

UW-Platteville's Department of Performing and Visual Arts-Theatre and Pioneer Players will kick off their 2020-2021 season with William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.”


Pioneer Spotlight: Clint Nemitz

Written By: Eric Herbst | Published On: | Featured in: Campus & Community, Distance Education

As the lead admissions specialist for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Center for Distance Learning, Clint Nemitz works with his team to connect prospective students with their desired academic programs.


Mumma presents research marking 19th amendment anniversary

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Agriculture & Dairy, Arts & Culture

Kaley Mumma, a senior from Byron, Illinois, was selected to present at the 2020 Red River Women’s Studies Conference, hosted by North Dakota State University last week. The conference’s theme, “Imperfect History,” marked the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment.


The department of geography launches new environmental science and conservation program

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Geography

The Department of Geography is now offering a new undergraduate degree, environmental science and conservation. The program launched this fall with more than a dozen students declaring the major.


Alumna to present at the EMS Engineering Seminar Series

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Alumni, STEM

The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science is hosting its third virtual event in the Engineering Seminar Series on Tuesday, Nov. 10, featuring alumna Lauren Ray, a 2001 civil engineering graduate, and Marc Ruden, both of IIW, P.C.


Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Hynek Boril

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

Since joining UW-Platteville in 2015, Dr. Hynek Boril, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, has been instrumental in providing students with unique research opportunities on campus, particularly through his creation of the Pioneer Speech Signal Processing Laboratory.


Newly-renovated automation lab features world-class technology

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Industrial Studies, STEM

Last week, the Department of Industrial Studies hosted an open house to celebrate the newly-renovated electronics and industrial controls systems laboratory. Located in Russell Hall, the lab is one of two automation labs that underwent a $1.5 million renovation to offer students the opportunity to use world-class technology and give them an edge in the workforce.


New agreement between UW-Platteville and Carroll University to strengthen engineering workforce

Written By: Carroll University | Published On: | Featured in: STEM

A new agreement between UW-Platteville and Carroll University will allow Carroll students to earn Bachelor of Science degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering without ever leaving southeast Wisconsin. Carroll students will complete UW-Platteville engineering courses in an online format through UW-Platteville Engineering Partnerships.


Fields honored with UW System award for teaching excellence

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

Dr. Kristina Fields, professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was named one of four recipients across the UW System of the 2020 Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award.


UW-Platteville Continuing Education Launches Certified Financial Planning Certificate Program

Written By: Stephen Kelley | Published On: | Featured in: Continuing, Press Release

The UW-Platteville Continuing Education Institute is pleased to announce a new partnership that will give students the ability to advance their careers by acquiring the knowledge and requirements needed to sit for the CFP® Certification Exam. Starting in October, Continuing Education Institute will begin offering Dalton Education’s CFP® Certification preparation curriculum.


New apprenticeship program offers students unique opportunity

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Corporate Relations, Business & Leadership

The School of Business recently announced a new partnership with Foster MSP. The collaboration will offer students a unique apprenticeship opportunity, providing them with a valuable, rare skillset to give them an edge in a growing field.


Pioneers Day of Giving raises more than $141,500 for student success

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Alumni, Campus & Community

UW-Platteville alumni and friends celebrated Pioneers Day of Giving by raising $141,514 on Oct. 9. The university surpassed its goal with more than 290 donors.


Grant will help share Driftless area teachers’ stories nationwide

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Education

The School of Education recently received a grant from the Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC), a national nonprofit committed to strengthening the bonds between schools and communities. The grant is part of RSC's I am a Rural Teacher campaign, a national advocacy effort that is supported by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.


Evensen honored with first Dale Dixon Professor of Engineering Award

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: STEM

Dr. Hal Evensen, UW-Platteville professor of engineering physics, is the recipient of the inaugural Dale Dixon Professor of Engineering Award. The award was established by Dr. Dale Dixon, a former engineering department chair in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, to celebrate engineering faculty excellence.


Dairy Innovation Hub releases first annual report

Written By: Maria Woldt, Dairy Innovation Hub program manager | Published On: | Featured in: Dairy Innovation Hub, Agriculture & Dairy

The Dairy Innovation Hub has released its first annual report that reflects progress and activities from initial funding approval by the Wisconsin Legislature in early October 2019 through June 2020.


Pioneer Spotlight: Heather Burkholder

Written By: Jason Piddington | Published On: | Featured in: Campus & Community

Heather Burkholder grew up in Platteville and began working at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2007 in the Admission and Student Affairs office before moving over to Athletics in 2010, where she is coordinator for internal operations.


School of Business launches six new undergraduate degrees

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Business & Leadership

The School of Business has realigned its programs to ensure that students are ready for the changing needs in business and industry, with the launch of six new undergraduate degree programs and an ongoing commitment to providing a cutting-edge education – from its teaching philosophy to leveraging the latest online resources.


Gordon publishes additional work after release of his book on Faulkner

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Arts & Culture

In recent months, Dr. Phillip Gordon, associate professor of English and Gay Studies coordinator at UW-Platteville, has received continued recognition for his book, “Gay Faulkner: Uncovering a Homosexual Presence in Yoknapatawpha and Beyond,” including a newly published essay, an upcoming article and delivery of a keynote speech at a United Kingdom conference.


UW-Platteville expands cannabis-related offerings to include agriculture and horticulture certificate

Written By: Stephen Kelley | Published On: | Featured in: Continuing, Press Release

Based on overwhelming interest, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Continuing Education Institute is pleased to announce the expansion of its cannabis-related certificates to include an Agriculture and Horticulture Certificate program.


Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Jenna Zucker

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Campus & Community, Psychology

Dr. Jenna Zucker joined the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Psychology in 2019 and teaches courses focused on development.


Fine arts major presents ‘Pandemic’ sculpture in exhibition

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: | Featured in: Arts & Culture

The sculpture is titled “Pandemic” and for University of Wisconsin-Platteville fine arts major Sara Ditchman, it’s a reflection of the uncertainty of COVID-19. Ditchman was selected to present her piece at the Water Street Studios 11th Anniversary Show: Create-in-Place in Batavia, Illinois.


Family legacy honored with renaming of Busby Hall of Engineering

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: | Featured in: Alumni, Campus & Community, STEM

For more than 50 years, the Busby family has helped transform and enrich UW-Platteville and the greater Platteville community. To honor their family legacy, UW-Platteville will rename Engineering Hall to the Busby Hall of Engineering.