University News

UW-Platteville’s Animal House post educational videos for community members

The public is receiving a first-hand virtual look at how UW-Platteville students are taking care of the different animals living in the Biology Department’s Animal House – from a Brazilian short-tailed opossum, to a Caribbean hermit crab. The educational videos and materials are being posted to the Animal House Facebook page in hopes of providing outreach to the public and teaching them more about the animals and why they are important.

Instructor finds innovative way to deliver criminal justice course during COVID-19 crisis

During the COVID-19 crisis, UW-Platteville faculty and staff have risen to the challenge by adapting and designing novel ways of realigning course delivery to ensure students continue to receive an outstanding, rigorous education, including hands-on learning experiences. This includes Dan Román, lecturer of forensic investigation, who modified his spring Crime Scene Diagramming course.

UW-Platteville student creates ear guards for Wisconsin hospitals

After hearing about the growing shortage of personal protective equipment for health care workers, UW-Platteville senior Sam Smith decided he needed to help those battling the COVID-19 crisis. Smith, a computer science major from Kaukauna, Wisconsin, started producing ear guards with his 3D printer. He can create five guards every two hours.

Distance student overcomes obstacles to be elected valedictorian

Over a decade ago, Jesse Ruegsegger found himself at the lowest point of his life, but a journey of recovery ended with him receiving not only the strength to forgive himself, but also academia’s highest honor.

Industry partnerships help UW-Platteville respond to pandemic

Thanks to partnerships forged between industry and UW-Platteville's Construction Management and Construction Safety Management programs, custodial staff at UW-Platteville have been able to use advanced equipment to ensure their safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Industry partner Miron Construction Co. Inc., in Neenah, Wisconsin, recently provided the university with a Powered Air Purifying Respirator, or PAPR.

Pioneer Spotlight: Joshua Boots

Joshua Boots joined UW-Platteville as the assistant vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Engagement last November. He works with alumni and friends of UW-Platteville to connect them with the university and find ways they can make a difference.

Health and Human Performance professor stresses importance of physical activity, offers tips to prevent pain, injury

In light of the COVID-19 crisis and Wisconsin’s current safer-at-home order, Dr. Jeffrey Cowley, assistant professor of health and human performance at UW-Platteville, stressed the critical importance of making physical activity a priority.

Soil and crop science major trades field work for hand sanitizer production

In early March, UW-Plattteville soil and crop science major Adam Mairs had been looking forward to spring break and working as the farm manager at Kennay Farms in Rochelle, Illinois. But when the COVID-19 pandemic forced students off campus and into alternative learning methods, Mairs had to shift his plans, fast. His employer opened a distillery about eight months ago, and seeing a need in their community, the staff converted the distillery to producing hand sanitizer.

$100,000 goal set for Pioneers Helping Pioneers

To better serve its student population, UW-Platteville has set a $100,000 donation goal to support Pioneers Helping Pioneers, an emergency funding program through the UW-Platteville Foundation. The emergency grants assist students in basic needs such as food, rent, medicine, technology, childcare and other unexpected problems.

Industry partners help create one-of-a-kind opportunities for building construction programs

With the recent UW System Board of Regents approval of a Bachelor of Science in construction management at UW-Platteville, more students will have the opportunity to experience the university’s one-of-a-kind construction labs, including the newly launched Road and Infrastructure Construction Lab.

UW-Platteville students to host ‘Corona Cruise’ event to support local businesses

During the COVID-19 crisis, UW-Platteville faculty, staff and students continue to look for ways to show their appreciation and support for local businesses, organizations and community members. On Wednesday, April 22, UW-Platteville’s Department of Health and Human Performance will show its support by hosting the “Corona Cruise” event in Platteville from 5-7 p.m. The goal of the event, which is free and open to all, is to give back to the businesses and community of Platteville and positively impact the community’s social and emotional health.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Alyssa Holan

Dr. Alyssa Holan, assistant professor of Spanish at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has taught Spanish language courses and Peninsular literature and culture courses at the university since fall 2018.

UW-Platteville professor manufactures hand sanitizer for Wisconsin communities

Dr. James Hamilton, professor of chemistry at UW-Platteville, is working with the state of Wisconsin to produce tens of thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer to help protect communities from COVID-19.

Kita takes lessons from the classroom to help in time of crisis

Lauren Kita, a senior at UW-Platteville, found a way to help her hometown community, while incorporating her industrial engineering coursework, when she helped create and oversee a volunteer shopping service to assist the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dept. of Health and Human Performance offers tips to stay physically active during COVID-19 crisis

Dr. Scott Ringgenberg, coordinator of the Department of Health and Human Performance at UW-Platteville, offers 10 tips on how to stay active and improve overall health during this unprecedented and uncertain time.

Brogley elected to WEMTA board

Jessica Brogley, teacher of educational technology in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was recently elected to the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association board of directors as the director of higher education.

UW-Platteville registered dietitian offers advice for creative, flexible cooking

As Wisconsinites attempt to flatten the curve under Gov. Evers’ Safer at Home order, many may be wondering what to make for breakfast, lunch and dinner. University of Wisconsin-Platteville Dining Services Registered Dietitian Stephanie Young shares some advice as she encourages students, faculty, staff and community members to use this time to become creative in the kitchen.

Virtual visits connect prospective students to campus

Admission advisors at UW-Platteville are the face of the university to prospective students and their families – sometimes hundreds in a week. So, when on-campus visits were suspended less than a month ago, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, admission advisors were tasked to quickly find a way to share the UW-Platteville experience, virtually. Rising to the challenge, the recruitment team worked together to overhaul the campus visit in less than three weeks and conducted their first virtual visits last week.

UW-Platteville facilities staff gets help in training

The UW-Platteville facilities staff is undergoing extensive training to proactively prepare for any possible COVID-19 infections. Mark Miner, an assistant professor in Industrial Studies who is the program coordinator for two university safety programs, is lending his assistance to about 50 staff members.

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.