Alumni Newsletter - May 2014
Dean's Message
Dear CAS Alumni and Friends:
I am pleased to welcome you once again to the alumni newsletter of Miami University's College of Arts and Science. Since our last edition, the CAS has undergone some changes and celebrated even more achievements and accomplishments.
We've formed the new Department of Biology (a merging of the Departments of Botany and Zoology), the Department of Media, Journalism, and Film (combined from Communication, Journalism, and Film Studies), and, in recognition of the breadth of languages covered in one of our language departments, we have added Middle East languages and cultures to the newly named Department of German, Russian, Asian, and Middle East Languages and Cultures (GRAMELAC). We're also in the midst of migrating to a new university-wide website format.
On a larger scale, the CAS is helping to lead the University in a major new strategic, long-term initiative, the Miami 2020 Plan. The unifying goal of this plan is to "promote a vibrant learning and discovery environment that produces extraordinary student and scholarly outcomes." Three foundation goals will help us continue to achieve even higher standards of excellence in faculty and staff development, alumni outreach, and, most importantly, our students’ academic, research, experiential learning, and career opportunities.
As the largest division of Miami University, the CAS is currently receiving a record number of student applications, and the university projects that the enrolling class of 2018 will be the most academically accomplished in Miami's history.
Earlier this month, the CAS honored over 1400 graduating seniors at this year's Spring Commencement. They join our tens of thousands of alumni who represent the full scope and depth of the liberal arts, from the humanities, including media and cultural studies, to the life and physical sciences and math, to the social sciences.
There is also some very good news in terms of our graduating class's job prospects. Recently, according to the global compensation data website PayScale.com, Miami was ranked first among public universities in Ohio for best return on tuition investment—and, even more impressively, Miami is #2 among all universities throughout the nation for return on investment of graduates with humanities majors—a mainstay of the liberal arts.
The value of a liberal arts education is even more compelling when we look at the results of a recent employment study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). "Whatever undergraduate major they may choose," the report argues, "students who pursue their major within the context of a broad liberal education substantially increase their likelihood of achieving long-term professional success."
All of us have passed through the iconic arch of Upham Hall with the hope and anticipation of fulfilling our dreams. The Class of 2014 is about to add to the impressive legacy of CAS alumni all around the world. I hope you will help us in our mission to support this legacy as we celebrate our collective accomplishments now and for many years to come.
Best wishes,
Phyllis Callahan
Dean
College of Arts and Science
cas@MiamiOH.edu
Faculty Spotlight
Nancy Solomon (Biology) elected Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society
Nancy Solomon, professor of biology at Miami University, is one of five new Fellows of the Animal Behavior Society. She is the first ABS Fellow at Miami. A behavioral ecologist, her research focuses on the ecology, reproduction and behavior of small mammals.
Amy Summerville (Psychology) and Heidi McKee (English) receive the 2014 Excellence in Career Development Award
The award recognizes faculty who actively support the development of the Miami University career community, forge career-related partnerships and provide exemplary direct delivery of career development services to undergraduate students. Summerville (top) is assistant professor, psychology, and McKee (bottom) is associate professor, English, interim Roger and Joyce L. Howe Professor, director of professional writing.
Laura Neack (Political Science) becomes new editor of the journal International Studies Perspectives
Among her focuses, Neack will examine the relationship between international studies professionals and students when she begins her five-year appointment in January 2015. "We'll ask questions like, 'what is the classroom' and 'what is the student?'" she said.
Karen Dawisha (Political Science) awarded Benjamin Harrison Medallion
Karen Dawisha, Miami University's Walter E. Havighurst Professor of Political Science, received Miami University's prestigious Benjamin Harrison Medallion during the May 17 commencement ceremony. She is known internationally for her academic research, analyses and publications in the fields of post-communist transitions and Russian politics.
Paul Larson (Mathematics) named Sigma Xi Researcher of the Year
Paul Larson, professor of mathematics, has been named Miami University's Sigma Xi Researcher of the Year for 2014. He is recognized as one of the top two experts in the world on Pmax forcing, a powerful method of exhibiting models of set theory for special purposes.
Mary Jean Corbett (English) awarded American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship
Mary Jean Corbett, Miami University professor of English and affiliate of women's, gender and sexuality studies, has been awarded the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) 2014 Fellowship for her project "Behind the Times: Virginia Woolf in Fin-de-Siècle Context." She joins 64 other fellows out of 1,000 applicants from more than 50 universities.
Sally Lloyd (Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) receives Fellow status from National Council on Family Relations
Steven Tuck (Classics) honored for his work in undergraduate teaching
R. Hays Cummins (Western Program and Geography) and Joseph Bates (English) honored for their excellence in teaching
Distinguished Teaching Award for Excellence in Graduate Instruction and Mentoring awarded to Stacey Lowery Bretz (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
C. Scott Hartley (Chemistry and Biochemistry), received the Distinguished Scholar Award for his research in graphene chemistry
Student Spotlight
Miami Second Year Achievement Award winners announced
Eight CAS second-year students received the Second Year Achievement Award for their contributions in undergraduate research, leadership and community service:
- Alex Belman, Political Science and Economics
- Taylor Bryant, Interactive Media Studies
- Briana Deer, Zoology
- Matthew Dunn, Microbiology
- "Gabe" Fisher, University Studies
- Deepika Hebbalalu, Psychology
- Catherine Lok, Biology
- Hollie Schaffer, Biochemistry
Miami sophomore awarded Boren Scholarship for study in Brazil
Sara Giska, a sophomore at Miami University, has been selected as a recipient of the 2014 National Security Education Program (NSEP) Boren Scholarship for international study. Giska, an international studies and linguistics double major, will use the $20,000 scholarship to support her study in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).
Goldman Prize winner to live in Egypt, write book on the "Untold Narratives of Egypt's Awakening"
Miami University senior Emily Crane, recipient of the $30,000 Joanna Jackson Goldman Memorial Prize, will spend a year after graduation in Egypt writing a book, Voices of the Revolution: The Untold Narratives of Egypt's Awakening.
Six CAS Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholars announced for summer 2014
Six CAS students, including one alternate, were awarded national Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships, worth a combined total of $31,000, to support their study abroad programs during the 2014 summer term.
- Sara Dastagir, Political Science Study Abroad Program: Miami University Kosovo
- Courtney Dehaas, Religion Study Abroad Program: AMIDEAST Intensive Arabic in Amman, Jordan
- Jim McClanahan, Anthropology and History of Art & Architecture Study Abroad Program: Paleoanthropological Field School at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
- Taylor Myers, International Studies and Environmental Earth Science Study Abroad Program: Miami University Kosovo
- Victoria Slater, Journalism and Professional Writing Study Abroad Program: Miami University Kosovo
- Ann Freeman, Professional Writing (Alternate) Study Abroad Program: Miami University Literary London
Two Miami students receive NSF Graduate Research Fellowships
Biology doctoral student Courtney Clark-Hachtel (top) and senior quadruple major James Tong Morton (bottom) were both awarded prestigious fellowships from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). Clark-Hachtel's faculty mentor was Assistant Professor of Biology Yoshi Tomoyasu. Morton has been working with mentor Iddo Friedberg, Assistant Professor of Microbiology.
CAS Seniors receive President's Distinguished Service Award
CAS students Colin Brand, Emily Crane, Mariah Green, Abbi Hoerst, Stephen Hostelley, Sylvia Luu, Michelle McVicker, Chelsea Menke, Abigail Pautz, Shan Qureshi, Josie Ridgeway, Rachel Ronau, Charlie Schreiber, Gabrielle Trojanowski, and Ethan Vargo were among the 21 graduating seniors presented with the Miami University President's Distinguished Service Award in April 2014.
Abraham "Jon" Moller and Michael Markesbery named Goldwater Scholar, Honorable Mentions
Abraham "Jon" Moller, a junior microbiology and biochemistry double major from Oxford, has received a Goldwater Scholarship. He was joined by Michael Markesbery, a junior zoology major and neuroscience and entrepreneurship double minor, who received a Goldwater Scholar Honorable Mention. Moller has been conducting research with faculty mentor Michael Crowder, Chair and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Markesbery has been working with mentor Paul Harding, Associate Professor of Biology.
Alex Block, Monika Mudd, and Elias Demeropolis win top awards at the 2014 American Mock Trial Association National Championship Tournament
Block's "A" team and Mudd and Demeropolis's "B" team, both from the Miami University James Lewis Family Mock Trial program, placed fifth and seventh respectively at the 2014 American Mock Trial Association National Championship Tournament held in Orlando, Fla., April 11-13.
Choose Ohio First Bioinformatics Scholarships go to 10 CAS students
Josie Ridgeway, Jessica Littrell, and Eleni Balli receive Charitable Words Scholarships via Miami’s Scripps Gerontology Center
CAMI doctoral students Christina Johnson and Chen Ling receive Microscopy and Microanalysis Award
Provost’s Academic Achievement Award goes to 5 CAS students: Colin Brand, James Cox, Nicole Dusthimer, Michelle McVicker, and Elizabeth Young
EEEB Program doctoral student Samantha Rumschlag in wins 1st Place in Herpetologists’ League Graduate Research Awards
Dirk Auman receives Astronaut Scholarship from the ASF
More CAS News
What Do Seinfeld, The Tonight Show and Miami's Stats+Stories Have in Common?
New laser system at Miami beams red, green and purple to the delight of molecules
Ohio Public Leaders Fellowship Program gives Miami students hands-on experiences in public administration
Students and faculty describe their language and culture immersion experiences during Miami's first Winter Term (or J-Term) in 2014
Miami senior touches up his psych skills with device creation
Grants will expand internship and co-op opportunities
Nominate a Young Miamian!
Do you know an inspiring young alumnus who has started a business, been recognized in their field, or made a significant impact on a movement?
If so, please nominate them for 18 of the Last 9, a program that honors 18 outstanding young alumni who have graduated in the last nine years (2005-2013).
To learn more about the 2013 honorees and submit a nomination for 2014, please visit MiamiAlum.org/18of9.