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Biochem student’s sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campus

giffeyt — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Biochem student’s sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campusgiffeyt August 4, 2026

New historical mural, other areas enhanced by addition of local flora

A 91��Ƭ Polytechnic student is applying personal enthusiasm and academic experience to an on-campus summer job designing and creating landscapes that add native plants to the university grounds.

The landscapes will enhance the beauty and sustainability of several campus locations, including the new mural that showcases 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s history on the exterior of the Administration Building, facing Alumni Clock Tower Plaza.

Pollinator-friendly native plants such as showy goldenrod and nodding pink onion have taken root this summer thanks to the green thumb of B.S. biochemistry and molecular biology major Adam Bayerl.

The student-led effort is an example of the university’s polytechnic identity, which emphasizes applied learning and research that brings students out of the classroom and into career-focused experiences.

Student Adam Beyerl plants perennials, including native species, in a bed on the 91��Ƭ Polytechnic campus.

“It’s definitely a passion project,” said Bayerl, a sophomore from Green Bay. “I have a personal vested interest in ecology. While it’s not my major, it’s definitely something my generation should start concerning itself with, considering how much it affects us, our well-being and the future in general.”

The project grew out of Bayerl’s interest in sustainability as well as inspiration from Assistant Professor Cassondra Vernier. In Vernier’s molecular cell biology course, Bayerl analyzed the gut microbiomes of bees, and Vernier suggested he could use the same technique to analyze soil microbiomes around campus. Bayerl learned that native plants improve soil in part by helping microorganisms thrive. Native plants are frequently more drought- and sun-tolerant than nonnative plants and are typically less expensive because they are easier for nurseries to grow.

In addition, Bayerl said, plants native to prairie biomes – which once covered parts of western Wisconsin – are known for their ability to trap carbon and filter environmental pollutants. Ideally, once established, these plants will require less water and labor to maintain.

Groundskeepers plant perennials on campus.

Idea becomes reality

Last spring, Bayerl prepared a proposal to create a native plant garden outside North Hall, where he lived at the time. The idea reached Zenon Smolarek, associate director of Facilities Management, and Nolan Dowd, assistant grounds supervisor, who met with Bayerl.

Associate Director of Facilities Management Zenon Smolarek

“He had a design, and we talked about native plants and drought resistance,” Smolarek said. “He came very well-prepared and was articulate. He really had a great attitude about the whole thing. I was impressed with what Adam had to say.”

Smolarek asked the student if there were other places on campus he had his eye on, while Dowd encouraged him to apply for a summer job as a groundskeeper – which he did.

First, Bayerl was asked to design a garden bed in front of Furlong Gallery by the Applied Arts Building. Then a spot alongside North Hall joined the list. Next came a mulch bed outside Bowman Hall and several spaces near the Administration Building, including beds by the new mural. In all, Bayerl has worked on plantings in eight locations on campus, six of which were entirely or partly composed of native plants.

“It’s quite a lot more than planned,” Bayerl acknowledged with a smile.

“Adam proceeded to design most of our plantings for the summer,” Smolarek said. “We’ve bought over 1,500 plants, and Adam has been primarily planting them along with a couple of the other limited-term employees.”

The projects have allowed Bayerl to step into a leadership role. In addition to typical summer groundskeeping tasks such as digging up mulch beds and sowing grass seed, he has been able to help his landscape ideas come to life by planting native species such as smooth aster, wild ginger and Lady in Red ferns.

Newly planted beds flank a new mural that encompasses 91��Ƭ Polytechnic's 135-year history.

Plantings enhance new mural

On a recent muggy summer morning, Bayerl and other groundskeepers carefully placed scores of plants in beds that flank the new mural on the east side of the Administration Building. The artwork, designed by California muralist Tom Seibert and painted by volunteers in June, was created as part of the communitywide Murals in Menomonie event.

The mural encompasses numerous elements from the institution’s 135-year history, including the logos of both the Stout Institute (1908-55) and Stout State University (1955-64), the contemporary triple-banded “S” logo, and pillars bearing the institution’s enduring values: Honor, Industry, Learning and Skill. A panoramic depiction of campus landmarks is framed by painted archways bearing the phrases “Forward from our founding” and “Forever to our future.”

And when it comes to the future, Bayerl has further dreams for helping native plants flourish across campus.

“I hope to incorporate more natural features, especially with a focus on pollinators – creating habitats for all the animals that you see around campus,” he said.

Smolarek said he admires Bayerl’s work ethic and imagination. “I’m curious what he’s going to think of next,” Smolarek said. “I’m sure the gears are turning, I’m sure he’s picking out other spots, other plants he wants to try. I’m very impressed with him.”

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Biochem student’s sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campus

New historical mural, other areas enhanced by addition of local flora

Students, staff turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomonie

Muralists from around the U.S. and world join university artists and volunteers for public art event

Ashley, Cadrex, Apogee among companies benefiting from engineering students’ prototypes

Capstone projects demonstrate mechanical, manufacturing know-how, leadership skills

New historical mural, other areas enhanced by addition of local flora Student Adam Beyerl in planting bed

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Students, staff turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomonie

Muralists from around the U.S. and world join university artists and volunteers for public art event

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AI reshaping industry: Biochemistry professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biology

goersab — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:45:00 +0000

AI reshaping industry: Biochemistry professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biologygoersab January 14, 2026

Grant develops student-driven projects; finds high accuracy in AI-dispensed information

Abbey Goers

Professor Jennifer Grant, with 91��Ƭ’s biology department, has been curious about how well everyday chatbots dispense health information, including pharmacology advice and influences on human health.

“You sometimes hear that these tools can give distorted or misleading answers, and that’s what first caught my attention,” she said.

To quell her curiosity, Grant began several lines of AI research and developed projects for her introductory pharmacology and 100-level human biology students. For the results of the first study, Grant published a peer-reviewed manuscript, with reviews that noted that she is developing a unique angle on chatbot use in health care.

“Looking ahead, I plan to develop curricula that teach both students and, eventually, patients how to critically evaluate the quality of chatbot responses. Those skills will be of paramount importance in a world overflowing with digital advice,” Grant said.

When everyday chatbots dispense advice

A plot graph comparing ChatGPT and Copilot / Jennifer Grant

Grant asked her pharmacology students to put three chatbots to the test: ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini. Their task was simple: ask the chatbots about the safety profiles of specific medications and look for errors. They looked at correctness and rated how thorough and helpful the generated answers were.

“To my surprise, and theirs, students found that the chatbot responses were highly accurate,” she said. “And yes, the chatbots differed. Each had their own style, and students preferred when chatbots organized information in a helpful way.”

Grant recently published an article on her findings in the open-access journal Discover Artificial Intelligence, titled “Undergraduates perceive differences in helpfulness and thoroughness of responses of ChatGPT 3.0, Gemini 1.5, and Copilot responses about drug interactions.”

“I published this research because this is truly a new academic frontier. This work is also very timely, because we believe that many people already consult everyday chatbots for medical advice,” she said.

Access to better information on human health

The pharmacology project experience led Grant to wonder how this approach could help students in her human biology class. Because the goals in that course are different, Grant redesigned the activity.

Instead of focusing on medications, students used Copilot and ChatGPT to explore how molecules influence human health. Every other week, students asked the chatbots a question tied to the organ system the class was studying. Early results showed that the chatbots provided accurate information, and Grant is excited to work up the rest of the data.

“Chatbots are everywhere now, which means learners and patients have more information at their fingertips than ever before. My hope is that this work will help people get better information, not just more of it,” she said.

A third line of Grant’s research addresses biochemistry, using AI software to look at how proteins fold. These student projects are in mid-stage, with outcomes expected by June.

“I am very excited about these projects and will start looking for high-power collaborators with bespoke AI chatbots this spring,” she said.

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Grant develops student-driven projects; finds high accuracy in AI-dispensed information Jennifer Grant research, ChatGPT vs Copilot plot graph

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Biology Department

Biology helps us understand ourselves, other species, and our place in the earth's ecology, and what life is and how it functions.

91��Ƭ’s biology department offers undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology; applied science; biology; environmental science; as well as an online professional science master's in conservation biology. 91��Ƭ also offers degrees in chemistry and physics.

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Jennifer Grant

Teaching Interests: Proteomics (Bio425); Biochemistry (Chem311); General Chemistry (Chem135); Human Biology Lecture & Laboratory (Bio132); Biochemistry Lecture & Laboratory (Chem311); Introduction to Biotechnology (Bio210, Online); Advanced Biotechnology (Bio470); Introductory Biology (Bio101); General Chemistry (Chem 135); Biology of Aging (Bio125)

Research Interests: The impact of proteins in disease and the creation of functional foods using biochemistry.

Professional Interests: Mass spectrometry, protein chemistry, protein separations.

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

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Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology

University: University of Wisconsin Medical School

Degree: M.S. Biochemistry

University: Case Western Reserve University Medical School

Degree: B.A. Biochemistry

University: Oberlin College

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Real-world research: Engineering team designs South African trolley system; science students investigate heavy metals

goersab — Thu, 15 May 2025 12:30:00 +0000

Real-world research: Engineering team designs South African trolley system; science students investigate heavy metalsgoersab May 15, 2025

Cross-disciplinary teams present prototypes at Research Day, Engineers Without Borders' design challenge addressed by nearly 90 students

Abbey Goers

More than 300 undergraduate and graduate students and faculty presented their research across realms during 91��Ƭ’s annual Research Day on May 6, with individuals and cross-disciplinary teams representing more than 30 degree fields.

Research ranged from heavy metals present in everyday products to regional topics, like housing and water quality in the Chippewa Valley, to health and wellbeing interests of the nation’s citizens, to developing global solutions through an Engineers Without Borders’ international design challenge.

Nearly 90 students in 23 teams addressed the EWB challenge. One group focused on engineering a safer, more accessible transportation system in South Africa’s suburbs. Revitalizing Makers Valley: Future-Ready Roads for Safety, Efficiency, and Growth was presented by:

Gabriel Morken, manufacturing engineering, Eau Claire
Ann Moss, computer and electrical engineering, Johnsburg, Illinois
Christian Bretey, mechanical engineering, Eau Claire
Christian Klein, mechanical engineering, St. Paul

Gabriel Morken, Ann Moss, Christian Bretey and Christian Klein at Research Day

Two biochemistry and molecular biology and chemistry students focused on heavy metals. Some products, such as chocolate, have trace amounts occurring in them naturally through the farming process, and some products are manufactured to contain heavy metals. The researchers were:

Natalie Chartrand, of St. Croix Falls: An Analysis of Heavy Metals in Chocolate
Riley Strobush, of St. Paul: Trace Metals in Various Nicotine Salts Brands

Research Day invites industry professionals and the campus and surrounding communities to engage with students and faculty and discuss their research and creative works through posters, prototypes, exhibits and collaborative faculty-student oral panel presentations.

Engineering a safer transportation system in South Africa

The Impacts of Engineering course introduces students to the engineering design process from initiation to completion and broadens their awareness of the social, environmental and economic implications of engineering.

Engineers Without Borders’ international Engineering for People Design Challenge brings together more than 12,000 engineering students from more than 40 universities in the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa.

This year’s challenge was organized by Engineers Without Borders UK and South Africa, in collaboration with the nonprofit Makers Valley Partnership.

Lecturer Mark Dolan talks with engineering students as they build prototypes for the EWB challenge

Students developed sustainable engineering solutions centered around the needs of the 46,000 residents of Makers Valley, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. The area experienced urban decay and high unemployment, but in recent years has seen a wave of regeneration driven by social and creative enterprises.

Solutions students addressed included the general built environment, food security, reliable access to energy, waste reduction and recycling, safe drinking water, sanitation and transport infrastructure.

“The design challenge reinforces the goal of Stout’s applied learning concept. Student teams work together, use applied math in their engineering calculations, write a professional-quality paper suitable for the EWB competition and build a functioning prototype of their proposed solution,” said engineering Lecturer Mark Dolan.

Morken, Moss, Bretey and Klein researched the current road conditions of Makers Valley and the city’s most popular modes of transportation.

They found that Makers Valley does not regularly maintain its paved roads, which are pitted with numerous large potholes and litter; and biking and walking are most common, as many people can’t afford cars, Morken said.

“With the rough roads and concerns for the safety of bikers and pedestrians, even with sidewalks, Makers Valley is looking for safe and inexpensive updates to its transportation system,” Bretey said.

Gabriel Morken, Ann Moss, Christian Bretey and Christian Klein's trolley prototype

There is also a lack of trust in public transportation, Klein added. Feuds between taxi companies cause fear through intimidation tactics used on drivers and customers. And while school buses provide transportation for children to and from school, there are fees for the service, Moss explained.

“Many of the taxi drivers jack up their prices so they can afford to live. What shocked me about this was that I never stopped to consider just how many aspects of life poverty can affect,” Morken said. “We tried to figure out a way to get cars off the road, while simultaneously trying to figure out a way to have accessible transportation for anybody. We thought that a trolley system would solve both of those problems.”

The team landed on the idea of engineering a trolley system because it’s a permanent network and can be designed as hybrid, running mainly on electricity. “But since the electrical grid is not always reliable in Makers Valley, the trollies could also run on fuel as a backup,” Bretey said.

“If we used an electric bus, that vehicle would have to stop and take breaks to regain a charge and be out of service during that time,” Moss added. “A trolley receives power through its connection to the track and would only need fuel when the power grid is down. This means that a trolley can be in commission longer than a bus could.”

The initial infrastructure cost of a trolley system is higher than a bussing system because of the need to install tracks, Morken said. “However, we thought that a trolley would be better in the long term because usually they can carry more passengers, have lower operating costs (some don’t need a driver) and they can be powered by electricity,” he added.

The team’s design also incorporated safety features for pedestrians and bikers, with marked and lighted crosswalks and a separate lane for bicycles, with reflective posts between the car and bike lanes, Bretey added.

Moss hopes the team’s research can help ensure the safety of Makers Valley commuters. “Even if only a part of our design were implemented, it could make a positive difference in the city. I believe that our design can work for other places as well that struggle with pedestrian safety and unreliable transportation systems,” she said.

Student projects submitted to the EWB challenge may be picked up by a company, nongovernmental or other organization and become a real solution for people.

The Impact of Engineering course is part of Stout Core, foundational general education classes where students gain global perspective and ethical reasoning to understand social responsibility, so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

Heavy metals in consumer products

Heavy metals can build up in the human body over time and lead to severe health issues.

Lead is known to cause neurological damage and cognitive impairments, particularly in young adults. It can also lead to developmental issues, memory loss, insomnia and muscle weakness.

While iron, manganese, and zinc are essential micronutrients, excessive amounts can cause organ damage and oxidative stress; can affect the nervous system; and can cause nausea, vomiting and weaken the immune system, Strobush explained.

Cadmium and nickel in long-term exposure are known to cause kidney failure and increased risks for cancer, anemia and cardiovascular diseases, added Chartrand, who conducted an analysis of four of her favorite chocolate brands.

Chemistry student Natalie Chartrand tests heavy metals in chocolates

“Heavy metal exposure should be kept to a minimum, especially in foods, which is why the FDA and other health organizations regulate it. While the FDA has strict guidelines on heavy metals, it’s impossible to completely eradicate all heavy metal exposure in our daily lives,” she said.

Chartrand knew chocolate contains heavy metals, usually found in trace amounts in chocolates that are less processed, like dark and semi-sweet chocolates.

“Both lead and cadmium are common environmental pollutants found in modern farming practices; these metals can be absorbed into the cacao beans we use to make chocolate,” she said. “Nickel is used in the manufacturing process of chocolate, though it shouldn’t end up in the product itself.”

Because of this, she wasn’t surprised to find detectable lead levels in three of her chocolate samples.

“Lead is naturally found in cacao beans and is retained through the manufacturing process, at levels so low they’re not considered toxic, but are detectable on our instrument, nonetheless. I found no cadmium in any of my samples, and only very trace amounts of nickel,” she said. “Just because studies have found small amounts in chocolates doesn't mean that the highly processed chocolates we eat regularly will contain the same levels.”

Chemistry Professor Jonathan Frisch, Riley Strobush and Natalie Chartrand

During Strobush’s initial research, she found numerous studies on heavy metals in vape pods and cartridges, but relatively few on nicotine salts. She conducted her research on four brands of nicotine salts.

“Although there are traces of metals in the liquid, the liquid is heated into a vapor through a metal coil, introducing more metals into the aerosol that is consumed by the user when using their e-cigarette,” she said. “Lead was the most frequently detected heavy metal in my samples, contrary to my initial expectation of a more balanced distribution of heavy metal elements.”

She was also intrigued by the marketing of the products. “Each of them has colorful, appealing designs and flavors that you would see on candy or soda. It hides the harsh potential health impacts caused by consuming the liquids,” she said.

Strobush hopes her research raises awareness about the dangers of these products and encourages more rigorous testing, especially in the aerosol form. “This could lead to improved regulations and safer product formulations, ultimately protecting public health,” she said.

Strobush noted that she is not a user of nicotine salts or similar substances. She and Chartrand took the necessary precautions during their studies to ensure their peers’ and their own safety.

Biochemistry and molecular biology student Riley Strobush presents at Research Day

Chemistry and physics Associate Professor Jonathan Frisch served as Strobush’s and Chartrand’s research mentor. In Frisch’s College Chemistry I course, students learn the chemistry and physics behind several types of chemical instrumentation and gain practical experience using those instruments to investigate samples of their choice.

“The students are allowed to ask any questions they want, at which time they design and carry out experiments to answer those questions. Every semester, I am surprised by some of the results. There are contaminants in and on all sorts of things I would have never expected or even thought about analyzing,” he said.

Outstanding researchers recognized at Research Day

After the poster and exhibit session, where Chartrand, Strobush and the engineering students shared their work, an award ceremony recognized outstanding researchers – both faculty and students.

Since 1987, 91��Ƭ has awarded faculty for their outstanding research, nominated by a review committee of their peers.

The Outstanding Researcher honors for leadership and significant contributions to research and scholarly activities are awarded by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, on behalf of the Provost's Office and the committee. This year’s recipients are:

Julie Watts: Senior Outstanding Researcher
Nicole Hayes: Emerging Outstanding Researcher
Pranabendu Mitra: Outstanding Research Mentor.

Outstanding student researcher awardees are:

Valacia Casper: CAHS, undergraduate
Elaina Blazei: CSTEMM, undergraduate
Bex Cermin: CAHS, graduate student
Cortney Dean: CSTEMM, graduate student
Nikolaus Nelson (CAHS) and Theodore Welch (CSTEMM): Honorable Mentions.

Research Day

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Master’s in food science students develop ideas for dietary supplements for GLP-1 users with aid of AI tools

More than 300 students, faculty from more than 30 degree fields to share findings, creative works at Research Day on May 5

Kintsugi 3D helps international museum collections shine – literally – in 3D

Kintsugi 3D used by Minneapolis Institute of Art, other institutions to capture surface details of heritage objects

Real-world research: Engineering team designs South African trolley system; science students investigate heavy metals

Cross-disciplinary teams present prototypes at Research Day, Engineers Without Borders' design challenge addressed by nearly 90 students

Cross-disciplinary teams present prototypes at Research Day, Engineers Without Borders' design challenge addressed by nearly 90 students Chemistry Professor Jonathan Frisch, Riley Strobush and Natalie Chartrand

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91��Ƭ Polytechnic's Research Day is an annual showcase that underscores the applied learning and research of Wisconsin's polytechnic students.

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Hero Caption: Biochemistry and molecular biology student Riley Strobush tests heavy metals in nicotine salts. She presented her findings at Research Day on May 6.

Mark Dolan

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

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Degree: M.S. Mechanical Engineering - Polymer Science

University: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Location: 2013

Degree: M.S. Engineering - Systems Engineer

University: University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN

Location: 1994

Degree: B.S. Chemical Engineering

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Jonathan Frisch

Full Name: Dr. Jonathan R. Frisch

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Curriculum Vitae: Jonathan Frisch CV (232.89 KB)

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Degree: Ph.D. Inorganic Chemistry

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Degree: B.S. Psychology

University: Minnesota State University, Mankato

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Inspiring Graduate: Brady Cunningham, B.S. Applied Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

goersab — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 21:10:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Brady Cunningham, B.S. Applied Biochemistry & Molecular Biologygoersab January 13, 2025

‘91��Ƭ has been instrumental in making me a strong, competitive candidate for medical school.’

Inspiring Graduate: Brady Cunningham (’24)

Hometown: New Richmond
Degree: B.S. Applied Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minor: Human Physiology

Brady Cunningham chose 91��Ƭ for several reasons. First, it was close to home, so he could stay connected with family while experiencing campus life.

“And it offers an excellent value, combining a strong reputation and quality education with affordability, allowing me to pursue my studies without excessive financial strain,” he said.

But foremost, the university’s polytechnic, hands-on approach appealed to him, “as it emphasizes practical, applied learning that aligns with my career goals and prepares me well for a competitive workforce.”

Brady Cunningham and Chancellor Katherine Frank at commencement / 91��Ƭ

Within 91��Ƭ’s bachelor's in applied biochemistry and molecular biology, following the Prehealth Sciences Pathway, Cunningham excelled in courses that would prepare him for medical school and his future as a physician.

The first-generation college student graduated early, earning his degree on Dec. 14, along with 510 91��Ƭ graduates.

Cunningham is currently studying for and will soon take the MCAT – Medical College Admission Test – before applying to medical schools in the spring.

“Brady has achieved great success with his hard work and talents, which I’m sure will launch him into a successful future medical career,” said prehealth adviser Dr. Alex Hall. “Brady also has given back through his work as a tutor for many chemistry classes and works as a CNA at a nursing home in Spring Valley and volunteers at Mayo Clinic.”

How well has 91��Ƭ prepared you to work in your field?

91��Ƭ has thoroughly prepared me for my future career in the medical field through its hands-on approach and research opportunities. My major in applied biochemistry and molecular biology, paired with a minor in human physiology, has provided a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of science.

Brady Cunningham celebrates with faculty at commencement / 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ’s commitment to hands-on learning has been instrumental in making me a strong, competitive candidate for medical school and for a future as a physician.

One of my most memorable lab experiences was in Dr. Jim Burritt’s immunology lab, where I had the chance to extract hemolymph from bees, giving me an early exposure to advanced lab techniques.

My internship at UW Oshkosh further developed my research skills, where I worked on assessing a new phycocyanin probe’s effectiveness for monitoring microcystin levels in water at local beaches. I was also responsible for measuring E. coli concentrations and issuing public health advisories when necessary.

These experiences have not only strengthened my technical skills but also instilled in me a sense of responsibility and readiness for patient care.

How has your 91��Ƭ experience changed you?

My experience at 91��Ƭ has truly shaped me both personally and academically. The hands-on, polytechnic approach has helped me develop practical skills and confidence in my abilities, giving me a stronger sense of readiness for my future career.

I've become more independent, learning how to balance academic challenges with personal responsibilities, and I've grown more resilient as I’ve faced and overcome those challenges. The supportive campus community, along with my involvement in groups like the Stout Prehealth Society, has inspired me to take on new leadership roles and expand my network with like-minded peers.

Altogether, 91��Ƭ has given me both the tools and the confidence to move forward toward my goals with clarity and determination.

Brady Cunningham will apply to medical school this spring / 91��Ƭ

What stands out about your 91��Ƭ experience?

One of the most memorable aspects of my experience at 91��Ƭ is how approachable and genuinely supportive the professors and lecturers have been. They are not only highly knowledgeable but are also deeply invested in my education and success. Whenever challenges arise, I know I can count on them for guidance and encouragement.

This supportive environment has allowed me to thrive and feel confident in my studies, making my time at 91��Ƭ incredibly rewarding.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

I’ve been actively involved as an officer in the Stout Prehealth Society, which has been a valuable part of my 91��Ƭ experience.

Being part of this group allowed me to connect with other students who share similar goals, exchange advice and support each other as we navigate the prehealth pathway. The society has also provided resources and insights into the medical field, which have helped me feel more prepared for my future career.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree?

Brady Cunningham using the phycocyanin probe to gather data during his internship / Brady Cunningham

I faced several challenging courses that tested both my academic skills and my resilience. One piece of advice that has stuck with me came from Dr. Burritt in my freshman year, “When your mind is tired, exercise your body.”

Whenever I encounter a tough class or difficult material, I work hard to understand the concepts, but I’ve also learned to step back and give myself a break, whether it’s going for a walk or a bike ride.

This balance of mental effort and physical activity has been crucial in managing stress, especially during the unexpected challenges of my senior year. By maintaining this balance, I’ve been able to stay focused and energized, which has helped me navigate both academic pressures and personal obstacles with more resilience.

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

As I finish my degree, I am most proud of my academic achievements, particularly maintaining a 3.99 grade-point-average. This accomplishment reflects the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my studies, and it’s a source of great personal pride.

Beyond academics, I’m also proud of the person I’ve become throughout my time at 91��Ƭ. The experiences, challenges, and growth I’ve gone through have shaped me into a more confident, resilient, and driven individual, and I’m excited to carry these qualities with me into the next chapter of my journey.

I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow both academically and personally at 91��Ƭ. The hands-on learning, research experiences and supportive community have truly prepared me for the future I’ve envisioned.

I feel confident in my path toward medical school and beyond, thanks to the strong foundation I’ve built here. The friendships I’ve made, the mentorship I’ve received, and the lessons I’ve learned will stay with me as I take the next steps in my career. I’m excited for what lies ahead and look forward to continuing to build on the experiences I’ve had at Stout.

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Inspiring Graduates Share Their 91��Ƭ Polytechnic Experiences

Celebrate our graduates as they cross the commencement stage and reflect on the journey that brought them here

Inspiring Graduate: Rosella Wille, B.S. Business Administration

Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate

Inspiring Graduate: Thomas Shamla, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Hired before graduation at Absolut Manufacturing

‘91��Ƭ has been instrumental in making me a strong, competitive candidate for medical school.' Brady Cunningham

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B.S. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Our B.S. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology program prepares you to better humankind through work in diagnostics, forensics, genomics, and medicine.

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Alumni recognize communication, connections, genuineness as necessary to be trusted leaders

‘Be a difference maker’: 510 graduates at Dec. 14 commencement ceremony look to impact the future

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High aspirations: Recent grads leverage Prehealth courses to pursue medical careers

polingj — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 15:34:10 +0000

High aspirations: Recent grads leverage Prehealth courses to pursue medical careerspolingj October 15, 2024

Brooks, Charest begin medical school, following in footsteps of recent alum who benefited from focused lab, research experiences

In 2010 when the $43 million, gleaming Jarvis Hall Science Wing addition was dedicated at 91��Ƭ, Gov. Jim Doyle and others called it the finest science facility in the state.

By at least one measure, the building with state-of-the-art lab equipment and classrooms is living up to its lofty billing: It has turned out dozens of graduates with a focus in Prehealth Sciences who have gone on to successful careers in professional health fields, including as doctors, pharmacists, dentists, chiropractors and more in Wisconsin and beyond.

Two recent graduates are beginning medical school this fall, Anna Brooks at the UW-Madison and Olivier Charest at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada. “I am extremely grateful for all the doors that Stout has opened for me,” Brooks said. “It’s an amazing place to go to college.”

Anna Brooks, a 2023 91��Ƭ applied science graduate with a focus on Prehealth Sciences, celebrated her white coat ceremony after beginning medical school this fall at UW-Madison. / Contributed photo

Prehealth Sciences is a focus area that offers targeted preparation for admission to professional schools. It can be added to 91��Ƭ’s preparatory bachelor’s programs, including biology, chemistry, physics, applied science, biochemistry and molecular biology, and health, wellness and fitness. The programs provide students with lab-based classroom and research experiences, part of the polytechnic advantage.

Brooks and Charest were aiming for medical school all along, knowing Prehealth Sciences would put them on the right track. They appreciated the mentorship of professors like Jim Burritt, Jen Grant and Dr. Alex Hall. Focused and inspired, they conducted research projects, mentored other students and were involved on campus and in the community, earning scholarships and awards and graduating with honors.

“The strength of UW Stout for Prehealth students is that not only do we have a lot of hands-on opportunities, but class sizes are small. Students really get to know their professors, who also really get to know them,” Hall said. “This allows for a lot of collaboration, research opportunities and mentorship.”

Anna Brooks works on a research project in a 91��Ƭ lab. / 91��Ƭ

‘This is exactly what I want to do’

Brooks recalled one class where students worked on removing a gene from a strain of yeast and another in which they led their own project studying the impact of various medications on cancer cells that had been created in the lab by the professor.

“I’ve heard from other students at big institutions who didn’t have the hands-on research opportunities I had at Stout, like the Cadaver Lab,” said Brooks, who loved the small class sizes and ability to work closely with her professors.

Brooks, who was born in Ukraine, graduated in May 2023 from 91��Ƭ in applied science then was chosen for a 10-week internship at UW Medical School Urology Lab. In 2022, she interned at the University of Washington Medical School.

Anna Brooks accepts her diploma in applied science from 91��Ƭ. / 91��Ƭ

While applying to medical schools in 2023, she worked as a phlebotomist at Mayo Clinic Red Cedar in Menomonie. “I witnessed the whole synergy of the team and what a physician does. It was a pleasure to see that kind of collaboration,” she said. “It reassured me that this is exactly what I want to do.”

She remembers the day in January when she received a call from a dean at UW-Madison telling her she’d been accepted into the medical school, something she first considered as a 10-year-old while coming across a medical publication. She celebrated with her Mayo Red Cedar co-workers, exclaiming, “I’m going to be a doctor!”

Olivier Charest, a 2024 graduate, began medial school this fall at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada. / Contributed photo

‘The support is there and the equipment top notch’

Charest, who graduated in applied science this past May, also was a Blue Devil athlete. He played hockey but saw his career derailed in his second season by a knee injury. He had other knee injuries going back to his high school days; one subsequent interaction with a physician who helped him avoid surgery with a knee strengthening program sparked an interest in medicine as a career.

“If I could have the same impact that doctor had on me, the empathy she had toward my situation, if I could add this to any patient I see on a daily basis that’s what I’m really looking forward to as a doctor. Most patients come in in a vulnerable position. I was able to be in the shoes of my future patients,” he said.

Charest had a competitive internship in summer 2023, one of 18 chosen from 300 applicants, at the University of Rochester Medical School in Rochester, N.Y., focusing on pediatrics. “I saw the research side and the clinical side. Being able to see what I’ll do in the field was great,” he said.

Olivier Charest, left, with Professor Jen Grant and student Ava Cinealis, accepts a 91��Ƭ research award. / 91��Ƭ

While at 91��Ƭ, Charest became a certified nursing assistant and volunteered as a CNA in palliative care at Dove West Healthcare in Eau Claire and in the emergency department at Red Cedar Mayo. “Many people believed in me and paved the way for me to succeed, so being able to have these opportunities meant the world to me,” he said.

His education at 91��Ƭ gave him the independence to explore opportunities in the labs and through research. “The program teaches you a lot of qualities you need in the field and helps you grow a little faster. The support is there, and the equipment is top notch.”

Kym Ludwig Klimek, a 2013 graduate, earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UW-Madison and is a pharmacist in Green Bay. / Contributed photo

From Prehealth Sciences to professionals

Charest and Brooks are excited to take the next step in their careers this fall. They will have four years of medical school, followed by a three- to seven-year residency, depending on the field of medicine they choose.

The University of Sherbrooke, in Sherbrooke, Quebec, is about an hour’s drive from the Montreal suburbs where Charest grew up. Brooks has moved to Madison with her husband, also a 91��Ƭ graduate.

Another spring 2024 graduate, Chaeyun Jung, began pharmacy school this fall at the University of Minnesota.

December 2023 graduate Henry Scheit is attending St. Catherine University in St. Paul for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Trever Koester, a 2018 graduate, finished Harvard Medical School and is a surgical resident doctor at the University of Michigan Medical. / Contributed photo

They add to an already long list of graduates in the past 15-plus years choosing a variety of health and medical fields. They include:

Kym Ludwig Klimek, 2013 graduate, finished pharmacy school at UW-Madison and is a pharmacist in Green Bay.
Nolan Green, 2015 graduate, is a doctor of osteopathy with Mayo Clinic. He graduated from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dylan Meyer, 2015 graduate, did post-doctorate research at Harvard Medical School and is a research scientist at Vertex Pharma in Boston.
Matt Flesher, 2017 graduate, graduated from the St. Scholastica physical therapy program and works at Tamarack Health in Hayward.
Trever Koester, 2018 graduate, finished Harvard Medical School and is a surgical resident at University of Michigan Medicine.
Neal Wrobel, 2019 graduate, earned a Ph.D. in biomedical science at Rush University in Chicago and is a biomedical research scientist at Rush University Medical Center.
Issabella Stueck, 2020 graduate, attended Palmer College of Chiropractic and is a chiropractor in Appleton.

Other recent alum are working as dentists, physician assistants, nurses, surgical first assistants, athletic trainers, clinical lab technicians and clinical trial coordinators.

###

In 2010 when the $43 million, gleaming Jarvis Hall Science Wing addition was dedicated, Gov. Jim Doyle and others called it the finest in the state. Anna Brooks white coat

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Ava Cinealis was interested in science when she graduated from Sheboygan North High School, but she wanted to do more in college than learn it from a book: She

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Dr. Hall trained and worked as a family physician for over two decades and now works full-time for the Biology department. She has been teaching since 2013 and loves sharing her knowledge of and enthusiasm for the marvels of the human body with her students. As the Pre-Health Advisor, she also supports Stout students pursuing future careers in the health professions.

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Capitol project: Biochemistry student’s research on prion disease highlighted in Madison

polingj — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 18:04:28 +0000

Capitol project: Biochemistry student’s research on prion disease highlighted in Madisonpolingj March 1, 2024

Cinealis, using AI to help search for a cure, is one of 10 presenting March 6 at Research in the Rotunda

Ava Cinealis was interested in science when she graduated from Sheboygan North High School, but she wanted to do more in college than learn it from a book: She wanted to apply her knowledge — get into labs, use instruments, do research.

It’s why she traveled across the state to major in applied biochemistry and molecular biology at University of Wisconsin-Stout, where applied learning is part of the academic DNA.

On Wednesday, March 6, she will travel to another part of the state, Madison, with nine other 91��Ƭ students to showcase their undergraduate experience in a Universities of Wisconsin marquee event, Research in the Rotunda, at the Capitol. Select students from all UW campuses will be presenting research posters to legislators, state officials and others.

Ava Cinealis, a senior at 91��Ƭ in applied biochemistry and molecular biology, will present “Protein Structures of Prion Disease” on March 6 at the state Capitol. / 91��Ƭ

Cinealis’ project, “Protein Structures of Prion Disease,” that uses generative AI in a search for a cure to deadly diseases, is exactly the kind of high-level research she hoped to do as a college student. Her frequent opportunities to work in labs, work closely on research with professors with small class sizes and make industry connections for internships have all supported her decision.

“I love that there are professors who want us to call them by their first name. We are able to do our own experiments and learn an instrument or method. It’s really personalized,” said Cinealis, a senior who will graduate in May.

Her research bears that out. She has been a teaching and research assistant for Professor Jen Grant, the adviser on her project. She also is working with Grant on another prior research project that they, along with a second student, hope to have published.

Prion diseases are caused by proteins that develop plaque and misfold, causing a chain reaction and cell death. The diseases include Creutzfeldt-Jacob and mad cow disease, which is transmissible to humans through infected beef, and chronic wasting disease in deer and other animals. There is no known cure for prion diseases, which typically cause death.

Professor Jen Grant was the adviser on Cinealis’ research project. Cinealis also has been a teaching and research assistant under Grant. / 91��Ƭ

“It’s underresearched. There’s still so much to know, but I felt like I was doing valuable work,” Cinealis said. “I went into research because of where it took me. You don’t know what you’ll find.”

Part of Cinealis’ research was conducted using AI software called AlphaFold. Two of Grant’s classes also are using it for research on protein biochemistry.

“Up until the past few years, protein chemists have been limited to using molecular dynamics simulations to generate predicted structures and predicted interactions. AlphaFold uses a different approach, of course, using the evidence of the library of past structures to formulate predictions,” Grant said.

AlphaFold can differentiate human prions from those in deer that cause chronic wasting disease. “We’re looking into ways to predict how likely a prion would be to misfold,” Cinealis said.

Cinealis’ research uses generative AI software called AlphaFold to help predict if proteins could misfold and cause prion disease. / 91��Ƭ

“Ava has proven a quick study in this area, where she leads in developing and testing her ideas,” Grant said. “Her efforts and data revealed correlations and trends where a strain develops first. We hope that understanding these correlations can help us understand why prions, and other amyloid proteins, form plaques in the first place,” Grant said.

Along with her skills as a researcher, Cinealis excels at communicating about research, Grant said. She coordinated a video explaining the project. Three other Research in the Rotunda students also created videos — see links below — that were produced by 91��Ƭ video production majors.

“Ava asks exceptional questions; she understands the projects she has worked on at the molecular level and makes critical connections. She has translated these critical connections into real wins for my research laboratory,” Grant said.

Cinealis landed a competitive, summerlong internship in 2023 at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Middleton. The work involved chemical characterization and testing on pharmaceutical products.

An Honors College student at 91��Ƭ, she also has enjoyed getting involved in University Recreation programs and is vice president of the Delta Zeta sorority. She has a twin sister, Emma, who is majoring in fashion and retail and also will be graduating this spring.

B.S. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

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Other 91��Ƭ presenters at Research in the Rotunda

Other students presenting and their faculty mentors are:

Kal Breeden, of Lakeville, Minn., a senior majoring in environmental science, “Urban Stream Corridor Restoration Effects on Sediment Loading”; Keith Gilland, associate professor, Nicole Hayes, assistant professor, and Julia Chapman, lecturer, biology
Jack Brown, of Spring Valley, a junior majoring in applied social science, ”Will College Students Agree with Political Opinions Along Party Lines?”; Courtney Juelich, assistant professor, and Tina Lee, professor, social science
Genevieve Czaplewski, of Grand Island, Neb., a senior majoring in applied social science, “The Influence of Trust in Science and Political Leaning on Perceptions of Drinking Water Quality”; Kim Zagorski, professor, social science. Watch the video
Aidan Drew, of Lake Mills, a junior majoring in applied mathematics and computer science, “Smart Farming and Precision Agriculture”; Ahmed El-Magrous, assistant professor, Saleh Alnaeli, assistant professor, and Keith Wojciechowski, professor, all mathematics, statistics and computer science
Ethan Kalin, of St. Paul, a senior majoring in applied science, “Temporal Analysis of Toxin-producing Cyanobacteria”; Hayes
Casie Kopischke, of St. Paul, a junior majoring in environmental science, “Comparing the Effects of Restoration Age on Stream Ecosystem and Community Dynamics”; Hayes, Gilland, Chapman
Emma Nuechterlein, of Kewaunee, a senior majoring in applied social science, “What Do Americans Know? A Study of the Relationship Between Students U.S. Civic Knowledge and Their Demographics”; Juelich, Lee
Josh Pederson, of Oronoco, Minn., a senior majoring in computer science, “Smart Farming and Precision Agriculture”; El-Magrous, Alnaeli, Wojciechowski. Watch the video
Isabel Smith, of Greendale, a senior majoring in game design and development-art, “Kintsugi 3D Viewer: User-Centric Design for Cultural Heritage Accessibility”; Michael Tetzlaff, assistant professor, mathematics, statistics and computer science. Watch the video

Each UW university is allowed six student presenters, but 91��Ƭ has four additional students because their research is through the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin.

Students were nominated for the event by faculty and staff. Nominations, including a research abstract, were scored by a student research committee.

Faculty-led research is one aspect of the experiential learning required in all 91��Ƭ undergraduate and graduate programs and part of the university’s polytechnic advantage.

Faculty, staff also attending

Attending the event with the students will be 91��Ƭ Chancellor Katherine Frank, Provost Glendalí Rodríguez, several staff and many of the faculty advisers.

“Research in the Rotunda is such an important yearly event, as it gives our 91��Ƭ students a high-profile platform to convey their research with ideas that could ultimately benefit both the people of Wisconsin and the world,” said Anne Hoeltke, director of 91��Ƭ’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, who will be attending.

“The ability to share research with legislators provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of research and the economic impact on the state,” she said.

Research at 91��Ƭ by students, faculty and staff is coordinated through ORSP, which provides grants funded by Stout University Foundation.

ORSP also organizes 91��Ƭ’s annual Research Day, on Monday, April 29, where more than 100 student projects will be presented. Additional work by School of Art and Design students will be presented at the Senior Show from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 3.

91��Ƭ also will have 14 students presenting at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research April 8-10 in Long Beach, Calif. Cinealis presented at NCUR in 2023 when it was held at UW-Eau Claire.

###

Ava Cinealis was interested in science when she graduated from Sheboygan North High School, but she wanted to do more in college than learn it from a book: She Cinealis 1

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91��Ƭ’s STEM Fest welcomes Upward Bound students from six regional high schools

willams — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 19:48:04 +0000

91��Ƭ’s STEM Fest welcomes Upward Bound students from six regional high schoolswillams January 12, 2024

Students’ hands-on experiences in biology, engineering labs show them what polytechnic degrees can offer

Sky Petranovich

About 40 high school students from six northwestern Wisconsin schools recently visited the University of Wisconsin-Stout to participate in hands-on workshops at STEM Fest.

As participants in the Upward Bound program, the students have the opportunity to explore what colleges around Wisconsin and Minnesota have to offer through tours, hands-on learning experiences and engagement sessions.

91��Ƭ welcomed the students with two workshops that demonstrated what a polytechnic university has to offer for degree programs and future careers in STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Upward Bound students in 91��Ƭ biology lab. / 91��Ƭ

The students were from Barron, Hayward, Shell Lake, Siren, Turtle Lake and Unity. Through these hands-on experiences, they got a glimpse at what 91��Ƭ has to offer and could imagine themselves studying in a university lab, doing on day one.

Sasha Weegman, adviser of the Upward Bound West Program, explained, “Upward Bound is a federal college readiness program. Our main goal is to help low-income and first-generation students get into college. We take a lot of college campus field trips and have a summer program on a college campus. We do a lot of work with the students during the school year to help them make sure they are on the right path to getting into college.”

91��Ƭ professors and staff planned and led the activities, each of which focused on the electrical connections between biology and engineering.

Summer Thorp, an Upward Bound student, working in 91��Ƭ science lab. / 91��Ƭ

Students split into two groups and explored two lab classrooms in 91��Ƭ’s Jarvis Hall Science Wing.

In the first lab, the students created a pulse rate monitor from a kit that included a breadboard, Arduino (brains of the circuit), an LED screen to output the sensor device and a pulse sensor to measure the pulse on their finger. When the students completed the circuit, they were able to visually see their pulse rate beat per minute.

Electrical engineering Professor Ahmet Turkmen wanted students to learn to, “use their imagination to build on the basic knowledge they learned from this lab to design more complicated circuits that could be used for diagnosis or monitoring of people's physiological condition.”

In the second lab, students did a series of mini-units, that included learning about how the nervous system works and visualizing how the nervous system communicates with their muscles, visualizing electrical messages as they travel through the heart, and seeing a real human brain and spinal cord, as well as a human heart with a pacemaker.

Summer Thorp, a freshman at Hayward High School, reflected on her experience in the labs and said, “The whole experience was very new. We have not gone over anything about the nerves or heart system in school, and if we did it was very basic in middle school.”

Upward Bound student, Gunner Imme, working on lab with Tiffany Hoage, a 91��Ƭ biology lecturer. / 91��Ƭ

Gunner Imme, a sophomore at Siren High School who wants to go into biomedical engineering or biomedical chemistry, explained why doing on day one is so important to him.

“I have to watch how someone does something, or I need to do it myself to learn it. Day one experiences give you job experience right then and there. At Stout, you get to learn things hands-on, which is extremely awesome because I don’t think I have ever seen a school do that. The small classes are amazing, so if you went to a huge college with like 300 kids, the professor wouldn’t even know your name. I feel like you would be able to get a connection with your professors here and get to know them.”

Bethany Bigner of Upward Bound working in science lab on bioelectrical engineering project. / 91��Ƭ

The students, who come from many backgrounds and have vast career aspirations, said they learned a lot from their day on campus. Many did not know 91��Ƭ offered so many hands-on labs that allow them to utilize equipment they could potentially use out in the field once they graduate.

They also said Upward Bound has given them the opportunity to see universities up close.

“Upward Bound has helped me understand what my future could be if I go to college compared to if I don’t,” said Barron High School freshman Bethany Bigner, who wants to pursue forensic science or bioengineering.

As a university industry partner, 3M sent representative Caroline Muehlenkamp to talk with the students and answer any of their questions about the company or the industry in general.

Muehlenkamp encouraged them to, “try new things because you never know what you might like to do.” She explained how she prepared herself for college by taking AP courses in high school and then went on to say, “try those different classes and clubs to see what you like and what you don’t like because it might surprise you.”

91��Ƭ has collaborated with Upward Bound in the past and will continue this partnership to help show students what college and 91��Ƭ specifically have to offer them.

91��Ƭ’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management offers 20 undergraduate and 11 graduate programs.

Within CSTEMM, is the School of Engineering, offering undergraduate programs in computer and electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering and plastics engineering. CSTEMM's biology department offers undergraduate programs in applied biochemistry and molecular biology; applied science; and environmental science.

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91��Ƭ Polytechnic announces budget proposals to build state workforce, next generation of businesses

Chancellor Frank joins other Universities of Wisconsin leaders to discuss Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin proposals

Cadaver Lab trains future medical professionals through STEAM camps, high school programs

Students get hands-on access to specimens through 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s unique on-campus lab

Biochem student’s sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campus

New historical mural, other areas enhanced by addition of local flora

Students’ hands-on experiences in biology, engineering labs show them what polytechnic degrees can offer stem_fest_2024_04.jpg

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Fermentation station: Microbiology, food science students boost skillsets in lab

polingj — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:13:06 +0000

Fermentation station: Microbiology, food science students boost skillsets in labpolingj December 4, 2023

Professor Steve Nold’s class continues tradition of hands-on research to support career preparation

On a recent day in Jarvis Hall at 91��Ƭ, about a dozen pairs of students leaned against lab tables and dug into the results of fermentation experiments they had created.

The strong smells coming from vials in the Rajiv and Swati Lall Microbiology Lab were proof that they had indeed succeeded at fermentation. Each experiment used a different raw, organic material and posed questions. How long did whey, sauerkraut or sourdough starter take to ferment? How much ethanol was being produced in kimchi? How did various inputs and controls impact the process of making mead?

Their tests had greater value than a letter grade. As food science, dietetics, applied science-biology and other majors, they were learning the scientific process with industry-standard testing equipment, skills that can be applied to their careers.

Emma Flemke, left, and Emma VanHout collect data as part of their whey fermentation project in Professor Steve Nold’s General Microbiology course at 91��Ƭ. / 91��Ƭ

“These experiences are key to developing career-ready graduates. Our students seamlessly transition from college into industrial positions,” Professor Steve Nold said.

The gap between student research and the real world isn’t wide. From 2017 to 2022, about 150 students in the same General Microbiology course taught by Nold conducted ongoing research to support a northern Wisconsin distillery, Copper Crow, near Bayfield.

Copper Crow ferments whey, the liquid byproduct of the cheese-making process, as the basis for its spirits. It’s one of only a few distillers in the country to use whey, but it presents special challenges.

Nold designed experiments in his course to test as many variables as possible and make sure nothing was being overlooked at Copper Crow. The general process was developed by Copper Crow owner Curt Basina, with assistance from Rick Erickson, a Bayfield High School science teacher and distilling afficionado.

A student in the course use a centrifuge, which removes solids from liquid samples before analysis by the high-performance liquid chromatography. / 91��Ƭ

“We needed to find the most efficient means to distill, and Stout was instrumental in helping with that,” Basina said.

One of the student teams in this fall’s class was continuing that research. Emma Flemke, a senior food science and technology major from Red Wing, Minn., and Megan VanHout, a junior dietetics major from Isanti, Minn., were focused on whey. Specifically, they were testing how the lactose (or sugar) concentration affected the amount of ethanol produced after fermentation.

Flemke has more than a passing interest in whey. She interned for a summer at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery’s cheese facility in Menomonie as a production supervisor. She has accepted a full-time position when she graduates in May.

“The more we understand whey and how it can be manipulated, the more we’ll know how it could be used in the future,” Flemke said.

Wisconsin is the nation’s No. 1 maker of cheese and by default whey, but much of the whey goes to waste.

Student Alia Wilson works on her experiment in the microbiology lab. In the background at left is Professor Steve Nold. / 91��Ƭ

The class has been an eye-opener for VanHout. “This project has brought together a lot of things we’ve learned in other classes. Professor Nold is great about teaching us how to do things properly, how to use different instruments and apply this to our careers,” VanHout said.

Nold’s students will present their research from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Memorial Student Center along with about 300 others as part of the STEMM Expo.

Some of the other student fermentation research experiments Nold’s current students conducted are:

Sourdough starter: Junior dietetics majors Olivia Donohue, from Mosinee, and Josie Hasenstab, from Milton, experimented with three kinds of yeasts to see how they affected the sourdough bread starter.

They noted that fermented foods can be good for a person’s gut health. As dietetics majors, they were glad they could choose a food as their research subject.

Students Marty Kiernan, left, and Ethan Kalin work on their mead fermentation project. / 91��Ƭ

The team used a centrifuge to spin the dough and separate the liquid, then conducted their tests on the liquid. “We’ve got a lot of data to analyze,” Donohue said.

Sauerkraut: Food science major Hope Lent, a junior from Middleton, and environmental science major Sam Stinton, a senior from Minneapolis, made sauerkraut (cabbage and salt) and created four tests to study how varying the salt affects the fermentation process.

“The amount of salt doesn’t affect the amount of ethanol created but how fast. More salt speeds up the process,” said Lent, noting the process takes from three to six weeks.

Stinton and Lent were excited to learn how nutrient proportions affect the conversion to alcohol, as well as the being able to learn testing skills they can apply to their future careers.

Kimchi: Dietetics majors Devan Greene, a senior from Eden Prairie, Minn., and Alex Moe, a junior from Wilson, tested for pathogens in kimchi, a Korean food similar to sauerkraut using cabbage, spices and potentially other vegetables.

They found how varying inputs into their mix and changing temperatures impacted the fermentation and produced such things as lactic acid, acetic acid and dextrose.

Ale yeast: Dietetics majors Ella Gigstead, a junior from Albertville, Minn., and Nicole Demulling, a senior from Osceola, conducted tests on grains used to make ale. They tried sorghum flour, corn meal and wheat flour and learned that the grains all made ethanol.

Along with the high-performance liquid chromatography, they used a micropipette, a lab tool to measure tiny amounts of liquid, and Excel spreadsheets to help them analyze their data. “There’s a lot of science behind dietetics,” Gigstead said.

Mead: Applied science-biology concentration majors Ethan Kalin, a senior from Maplewood, Minn., and Marty Kiernan, a senior from Ashwaubenon, made mead, an ancient, fermented beverage with a base of honey, water and yeast, while adding apples. However, they experimented with how the size of the apple pieces affected the process.

“We wanted to see how it affected the ethanol content and the speed of fermentation,” Kalin said. “It doesn’t affect it much.

“There’s been a lot of data analysis, and learning the lab techniques using a sterile environment has been very good,” Kalin said.

###

On a recent day in Jarvis Hall at 91��Ƭ, about a dozen pairs of students leaned against lab tables and dug into the results of fermentation experiments. Micro lab 1

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PHOTO ESSAY: Skeletons in the Closet

hugginsm — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:48:28 +0000

PHOTO ESSAY: Skeletons in the Closethugginsm September 22, 2023

Stout Students Do More on Day One in Applied Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Applied Science; Dietetics and Health, Wellness & Fitness

Abbey Goers Zach Porter Rachel Hallgrimson

In a clean, temperature-controlled lab, six groups of students team up at stations in Lecturer Tiffany Hoage’s Anatomy and Physiology course in the Jarvis Hall Science Wing.

The lab is surprisingly splashed with color. Life-size human torso anatomy models contain removable pink plastic lungs, light-peach hearts, large gray intestines and other organs. Blue arteries and red veins run the length of the models like color-coded roadways.

A colorful plastic skeleton, whose bones were painted in every color of the rainbow by Shelby Kaufer Saenger, a 2017 applied science alum, aids students’ memorization of the 206 bones in the human body and their features. A dozen miniature plastic skeletons line glass-fronted cabinets, like curious dolls on parade.

You immediately see the strange beauty, function and organization of the interior of the human body. The scratchy, zipper-like sound of Scotch tape ripping from rolls echoes across the room as students are busy labeling “body parts” that line the lab station counters.

Students in Anatomy and Physiology typically pursue Bachelor of Science degrees in applied biochemistry and molecular biology; applied science; dietetics; or health, wellness and fitness. But being a general education class, the students in this class section represent 11 different programs.

Students collect and stain their cheek cells and view them through microscopes at magnifications of up to 400X. For the osmosis and diffusion experiment, they place an artificial cell containing starch solution into an iodine solution to see how concentrations affect movement across the cell membrane.

“They’re exploring the world of cells. The cheek cells look like eggs in a frying pan. The ‘yolk’ is the nucleus and appears yellow because of the iodine stain,” Hoage explained.

“In the osmosis and diffusion experiment, water will go into the cell via osmosis, causing the cell to swell. Iodine will enter the cell via diffusion and react with the starch to produce a blue color. The concept of osmosis is important because if an IV solution does not contain the appropriate saline concentration, red blood cells can swell and burst or shrivel, respectfully,” she added.

A student jots notes in a notebook with a pattern of insects adorning the cover. Teams use the cell figure they labeled before the lab to identify the parts of the plastic cell models. As they stick laminated labels to the cell models, the students quiz each other: the mitochondria produce energy via cellular respiration; the hair-like cilia move things, like debris in the respiratory tract; ribosomes synthesize proteins; the nucleus is the cell’s control center; and more.

For the tattoo activity, students use anatomical terms and tape measurers to determine tattoo locations. And in the sectioning activity, they sculpt models of the human head and face using small chunks of blue, green, red and yellow modeling clay. They mold the clay in the palms of their hands and shape miniature cheek bones, eyes, mouths, ears and the bridge of the nose – each face unique to its designer.

“It’s not very good,” jokes Lacey Mader, holding up her creation before sectioning it through the anatomical planes.

Mader, of Buffalo, Minn., and Kael Lamb are juniors in health, wellness and fitness, and are interested in working with athletes in their careers.

“I took this class to learn more about the human body and how it functions. I’m excited that it will eventually help me in my internship and future job,” said Mader, who wants to work in athletic therapy.

Lamb, of Plainview, Minn., is on the Blue Devils football team. He’s hoping to intern at ETS, an alumni-owned training center, and train athletes as a career. “The hands-on experiences give me a deeper understanding of how the body works and moves, more than just terms and words to memorize,” he said.

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Discover what Applied Biochem & Molecular Biology; Applied Science; Dietetics; and Health, Wellness & Fitness students do on day one in Anatomy and Physiology. Anatomy on Day One

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B.S. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Our B.S. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology program prepares you to better humankind through work in diagnostics, forensics, genomics, and medicine.

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B.S. Applied Science

Our B.S. Applied Science program takes a polytechnic approach to applied science and technology that prepares you for a wide range of industry opportunities.

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B.S. Dietetics

You'll enjoy working with people with a shared interest in foods and science, with conscious regard to diet and exercise.

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B.S. Health, Wellness & Fitness

Our B.S. Health, Wellness & Fitness program goes beyond traditional kinesiology education with additional business management training.

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Jarvis Hall Science Wing

91��Ƭ's Jarvis Hall Science Wing houses laboratories and classrooms for applied biochemistry, molecular biology, environmental science and applied science.

Inspiring Graduate: Kennadi Shumaker, B.S. Applied Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

goersab — Wed, 24 May 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Kennadi Shumaker, B.S. Applied Biochemistry & Molecular Biologygoersab May 24, 2023

'Stout has prepared me incredibly well for work in my field of study.'

Inspiring Graduate: Kennadi Shumaker (’23)

Hometown: Dickinson, N.D.
Degree: Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Minor: Environmental Health

Earning a degree in applied biochemistry and molecular biology in a smaller town like Menomonie allowed Kennadi Shumaker to take advantage of opportunities she would not have had elsewhere, she said.

91��Ƭ’s program gave her opportunities such as tutoring, working as a teaching assistant and attending research conferences like NCUR, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Inspiring Graduate Kennadi Shumaker with Chancellor Katherine Frank at commencement / 91��Ƭ

“My Stout education and experience has highlighted the importance of making connections with peers and faculty and keeping an open mind to new experiences, even when they may seem difficult and scary at first,” Shumaker said.

She earned her ABMB degree on May 6, one of 1,173 graduates, and will be attending Indiana University-Bloomington for her Ph.D. in biochemistry.

“I am so excited and nervous to have been accepted to partake in this program, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of the amazing faculty and the course structuring at 91��Ƭ,” she said. “My goal is to follow in my mentor’s footsteps and become a professor of biochemistry. My time at Stout has meant so much to me and my future.”

How well has 91��Ƭ prepared you to work in your field and why?

Stout has prepared me incredibly well for work in my field of study through academic structuring, job opportunites on campus and independent research.

Because of Stout’s polytechnic application of study, I have been able to partake in many hands-on research projects in biology and chemistry laboratories, providing me valuable lab skills and techniques that many employers look for in job applicants and graduate school candidates.

Kennadi Shumaker at commencement / 91��Ƭ

My time as a chemistry tutor and teaching assistant has shown me the process behind higher academic teaching and chemical prep work, and working as a research assistant has allowed me to write a grant and present at a research conference; all valuable experiences that make it that much easier to transition into a job or graduate program.

What stands out about your 91��Ƭ experience?

What stands out most to me about my Stout experience would have to be the great lab opportunities and projects I have worked on, as well as the professors and their willingness to help students succeed.

A lot of in-course lab projects allow for independent study, such as the analysis of isolated soil microbes for heme enzymes, or projects that impact our local communities, such as the genetic modification of yeast to metabolize lactose into ethanol for ethanol production.

The professors always want students to succeed, and many of them go above and beyond.

My success at Stout is in large part thanks to the professors who were willing to write letters of recommendation, provide me with on-campus jobs, and have faith in who I was as a student to take me on as a research assistant: Dr. Vande Linde, Dr. Burritt, Dr. Miller-Rodeberg, Dr. Teague and Dr. Kadnikov.

How did your involvement impact your experience?

I am part of the Honors College, which has provided so many opportunities to meet new people and talk about topics that affect our society: immigration, recycling, etc. Taking Honors College courses has also been a great experience since I was constantly surrounded by people who also had a passion for learning new things.

I have received several scholarships that impacted my education: First Year Scholarship; Scott Swanson Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Melvin LeRoy Anderson Scholarship; and a student research grant through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The financial help from 91��Ƭ has been tremendous in pushing me toward graduation.

Kennadi Shumaker presenting her research poster / Kennadi Shumaker

How did you overcome the challenges you faced in earning your degree?

The ABMB program is quite dense, so most of the challenges I faced were scheduling courses for each semester and studying large amounts of information for multiple courses. There were times when I had to make sacrifices to get my work done, such as not spending time with my friends or missing events, but these sacrifices help me succeed in the end, and I always made sure to schedule time for myself.

As for scheduling classes, it really came down to communicating with my adviser, Dr. Vande Linde, and professors to move around course time slots, as well as working with the program director, Dr. Burritt, to ensure I was on the right path toward graduation.

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

I am most proud of what I have been able to accomplish in just a few short years and the many connections I made with my peers and faculty who have encouraged me to continue working hard, and who ultimately helped me make the final decision on where I wanted to go after I graduate.

The ABMB program is a rigorous program, and I am so proud to have been a small part of such a great accomplishment. I also hope that I might have been able to influence other people to work hard through my tutoring and as a teacher’s assistant and that they too will seek out the opportunities that I was able to take advantage of.

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1,173 points of pride: Chancellor Frank congratulates graduates on their ‘well-earned achievement’

Three commencement ceremonies on May 6 at 91��Ƭ celebrated the progress, perseverance and success of 1,173 graduates.

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