MORGANTOWN, W.Va.—The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University has recognized 64 outstanding seniors, graduate teaching assistants and graduating Eberly Scholars for their academic achievements in 2020-2021.
For the upcoming (2021-2022) year, the College has designated 27 remarkable students as Eberly Scholars, the College’s most prestigious scholarship honor for undergraduate students. In association with the ongoing generosity of the Eberly family, the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board established the Eberly Scholars program in 1988. Each year, the top students majoring in the arts and sciences are designated as Eberly Scholars. They are provided with scholarship support in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement.
Four of the newly named Eberly Scholars will graduate this spring, and many of the Scholars and the College’s Outstanding Seniors were Eberly Scholars for the past academic year (2020-2021). Those names are marked with an asterisk.
Outstanding Seniors Outstanding GTAs Eberly ScholarsOutstanding Seniors
Anthropology
Talia Buchman*
Manlius, New York
During her time at WVU, Talia Buchman learned ethnographic research in the Research Apprenticeship and Honors EXCEL programs. Her research on non-human primates under human care has motivated her to explore a career in primatology, a career path that will take her to Madagascar this summer where she will intern under the famed primatologist Patricia Wright at the ValBio Research Center at Ranomafana National Park.
“Talia is recognized for her excellent academic record, dedication to anthropological scholarship and extensive leadership and service.” -Susanna Donaldson, Teaching Associate Professor
Biology
Madison Starcher
Morgantown, West Virginia
As a biology major with an area of emphasis in neuroscience, Maddie Starcher performed undergraduate research in a neuroscience lab and served as an undergraduate teaching assistant for four courses for biology majors. She was also a drum major for The Pride of West Virginia: the Mountaineer Marching Band. After graduation, she plans to celebrate with her family and a slice of Cherry Coke cake before heading to the WVU School of Medicine this fall.
“Maddie is not only an outstanding representative of our major, but of the Eberly College and WVU as a whole. She has performed extensive volunteer work through several organizations, including those that assist hospitalized children, local animal shelters and the WVU Arboretum. She is extremely positive, a natural ‘helper’ and a rising superstar.” -Jennifer Hawkins, Chair
Chemistry
Rilla Samsell
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Rilla Samsell committed her undergraduate experience to research, learning from Associate Professor Jessica Hoover and participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience. After graduation, she is graduate school bound.
“Rilla has distinguished herself through excellence in her academic performance and undergraduate research. Her GPA is the highest among all graduating chemistry majors this academic year. She was recognized for her leadership during the pandemic by leading team discussions for her peers via Zoom. She applied to six chemistry graduate programs across the U.S. and was admitted to all of them, highlighting the strength of her qualifications as a chemist.” -Carsten Milsmann, Associate Professor
Chinese Studies
Jacquelyn von Staden
Colora, Maryland
Jacquelyn von Staden will graduate with degrees in Chinese Studies and computer science, getting the chance to study abroad in China. After graduation, she will join the U.S. Department of Defense as a computer scientist.
Communication Studies
Madison Martin
Winfield, West Virginia
After graduation, Madison Martin will not have to travel far to begin the next step in her career. Aspiring to become a professor, she will enroll in WVU’s theory and research in communication studies master’s program this fall.
“Madison exemplifies the qualities associated with being an outstanding senior. In addition to performing well academically, Madison has worked tirelessly by serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant for COMM 102 Interpersonal Communication this past year.” -Scott Myers, Chair
Criminology
Hayley Hoffman
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
One of Hayley Hoffman’s most memorable experiences was interning with the Pennsylvania State Liquor Control Board for more than two years, gaining critical professional experience. She also shadowed state district attorneys and a magistrate court judge. After graduation, she hopes to contribute to prison reform as a correctional treatment specialist.
“Hayley has excelled as a student and as an aspiring criminologist. She intends to take the knowledge and experience she has gained from WVU classrooms and her work with Pennsylvania law enforcement to a career in the criminal justice system.” -Susanna Donaldson, Teaching Associate Professor
English
Aerianna McClanahan
Delbarton, West Virginia
In every aspect of her undergraduate career, Aerianna McClanahan has sought out the most challenging route, from participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience and Honors EXCEL programs to being selected by WVU’s Center for Resilient Communities as one of its first group of Community Leadership and Social Action Fellows.
“Aerianna is the whole package: a close reader, a thoughtful writer, an engaged researcher and a passionate activist. She is simply a remarkable human being. She is working with Professor Rosemary Hathaway on a cutting-edge project that looks at Appalachian culture, including queer culture. She is always ready to share what she knows with her peers and is a leader in and outside the classroom.” -Marsha Bissett, Administrative Assistant
French
Samantha Barney
Follansbee, West Virginia
During her WVU career, Samantha Barney’s experiences as a French and English major have taught her to think critically while refining her writing skills. She is a member of the international English honor society Sigma Tau Delta and volunteered with the West Virginia Dialect Project. After graduation, she will join the WVU College of Law to pursue her passion of public interest law.
Geography
Jacob Kiehl
As an undergraduate studying geography and world music, Jacob Kiehl interned at the West Virginia GIS Technical Center and performed with the WVU Pep Band. After graduation, he will move to Dallas to work as a GIS specialist for the Denco Area 911 District.
Geology
Bishop Brozik
Morgantown, West Virginia
Since he was a child, Bishop Brozik has had a passion for rocks, minerals and fossils. While at WVU, he worked as a GIS technician for the Indian Creek Watershed Association and the West Virginia GIS Technical Center. After graduation, he plans to pursue a professional geologist license and GIS professional certificate.
German Studies
Georgia Beatty*
Weirton, New York
Georgia Beatty spent her college career immersing herself in other cultures, studying abroad in France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg and volunteering with WVU’s Global Medical Dental Brigades. She aspires to share her love for education and the German culture by teaching English to non-native speakers. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year before attending graduate school.
History
Jessica Hogbin
Hedgesville, West Virginia
Jessica Hogbin has committed her WVU career to exploring a wide range of research and leadership opportunities. She participated Summer Undergraduate Research Experience and has presented at the Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol three times and at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. She has also been the president of four student organizations: Italian Studies Club, Helvetia Sophomore Honorary, Chimes Junior Honorary and WVU History Club/Phi Alpha Theta.
“Jessica has many accolades and accomplishments as a participant in both the Honors College Foundations and EXCEL programs with a triple major in History, Italian studies and religious studies. To explore the field of public history, she has worked at the WVU Watts Museum and as an intern at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. To better understand the research and teaching involved in the history profession, she has served as an undergraduate teaching assistant and as a language tutor.” -Jessica Wilkerson, Associate Professor and Joyce and Stuart Robbins Chair
International Studies
Adam Craig*
Wheeling, West Virginia
Adam Craig has had a global experience during their WVU career, studying abroad in Oman as a Critical Language Scholar and Boren Scholar and completing an exchange semester in Spain. They also participated in Model United Nations, traveling to an international conference in China.
“In the time that I have known Adam, I have been impressed with their work, discipline and enthusiasm for learning. They demonstrate maturity, energy and flexibility. These are all characteristics that will help Adam excel in their future career.” -Clarissa Estep, Director
Mathematics
Abby Sine
Core, West Virginia
Abby Sine has dedicated her WVU career to helping other students gain confidence in their learning. She has worked as a learning assistant for the Department of Mathematics, a tutor for WVU’s Upward Bound program and a peer mentor for WVU Student Support Services. After graduation, she plans to pursue a doctoral degree in statistics education at Pennsylvania State University.
Native American Studies
Riley Bowers
Morgantown, West Virginia
As a history major with minors in Native American studies and German studies, Riley Bowers aspires to become a professor. He completed a research apprenticeship in the Native American Studies Program and presented at the WVU Undergraduate Research Symposium. After graduation, he plans to begin graduate school at WVU studying indigenous American history.
“Riley is a natural scholar because he’s extremely curious about ‘the big picture.’ He strives to understand the many forces are shaping society, whether globally or locally, and he’s willing to put in the hard work to research the answers. His passion for learning and analyzing history will serve him well in graduate school.” -Bonnie Brown, Program Coordinator
Philosophy
Joshua Lilly
Shady Spring, West Virginia
As secretary for the WVU Philosophy Club, Joshua Lilly coordinated and hosted seminars for distinguished philosophers for students and the community to learn about and participate in philosophy. After graduation, he plans to volunteer with AmeriCorps and enroll in law school.
“Joshua’s work combines analytical rigor, creativity and clear, elegant writing. He brings his thoughtful approach to philosophy into the classroom as well, where his contributions elevate discussion for all our students.” -Sharon Ryan, Chair
Physics and Astronomy
Dillion Cottrill
Charleston, West Virginia
Dillion Cottrill has been a leader in the Department of Physics and Astronomy during his WVU career, serving as vice president and president of the Society of Physics Students during a time when membership greatly increased. He also founded a Quantum Computing Club that has attracted approximately 20 members from within and outside the department.
“Dillion exemplifies the commitment to research, teaching and service. He has been an incredibly active student beyond classes. He’s been involved in research for almost three years and is a contributing author on two published papers for an experimental research group.” -D.J. Pisano, Chair
Political Science
Griffin Bradley
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Griffin Bradley has committed his time at WVU to learning about state and local governments, interning with the West Virginia State Legislature and a mayoral campaign in Parkersburg. He also worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant for POLS 103 Global Political Issues. After graduation, he will continue his education in WVU’s political science master’s program.
Psychology
Shedrick Garrett
Dumfries, Virginia
Volunteering at WVU Medicine’s emergency department provided Shedrick Garrett first-hand clinical experiences with psychiatric medicine, piquing his interests in psychology and neuroscience. After graduation, he will begin a PhD in development psychology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
“Garrett has been a member of my lab for a year and a half. During that time, he has become a key player on several studies related to the efficacy of interventions when implementation is inconsistent. As a Black man, Garrett is particularly interested in improving equitable access to education for all individuals and was recently accepted into a doctoral program in social psychology. He is a truly exceptional writer, who I have no doubts will be an influential scholar.” -Claire St. Peter, Professor
Religious Studies
Avery Eddy
Parkersburg, West Virginia
As a student double majoring in religious studies and international studies, Avery Eddy has gained a multidisciplinary background with a strong understanding of the intersections of cultures, linguistics, politics and religions. He has learned how to organize outreach initiatives, conduct research and lead an eco-conscious life. After graduation, he aspires to become an English teaching assistant in Malaysia or Thailand.
Russian Studies
Kaitlyn Boyd
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Kaitlyn Boyd is completing a double major in Russian studies and biology.
Social Work
Renee Slattery
Kent, Ohio
Renee Slattery has a passion for working with children and aspires to dedicate her career to helping others. After completing a field placement at West Virginia Healthy Start, she will continue her education in WVU’s Master of Social Work program.
“Renee is deserving of the outstanding senior award as evidenced by her performance in and out of the classroom, attention to details, assistance and support of classmates and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. She approached her internship as she approaches every new challenge, with academic confidence, cultural competency, sincerity and warmth.” -Linda Ferrise, Bachelor of Social Work Program Director
Sociology
Patrick Doherty
Monroe Township, New Jersey
As a double major in sociology and political science, Patrick Doherty enjoys learning about how laws and procedures affect society. He plans to continue this learning as a student at the Arizona State University law school this fall.
“Patrick has excelled as a student during his time at WVU, regularly making the president’s and dean’s lists. He has been an outstanding student throughout his entire career at WVU, beginning as an Honors Foundation student and conducting research as a first-year student in the Research Apprenticeship Program, and his academic record has led to membership in several honor societies.” -Susanna Donaldson, Teaching Associate Professor
Spanish
Madelene Blackwood
Charleston, West Virginia
A dual-degree student in Spanish and environmental, soil and water science, Madelene Blackwood conducted undergraduate research and volunteered for a national youth science camp. After graduation, they will continue their WVU education as a master’s student in plant and soil sciences.
Women’s and Gender Studies
Sarah Smith
Charleston, West Virginia
As a child development and family studies major with a minor in women’s and gender studies, Sarah Smith is a certified advocate through the National Advocate Credentialing Program, has served as a WVU Peer Advocate and is involved in the Students for Reproductive Justice organization. She has also volunteered with the West Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force and helped raise money and awareness of domestic violence on college campuses.
“Sarah is a first-generation college student with both a strong academic record and a high level of community engagement. As a student, Sarah has conducted research on topics including stalking and domestic violence, as well as complicit bystander culture. Sarah’s dedication to women’s and gender issues and social justice in addition to her academic record clearly set her apart from her peers.” -Sharon Bird, Director
Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistants
Biology
Jessica Towey
Oxford, Pennsylvania
Jessica Towey has served as a peer mentor and leader to her fellow GTAs, developing presentation slides and other resources to share with others even on topics beyond her research expertise. During the pandemic, she developed new lab resources, including a common lab notebook for students to keep notes and complete post-lab activities in an accessible space during online labs.
“Students highlight her rapport with them, consistent preparation and thorough communication, especially teaching online labs. Though Jessica has taught the BIOL 220 lab in the past, this year she had to redesign her teaching style and her methods for the online environment. She maintained teaching notes for herself and worked to integrate her previous experience into new experiments. Due to the online labs, we put more focus on microscopy and protein methods, which are outside Jess’s usual wheelhouse. However, she brought consistent preparation and modified the provided materials to inform her own learning and teaching. In all this, she was largely independent.” -Dana Huebert Lima, Teaching Associate Professor
Chemistry
Samuel Eddy
Morgantown, West Virginia
Samuel Eddy teamed up with an undergraduate research student to create a new lab course for CHEM 342, Physical Chemistry.
“Sam is an enthusiastic teaching assistant. He really likes interacting with the students and being helpful. The new CHEM 342 will be very helpful since students taking the class are biochemistry and chemistry Bachelor of Arts students, and most of them have an interest in going into medical-related areas.” -Terry Gullion, Professor
Communication Studies
Lauren Fellers
White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Lauren Fellers demonstrated flexibility during times of need this year by administrating COMM 105, Introduction to Mass Media, even though it is beyond her academic expertise and comfort zone.
“Lauren is an outstanding departmental citizen who consistently places the needs of the department above her own. She is an excellent classroom instructor who takes pride in her teaching, which is demonstrated by her thoughtfulness, preparation and commitment to her students’ education.” -Scott Myers, Chair
English
Manzur Alam
Noakhali, Bangladesh
Manzur Alam is experienced in the classroom, teaching Composition and Rhetoric, Poetry and Drama, American Literature 1 and Short Story and Novel. His students praise his creative and thought-provoking assignments while appreciating the effort he puts into his classes.
“Many students acknowledge Manzur’s preparedness and helpful teaching style: ‘He is very personable and friendly in addition to being knowledgeable on the topic of American Literature. He always maintained a positive attitude with our class, even when at times we perhaps didn’t deserve the grace he gave us. He is a wonderful teacher.’” -Mary Ann Samyn, Professor
Forensic and Investigative Science
Veronica Franklin
Bismarck, North Dakota
Veronica Franklin runs eight FIS 405 Latent Fingerprints courses each week where she teaches nearly 100 students. She also assists with FIS 435 Advanced Forensic Photography and is the department’s ambassador for recruitment events and campus tours.
“Veronica is an absolute jewel to the Department of Forensic and Investigative Science. Both of these classes are very hands on, and her presence is well noted. Students love working with her. I have received several emails and written cards from prospective students and families thanking her for all the information she provided.” -Casper Venter, Chair
Geography
Yiting Fan
Chengdu, Canada
Yiting Fan taught GEOG 150 Digital Earth in spring 2021, delivering online lectures while providing support for students working in a computational environment, some for the first time.
“Yiting regularly went above and beyond to serve students who were struggling with the many stressors of the pandemic. She handled the technical support issues that teaching a GIS-oriented course online would require, such as helping students install ArcGIS Pro software on their home computers. During the course of her work as a teaching assistant over the last two years, she has worked tirelessly to support her students and has simultaneously maintained a professional approach to her teaching.” -Brent McCusker, Chair
Geology
Shelby Isom
Boise, Idaho
Shelby Isom was instrumental in teaching the geology capstone class during summer 2020, independently developing and leading one of the four class projects while providing patient and caring individualized attention to the students under the challenging conditions presented by the pandemic. She also helped transform GEOL 286 Minerals and Rocks from a hands-on, in-person laboratory to a virtual course in spring 2020, going on to teach that class independently in spring 2021.
“Shelby was selected for her dedication to student-centered teaching. GEOL 286 is one of the key entryway courses of the Bachelor of Science in geology. Shelby also completed the Graduate Teaching Certificate in the College of Education and participated in workshops offered by Geodesy Tools for Societal Issues on Teaching Volcanology.” -Brent McCusker, Chair
History
Cole Volman
Richmond, Virginia
Cole Volman has served as a GTA for the Department of History since joining the PhD program in fall 2016, teaching HIST 101 or 102 every semester in both online and in-person formats.
“We have been continuously impressed by the rapport Cole develops with his students. He is a natural teacher who connects with students not only because of his mastery of European history but also because of his authentic connection to young people and his interest in their learning. He also exhibits an uncanny ability to link his own enthusiasm for the strange and yet eerie familiarity of the past to their own burgeoning curiosity about history. His teaching evaluations routinely attest to how much his students enjoy his classes.” -Brian Luskey, Associate Professor
Mathematics
Lucian Mazza
Morgantown, West Virginia
Lucian Mazza has been a GTA throughout his Master of Science and PhD programs in the Department of Mathematics, teaching more than a dozen classes teaching more than a dozen classes ranging from pre-college algebra through differential equations.
“During his time with us, Lucian has been an integral member of our instructional team. His experiences have led him to three main goals when teaching: provide students with regular feedback to aid their learning, continue to improve his teaching and encourage interest in mathematics among his students. His students appreciate the multiple ways he explains problems in class, his mixture of low-stakes and high-stakes assessments and his love for math that fosters his students’ passion.” -Jessica Deshler, Professor
Physics and Astronomy
Chathu Piyathilaka
Morgantown, West Virginia
As a GTA for PHYS 111 General Physics in fall 2020, Chathu Piyathilaka translated the in-person lab book into Pivot Interactives to support virtual learning.
“Chathu was a great GTA for PHYS 111 last fall and went above and beyond what is required, translating our lab book to a virtual format without even being asked. In the words of the faculty overseeing the course, ‘He’s awesome. He made lab management a breeze and was my go-to pro for dealing with any lab questions.’” -D.J. Pisano, Chair
Political Science
Josh Squires
Ridgeley, West Virginia
Josh Squires, who is expected to complete his PhD this summer, has taught classes like Introduction to American Government, Empirical Political Analysis and the senior political science capstone – both in-person and online – while also serving as an academic adviser during New Student Orientation.
“Josh has consistently received very positive evaluations of his teaching. In particular, students have noted his positive attitude and praised him for his course materials and the manner in which he facilitates discussions.” -Matthew Jacobsmeier, Associate Professor
Psychology
Catherine Williams
Atlanta, Georgia
Catherine Williams is known in the Department of Psychology for her exceptional teaching in and out of the classroom.
“Catherine’s mentorship of undergraduates, particularly in research contexts, has resulted in one undergraduate student recently having his capstone paper published in a high-profile, peer-reviewed journal and selected as the ‘article of the week’ by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Her other undergraduate students have presented their work as first author at major conferences and are in the process of writing their results for publication. Perhaps Catherine gets her flair for teaching because it is not only a passion but also one of her primary research areas.” -Claire St. Peter, Professor
Sociology and Anthropology
Rob Nicewarner
Elkridge, Maryland
Students appreciate GTA Rob Nicewarner for using case study material from current events to bring sociological concepts alive.
“Rob is thoughtful about his teaching pedagogy. He personalizes his teaching to give students a voice regarding how they learn best. He is flexible and adapts his teaching pedagogy to changing circumstances and provides students with the opportunity to connect what they are learning to the real-world in innovative ways. Rob has received very positive feedback from students about how he engages them in discussion and connects his classes to current events.” -Rachel Stein, Associate Professor
Women’s and Gender Studies
Juliana Spradling
Charleston, West Virginia
Juliana Spradling is pursuing both a Master of Arts in History and the graduate certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies, working with the Center for Women and Gender Studies as a GTA since fall 2019.
“Juliana’s determination to ensure that WVU’s students have the classroom experience that one can obtain only in person – even when wearing a mask and seated six feet apart – has been an inspiration to us all. Juliana’s cooperative spirit and eagerness to support fellow GTAs further set her apart. She is always engaging, creative and knowledgeable in the classroom.” -Sharon Bird, Director
World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics
Beatriz Gomez Vega
Valladolid, Spain
Beatriz Gomez Vega has worked as a GTA since arriving at WVU in fall 2018 to pursue a master’s degree in Spanish. This year, she served as the head of GTAs, providing mentorship for all GTAs in the department, offering workshops and serving on the Spanish Basic Language Program Committee.
2021-2022 Eberly Scholars
Congratulations to our next class of Eberly Scholars for the 2021-2022 academic year! The 27-member cohort includes four graduating seniors: Marryn Bennett, Parker Carte, Jessica Hammersla and Heather Woolridge. The departing seniors reflect on their WVU experience below.
Marryn Bennett
Biology
“After graduation, I have a summer research position in Professor Andrew Dacks's lab. I am excited to get back in the lab after doing most of my research online throughout the pandemic. I enjoy every part of research, so it will be fulfilling to get back in to the swing of things. This will also lead in to my work as a PhD student at WVU, which I am truly excited for. I never thought I would get this far in my education, so I am so excited to hit the ground running in graduate school.”
Trey Bennett
Biology
Shannon Biega
Spanish and Computer Science
Parker Carte
Multidisciplinary Studies
“Knowing that I aspired to attend law school, I wanted an interdisciplinary major that would providing a challenging curriculum while offering a number of hands-on opportunities. For example, I completed a year-long internship at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Center under Scott Galster, vice chair and director of applied research. After graduation, I plan to go to law school to practice healthcare law.”
Aubrey Cumberledge
Biology
Grant DuVall
Biology
Trevor Ford
Physics and Chemistry
Daniel Gallegos
Multidisciplinary Studies
Morgan Glass
Biochemistry
Wenjuan Gu
Biochemistry
Jessica Hammersla
Mathematics and Computer Engineering
“After graduation, I will move back to my hometown to work as a software engineer and hope to use my job to help people. My majors have given me the experience to have a strong foundation in software technology. Each major has shown me how to problem solve and persevere in challenging circumstances, which will continue to help me after graduation.”
Olga Hawranick
Mathematics
Sarah Heilman
Political Science and Finance
Giana Loretta
Communication Studies, Political Science and Philosophy
Adelaide McDonald
Anthropology and Economics
Jaxon Miller*
History and Multidisciplinary Studies
Lauren Pauley
English
Kierstan Pyle
Biology
Kyle Shaw
Political Science, History and Religious Studies
Miranda Signorelli
Psychology
Abigail Smith
Political Science
Lauren Volk
English Secondary Education
Brook Woldegabriel
Mathematics and Civil Engineering
Heather Woolridge*
History
“After graduating, I will return to WVU in the fall to pursue my master’s degree. More than anything, I am looking forward to continue working with the professors I already know and love. I am excited to conduct research and hope to get my work published. I also want to continue in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for as long as possible, and my ultimate career goal is to serve in U.S. Congress.”
Lauren Young*
Biochemistry
Verena Zaisberger
French and Music
Yixi Zhou
Communication Studies and Theater
