Undergrad research supported by $1,200 stipends
April 5, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- MP3s, intercultural communication, folk art and the design of a Global Positioning System receiver are among the topics being studied this semester by budding researchers at Western Michigan University.
These 16 WMU students currently are working on research projects with faculty mentors. Each is a recipient of a 2002 winter Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award, which includes a $1,200 stipend to undertake a research or creative project. The winter 2002 awardees, selected by a faculty review committee, represent 14 academic departments.
Established in 1998 and administered by the Lee Honors College, the awards program is designed to "encourage and nurture research and creative activities by outstanding students." WMU undergraduates who have completed at least 60 credit hours and have a grade point average of 3.25 or above are eligible for the grants.
Interested students must submit a joint proposal with a faculty mentor. Research projects can reflect any academic area of study, and the award may be renewed for one additional semester with approval from the review committee. During the research semester, students must carry at least 12 credit hours of course work in addition to the estimated 10 hours per week necessary to complete the project.
Award recipients
Brendan E. Bernacki of Canton, Mich., a senior majoring in theatre design and technical production, has received a grant to serve as the technical director for the WMU Department of Theatre play "The Importance of Being Earnest." His mentor is Timothy Hansen, technical director and shop supervisor in the Department of Theatre. He is the son of Frank and Valerie Bernacki of Canton.
Stacey L. Burns of Hudsonville, Mich., a senior majoring in public history, has received a grant to study "Folk Art and Regional History: Research and Presentation of Paintings by Athey Skinner and Luna Delano Sipley of Cooper Township, Mich." Her mentor is Sharon Carlson, director of WMU's Archives and Regional History Collections. She is a member of the Lee Honors College and the daughter of Diane and Kurt Burns of Jenison, Mich.
Ashley Coy of Grass Lake, Mich., a senior majoring in electrical engineering, has received a grant to study "Environmental Controller." His faculty mentor is Dr. Frank Severance associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. He is the son of Richard and Carol Coy of Grass Lake.
Jennifer Delaney of Walled Lake, Mich., a junior majoring in psychology, has received a grant to study "The Development and Implementation of a Social Skills Curriculum for Children with Pervasive Developmental Disabilities." Her faculty mentor is Dr. Linda A. LeBlanc, assistant professor of psychology. She is a member of the Lee Honors College and the daughter of Joseph Delaney and Charlotte Tyll of Walled Lake.
Courtney Dykman of Armada, Mich., a senior majoring in speech pathology, has received a grant to study "Formant Theory and Spectral Shape Theory: The Evolving Study of Vowel Recognition." Her faculty mentor is Dr. James M. Hillenbrand, professor of speech pathology and audiology. She is a member of the Lee Honors College and the daughter of Virginia and K. Rand Dykman of Armada.
Michael Ellinger of Grand Rapids, Mich., a senior majoring in computer engineering, has received a grant to study "Project MP3." His faculty mentor is Dr. Frank Severance, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. He is the son of Edward and Pamela Ellinger of Grand Rapids.
Kirstin Grieser of Benton Harbor, Mich., a junior majoring in public relations, has received a grant to study "The Role of Intercultural Communication in Governmental Crisis Management: The Case of the Bush Administration and the U.S.S. Greenville." Her faculty mentor is Dr. Keith Hearit, associate professor of communication. She is a member of the Lee Honors College and the daughter of Jerrold B. and Debra A. Grieser of Benton Harbor.
Christina Killmar of New Baltimore, Mich., a senior majoring in theatre design and technical production, has received a grant to design and build the scenery for the University Theatre production "Spinning Into Butter." Her faculty mentor is Mr. Greg Roehrick, professor of theatre.
Evan Lewis of Hudson, Mich., a senior majoring in theatre design and technical production, has received a grant to design light and sound for the University Theatre production of "Spinning Into Butter". His faculty mentor is Matthew A. Knewtson, associate professor of theatre. Lewis is a member of the Lee Honors College.
Lisa Lopiccolo of Clinton Township, Mich., a senior majoring in Spanish, has received a grant to undertake "A Comparative Analysis of WMU and non WMU Study Abroad Programs." Her mentor is Sabine Klahr, director of Study Abroad. She is a member of the Lee Honors College and the daughter of Jesue J. and Patricia A. Lopiccolo of Clinton Township.
Erin M. McLennon of Stevens Point, Wis., a senior majoring in music performance, has received a grant to create "A Recording of New Music for the Saxophone." Her faculty mentor is John Campos, manager of the Western Sound Studios in the Department of Music. She is a member of the Lee Honors College and the daughter of Robert and Sherry McLennon of Stevens Point.
Erin Ann Neeley of Flint, Mich., a senior majoring in secondary education, has received a grant to study "In a Kid's Kingdom." Her faculty mentor is Dr. James Muchmore, assistant professor of teaching, learning and leadership. She is a member of the Lee Honors College.
Angelo Petrino of Manchester, Mich., a senior majoring in electrical engineering, has received a grant to study "Design of a Differential GPS Receiver with Voice Output." His faculty mentor is Dr. Bradley J. Bazuin, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Jeffrey H. Rogers of Swartz Creek, Mich., a senior majoring in theatre design and technical production, has received a grant to design the lighting for the University Theatre production of "Space." His faculty mentor is Matthew Knewtson, associate professor of theatre. He is the son of David and Peggy Rogers of Swartz Creek.
Jacquelyn Styrna of Commerce Township, Mich., a senior majoring in environmental studies and political science, has received a grant to study "The Significance of Education, Values and Relationships in Environmental Decision Making." Her faculty mentor is Dr. Lynne Heasley, assistant professor of environmental studies. She is a member of the Lee Honors College and the daughter of Raymond and Suzanne Styrna.
Mary Truitt, a graduate of Plainwell (Mich.) High School and a WMU senior majoring in French and biochemistry, has received a grant to undertake "A Comparative Analysis of WMU and non WMU Study Abroad Programs." Her mentor is Sabine Klahr, director of Study Abroad. Truitt is a member of the Lee Honors College.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu