2025 CAS Alumni Achievement Award Announcement
The College of Arts and Sciences is proud to announce the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award winners and to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by these influential alumni. This year recipients were honored with awards given in three categories: The Early Career Excellence Award, The Department, School or Institute Alumni Achievement Award, and the College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Achievement Award. These individuals were recognized at the annual Alumni Achievement Awards on Oct. 10, which was held in the WMU Student Center.
Below are brief profiles of each award recipient, highlighting the achievements that earned them this year’s distinction.
EARLY CAREER EXCELLENCE AWARD
Department of English Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Traci Brimhall earned her doctorate in English from Western Michigan University in 2014. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing at Kansas State University and serves as poet laureate of Kansas and poet in residence at the Guggenheim Museum. A celebrated author of five poetry collections, her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Nation and The New York Times Magazine. Her first nonfiction book, The Grief Artist, is set to release next year.
School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Wook Rak Jung earned his master’s degree from Western Michigan University in 2009 and his doctorate in geography from the University of Saskatchewan. He is CEO of C-EARTH, where he leads geospatial consulting for offshore wind development and smart infrastructure under Korean regulations. With more than 15 years of global experience, Jung is an expert in spatial data strategy, digital twins and AI-driven intelligence. He also serves as an expert lecturer and advisor for national GIS programs and new technology certification audits.
Mallinson Institute for Science Education Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Peggy McNeal earned her doctorate in geoscience education from Western Michigan University in 2017, receiving both the Research and Creative Scholar Award and the Graduate Teaching Award. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Navy officer, she taught middle school science for 14 years before entering higher education. Now an associate professor at Towson University, she studies how students visualize Earth systems and serves as editor for the Journal of Geoscience Education. Her work has been supported by over $600,000 in external funding.
DEPARTMENT, SCHOOL OR INSTITUTE AWARD
Department of Biological Sciences Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Katie Mulka earned her baccalaureate degree in biology from Western Michigan University in 2012 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State in 2017. She completed a pathology residency and earned a doctorate at Johns Hopkins, where her research focused on viral infections like SIV, COVID-19 and influenza. Now an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, she serves as a diagnostic pathologist, researcher and educator, with a focus on respiratory and infectious disease pathology.
School of Communication Alumni Achievement Award
Eric Woodyard earned his baccalaureate degree in journalism from Western Michigan University in 2010 and is now an ESPN NFL Nation reporter covering the Detroit Lions. He has interviewed legends like LeBron James and Mike Tyson, and his work has appeared on SportsCenter, NFL Live, and E:60. Woodyard has earned multiple Associated Press awards and authored three books. He also founded the “Flint Made Me” scholarship to support youth in his hometown and contributes to Andscape, exploring the intersection of sports and culture.
Economics Department Alumni Achievement Award
Emily Hawrysz graduated summa cum laude, earning a bachelor of business administration in Economics from Western Michigan University in 2009 and her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 2024. She is senior director of strategic transformation at the National Insurance Crime Bureau, supporting executive leadership in operations, analytics and training. Hawrysz previously spent 12 years with the FBI, advancing from intern to senior advisor. A Drake Scholar and mission-driven leader, she is passionate about public service, innovation and empowering women in leadership.
Geological and Environmental Sciences Department Alumni Achievement Award
Thomas Hanna earned his master’s degree in geology from Western Michigan University in 1983. He is a global leader in hydrogeology. As district manager for Johnson Screens, he specializes in designing high-capacity wells for mining and environmental remediation. He is a contributing author to Groundwater and Wells and a dedicated mentor, supporting WMU’s Hydrogeology Field Course. Hanna’s work addresses water-scarce regions worldwide. He volunteers with the National Ground Water Association and adaptive sports programs, reflecting his deep commitment to service and sustainability.
History Department Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Tony Frazier earned his doctorate in modern European history from Western Michigan University in 2013. He is now an assistant professor of history at Penn State, where his research explores slavery and emancipation in Britain, African American history and digital history. He has received fellowships from the National Humanities Center and the Center for Black Digital Research. His upcoming book, Slaves Without Wages, is focused on runaway Black slaves in 18th-century London and will be followed by a digital history project on Emancipation Days.
Institute for Intercultural and Anthropological Studies Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Dylan J. Clark earned his baccalaureate degree in anthropology and Spanish from Western in 2000 and later completed his doctorate in anthropology at Harvard. He is deputy state archaeologist for land in North Carolina and has conducted fieldwork across Mexico and Honduras. Clark’s research focuses on Mesoamerican archaeology, and he has held fellowships from Fulbright-Hays and Dumbarton Oaks. He also serves on the boards of InHerit and the Boundary End Archaeology Research Center, supporting cultural heritage and education.
Mathematics Department Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Danny Dunlavy earned his master’s in applied mathematics from Western Michigan University in 2001. He is a distinguished member of the technical staff at Sandia National Laboratories, where his research in computational mathematics has advanced data analysis across fields from machine learning to cybersecurity. He is a prolific scholar with numerous published articles, software packages and book chapters and a dedicated mentor to early career scientists. Outside of work, he is an active community volunteer, supporting youth education, music and sports programs in New Mexico, where he lives with his wife and two children.
Philosophy Department Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Nathan Stout earned his master’s degree in philosophy from Western Michigan University in 2009 and a doctorate from Tulane University. He is a senior clinical ethicist at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and a clinical assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University. His research explores biomedical ethics, moral psychology and patient decision-making. He has published extensively in leading philosophy and bioethics journals, and is committed to using philosophical analysis to address real-world healthcare challenges.
Physics Department Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Manjula Nandasiri earned his doctorate in physics from Western Michigan University in 2013 and is now a staff scientist at Arconic Corporation. Nandasiri previously held postdoctoral roles at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Montana State University. His research uses surface analysis, failure diagnostics and process development to create next-generation aluminum alloys used in aerospace, automotive and industrial applications. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, and his research has earned national recognition for its impact on materials science and engineering.
Department of Psychology Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Amy Elliott earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Western Michigan University in 2001. She is chief clinical research officer at the Avera Research Institute and professor at the University of South Dakota’s Sanford School of Medicine. Her work focuses on maternal and child health, with the goal of delivering and evaluating clinical services to reduce disparities in historically underserved communities, especially Native American and other indigenous populations. She has published more than 130 scholarly works and has been principal or co-principal investigator on research projects that have been supported by more than $100 million in external funding.
School of Public Affairs and Administration Alumni Achievement Award
Diane Thompson received her master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University in 2004. She has more than 27 years of nonprofit leadership experience and has served as CEO and president of Binder Park Zoo since 2012. Under her leadership, the zoo has expanded access for underserved families, launched a $3 million capital campaign and strengthened conservation efforts. She previously led the Miller Foundation and served as an elected official in Battle Creek and Calhoun County. Thompson also chairs the West Michigan Tourist Association and serves on several regional boards supporting tourism and community development.
Spanish Department Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Berta Carrasco earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in Spanish from Western Michigan University. She is an associate professor at Hope College, where she teaches all levels of Spanish and integrates community service into her courses. Her work supports underrepresented communities and heritage Spanish speakers, earning her the Latino Student Organization Faculty Award. Carrasco’s research explores women’s writing, hybrid learning and service-based pedagogy. She is a published author and frequent conference presenter, with multiple grants supporting her innovative teaching and scholarship.
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES ALL COLLEGE AWARD
College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Achievement Award
Tiffany M. Moore earned a baccalaureate degree in Spanish with a minor in Japanese from Western Michigan University in 1996 and a master’s degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. She is senior vice president of political and industry affairs at the Consumer Technology Association, which produces CES, the world’s leading tech event. She leads efforts related to federal advocacy and created CTA’s industry affairs portfolio to support U.S. jobs and innovation. Moore also manages a $15 million investment fund for women-led and diverse ventures. With more than 25 years of experience in government, consulting and corporate sectors, she has advanced key policies in trade, accessibility, immigration and workforce development.
College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Achievement Award
Brent Albertson earned his baccalaureate degree in communication from Western Michigan University in 1987. He has served as CEO of Zing Zang, the nation’s leading cocktail mix brand, since 2019. He joined the company in 2016, first serving as president and chief customer officer. Under his leadership, Zing Zang has thrived and grown, with innovative new product lines, expanded distribution and increased sales nationwide. Albertson previously spent nearly 30 years with Diageo, a multinational beverage company, where he held several senior leadership roles and drove revenue past $1 billion. A respected industry leader, he is known for building brands, driving strategy and understanding what resonates with consumers.
Read more about WMU’s College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Achievement Awards on our website.
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