Buena Vista University celebrates the accomplishments by our students. The academic achievement newsletter is sent to the campus community on Fridays during the academic year. Here is a listing of past accomplishments.
Congratulations to BVU Psychology Alumnus Jalaal Madyun (class of 2011) and Dr. Wind Goodfriend, Associate Professor of Psychology, who have been published in the peer-reviewed journal "Modern Psychological Studies." Their paper, titled, "Death, Extraversion, Commitment, and Sex: A Study on Terror Management," investigates how thoughts of one's own mortality affects decisions about risky sexual behaviors. The paper is the result of Jalaal's project from Dr. Goodfriend's year-long Research Thesis class. For a copy of the paper, email Dr. Goodfriend.
- Psychology Dept.
Albert Hodapp, Adjunct Instructor at Buena Vista University, Mason City GPS has been selected to present at the upcoming NASP 2012 Annual Convention. This year’s National Association of School Psychologists covention is scheduled for February 21-24, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Lori Arends
Congratulations to the ten psychology students who will be presenting research projects at this year's Midwestern Psychological Association Conference in Chicago! All ten students had to submit abstracts that were judged in a competitive process. Please tell the following students "good job" when you see them: Katie Noll, Bridgett Hasche, Meg Christians, Zach King, Navneet Sandha, Xochitl de Anda, Cassie Sinclair, Eloisa Estrada, Kendra Bucheli, and Grace Sullivan. They will also present their work at this year's Scholars Day event.
- Wind Goodfriend
Congratulations to Zach King, Grace Sullivan, Peter Winterton, and Myriah Noble, who have been awarded Scholars Day Grants for 2012's academic showcase on April 30. Each of these applicants proposed an intriguing and carefully-designed project, and we can look forward to these students' presentations at Scholars Day in the spring.
- Matthew Packer
Congratulations to Psychology alumni Renee Fagen and Desmond Owusu (both class of 2009), who are co-authors on a paper just published in the peer-reviewed “Journal of Anxiety Disorders.” The paper, supervised by first author Dr. Stephen Whiteside, is the product of the internship Renee and Desmond completed during the January of their senior year, when they worked for Dr. Whiteside at the Mayo Clinic. This internship is offered every year through a partnership between BVU and the Mayo Clinic. Their paper is titled, “Validation of the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale’s obsessive compulsive subscale in a clinical and community sample.” For a copy of the paper, contact Dr. Wind Goodfriend. Great job, Renee and Desmond!
- Wind Goodfriend
Stacy Sahl and Carrie Sorensen, were initiated into Phi Alpha, the Social Work honorary organization on Wednesday, November 9, 2011. In order to be a member of Phi Alpha, students must have attained sophomore status, completed three social work courses, have achieved excellent social work and cumulative grade point averages, and agree to uphold the National Association of Social Work Code of Ethics in their academic, professional, and personal conduct. Congratulations to Carrie and Stacy! The Social Work Program
- Kathryn McKinley
Congratulations to Denise Beebe, Assistant Professor of MIS, who has just released her second book, Wicked Cool Web Stuff 2: More Cool Web Technologies. You can find it on Amazon.com at http://tinyurl.com/7x3mxkc. This is a sequel to her first book released in 2009, Wicked Cool Web Stuff: Cool Web Technologies.
- Dr. Elizabeth Throop
Congratulations to Psychology major Megan Vogt, who will be completing a prestigious internship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN this January. Megan will be working with Dr. Stephen Whiteside, a child clinical psychologist, on treatment programs for children who have obsessive-compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders. The Mayo Clinic has partnered with Buena Vista University to provide psychology internships over January for the past four years.
- Psychology Department
Dr. Wind Goodfriend, Associate Professor of Psychology, has been invited to become a regular blogger for the "Psychology Today" website, which receives over a million visitors each month. Her website, titled "Psychology in Movies," highlights a different movie each month, and how the movie portrays theories or concepts from the world of psychology. Her first entry discusses how the "Twilight" movies and books model abusive, violent, and unhealthy dating relationships. To check out the new blog, visit: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-psychology-movies/201111/relationship-violence-in-twilight
- Psychology Dept.
Congratulations to Cammy Matters, Whitney Nelson, Sabrina Martinez and Alex Davis for being selected as the 2012 Undergraduate Rural Medicine Education and Development (URMED) Interns. Each individual will spend three weeks in a hospital setting as they interact with various healthcare providers. Sabrina will be located in Spirit Lake, the most recent member of the URMED network. Cammy, Whitney and Alex will each have two weeks at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center and a week at one of the following hospitals in Humboldt, Sac City or Pocahontas. Each individual will receive a $3000 stipend to assist in their application and visits to medical schools. Now in its fourth year, URMED seeks to recruit BVU students to medical careers in a rural setting.
- Rick Lampe
Congratulations to BVU alumnus Ian LaForge (class of 2010) and Dr. Wind Goodfriend, Associate Professor of Psychology. Their co-authored article, "Developing a New Device for Measuring Preferred Body Shapes," has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Psychological Inquiry. This paper was Ian's thesis project in Dr. Goodfriend's year-long Research Thesis class. The paper describes the invention of a computer-based software program in which research participants can choose body shapes they find physically attractive. For a copy of the paper, contact Dr. Goodfriend.
- Psychology Dept.
A revival of German playwright Georg Buchner’s working-class drama, Woyzeck, is being produced by Raconteur Theatre Company in Columbus, OH. Communication professor Dr. Bryan Kampbell completed the translation and adaptation together with Dr. Derek Davidson. The theatre company’s website describes the play as “a drama exploring the tenuous stability of the human psyche.”
Congratulations to Grace Bodey who will be the next Communications Assistant Intern with the City of Storm Lake. She will work with them in January and again beginning in April, for a one-year term. The position duties include providing assistance to the City Clerk to ensure efficient and accurate internal and external communications are provided to employees, elected officials, and citizens. This includes both graphic design and written communication. Well done Grace!
- Rebecca Frates
Kathryn McKinley, social work program director and assistant professor of social work was honored by Council on Social Work Education's Gero-Ed Center for developing her Research I & II courses to include selected gerontology social work competencies and content involving older adults. These syllabi were developed as part of her involvement in the three year Curriculum Development Institute Program. These syllabi are posted on CSWE's Gero-Ed Teaching Tools Website for others to use in their teaching.
Congratulations to Dr. Wind Goodfriend, Associate Professor of Psychology, who will be presenting research at the Interpersonal Communication & Social Interaction International Conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Her paper, titled, "At First Sight: Superficial Stereotypes about Children," discusses stereotypes assigned to children based on their clothing, and how these stereotypes affect their treatment at daycare facilities. This paper was published last year in the "Journal of Psychological Inquiry," and included co-author Crystal Davis (BVU class of 2008). Dr. Goodfriend will be traveling to this conference using her Wythe Award. - Psychology Dept.
Albert F. Hodapp, adjunct professor at the Buena Vista University Graduate & Professional Studies Mason City location, has been selected as a presenter for the upcoming Kentucky Association of Psychology in the Schools conference. His paper, " Think Globally: Read and Act Locally" will be presented at this years conference. The conference is scheduled for September 23, 2011 in Lexington, Kentucky.
Congratulations to Associate Professor of Psychology Wind Goodfriend and BVU alumna Arielle Butler (class of 2011). They have written an empirical article together which has just been accepted for publication in the journal "Modern Psychological Studies." The paper is based on Arielle's year-long research project in Dr. Goodfriend's "Research Thesis" class. The title of the paper is "Long distance vs. proximal romantic relationships: Predicting alternatives, satisfaction, and bias." Arielle is about to begin her graduate work at Argosy University in Chicago. - Psychology Dept.
Congratulations to Andrea Wilson who had her poster session accepted for presentation at the 2011 Iowa Council for Exceptional Children State Conference. Andrea will present her session on Thursday, September 22 in Des Moines, Iowa. Andrea's project "Activity Schedules: Promoting Independence for Students with Disabilities in Every Classroom" was the result of her academic research which was presented at the 2011 BVU Scholars' Day. This juried acceptance reflects the high quality of work done by Andrea and shows the work presented at Scholars' Day can often be taken to higher levels. The School of Education is proud of Andrea for taking her project to a state level presentation. - Robbie Ludy
Congratulations to Daniel Pearson on receiving the coveted Carver Scholarship for the 2011-12 school year, with potential for renewal for the 2012-13 school year. This scholarship opportunity is for someone who is faced with having to overcome significant social and economic obstacles in the pursuit of his/her education or who may be living in circumstances that may not normally be taken into account by other financial aid programs.
Congratulations to Kyle Auffert on receiving the Principal Financial Group Scholarship for the 2011-12 school year. Kyle was selected as one of six recipients to receive this award from all colleges associated with the Iowa College Foundation. An internship opportunity is also a possibility with this award.
Congratulations to Tyler Klobassa on receiving the Principal Financial Group Technology Scholarship for the 2011-12 school year. Tyler was selected to receive one of six scholarships available to students at colleges associated with the Iowa College Foundation.
Congratulations to Rachael Reicks on receiving the Lloyd Biological/Physical Sciences Scholarship for the 2011-12 school year. Rachael was selected to receive one of only two scholarships awarded to a junior/senior biological or physical science major attending one of the colleges associated with the Iowa College Foundation.
Congratulations to Jacqueline Pacquette on receiving the Employers Mutual Casualty Company Insurance Companies Scholarship for the 2011-12 school year. Recipients of the scholarship must be a junior or senior with a 3.0 or better cgpa with a major in business and a commitment to community service. An internship opportunity is also a possibility with the award.
BVU's Communication Studies faculty were well represented at last week's Iowa Communication Association Conference held in Ankeny. Two faculty presented work on a program entitled "Internationalizing our Campuses and Professional Lives." Dr. Mary Gill's presentation was entitled "International and Domestic Students: Creating a Healthy Environment" and Dr. Jill Rhea's presentation was entitled "We all Need Diversity: Intercultural Relationships Matter." Dr. Beth Lamoureux presented a teaching strategy as part of a G.I.F.T.S (Great Ideas for Teaching Speech) Panel entitled "Global Inventory: Creating Relevance for Students Living in A Global Economy." Dr. Bryan Kampbell was elected as an At-Large member to the Executive Board of the association and Dr. Gill assumed the role of editor for the Iowa Journal of Communication.
Congratulations to Dr. Wind Goodfriend, Associate Professor of Psychology. She has written a book chapter to be published in "The Psychology of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," which is coming out in December, to coincide with the American film release. Her chapter is titled, "Sadistic Pigs, Perverts, and Rapists: Sexism in Sweden." For a copy of the chapter, email Dr. Goodfriend.
Following an invitation by NOVA publications, Dr. Melinda Coogan submitted a chapter to be considered for publication in the upcoming book entitled "Snails: Biology, Ecology, and Conservation." The chapter, entitled "Helisoma trivolvus (SAY) as an Assessment Organism in Algal Community Composition Studies," has been accepted for the spring, 2012 publication.
Dr. Annamaria Formichella Elsden's article, "'A Modern and a Model Pioneer': Civilizing the Frontier in Woolson's 'A Pink Villa,'" has been published as a chapter in a newly released book, "Witness to Reconstruction: Constance Fenimore Woolson and the Postbellum South, 1873-1894" (University Press of Mississippi).
Seven BVU communication majors had their work competively-selected for presentation at the recent Iowa Communication Association's annual conference. Samantha Turnquist's theory paper, "Tales from the Dark Side: An Analysis of Jealousy in Intimate Relationships" earned the Top Student Paper Award and will be published in the Iowa Journal of Communication. Other presenters included, Christine Slayton, Teresa Wirtjers, Laura Schachtner, Andrea Boyd and Emmalee Crouch. Congratulations to all student presenters!
Congratulations to 2011 Computer Science graduate Travis Kuster on accepting a position with Raytheon. Travis will be working as a software engineer on Raytheon's rapid application development team at the company's Omaha, NE, offices. Well done, Travis, and best of luck to you on the start of your career!
Seven BVU communication majors had their work competively-selected for presentation at the recent Iowa Communication Association's annual conference. Samantha Turnquist's theory paper, "Tales from the Dark Side: An Analysis of Jealousy in Intimate Relationships" earned the Top Student Paper Award and will be published in the Iowa Journal of Communication. Other presenters included, Christine Slayton, Teresa Wirtjers, Laura Schachtner, Andrea Boyd and Emmalee Crouch. Congratulations to all student presenters!
- Beth Lamoureux
Dr. Michael Whitlatch has just been informed that his review of "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment," edited by Richard Carlin and Kinshasha Holman Conwill has been published in the May 2011 issue of Choice.
- Dr. Michael Whitlatch
Sandra Smith, a BVU graduate with majors in theatre and biology, will graduate from UCLA this spring with a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting. Sandra recently appeared in the MFA graduate showcase of scenes and monologues and has been approached by a number of agencies and management companies interested in representing her. At this point Sandra has signed with CESD, a talent agency that offers performers complete representation for on-camera and voice-over commercials, print/fashion/runway, beauty, dance, hosting, animation and gaming, hosting, puppeteers, promos/trailers/narration, and radio imaging & TV affiliates marketing. Congratulations to Sandra on her graduation and representation contract!
- Bethany Larson
Congratulations to senior Melissa Huntley (class of 2011), double major in Psychology and Philosophy & Religion, and Dr. Wind Goodfriend (Associate Professor of Psychology). Their paper, "Stress from Physical Conflicts Based Upon Sex, Masculinity, and Color Perception" has just been accepted for publication in the "Journal of Psychological Inquiry." The paper is based on Melissa's research project in Dr. Goodfriend's "Advanced Research" course last year.
- Psychology Dept.
Congratulations to Carina Allen for receiving the 2011 Veolia Storm Lake Water Quality Research Grant. Carina was chosen as the grant recipient following submission of her research proposal entitled Triclosan Concentrations and Bacterial Resistance in Iowa Agricultural Fields. Well done, Carina!
- Dr. Melinda Coogan
Congratulations and high fives to Marketing and Graphic Design double major Kelsey Reitmeier and Corporate Communications major Bailey Schafbuch on being selected for the coveted Minnesota Vikings Game Day Internship Program for Fall 2011. Kelsey and Bailey will work closely with the Vikings PR staff, including our own BV alum, Jeff Anderson, Assistant Director of Public Affairs, in assisting members of the local and national media who are attending and covering the team’s home games. These internships provide an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to the professional sports environment and learn about the public relations field while networking with members of the Vikings front office and the media. Well done Kelsey and Bailey!
- Carol Lytle