UGRC Spotlight

KU geology major Sierra Smart

KU geology major Sierra Smart presented the results of her summer research project to the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeologists, John Schrader Chapter 21. The project entailed several days of data collection with ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry to produce detailed geophysical maps of subsurface variations and structures. The results will be used to guide future archaeological excavations of the site. This research was funded through the 2024 KU BEARS grant program.

anthropology students present at conference

KU Anthropology majors Adrianna Moore (right), Emma Ketterer (not pictured) and Temple alumna Laurel McLaughlin (left) recently presented their research at the Middle Atlantic Archaeological Conference in Ocean City, Maryland.

Geology students make a big splash at professional conference

KU geology students represented 100% of the students attending the annual meeting of Pennsylvania Professional Geologists this year, making a significant impression. Students Sierra Smart (SS), Maddy Will (MW), Jamie Cook (JC), Alayna Rea (AR) and Gabrielle D’Amore (GD) attended the workshop to prepare college students for professional life. They ate lunch with the state geologist of Pennsylvania (Dr. Gail Blackmer) and networked with professional geologists, making connections for jobs and internships. They also observed that KU is a major provider of geologists in the mid-Atlantic region, meeting KU alumni AJ Davis '07 (A), Jeff Christopher '07 (J), Sean Burns '15 (S), Brandon Stickler '14 (B1) and Brandon Trate '08 (B2) pictured here, plus others out of frame. Dr. Kurt Friehauf thought it was beautiful to see the different generations of KU geologists mixing so fluidly, sharing memories of their time in college and talking about life beyond classes – like the span of two decades of time fused together to blend into the present moment.

ku's fdi participates in ninth annual douglass debates

The Frederick Douglass Institute participated in the ninth annual Douglass Debates on Tuesday, April 11. The Douglass Debates engage first-generation, low-income, BIPOC undergraduate students in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education in competitive debate. Students develop leadership, public speaking and advocacy skills that support their academic success. Cinema, Music and Television senior Yannick Notin and political science first-year student Mark-Handy Phanor prepared research, crafted speeches and developed propositions centering on environmental problems and their relationship to racism, poverty and political disenfranchisement. The first-time debaters addressed the resolution "environmental justice should be prioritized by policymakers in our local communities" and performed very well. FDI wishes to thank both students for their diligent preparation and exceptional representation of Kutztown University.

KU special education majors speak on panel at hr conference

KU special education majors (pictured from left to right) Hallie Page, Morgan Pierce and Rosetta Teutonico spoke on a panel along with three students from Elizabethtown College at the 11th annual District HR Exchange Conference held at Bear Creek Mountain Resort and Conference Center Thursday, April 27. The three pre-service teachers shared their perspectives on what they hope for in a future teaching position. The conference session was attended by superintendents, HR directors and other district and intermediate unit administrators in an effort to learn what factors are most likely to attract and keep prospective new teachers entering the profession. 

Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol

On March 7, 2023, two Kutztown University students had an opportunity to join students from other colleges and universities from Pennsylvania in Harrisburg for Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol.  The event provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to showcase their research talents to the Commonwealth’s legislators.

Samantha Smith, Psychology major, presented her poster session on Intergenerational Cycles of Domestic Violence.  Patrick Perrin, Computer Science & Information Technology major, presented his poster session on Long-Term Map Maintenance Using Mobile Robots.

Isaac Reiter, BS Mathematics, Software Development minor

In April 2021, Isaac Reiter received second place prize for his presentation at the Kappa Mu Epsilon National Biennial Convention. In addition, Isaac won the “People’s Choice Award” for the best presentation.  Isaac will receive $100 for placing in the top three and an additional $50 for his People’s Choice Award.  

Lindsey Moyer, BSEd Mathematics, Software Development minor also presented at the Biennial Convention and won the third place prize. 

Faculty and Students Attend Geology Conference

KU faculty and students attended the annual conference of the Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists on February 28, 2023. This is the society of licensed professional geologists in our region (including adjacent states). Kutztown University students accounted for 12 of 13 students at the meeting (most attendees are older, licensed PGs, so KU's involvement is seen by the professional community as truly exceptional). This photo excludes six current KU undergraduate geology students because they were off meeting with professionals and includes four KU geology alumni who are now important geologists in their companies.