Experiences in undergraduate research and cultural exchange begun during their time at West Virginia University have changed the trajectory of two recent WVU graduates’ futures.
Following a year of missed traditions and celebrations, West Virginia University will welcome new and returning students to its campus in Morgantown with an array of in-person activities that will allow students to reconnect and find their place and purpose.
With a passion for human rights at home and abroad, Lily Wright, a junior Honors student double-majoring in English and French at the West Virginia University Eberly College of Arts & Sciences, has been recognized as a 2021 Humanity in Action Fellow.
West Virginia University student Teagan Kuzniar was first drawn to environmental issues after a guest lecture in her high school science class from a member of the Friends of Deckers Creek, a non-profit organization that works to clean-up and protect the Deckers Creek Watershed from environmental degradation.
Following a year of missed milestones, celebrations and traditions, West Virginia University’s first in-person commencement ceremony since December 2019 ushered in a renewed sense of optimism for the nearly 4,500 graduates who walked across the stage to receive their diplomas in four ceremonies this weekend (May 15-16).
As people across the eastern United States prepare to deal with the emergence of millions of cicadas, West Virginia University student Noah Spencer plans to give these insects a closer look, researching how certain types of cicadas interact with their own unusual microbial partners.
An international student who has immersed himself in the “cultural heartbeat” of his new community, a first-generation student graduating with a cumulative 4.0 grade-point average who had no access to high school college-prep courses and a Black woman who aspires to bridge the gap between research and clinical care to improve health disparities are among the graduating seniors to receive West Virginia University’s highest student honor, the Order of Augusta. These eight students are among 50 named WVU Foundation Outstanding Seniors.
Bethany Wager has prioritized pursuing undergraduate research experiences throughout her time at West Virginia University. That hard work is being recognized this year, as Wager has been awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, given to students with great potential to make a significant contribution to research in their chosen field.
A first-generation college student who aspires to become a physician-researcher, will use her role as West Virginia University’s 2021 Newman Civic Fellow to undertake a year-long project to increase access to engineering mentorships for young women in West Virginia. Savannah Hays, an Honors biomedical engineering major in the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will help form at least two SWENext chapters, the high school equivalent of the Society of Women Engineers, to serve young women ages 13-17.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, West Virginia University’s Bucklew Scholars continue to maintain high standards for academics, a passion for discovery and a desire to serve their state and others, while eagerly awaiting an opportunity to travel abroad.