Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

WVU’s latest NSF CAREER Award winner, Assistant Professor of Geography Aaron Maxwell, will use big data to map what the surface of West Virginia looked like over the last 60 years.

Distinguished by high standards for academics and a passion for discovery and to serve their state and others, five rising freshmen have been named to the 2021-22 cohort of West Virginia University Foundation Scholars, the highest academic scholarship the University awards.

Jessica Wilkerson, associate professor of history, has been named a 2021 Carnegie Fellow and is only the second WVU researcher to earn the prestigious designation.

West Virginia is no stranger to ravaging floods, severe droughts and other extreme weather threats. One West Virginia University expert, Nicolas Zegre, thinks the state can shape possible solutions to future weather-related disruptions by applying a thing or two from how it’s effectively approached COVID-19: Listen to the science.

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.

Abigail Smith, a West Virginia University student committed to improving the future of West Virginia through public policy, has been named the University’s 25th Truman Scholar, the nation’s top graduate fellowship award for aspiring public service leaders.

As part of continuing efforts to increase transparency and better evaluate resources, West Virginia University recently launched a new Public Safety Advisory Committee to partner with the University Police Department to meet the needs of its diverse campus community.

As WVU’s latest National Science Foundation CAREER Award recipient, Assistant Professor of Biology Craig Barrett is teaming up with teachers in rural West Virginia high schools to develop student-led research projects. The projects will culminate in lesson plans accessible to high school students and teachers across the U.S., with an emphasis on closing the STEM skills and interest gap in the Mountain State.

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.

West Virginia University graduates will return to in-person commencement ceremonies this May; and although some restrictions will be in place because of COVID-19, the celebrations will be no less memorable for the 4,499 who walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Graduates from May, August and December 2020 are also eligible to participate in the exercises.