Sadie Hickey, Biology student, received the John Thomson Research Award from Botanical Club of Wisconsin. This is a competitive research grant supporting graduate student research on Wisconsin's non-cultivated plants. Sadie will be comparing fungal mutualists associated with our native pink ladyslipper orchid across different habitat types in Wisconsin and Michigan, and across time by comparing fresh collections with decades-old herbarium specimens.

Dean Vesperman, History, presented "Using political simulations to examine policy implications in addressing climate change" at Climate and Coffee on Friday, April 24 in La Crosse, WI. How do you get students engaged in active deliberation of climate change? This presentation addressed two simulations (COP of the UNFCCC and Arctic Council), which engage in deliberative role-play about the issue of climate change.

Elizabeth Peacock, Archaeology & Anthropology, presented "Create Your Culture: Using Play to Enhance Engagement and Cultural Understanding" at UW-System OPID Spring Conference on Teaching & Learning on April 23 in Madison, WI.

Jennifer Taylor, Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy and Emily Higgins, Recreational Therapy Alum, presented "The Privilege and Pain of Being a Recreational Therapist" at Wisconsin Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference on April 16 in UW-La Crosse.

Tara Delong, Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy, presented "Clinical Supervision: Feedback That Fuels Growth" at Wisconsin Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference on April 17 in UW-La Crosse.

Lisa Savarese, Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy, presented "Storytelling as a Therapeutic Modality in Recreational Therapy: Research Insights and the TimeSlips Method" at Wisconsin Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference on April 17 in UW-La Crosse.

W. Thomas Means, Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy, presented "Beyond the Buzz: Ethical, Sustainable, and Practical AI Integration in Recreational Therapy" at Wisconsin Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference on April 17 in UW-La Crosse.

Tara Delong, Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy, presented "How to Establish a Facility Dog Program in Recreational Therapy Settings" at Wisconsin Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference on April 17 in UW-La Crosse.

Lindsey Kirschbaum, Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy, presented "Sibling Support: Empowering Siblings through Recreational Therapy" at Wisconsin Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference on April 17 in UW-La Crosse.

Ashley Dobrogosz, Dave Harlan, Mandy Kolbe, Nate Mohlman, Kathryn Moran, Gregory Parmeter and Anna Wooden, all Theatre & Dance, presented "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" at as part of the 2025-2026 season on April 24 in Toland Theatre. The production, with direction by Greg Parmeter, musical direction by Kathryn Moran, and choreography by Ashley Dobrogosz, also featured the work of Mandy Kolbe, scenic design; Nate Mohlman, technical direction; Anna Wooden, costume design; and David Harlan, sound design; along with the work of students Amber Meyers, lighting design; Avery Weston, stage management; Julia Sanchez, props design; Connor Pangburn, sound engineer; and Amanda Visger, dramaturgy. It ran April 24-May 3, 2026.

Sumei Liu, Biology, presented "Effects of Histamine on Intestinal Epithelial Permeability of the Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels" at American Physiology Summit on April 25 in Minneapolis, MN. The co-authors for this presentation include undergraduate research students Benjamin Vandigo, Ege Karadag, Emilee Hinrichs and a high school student Caroline Clark.

Eliza Carlson, Communication Studies, presented "Practice Makes Perfect: A Guiding Workshop for Instructors" at OPID Spring Conference on April 24 in Madison, WI.

Jason Anfinsen, Murphy Library, presented "Build Your Brary: A motivational engagement and outreach bootcamp for every library" at Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) 2026 Spring Conference: Library As A Test Kitchen on April 28 in Elkhart Lake, WI.

Huw Griffiths, student, and Ryan Mckelley, both Psychology, presented "Men of Misogi: Pushing Limits, Building Bonds" at Dudes & T.A.C.O.S. on April 28 in Green Bay, WI. They were invited by Foundations Health & Wholeness to facilitate an interactive session aimed at increasing social connections, encourage vulnerable conversations and reduce risks of social isolation for men ages 18-75. The acronym T.A.C.O.S stands for “Trailblazing Adventure of Connection, Outreach and Support."

Andrew Scott, Finance, received the award for outstanding mentor as a peer reviewer from the Higher Learning Commission.