Montana State’s College of Letters and Science honors top faculty, staff and students on April 22

BOZEMAN - The Montana State University College of Letters and Science will honor faculty, staff and students at its annual awards ceremony Tuesday, April 22, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the MSU Alumni Foundation Great Room.

Excellence in Classroom Teaching and Laboratory Teaching

Two faculty members in the Department of English - assistant professor Alex Harmon and assistant teaching professor Scott Parker - each will receive the Excellence in Classroom Teaching and Laboratory Teaching award.

Harmon, who also teaches in the college's American Studies program, has a reputation for seeking out new ideas and methods in her field. Her students value her ability to convey the importance of the course content to them, and literature students say her classes are fun and engaging. Students also appreciate her generosity in serving as a springboard for ideas. Harmon promotes an atmosphere of open thinking and critical reflection. In keeping with her belief that "writing is the process of thinking," she grades assignments only after students have had a chance to revise their work repeatedly as their thoughts about topics evolve.

Parker has taught writing at MSU for more than 10 years and has continued to grow and excel as a teacher, according to associate professor of English Zachary Bean, who nominated Parker for the award. Several students said Parker restored their creative spirits and excitement for writing, and others appreciated his genuine interest in students and their work and a teaching style that encourages classroom discussion and collaboration. Parker is described as a careful and clear thinker who considers every aspect of his pedagogy.

Excellence in Teaching that Enhances Our University and College's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access

Patricia Catoira, associate professor, and Liana McKelvy, instructor, both in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, each will receive the Excellence in Teaching award for enhancing a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion at MSU and in the College of Letters and Science.

Catoira teaches Latin American and Latino Studies and Spanish language courses and, throughout her 20 years at MSU, has also taught courses for the Honors College and the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies minor. She has provided students with the linguistic skills, cultural awareness and critical thinking abilities to navigate a globalized world, always integrating intercultural competence into her curricula and fostering student engagement opportunities. Catoira teaches a course focused on Spanish for medical settings, ensuring students know about health issues for those communities that may be less common in the U.S. During her tenure as director of the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies program, Catoira designed courses that introduced students to key debates and theoretical frameworks in feminist and gender studies. She has incorporated travel into her courses, providing students with cultural and professional development experiences.

McKelvy, who has taught German at MSU for 10 years, is known for fostering a respectful, equitable, inquisitive and creative community in her classes. Because she believes that language learning stems from a desire to become part of another culture, she designs her assignments according to formats and methods encountered in German universities. Students appreciate her expertise in anthropology, fine art, film and German studies, which she incorporates into course content. Rather than a textbook, McKelvy uses lectures, German films and translation exercises so her students see the language as living and changing. In a nomination letter, department head Galen Brokaw said McKelvy is keenly aware of students' emotional and intellectual needs and creates a supportive, inclusive learning environment for all. Peter Schweppe, coordinator of the German Studies minor, noted the value of McKelvy's enrichment experiences, including German film screenings and a project to document a traveling Goethe-Institut exhibit, expanding the visibility of MSU's program throughout North America.

Excellence in Mentorship at the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels

Breschine Cummins, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, and Aaron Yost, instructor in the Department of English, each will receive the award for Excellence in Mentorship at the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels.

Cummins, who is described by department head Beth Burroughs as an "invaluable asset," has ably mentored nine undergraduate students since she joined the department in 2012. The significant time Cummins has invested in their success is reflected in their impressive records of awards, advanced scholastic achievement, academic publications and prestigious careers. She also has mentored or is mentoring four master's students and four doctoral students. In letters supporting her nomination, three of her mentees wrote about Cummins' dedication, character and genuine interest in fostering their academic growth, independence, critical thinking abilities and creativity. Cummins actively champions her students' academic growth, continually offering them research and learning opportunities. One student, who has accepted an internship at an immunology laboratory in Vienna based on her research experience with Cummins, wrote, "This opportunity would not have been possible without the skills I have learned under her direction."

Yost began teaching two of MSU's core writing courses in 2021 and has taught nearly 600 students who have become immersed in the writing process through his lessons. He is known for his mentoring talent, and one recent graduate - an international student who majored in environmental science - credited Yost with helping her succeed in her third attempt at college. Another wrote that Yost encouraged him to work hard in class and let go of his fear of failure, which resulted in him excelling in his coursework and personal life. Others wrote about the value of the problem-solving skills they developed while they were his students. Department head Kathleen Ryan said that building mentoring relationships is a natural part of Yost's teaching, and that he has mentored some students for many years. His classes are described by students as interactive, fun and inspiring.

Excellence in Teaching that Speaks to Our Land-Grant Mission

Allison Wynhoff Olsen, associate professor of English and the department's director of graduate studies, is being recognized for her work preparing students to become committed educators in communities across Montana. Wynhoff Olsen imparts her understanding of the unique needs of Montana's diverse communities to students in MSU's English Education master's program. In nominating Wynhoff Olsen, assistant professor of English William Fassbender wrote that Wynhoff Olsen's students learn both the theories and practical approaches to situations they'll encounter throughout Montana. One former student described how "Dr. WO's" place-conscious pedagogy course inspired her to research the impact of place-based education in her own small-town classroom. Former students consistently report that Wynhoff Olsen's courses prepared them not only for the technical aspects of teaching English but also for connecting with diverse student populations and adapting to meet local needs. In keeping with her commitment to MSU's land-grant mission, Wynhoff Olsen leads the Yellowstone Writing Project, which sponsors summer institutes, youth writing camps, a winter conference and ongoing professional development opportunities across Montana.

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards

Savannah Emge, a master's student in English, and Michael Reinhard, a doctoral student in the Department of Physics, will receive Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards.

Emge is the GTA for assistant professor Ben Leubner's Introduction to Literature courses, for which she has led two recitation sections each semester. Leubner said Emge is an excellent, motivated, engaging teacher whose students respond to, respect and admire her. He cited her strengths as a teacher, including her capacity for connecting with students, her ability to prepare them for course assignments and exams, and her professionalism. Moreover, he described her as a great teacher with the ability adapt to each new class of students and tailor the lessons for them. Emge is the recipient of a Mildred Livingston Presidential Award, whose purpose is to attract outstanding new graduate students to MSU.

Reinhard has served as a GTA each semester since he arrived at MSU in fall 2023. A student of astrophysics, he has taught laboratories for four physics courses with calculus, including the honors versions, in addition to solar system astronomy for education majors. Department head John Neumeier stated that Reinhard's students describe him as a dedicated GTA who goes above and beyond to assist and encourage them. He similarly extends himself among his peers, volunteering to substitute when others are ill. Reinhard's nomination was seconded by several faculty members in the department, who cited his dedication, teaching effectiveness and professionalism in their endorsements.

Meritorious Research/Creativity Award

David McWethy, associate professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, will receive the Letters and Science Meritorious Research Award for his contributions to research in fire ecology, climate change science and environmental sustainability. In a letter of nomination, three of McWethy's colleagues state that his research has significantly advanced the understanding of complex interactions between climate, vegetation and human activity in shaping fire regimes across ecosystems. McWethy's work has helped inform land management and wildfire mitigation strategies across the western U.S. and beyond. A paper he co-authored, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, inspired a national discussion about reevaluating approaches to wildfire preparedness and response. McWethy conducts ongoing public outreach to impart scientific information and engage the public. According to colleagues, McWethy's scholarship is of the highest academic caliber and carries profound societal relevance, aligning with MSU's land-grant mission and strategic goals.

Excellence in Integration

Hua Li, professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, and Madison Myers, associate professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, will receive the Excellence in Integration award, which recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated student engagement in valuable learning processes that integrate teaching, outreach and research activities.

Li, the coordinator of the department's China Studies program, is being recognized for two community outreach projects funded by MSU seed grants. In 2015, she started the World Language Culture and Exposure Program, which provided local elementary students with access to Chinese language and culture while providing MSU students valuable teaching experience. The program created a model for language education that can be replicated in other Montana communities. In 2023, she led a project in collaboration with Butte's Mai Wah Museum, the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives and the Extreme History Project in Bozeman. MSU students and local Chinese-speaking community members translated historical artifacts from the Mai Wah Museum, highlighting the contributions and histories of early Chinese immigrants to Montana between 1860 and 1960. Pat Munday, a professor of history and past president of the Mai Wah Society, credited Li's dedication and ability to motivate the team with delivering a valuable document that helps further the goals of the institution.

Myers, a volcanologist and MSU's Geology Club faculty adviser, has undertaken numerous public engagement and outreach projects aimed at making science accessible and exciting for diverse audiences. She facilitates frequent student submissions to the Caldera Chronicles, a U.S. Geological Survey newsletter about the Yellowstone volcano. Myers mentors the student authors, helping them understand the broader importance of their research while building their resumes. Myers also gives frequent public talks in town halls and K-12 classrooms, as well as at special events, such as the Montana Science Center Summer Fair. She leads MSU's MOnSTER Lab, which stands for Magmatic Onset, Storage, Triggering and Eruption Research. One of the lab's missions is to foster scientific literacy and enthusiasm for discovery in the community. Colleagues who nominated Myers for the award say she exemplifies the spirit of integrating teaching, research and outreach in ways that profoundly impact students, the scientific community and society at large.

Kathy Griffith Employee Excellence

Claudia Albrecht, Jane Crawford and Lisa Roots each will receive the Kathy Griffith Employee Excellence Award, which annually recognizes employees for exceptional work performance.

Albrecht, the academic services coordinator for Earth Sciences for nearly two years, is described by colleagues as the glue that holds the department together. Tasked with duties ranging from coordinating activities and registering students to maintaining course descriptions and arranging room schedules, she serves on the front line of questions, guiding everyone from undergraduates to faculty in the right direction. She is as appreciated for her thoughtfulness and ready smile as she is for her hard work and efficiency. Department head David Varricchio said Albrecht is truly deserving of the award, not only for her efforts, which are essential to the daily functioning of the department, but also for the extra hours she worked when the department's business operations manager position was vacant.

Crawford, the longest serving academic services coordinator in the college, has worked for Mathematical Sciences for nearly 10 years. Serving as the point of contact for faculty and staff across campus on undergraduate student success in mathematics and statistics courses, Crawford helps advisers and students understand course placement, transfer equivalencies, scheduling, and changes in policies and procedures. Colleagues say her calm demeanor and expertise defuse students' tension when they come to her with problems. When departmental vacancies occur, Crawford frequently assumes duties of other staff members until the positions are filled, and she often trains new staff members or advisers in other departments. Department head Elizabeth Burroughs said Crawford stands out among the college's many high-quality staff members.

Roots, business operations manager for Modern Languages and Literatures, exemplifies the values of excellence, commitment and service that the Kathy Griffith award stands for, according to department head Galen Brokaw. Described by one colleague as "the soul of our team," Roots is lauded for her professionalism, efficiency and administrative skills, as well as for her warmth and kindness that bring joy into the office. With a thorough understanding of all aspects of MSU's operations, Roots smoothly manages the department's administrative tasks. Additionally, she applies her skills and background in psychology, editing and publishing when working on promotional projects, effectively projecting the department's identity to prospective students and their families.

CLS Dean's Award for Academic Excellence

The College of Letters and Science Dean's Award for Academic Excellence is presented to two outstanding seniors. Fiona Burkart, a student in the Department of Psychology and Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, will receive the letters award. Christopher Entzel, a student in the Department of Physics, will receive the science award.

Burkart, who is majoring in psychology and German studies, is known as an exceptional student and leader who began her studies at MSU in 2022. In addition to her coursework, Burkart has worked in MSU's Social Motivation and Connection Lab since January 2024, helping uncover the implications of existential isolation for individuals and society. She is co-author of a peer-reviewed paper about that work, for which she received an Undergraduate Scholars Program Research Award. Burkart is co-president of MSU's German Club, a member of CRU student ministry, a student advocate for MSU Campus Civil Rights, member of the Psi Chi psychology honor society and administrator of the MSU German Book Club, which she founded. Burkart is known among faculty for her contributions the department and greater MSU community, as well as for her deep commitment to the values of leadership, collaboration and academic rigor.

Entzel, who came to MSU in 2021, is described by his academic adviser as a strong, dedicated and resourceful student who has excelled academically in the College of Letters and Science and the Honors College while pursuing a bachelor's in physics and minor in mathematical sciences. Since his sophomore year, Entzel has been very involved in undergraduate research. He is a member of a student team, led by solar physics professor Charles Kankelborg, that sends optical instrumentation into the upper atmosphere on sounding rockets to study solar activity. In 2023, he was selected to travel to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center to help scientists and engineers integrate instrumentation into a rocket payload. His overall performance led Kankelborg to select him as the co-lead physicist for a new instrument, a solar satellite called MUSE. He is president of MSU's Society of Physics Students.