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WCU Stories

Graduate Student Emily Ashe

Graduate student explores bacterial communities in forensic science

Emily Ashe already knew what she wanted to do long before she came to WCU for her bachelor’s degree. Knowing that she wanted to have a future in medicine was a key factor in choosing WCU, where she eventually earned her degree in pre-med biology. Now, she is in the graduate forensic pathology program, after taking a year off for a fellowship with the FBI.  

Samantha Klaver

Graduate Profile: Samantha Klaver

Samantha Klaver is graduating with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. In terms of research, WCU faculty members say that Samantha has been one of the most productive students with whom they have worked. Samantha’s research focuses on understanding and reducing the impact of interpersonal violence, particularly in children who have been abused and neglected.  

WCU Campus

Graduate Profile: Rachael Finigan

Rachael Finigan is receiving her Master’s degree in Biology. She has completed her degree in only four semesters—and during 11 months of that, Rachael was collecting data for her thesis. Her research was part of a collaborative project with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the NC Wildlife Resource Commission to explore the feasibility of restoring native freshwater mussels to the Oconaluftee River within the Qualla Boundary.   

Kyle Monaghan

Engineering Students' Ingenuity Leads to a Trekking Pole for the Digital Age

Almost as ubiquitous as hiking boots is a hiking stick, an age-old means to steady a climb, keep one’s balance, push aside brush and ease a descent. Now, add one more function: phone charger, thanks to the ingenuity of Western Carolina University engineering student Kyle Monaghan.  

Grace Woodward

Students in upper echelon for presentations at national research conference

Research projects by Western Carolina University students numbered fourth highest in the nation and first in the state among higher education institutions having entries accepted for presentation at the prestigious National Conference on Undergraduate Research.  

Students working with faculty on research

Student Work to be Showcased in Research and Scholarship Celebration

The spotlight will shine on student research at Western Carolina University at the 2019 Research and Scholarship Celebration. The RASC will feature approximately 200 presentations by undergraduate and graduate students over the two days, and faculty, students and community members are welcome to attend, said Kloo Hansen, WCU’s undergraduate research coordinator in the Office of the Provost.  

Sophia Calhoun

Personal experience inspires research into independent students in higher education

Sophia Calhoun began studying at Western Carolina University for an bachelor’s degree in environmental health, completing her undergraduate studies in 2017. But, Sophia’s experiences as an independent student opened her eyes to an entirely new career path in the field of higher education and student affairs.  

Hannah Buie

Psychology graduate student conducts research on issues of gender bias

When Hannah Leigh Buie completed her undergraduate degree in political science, she had no idea that her passion for advocacy and interest in institutional bias would lead her to a graduate degree and inspire her to study the relationship between humor, competency and gender.  

Shelley Steffey

Masters of Arts in Teaching Program leads to study of the intersection of creativity and meditation

Student researcher Shelley Steffey teaches yoga, art and mindfulness to children as well as other educators, introducing mind and body work in fun, interactive and interesting ways in which they can be combined with curriculum.   

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