2025 Chlapaty and Butler Fellows to Conduct Research
By Stacey Ortman
DUBUQUE, Iowa - Fifteen University of Dubuque students from a variety of majors will participate in research and internship opportunities about bumble bees, spina bifida, online safety in middle schools, the future of patent law in the age of artificial intelligence, land management, and more this summer.
The Joseph and Linda Chlapaty Summer Research Fellowship and the John and Alice Butler Summer Research Fellowship were established in 2012 and 2018, respectively. Over the years, the competitive programs have provided funding for 232 students to complete fellowships.
"The impact that these programs have on students' futures is profound. Through their fellowships, students gain skills and experiences that transform them from learners into young professionals in a way that can't be taught in a classroom setting," said Mark Sinton, PhD, director of the Chlapaty and Butler fellowship programs and associate professor of chemistry.
Fellows have committed to 400 hours of work over a 10-week period this summer. They each received a stipend of $5,500 with an additional $600 for research-associated supplies and/or travel costs. Fellows are required to present the results of their research or internship during the following academic year at a local, regional, or national conference.
2025 Chlapaty Fellows:
Leah Balsbaugh, a senior biology major from Sussex, Wisconsin
Project: Assessing Bumble Bee Plant Associations at Wolter Woods and Prairies
Advisor: David Koch, PhD, associate professor of environmental science
"I hope that my project will provide Wolter Woods and Prairies with the data and analysis to create effective management strategies for bumble bee species and other important species on the property."
Maya Ganser, a senior biology major from Waukesha, Wisconsin
Project: Effects of Chemical Exposure on the MTHFR Gene Associated with the Development of Spina Bifida
Advisor: Kelly Grussendorf, PhD, head of the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences and associate professor of biology
"Through my research, I aim to deepen our understanding of the factors that increase risk for this neurogenetic disorder by investigating whether they operate through similar pathways or mechanisms and by assessing their impact on neuronal function. Sharing these findings could hopefully have significant implications for both human and environmental health."
Cramer Hauskins, a senior flight operations and aviation management major from Hiawatha, Iowa
Project: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Traditional vs. Virtual Reality Flight Simulators
Advisor: Rajee Olaganathan, PhD, FRAeS, associate professor of aviation
"My project seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of differing types of flight simulators in pilot training. I will gather insight from aviation students through surveys and practical tests using flight simulators to assess confidence levels, skill acquisition, and preparedness for real-world flying. I will assess the benefits and limitations of each type of simulator technology and use this information to help determine the benefits that each type of flight simulator could provide to the standard training curriculum here at the University of Dubuque in an effort to enhance pilot education methodologies."
Autumn McLaughlin, a senior biology major from Stockton, California
Project: Rapid Method for Functional Characterization of Orchid TCP Genes Using the Model Plant Arabidopsis
Advisor: Rasika Mudalige-Jayawickrama, PhD, professor of plant biology
"I hope to gain a better understanding of plant biology, genomics, and the necessary lab skills to become a confident researcher."
Kaden Miller, a senior biology major from Nashua, Iowa
Project: Comparing Abundance and Distribution Attributes for a Non-Native Fungus to a Native Fungus Occupancy Modeling
Advisor: Gerald Zuercher, PhD, director of Wolter Woods and Prairies and professor of vertebrate ecology
"In this project, I am hoping to get insight into the impacts of the non-native Golden Oyster mushroom and see if there is any overlap with native Chicken of the Woods. This work will provide me with valuable experience conducting research and bring me a step forward towards a graduate program."
Matthew Peterson, a senior biology major from Dubuque, Iowa
Project: Investigating Microbial Dynamics: An Analysis of Montane Microbiota Following the Introduction of Aeolian Arid Microbes
Advisor: Adam Kleinschmit, PhD, professor of biology
"With this project, we aim to understand the interactions occurring at the microbial level between the native microbiome population and transient microbes that are transported via wind. With climate change and alterations in human land use, these events are becoming more prevalent and it is important to understand how this could be affecting our environment."
London Purcell, a senior environmental science and biology double major from Dubuque, Iowa
Project: Characterization of Dendrobium Flower Color Genes Using Arabidopsis Transparent Testa (tt) Mutants
Advisor: Rasika Mudalige-Jayawickrama, PhD, professor of plant biology
"My project is studying enzyme competition and substrate specificity for flower color genes using the Arabidopsis model plant. My hope is that our findings will be applicable in plants with larger and more diverse genomes."
Zachary Sanford, a senior chemistry in secondary education major from Rochelle, Illinois
Project: Bringing Natural Product Chemistry to the Classroom: Investigating the Purple Coneflower
Advisors: Mark Sinton, PhD, director of the Chlapaty and Butler fellowship programs and associate professor of chemistry, and Jeffrey Haverland, EdD, assistant head of the Department of Teacher Education, assessment coordinator for teacher education, and professor of education
"With my research, I hope to be able to introduce organic chemistry concepts and laboratory practices into high school chemistry classes. I will be extracting two chemicals found in purple coneflowers that are known to have medical uses, and I will do this using equipment and technology that is found in typical high school chemistry labs."
2025 Butler Fellows:
Taylor Bechen, a junior psychology and sociology major from Ankeny, Iowa
Project: Online Safety in Middle Schools
Advisor: Alice Oleson, PhD, associate professor of sociology
"I hope this project will provide a blueprint for anti-human trafficking organizations to effectively educate youth within school districts. By examining how socioeconomic status influences the barriers faced by different school districts, I aim to contribute valuable insights for more targeted interventions. Ultimately, I hope this education will be a vital step toward creating a world where human trafficking no longer exists."
Christopher Chase, a junior environmental science major from Dubuque, Iowa
Project: Land Management Intern at Wolter Woods and Prairies
Advisors: Paige Peterson (C'22), environmental specialist at Wolter Woods and Prairies, and Jessicca Dix (C'24), conservation technician at Wolter Woods and Prairies
"This summer, my goals through the land management internship is to learn, develop, and refine natural resource management and conservation skills. One day I hope to obtain a career with the Iowa DNR or Federal Fish and Wildlife Services and put the skills I learn during this internship to work improving our country."
Paige Manning, a senior biology major from Mendota, Illinois
Project: Land Management Intern at Wolter Woods and Prairies
Advisors: Paige Peterson (C'22), environmental specialist at Wolter Woods and Prairies, and Jessicca Dix (C'24), conservation technician at Wolter Woods and Prairies
"For my project, I would like to learn more about biodiversity and land management to ultimately make the Earth a healthier place to live!"
Taryn Richey, a junior environmental science major from Brentwood, California
Project: Land Management Intern at Wolter Woods and Prairies
Advisors: Paige Peterson (C'22), environmental specialist at Wolter Woods and Prairies, and Jessicca Dix (C'24), conservation technician at Wolter Woods and Prairies
"Through this internship, I hope to gain hands-on experience in land management while deepening my knowledge of conservation and biological surveys. I am also excited to build connections with my peers and professionals in the field and learn how to navigate and explore future career opportunities."
Olivia Rosenberg, a junior environmental science major from Racine, Wisconsin
Project: Land Management Intern at Wolter Woods and Prairies
Advisors: Paige Peterson (C'22), environmental specialist at Wolter Woods and Prairies, and Jessicca Dix (C'24), conservation technician at Wolter Woods and Prairies
"I hope my internship at Wolter Woods and Prairies enhance my land management skills through conservation and research."
Samantha Wubben, a senior English major from Fennimore, Wisconsin
Project: Library and Archival Internship
Advisors: Brian Hallstoos, PhD, head of the Department of Philosophy, Politics, and History and associate professor of history, and Becky Canovan, MA, assistant director for library instruction and public services and a faculty member
"I hope to expand my knowledge of archival and preservation practice through my internship with the Charles C. Myers Library at the University of Dubuque. This opportunity to work with archival pieces will help me continue to learn the skills needed to pursue a career in a related history field."
Madisen Zych, a senior biology major from Edgerton, Wisconsin
Project: The Future of Patent Law in the Age of Arti�cial Intelligence
Advisor: Adam Smith, PhD, associate professor of political science
"I am hoping to be able to anticipate changes that may occur in patent law due to increased use of artificial intelligence in scientific research."
