Master’s of Public Administration student receives national award for leadership in public finance
As an electric utility financial analyst, Erich Von Heuvel makes sure Lubbock Power & Light will be able to continue providing electricity to its city. As a K-State Master of Public Administration student, he is enhancing his skills and becoming a leader in his field. In fact, the Government Finance Officers Association awarded him a $30,000 Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship, a national honor that supports emerging leaders in the field.
Senior’s dance capstone explores gap between well-being and self-image
Abbey Griffin, a recent graduate in nutrition and health with a secondary major in dance, explored the complexities of self-image, physique and wellness, and choreographed “The Way That It Is,” a dance that homes in on well-being of the mind and how it can create altered perspectives of the body through the simple act of looking in a mirror.
Undergraduate student studies prairie mice to learn about Kansas ecosystem changes
Conservation biology student Sam Speck investigates how woody encroachment, or the takeover of native prairie grasslands by shrubs and trees, is affecting wildlife populations, which can be harmful for human health. His research was impressive enough to earn him an undergraduate honorarium from the American Society of Mammalogists, one of the world’s leading groups for the study of mammals.
Fulbright awardee conducts workplace well-being research in France
Kutina Cabrera, a recent graduate in French and psychology who is now pursuing a graduate degree, will use her Fulbright award to study France’s well-regarded approach to worker well-being and earn a master’s degree in social psychology of work and organizations at Aix-Marseille University in Aix-en-Provence, France. She aims to improve employee health, safety and well-being in the U.S. through occupational health and safety policy change.
Recent political science graduate recognized for outstanding research, leadership while at K-State
While at K-State, recent political science graduate Andrew Navarro—now starting his first year at Miami Law School—did multiple research projects; was active in student organizations like student government, Model United Nations and Students for Environmental Action; and volunteered more than 200 hours. Last spring, his exceptional academics, leadership, research and service earned him a prestigious $8,500 Phi Kappa Phi graduate fellowship!
Goldwater Scholars work to improve the world
Barry M. Goldwater scholarships were awarded to K-State biology and chemistry students in 2024 and 2025. The national scholarships pay college-related expenses up to $7,500 for excellent students who are active in research and intend to pursue a career in math, science or engineering.
Our 2024 Goldwater Scholar was Helen Winters. She is majoring in fisheries, wildlife, conservation and environmental biology and leading a multi-year research project on climate adaptation in 26 populations of big bluestem grass, one of the most common and crucial grasses in the prairies and plains of North America.
Our 2025 Goldwater scholar is Erin Frenk. She is in the accelerated chemistry plus MBA program. She is passionate about solving environmental problems and plans to earn a Ph.D. and lead research that improves water quality and other critical issues.
Arts and Sciences students selected as Kansas Water Institute fellows
Four Arts and Sciences students are among the seven inaugural Undergraduate Water Fellows selected by the Kansas Water Institute: Helen Winters, senior in biology and fisheries, wildlife, conservation and environmental biology; Prabhleen Kaur, chemistry; Allison Ricker, fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology; and Emma Grace Tyndall, environmental science. They receive research support and scholarships.
