One McKendree

Associate Provost

Dr. Jean (Scheller) Sampson ‘83, left, receives the 2022 William Norman Grandy Faculty Award from Ryan Furniss ’00, Alumni Association president, during commencement.

Dr. Jean (Scheller) Sampson ’83, professor of management and marketing, has undoubtedly had a big spring semester this year. She received both the 2022 United Methodist Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award, given by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church, and the 2022 William Norman Grandy Faculty Award, given by the Alumni Association. There’s no doubt that Jean’s passion and commitment to the University and its students has earned her such prestigious accolades – and all in one semester, to boot.

Jean is no stranger to receiving acknowledgment for being an outstanding educator who prepares her students for various roles in the business world. In addition to serving as the chair of the School of Business since 2016, she was the recipient of the Grandy Award in 2014 and the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award in 2012.

Since Jean began teaching at her alma mater in 2005, she has been making a positive impact on the McKendree community. She regularly volunteers, attends campus events that her students are involved in, teaches University 101 to help first-year students get acclimated with college life, takes on new advisees, picks up classes to teach last minute and happily serves on committees and works on projects that aren’t typically within the scope of her daily responsibilities.

Her students know her as caring, friendly, approachable and a professor who champions people with disabilities in the workplace and instills a sense of lifelong learning in her students. Throughout the pandemic, a time in which feeling connected to professors in an online format was difficult for students, Jean went above and beyond to add a personal touch by posting videos, checking in with her students and informing them about what was coming up for the week.

“In each course, no matter how jam-packed with students it is, she creates an easy-going, respectful environment,” said Dr. Alan Alewine, associate provost. “She particularly shines in her business ethics course where she focuses on personal responsibility, inclusivity and good citizenship. She stays positive in her work as chair and creates and maintains a collegial atmosphere, insists upon civility and serves as the ideal anchor for the School of Business. She has the heart of a Bearcat!”

Stephen Kull, a native of Texas, was welcomed into the Bearcat family on May 2 as the University’s new vice president for institutional advancement. An experienced advancement leader in the Midwest and fundraiser for 17 years, Stephen had served as vice president for advancement and chief philanthropy officer at Rockford University in Rockford, Ill., and as associate vice president of advancement at Central Michigan University. He also has higher education advancement experience at Eastern Illinois University, Blackburn College and Concordia Seminary.

“We are excited to have someone of Stephen’s caliber join our institutional advancement and senior leadership teams. This was a key search for our institution as we get ready to roll out our next strategic plan, U.N.I.T.E.D.,” said President Daniel C. Dobbins ’81. “Stephen’s wealth of experience in higher education fundraising and strategic plan engagement initiatives will make him a valuable addition to McKendree.”

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Stephen will be responsible for leading the University’s efforts to identify, cultivate, solicit and secure gifts that support its mission and enable the realization of the new strategic plan. Stephen resides in Mascoutah, where his wife, Angela, grew up. Angela attended McKendree and her brother, Michael Collins, graduated in 2007. Stephen and Angela have four children, ages 15, 11 and six-year-old twins. Students wishing to become strong leaders and make a difference in the area of healthcare may now earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Healthcare Management through McKendree University! This all-new degree is designed to fulfill the educational needs for skilled managers in healthcare by providing students the opportunity to apply management skills and strategies unique to the healthcare industry.

Students can tailor their healthcare management degree to their specific interests by choosing elective courses that will benefit their future practice, including psychology, management, business and more. McKendree also offers qualified applicants the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management and a Master of Health Administration (MHA) in five years with an HCM/MHA 4+1 option. Students can earn their bachelor’s degree in up to four years and make a smooth transition enrolling in graduate school full-time and complete their MHA degree in their fifth year.

“We are so excited to now be offering this degree,” said Dr. Richelle Rennegarbe ’92, director of DNP programs, chair of the Division of Nursing, and professor of nursing. “This program will prepare our future healthcare leaders utilizing an interdisciplinary approach. Additionally, this versatile degree will help our students stand out as attractive applicants and highly-valued employees.”

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited Holman Library’s second floor, you’re in for a delightful surprise! The second floor’s renovations are nearing completion and are still trajected to be complete by the end of August, just in time for the 2022-2023 academic year. The books, shelves and furniture that were once housed on the top floor were moved to the basement in the fall 2021 semester. These renovations are a part of McKendree’s FORWARD campaign.

The renovated floor is envisioned as an education and conference center that is rich in up-todate technology. Once completed, the second floor will be amply set up for groups of all kinds to hold meetings and conferences – both in-person and virtually. Instead of one large space, the south side of the second floor is now partitioned off with a wall. The double doors open to a welcoming space that will be ideal for a variety of meetings. The southwest corner, which will house a 169-inch LED screen, a podium with outlets for power and plenty of USB outlets, can be sectioned off with a retractable wall, with collaborative white boards on each of the panels, making it perfect for brainstorming sessions.

The second floor is also outfitted with all-new carpet and will welcome new furniture with chairs in a beautiful deep plum. Additionally, there is all-new LED lighting and the chandelier that hangs above the staircase is now on an electric winch, which will make repositioning (and changing light bulbs) much easier. Finally, the stained-glass area will act as a stunning archive featuring a legacy of leadership, honoring the University’s past presidents.

In short, the top floor of Holman Library is being transformed into a modern conference and learning center with state-of-the-art technology and collaborative tools. These renovations will help the library quickly become one of the very best places on campus for students, faculty and staff to learn and grow. Be sure to check in with the winter 2023 edition of The McKendrean for a full story!

Excellence can always be found in the faculty members at McKendree – even in the summer! Our knowledgeable professors are working diligently during these hot months to improve themselves and the content they’ll be teaching in their upcoming classes by partaking in institutions, research and more.

Dr. Darryn Diuguid, professor of education, was recently elected to the American Library Association’s 2024 Caldecott Book Award Committee. During this period, he and fourteen other committee members will be reading and reviewing more than 1,000 picture books in order to nominate and vote on books for the Randolph Caldecott award. Additionally, Darryn received a National Endowment of the Humanities (NEH) fellowship and was selected to attend the NEH Summer Institute for Higher Education faculty conference at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla., this June. During this time, Darryn and 24 other attendees learned about the history of books during the American Revolution and enjoyed hands-on experiences in papermaking, typesetting and bookbinding.

In the realm of biology, Dr. Michael Louison, assistant professor of biology, was named a faculty research fellow by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in Alton, Ill. This summer fellowship included collaborating with staff biologists and researchers to conduct intriguing and important studies on local fish species, with a special focus on the impacts of microplastic pollution on fish behavior and physiology.

As for our professors in the English department, Dr. Martha Patterson and Dr. Jenny Mueller have exciting news! Martha was accepted into the NEH Summer Institute. The three-week, residential institute, Making Modernism: Literature, Dance, and Visual Culture in Chicago, 1893-1955, ran from July 18 to August 5 and explored Chicago’s vital contribution to the modernist movement. Directed by Dr. Liesl Olson of Newberry Library and Dr. Susan Manning of Northwestern University, the summer institute offered an expansive look at creative expression in Chicago across the arts from the turn of the century through the aftermath of the Second World War.

Jenny also received writing residency awards for this summer at three nationally-known artist residency programs: Centrum in Port Townsend, Wash.; PLAYA in Summer Lake, Ore.; and Wildacres Retreat Center in Little Switzerland, N.C. She traveled to pursue writing projects in residence at each site during the summer, including her third book of poetry and a researched essay regarding how our diminishing access to the sight of stars affects the reading of poetry. We’re proud of you, faculty members!

by Haley Moody ’22 McKendree University sends fond farewells to its retiring faculty and staff, who look forward to the next chapter in life after several years of dedicated service. Three retiring faculty members and one retiring staff member received emeritus status: Dr. Timothy Richards, professor of secondary education; Dr. Duane Olson, professor of religious studies; Dr. Jackie (Kemp) Simmons ’88, professor of psychology; and Debbie Larson, assistant dean and registrar. Jackie retired last semester and returned during the retirement reception to receive her emeritus status.

McKendree also honored four more retiring faculty members, including Jeff Brasel ’81, instructor of accounting and finance; Dr. Jan Albers, MSN ’12, assistant professor of nursing; Dr. Pam Manning, associate professor of education; and Dr. Allison Fahsl, professor of education and chair of the School of Education.

Deborah (Debbie) Larson

Debbie Larson became a staff member at McKendree in January 1998 and became registrar in September 2004. She would like to be remembered as someone who put McKendree students first and as someone who advocated for positive change.

As she reflects on her time spent working for the University, she’s glad to have spent 24 years of her life in a place where she could make a difference in people’s lives. She is also proud that with enough creativity and hard work McKendree was able to accomplish so much. Debbie expects to miss her colleagues the most. “I was privileged to work with wonderful people who were open to new ideas and were willing to work hard to achieve goals,” she said.

In her next stage of life, Debbie looks forward to less stress. She also plans to take some art classes and wants to work hard at getting back into shape again. As for her parting words of wisdom, Debbie shares the following: “Always be open to change; it’s hard but worth it!” For her loyalty, dedication and extraordinary service to McKendree University, Debbie was granted Emerita Administrator status. Tim has always viewed his role as one where he supports his students, doing everything he can to ensure their success. “I have been fortunate to see many of my former students go on to have wonderful careers in the education profession as teachers, principals and superintendents,” he said. “I am so proud of them and how well they represent McKendree University and the School of Education.”

Tim looked forward to commencement every year because each ceremony allowed a moment for him to reflect on everything his graduating students accomplished in the education program. Besides working with students, Tim will miss his relationships with dedicated faculty whom he had the opportunity to work with on committees, projects and special events.

During retirement, Tim hopes to read history books and do research on topics he has a special interest in. He also plans to travel, play more tennis, work on his model train layout, continue his community service and spend more time with his wife and daughters.

As a parting message, Tim wants to tell McKendree students to make the most of their college years. “So many doors can open for you while you are at McKendree, and you should take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.” Tim was granted Professor Emeritus status, making him a lifetime member of the McKendree community.

Duane Olson, Ph.D.

Duane Olson started teaching at McKendree in the 2000-2001 school year. He taught the Religious Studies program including majors, minors and general education classes, as well as supervised adjunct faculty. In his 22 years at the University, he taught 29 courses with different titles and content. “I’d like to be remembered as someone who was willing to step forward and do it all,” he said. “It takes a lot of courage to keep stepping out and doing new things. My job required it, and I loved it.”

One of the reasons Duane came to McKendree was to teach small classes with students who were interested in religious studies, and he will miss working in seminar-style classes with those students. “I was consistently pleased with the kinds of questions and inquiries the students asked, no matter their background,” he said. “We came together to analyze and discuss great works in the field.”

Having sung with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus for 18 years, Duane looks forward to continuing to sing with them for as long as his voice will allow. He recently joined the Bach Society of St. Louis, an organization he loves for its leadership and repertoire, and hopes to sing with them for some time as well. In addition to singing, he enjoys green woodworking with hand tools and plans to continue to carve bowls, spoons and other items from various kinds of wood. For his years of service to McKendree, Duane was named Professor Emeritus.

Melissa Ray (A), adjunct instructor and staff accompanist, received the 2022 McKendree University Associate Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award. Dana Longmeyer (B), associate faculty of nursing, was the recipient of the 2022 McKendree University Associate Graduate Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.

A resident of O’Fallon, Ill., Melissa teaches applied piano lessons and accompanies the University’s Concert and Chamber Choirs and instrumental students for their performances. A member of the music department since 2014, Melissa performs in all choir performances both on and off campus, including on tour with the choirs when they performed in St. Louis, Chicago and Kansas City.

“She is an excellent piano instructor, preparing the music education students for their piano proficiency exams and working with nonmajors as well. In addition, she coaches the students and helps them perform at the highest of their ability,” said Dr. Nancy Ypma, chair of the Division of Visual and Performing Arts and professor of music at McKendree. “She stays on top of what is going on with each student, and her preparation for rehearsals is meticulous. Her influence on our students and program has been enormous.”

Dana has been a valuable associate faculty member for the Division of Nursing since 2021. A resident of Greenfield, Ill., and a full-time professor of nursing at Lewis and Clark Community College, she primarily teaches in the MSN program, particularly in the area of population health. She has also practiced as a family nurse practitioner for 21 years for the Nurse Managed Center at Lewis and Clark Community College and is a member of the American Nurses Association and Illinois Rural Health Association.

“Dr. Longmeyer is enthusiastic and supportive of our graduate students,” said Dr. Richelle Rennegarbe ’92, director of DNP programs, chair of the Division of Nursing, and professor of nursing at McKendree. “She has been a valuable addition as an associate faculty member and has brought her years of experience as a family nurse practitioner in the community setting. Her students frequently comment about how wonderful of an instructor she is and how she makes her classes an insightful and meaningful experience. She is most deserving of this award.”

Stephani Stark, a cooking staff member at Ames Dining Hall at McKendree University, has recently been awarded the President’s Award for Professional Excellence. The winner of this award shines as an ideal example of an ambassador of McKendree University who is respected by the entire campus community. They take on many roles outside of their primary duties and responsibilities and epitomize the One McKendree spirit through their leadership and outstanding service to the University.

A resident of Lebanon, Ill., Stephani was hired on as a cook in Ames in 2011 and quickly made a positive impact on the campus community. She provides a welcoming environment for all students who come to Ames for their meals. She is diligent in identifying students who are hurting, making new students feel welcomed and opening her family and home to the ever-growing number of international students. The long lines outside of the deli area where she works during lunch hours are a testament to how much the students enjoy her meals and her presence.

“Stephani Stark is a well-deserving recipient of this award,” said President Daniel C. Dobbins ’81. “She is a truly excellent example of someone who challenges herself and others to provide outstanding service and support to our students.”

Stephani is involved with the campus community by regularly attending most home athletic events, as well as many fine art events. A well-loved member of the Bearcat community, Stephani was nominated by students to be admitted into Phi Eta Sigma, the First-Year Student Honor Society, for her active role in first-year students’ success for transitioning and finding comfort away from home. Students have regularly commented on her dedication to and unwavering support of the University and its students.

McKendree University’s Division of Nursing is one of only 10 institutions of higher learning in the nation to have recently been awarded a $70,000 grant to participate in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) latest campaign. AACN will be using their recently-awarded $1 million in funding from the CDC to launch their new initiative, Building COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Among Nurses and in Communities, which will tackle health misinformation while bolstering confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines. As part of this project, AACN awarded funding to 10 schools of nursing nationwide to launch these targeted campaigns. McKendree’s Division of Nursing began implementing this new strategy this spring.

With strong partnerships, including the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) and the Southern Illinois Public Health Consortium, McKendree will be focusing their messaging in particular on rural areas. The University has also teamed up with four local community colleges to implement this strategy.

“We are so proud and fortunate to have been chosen for this opportunity and to have such strong partnerships to help us build vaccine confidence within central and southern Illinois,” said Dr. Janice Albers ’12, retired assistant professor and director of MSN programs at McKendree University. “This is also a huge benefit to our students because they will gain valuable experience through some of these partnerships in our nursing programs. It’s truly a win-win situation.”

All four nursing programs at McKendree, including the RN to BSN program, MSN program, DNP program and MHA program, will be participating in this new implementation with a two-fold plan. You can read more about it at mckendree.edu/news/vaccine-confidence-grant.php

McKendree welcomed hundreds of pastors to campus during the Clergy Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church on June 5 and 6. During the session, clergy voted to receive associate members, elected candidates, and recognized the leadership of those clergy persons moving into retired relationship with the conference. Pictured left are The Reverend Tyson Parks, Sr., pastor of Peoria Bethel United Methodist Church, and The Reverend Dr. Beverly Wilkes-Null, university chaplain.

Junior Antione Watson was one of the 19 randomly selected winners in Sodexo’s “Share the Wealth Sweepstakes” this spring, which gave students across the nation the chance to win one of 19 $500 donations. Antione, who is doublemajoring in business administration and management, chose the St. Louis Area Foodbank as his charity beneficiary because of his connection to the area.

“I spent most of my life living in the St. Louis area. I felt like donating the $500 to the St. Louis Area Foodbank would help the most,” he said. He received a $500 cash prize. Congratulations, Antione!

McKendree University’s Center for Faith and Spirituality, along with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), joined forces to host a benefit concert called “Stand with Ukraine” at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on May 18. The concert featured a lineup of star-studded performers that wowed people of all ages. The benefit raised $10,655. All proceeds from the event were donated directly to Ukraine Relief through the UMCOR.

On Sunday, Feb. 20, McKendree University celebrated its 194th year during its Founders’ Day celebration at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. During the event, The Reverend Dr. Beverly L. Wilkes-Null was formally installed as the University’s new chaplain.

Rev. Beverly, the former directing pastor at Highland Hope United Methodist Church in Highland, Ill., joined McKendree in the summer of 2021. The campus community at large formally welcomed her to the community during this celebration, with many speakers already singing her praises. “Rev. Beverly is a wonderful person who would give you the clothing off her back,” said Dr. Joni Bastian, vice president of student affairs, in her words of welcome. “In just a short time, she has made her mark with her love and support of students, faculty and staff.”

President Daniel C. Dobbins ’81 kicked off the installation with a brief overview of the University’s impressive history. “Here at McKendree, we cherish our historical relationship with the United Methodist Church and its tradition of Judeo-Christian ideals. Therefore, we hold in covenant the expectation that our University chaplain will welcome students, faculty and staff from all walks of life to participate in open dialogue, free inquiry and mutual respect,” he said. “We are blessed this year to celebrate this installation and all the good works that come from Rev. Wilkes-Null.” Several leaders of various faiths were also in attendance. Following the formal installation performed by Mississippi River District Superintendent, The Reverend Allynn Walker, four faith leaders presented interfaith symbols to the newly-installed reverend.

“This day would not be possible without each and every one of you,” Rev. Beverly said to the crowd after accepting her installation. “I thank God for blessing me with this new family; this is my Heaven on Earth – all of you. You have to get excited when a dream becomes a reality and has staying power. In 1828, it wasn’t just a dream but passion to make McKendree a reality so we could be standing here today. Our history, our story – the Bearcat story – is still happening, for there are days ahead of us yet to be revealed.”

The ceremony also included a spirit-filled homily by Bishop Frank Beard of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference and songs of praise by members of the Trinity United Methodist Church in East St. Louis. Concluding the event were songs performed by the McKendree University Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. John McDonald, followed by a reception.

The Reverend Beverly L. Wilkes-Null received a warm welcome into the Bearcat family on Founders’ Day. Pictured from left to right are Dr. Joni Bastian, vice president for student affairs; Dr. Tami Eggleston, provost; Rev. Beverly L. Wilkes-Null, university chaplain; Mickey (Macaluso) Dobbins ’81; and President Daniel C. Dobbins ’81.

junior Taylor Roth junior Bradley Eston sophomore Sadie Miyler

This spring and summer, McKendree University established dozens of new articulation agreements with several southern Illinois community colleges, including Rend Lake College, John A. Logan College, Kaskaskia College, Lewis and Clark Community College and many more. These agreements enable students in the southern Illinois region to advance their education and careers by ensuring a seamless transfer process to McKendree.

“McKendree University has always taken pride in being a transfer-friendly institution,” said Dr. Melissa Meeker ’93, M.A.Ed. ‘06, dean of Worldwide Programs. “We have a focused effort to expand our agreements with community colleges throughout Illinois and the greater St. Louis region to ease the process for prospective students. We’re so pleased to make these partnerships with these community colleges.”

McKendree University works continually with community colleges throughout the state to develop articulation agreements and four-year transfer plans for students who complete their associate’s degree and go on to earn their bachelor’s degree at the University.

For more information, please visit McKendree’s articulation agreement webpage.

More than 170 students presented their original research, collaborative projects and creative talents at the ninth annual Academic Excellence Celebration (AEC) on Thursday, April 28. The AEC gives friends, family, faculty and staff members a chance to appreciate the scholarly achievement and creativity of students from all disciplines. Sessions featured honors theses, capstone projects and research posters, as well as a student art exhibit, 11 honor society inductions and a performance at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts.

Dr. Alan Alewine and Dr. Heather Dye, along with first-year Aaron Brown, senior Chloe Gamber and senior Addie Smith, visited London this May. The group visited iconic locations including Kensington Park, Stonehenge, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s, Westminster and even Lacock, the setting for the Harry Potter movies. The trip counted as a cross-cultural requirement for the students.

Say Hello to McKendree’s newest faculty and academic staff members! Ten individuals were added to the Bearcat family this summer, including:

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Lecturer of Education and Director of

Graduate Programs in Education

Assistant Professor of Human Resources

Assistant Professor of Sport Management

Lecturer of Education

Lecturer of Psychology

Research and Instruction Librarian Dr. Payear Sangiumvibool-Howell

Assistant Professor of Accounting

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Scientific Materials Manager

Junior Emmanuel Segbedzi from Accra, Ghana, and former chaplain The Reverend Dr. B. Tim Harrison of Lebanon, Ill. were this year’s recipients of McKendree University’s 2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Awards. The annual awards celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Reverend Dr. King.

Emmanuel is the president of the Student Government Association (SGA), a UNI 101 peer mentor, a New Student Orientation (NSO) leader, a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and a valued athlete on the Bearcat cross country and track and field teams. He has demonstrated a desire to further social justice issues at McKendree, improve communication through the McKendree App and launch an inter-college allegiance board.

Tim, who served McKendree as its chaplain for 23 years and retired in 2021, received the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Humanitarian Award, the first of its kind. At McKendree he brought meaningful spiritual enhancement to campus and supported students individually on their faith journeys. He also led dozens of immersion trips locally and abroad to give students a broader worldview, and he has exhibited great passion in furthering social justice issues and encouraging inclusion and diversity on campus. He has returned to church ministry as the minister of Friedens United Church of Christ in Troy, Ill.

Juniors Peyton Osgood and Breanna Sampo received a Fulbright-Mitacs internship to conduct research in Canada this summer. The Fulbright-Mitacs Globalink enables about 60 students from the United States to attend a Canadian university in which they will undertake advanced research projects for 10 to 12 weeks in their area of interest under the supervision of a professor.

Peyton conducted research at Ryerson University in downtown Toronto with Dr. Andrew (Hyounsoo) Kim. She conducted a cross-cultural study of loot boxes in video games, exploring the possible relationship between the boxes and problem gambling in non-Western countries. “This study really stuck out to me because I love video games and believe that they have a lot of interesting psychological impacts that have mostly gone untouched,” Peyton said. “This research could have an impact on policies and restrictions on loot boxes in games in non-Western countries where there are currently no regulations.” Breanna worked on a research project at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario with Dr. Steve Sider. Her project, titled “School Leadership and Inclusive Education in Canada,” examined how the leadership of Canadian schools incorporates students with special needs into general classes. “This topic is particularly interesting to me because I have a passion for inclusion,” Breanna said. “I strongly believe everyone has a special place on this earth and we should never exclude those who are different as it creates unnecessary barriers for those who deserve an equal chance in the world.”

A native of Crest Hill, Ill., Peyton will graduate in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minors in history and clinical and counseling psychology. She is the vice president of both the Psychology Club and Psi Chi, the psychology honors society. A member of Pi Gamma Mu, the international social science honor society, and first-chair French horn player in the McKendree University concert band and wind ensemble, Peyton also serves as a resident assistant in Barnett Hall and as a research assistant to Dr. Guy Boysen, professor of psychology at McKendree.

Breanna, a resident of Cedar Point, Ill., will graduate in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minors in communications and clinical and counseling psychology. She is the president of the Psychology Club and Psi Chi, the secretary of the Student Government Association, and a member of McKendree’s Academic Excellence Celebration Committee. A psychology tutor and section leader of the McKendree Color Guard, Breanna also serves as a research assistant to Dr. Boysen.