DSU Academic Report 2020

Academic Report 2020

DSU ACADEMIC REPORT Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cheri Crenshaw Lead Designer Scott Garrett Photography Alex Santiago Bryce Parker Matt Black Sean George Review Dr. Pam Cantrell April Ficklin

PUBLICATION BOARD Dr. Michael Lacourse Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jordon Sharp Vice President of Marketing & Communication Jyl Hall Director of Public Relations Stacy Schmidt Public Relations/ Publications Coordinator Jared Madsen Creative & Visual Services Production Manager Shantelle Owens Director of Academic Budget

IN THIS REPORT 3 7 9 10 18 21 22 26

30 31 32 34 35

6 36 37 38 39

4 7 8 8 12 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 17 20 20 24 24 25 28 33

29 40

49

FEATURES

The Park Data Project: Tracking Visitors to Zion and Snow Canyon Parks Next Stop for Criminal Justice Majors: Law School DSU's Dental Hygiene Program: Education and Access to Care Come Together Students Get Hands-on Experience at New Analytics and Modeling Center The International Reputations of the Art Department Faculty DSU's Elementary Education Program Gains National Recognition Four Graduate Degrees Now Available at DSU Atwood Innovation Plaza: Resources and Relationships Lead to Entrepreneurial Success

FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS Dr. Susan Hart Dr. Erin O'Brien Dr. Allyson Hamilton Lora Klein Vince Brown

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Undergraduate Research at DSU Sets Students Apart Brianna McFadden Debbie Peterson Noelle West Holly Blaha

active learning. active life.

Degrees by College Esports Club: Casual and Competitive Gaming An Introduction to DSU's New Entertainment, Arts, and Animation Emphasis A Look Inside the Center for Adult and Professional Education The Udvar-Hazy School of Business Achieves Candidacy for AACSB Accreditation Kanab Center: Propelling Educational Possibilities in Kane County Lyman Geosciences Center: Exploring, Expanding, and Experiencing The Southern Quill and Route 7 Review: DSU's Literary Publications Curiosity: DSU's First Refereed Interdisciplinary Journal DSU's Inaugural Conducting Symposium ESL and Global Education: Partnering in Peru DSU's Institute for Social Research Go Baby Go: Toy Cars Become Powered Wheelchairs To Help Children Move Ensuring Student Success Through Quality Instruction: The ACUE Program New Degrees Added in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering DSU5: Digital Humanities of Utah's Fifth Symposium DSU's Music Department Gets Creative to Keep Their Students Safe Hands-on Learning in the Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratories Stanford & Johns Hopkins Summer Research Intership Report 2020 Crypotgraphy and Quantum Computing at DSU

DSU G RAN T S AN D RECOGNITION, PUBLICATIONS, AND RESEARCH Dixie State University Grants Faculty Publications and Research 2019-2020

IN MEMORIAM

Dr. Brent Hunt: Accomplished Scientist, Innovator, and Mentor

Message from the Provost Dear Friends, It is with great pride that I present the 2020 edition of the Dixie State University Academic Report, highlighting and recognizing the scholarship and creative activities, innovations, programs and numerous accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff from this past year. I am proud to announce that once again, each of the stories contained in this report was written by a DSU student.

It was an exceptional and unprecedented year for our university, with the pace of advancement accelerating despite the extraordinary challenges we faced in managing the impact of the COVID pandemic on students, staff, and faculty. Despite these challenges, we have achieved so much in advancing the academic quality and reputation of the university through exceptional teaching, learning, and student success. The 2020 Report includes many examples of our new academic programs and highlights our students engaging in active learning alongside our exceptional faculty and staff.

Perhaps the biggest news of the year was the successful completion of the 2020 Strategic Plan, “Status to Stature,” and the launch of our 2025 Strategic Plan, “Trailblazing Distinction.”

In addition to the five primary goals included in the 2025 plan, the university adopted a new mission as an open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic university and established a vision to become premier. With the anticipated growth in the St. George and Washington County population over the coming decades, it is essential that DSU transform to become a new type of university capable of supporting the evolving educational, social, and economic needs of a rapidly growing region. The new mission and vision provide the framework for this transformation.

I am very proud of our faculty, staff, and students and invite you to explore the 2020 Annual Report, learn more about the quality of our academic programs and faculty and the extraordinary opportunities that DSU students are provided to “learn by doing.”

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Lacourse Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs michael.lacourse@dixie.edu

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THE PARK DATA PROJECT: Tracking Visitors to Zion and Snow Canyon Parks

By Allison Furse, Senior, English Major, Professional & Technical Writing Emphasis, Marketing Minor

The Park Data Project is a team of faculty and students from Dixie State University and other southern Utah colleges that work in partnership with state and national parks across the country toward the betterment of visitor data collection. Jason Pitts spearheads the project with the help of several employees and student interns. His team is developing new and innovative ways to track the number of people visiting state and national parks each day. Members of the project are working tirelessly to make sure their data is as accurate and effective as possible by installing sensors at park entrances, trailheads, parking lots, and inside shuttles to track both the number of people and cars coming and going. The team has also developed both apps and web-based programs to be used by park employees to view the numbers of people in the park in real time.

The information gathered and compiled by the Park Data Project is invaluable in a variety of ways, especially amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. When park officials have the ability to see real time data on an app, they can take action to ensure that the park remains safe and visitors can follow the

The Project is also creating other services to be of use in different parks across the state. The team is currently working closely with Snow Canyon State Park to create and implement an online, app-based way for visitors to pay admission fees, limiting the time spent in person-to-person contact when entering the park. This system could revolutionize park entry across the state, and the team is hoping to take the app to many more parks in the future.

Cade Gardner is a student intern who has been working with the project since November of 2019. He is currently a senior in Software Development, and he uses his skills to enhance the project’s materials and online resources. While working with the project, Gardner has gained valuable work experience. Gardner describes working with the Park Data Project as “a neat learning experience,” and he believes the work prepared him well for his future as a software developer. Gardner says, “It is really neat to be able to see my work actually being used in the real world and at such a large scale rather than just in a classroom.”

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appropriate social distancing guidelines as required by state and/ or county officials. They can also ensure that, when parking lots are full, visitors are alerted to this prior to entering the park and can avoid being turned away without enjoying the experience they came for. This data gives park officials the ability to send out alerts on social media to inform the public when the park is full, alleviating visitor stress and frustration.

One of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is that visitor patterns from previous years have been completely upended.

According to data collected by the Park Data Project, there were several days in October 2020 where the daily attendance at Zion National Park exceeded the total number of people who visited the park in all of 2019. As a result, it has become more important than ever before for park officials to know, in real time, how many people are in the park so that they can decide how many people to staff and how to best implement safety guidelines. The Park Data Project is making these decisions possible.

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DEGREES BY COLLEGE DSU offers 4 master's degrees, 53 bachelor's degrees, 16 associate's degrees, 44 minors, 49 certificates and 68 emphases.

BUSINESS

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

MASTER'S DEGREE

BACHELOR'S DEGREES & EMPHASES

MASTER'S DEGREES

Accountancy

BACHELOR'S DEGREES & EMPHASES

BS Accounting BAS Enterprise Management BS Finance BS Information Systems & Analytics BS Management Management Information Systems BA/BS Marketing

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREES

AAS General Technology: Business AS Management

MINORS

Accounting Economics Management Marketing

ARTS

BACHELOR'S DEGREES & EMPHASES

BA/BS Art Art Education Entertainment/Arts/Animation Painting/Drawing/Illustration Photography/Digital Imaging 3-D/Sculpture/Ceramics BFA Studio Art Bachelor of Music in Performance BA/BS Dance BS Digital Film BA/BS Music BS Music Education BA/BS Theatre BA/BS Theatre Education

MINORS

Art Art History Dance Music Photography Theatre

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BS Applied and Computational Mathematics Actuarial Science Data Analytics Scientific Computing BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology BS Bioinformatics BS Biology Biology Education Biological Sciences Biomedical Sciences Natural Sciences BS Biology with Integrated Science BS Chemistry BS Computer Engineering BS Computer Science BA/BS Design Digital Design Graphic Design Interaction Design BS Earth, Energy and Environmental Science Geoscience Environmental Science BS Electrical Engineering BS Information Technology BA/BS Mathematics BA/BS Mathematics Education BS Mechanical Engineering BS Physical Science Composite Teaching BS Software Engineering BAS Techonolgy Innovation

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREES & EMPHASES AS Earth & Environmental Sciences Geoscience Environmental Science AAS General Technology: Design AAS General Tech.: Information Technology AS Laboratory Studies Associate of Pre-Engineering

MINORS

Biology Biology Education Chemistry Chemistry Education Computer Science Digital Design Geoscience Information Tech.

Web Design & Dev. Mathematics Mathematics Ed. Physics

dixie.edu | active learning. active life.

Marriage & Family Therapy Technical Writing & Digital Rhetoric

BACHELOR'S DEGREES & EMPHASES

BA/BS Applied Sociolgy BS Communication Studies Applied Leadership Health Communication Organization & Leadership BA/BS Criminal Justice Criminology Digital Defense and Security BA/BS English Creative Writing English Education Literary Studies Professional & Technical Writing BA/BS History History and Social Science Teaching BS Media Studies Media Production Multimedia Journalism Public Relations BA/BS Phychology BA Spanish Spanish Education

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREES AS Criminal Justice

MINORS

American Sign Language Communication Studies Creative Writing Criminology Digital Defense and Security English Education General English Global Studies Health Psychology History Humanities & Philosophy Media Studies Nonprofit Management Professional & Technical Writing Psychology Sociology Social Justice Spanish

EDUCATION

HEALTH SCIENCES

DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY

BACHELOR'S DEGREES & EMPHASES

MASTER'S DEGREE

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE

BACHELOR'S DEGREES & EMPHASES

CERTIFICATES & ENDORSEMENTS

BS Elementary Education Bachelor of Individualized Studies BA/BS Integrated Studies American Sign Language Interpreter Art Biology Chemistry Communication Studies Criminal Justice Dance Digital Design Digital Film Production Earth Science English Family Studies and Human Development Global Studies Health Care Administration History Humanites & Philosophy Information Technology Long Term Care Administration Management Marketing Mathematical Science Media Studies Music Psychology Public Health Recreation Management Sociology Software Development Spanish Theater Web Design and Development

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREES

AAS Early Childhood Education AA/AS Early Childhood Education

MINORS

Family Studies and Human Development

AA/AS General Studies

Athletic Training

BS Dental Hygiene BS Exercise Science Pre-Athletic Training Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Physical Therapy BAS Health Administration BS Medical Laboratory Science BS Nursing BS Population Health Health Care Administration Long Term Care Administration Public Health BS Recreation & Sport Management Experience Management Corporate Recreation & Wellness Sport Management BS Respiratory Therapy

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREES

AAS Emergency Medical Services AAS Medical Radiography AAS Nursing AAS Physical Therapist Assistant AAS Surgical Technology

MINORS

Public Health Health Care Administration Long Term Care Administration

2D Animation 3D Animation Accouting & Information Systems Advanced Design Advanced Emergency Medical Tech.

Advanced Information Technology Applied Statistics I Applied Statistics II Art: Photography/Digital Imaging Biotechnology Community and Social Change Computing Fundamentals Critical Reasoning Cryptography I Cryptography II Data Analytics Design Diversity Emergency Medical Technician Entrepreneurship Ethical Judgement General Education Gerontology Global Perspectives Health Communication Information Technology Leadership Maker Marketing Mediation Media Production Medical Lab Assistant Technology Modeling and Simulation Multimedia Journalism Nurse Assistant Paramedic Phlebotomy Piano Pedagogy Professional & Career Communication Professional Writing Retail Management Secondary Ed. Licensure Social Media Social Research Methods Strategic Communication Sustainability Supply Chain Management Tech Innovation & Entrepreneurship Utah Math Visual Culture and Society Web Design & Development

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UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AT DSU SETS STUDENTS APART

By Autumn Nuzman, Senior, English Major, Creative Writing Emphasis, Sociology Minor At Dixie State University, students can conduct undergraduate research and have it funded through grants provided by the Undergraduate Research Office. This opportunity includes hundreds of projects ranging from how the humanities can enhance the lives and careers of medical students to research on the history of vampires in literature.

To be eligible for funding, students must have a faculty mentor involved in their research or creative project. Funding may be used for costs directly related to the project or for the costs of traveling to conferences to present the research.

“We accept proposals for funding from students once per semester,” Undergraduate Research Director Dr. Rico Del Sesto says.

Of the hundreds of students performing undergraduate research and creative activities, three were highlighted in the Undergraduate Research Office’s Fall 2020 newsletter.

potential directions of their projects,” Dr. Del Sesto says.

Dr. Del Sesto and Assistant Director Dr. Olga Pilkington do their best to encourage students to perform undergraduate research so

DSU alumna Rachel Manuele, who double majored in English

students can experience the same academic growth and exploration

and Biology, engaged in interviews and questionnaires with the St.

they did when they themselves performed undergraduate research.

George medical community and the University of Utah to analyze

“For me, working alongside a faculty member and being

how classes in the humanities helped enhance the lives of medical

engaged in the same practices as my professors was an ultimate

students. This project successfully combined her Honors Program

recognition of my abilities, better than any A on an exam or an

research requirement and senior capstone project.

assignment,” Dr. Pilkington says.

Undergraduate student Shandon Stiner developed a computer

Dr. Del Sesto says conducting research as an undergraduate

model to predict how vaccinations and spraying mosquitos would

sets students apart from peers who graduate without experiencing

impact the transmission of the West Nile Virus to horses and

what it’s like to function professionally in their chosen discipline.

presented her work to the Southwest Mosquito Abatement and

“Involvement in undergraduate research is an indicator not

Control District, at the Joint Mathematics Meeting, and at DSU’s

only of intellectual abilities, but also of perseverance, tenacity,

Regional Research Symposium.

and the ability to do teamwork—all valuable skills when it comes

Senior English major Mary McFadden hopes to trace the gradual literary split of vampire portrayals into factions and to publish the results of her research in Curiosity, DSU’s student-run interdisciplinary research journal, as well as present her research at the Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research (UCUR).

to succeeding in graduate school or on the job market,” Dr. Del Sesto says.

Dr. Del Sesto also says undergraduate research isn’t necessarily limited to the university.

“While research is often perceived to exist ‘within’ a university,

When students are ready to present their research, they can

our students and faculty are always looking for opportunities

publish their work in Curiosity, and they can present it at UCUR

to collaborate with people in the region so that the research and

and DSU’s Regional Research Symposium. The Regional Research

creative activities can have impacts beyond the DSU campus and

Symposium also accepts presentations of research in progress.

into our community,” Dr. Del Sesto says. “Anyone interested in

“We encourage our students to present their work at all stages, with the potential to have discussions about the progress and

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active learning. active life.

collaborating with faculty and students, or mentoring students, is encouraged to contact our office at research@dixie.edu.”

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NEXT STOP FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE MAJORS: Law School

By Shay Durrant, Senior, English Major, Literary Studies Emphasis, Psychology Minor Many of DSU’s criminal justice majors move onto law school

learn, and has loved law school. Rawlinson is interested in child

once their time at DSU is over. Two Dixie State alumni, Brooke

advocacy work and wants to practice that branch of law in the

Rawlinson and Jordan Johnson, have done just that. Rawlinson

future.

is in her second year at BYU law. She had an interesting story

Jordan Johnson also majored in criminal justice at DSU. After

on why she chose criminology as her major. “I am not going to

DSU, Johnson graduated law school at Pepperdine University as

lie,” Rawlinson states,

the valedictorian. She has been practicing corporate and labor

“I really love those

law for the past two years. Johnson says that ever since she was

crime TV shows!” After

little, her family told her she was going to be a lawyer. She says

enrolling in DSU’s

that as soon as she got into college, she chose criminal justice

program, She fell in

for her major because she wanted something to do with the law.

love with criminology.

Johnson describes being a lawyer as the best decision she ever

Rawlinson says her first

made. “I was always afraid of having the same day every day,”

year of law school was

Johnson explains. She likes how every day as a lawyer brings a

definitely challenging.

new set of problems to be solved.

However, She loves to

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Brooke Rawlinson

ESPORTS CLUB: Casual and Competitive Gaming

By Samantha Roybal, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis, Photography Minor Dixie State University Esports is a student-led club that organizes collegiate teams to compete in major tournaments

with such tight bonds and immense dedication to an otherwise stigmatized hobby.”

for video games such as League of Legends, Rocket League,

Like-minded students have managed to turn a hobby into a

Overwatch, Super Smash Bros, and much more. The club was

growing success. Beyond the social aspect, the club has quite the

created by a single student, but has grown to more than 400

bright future. The presidency of the club has been working to gain

members within 5 different teams. The club offers weekly

publicity, funding for scholarships, and an Esports arena. They

meetings, tournaments, viewing events, service projects,

are hopeful that the continued growth of the Esports club will

fundraisers, and career opportunities through Gamerlink.

encourage those who are passionate about video games to join.

Whether participants are casual or competitive gamers,

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the Esports club welcomes everyone. They also welcome different types of gaming including tabletop, console, or PC. “It’s a great way to make friends and even learn more about the gaming community and the Esports industry,” says Lhea Livings, the president of the Esports club. The club comes highly recommended by club members as not only a place for social interaction, but personal growth. While reflecting on her own personal experience, Jadely Cartagena, the Overwatch leader, said “Since joining the club, I have become a part of a culture

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AN INTRODUCTION TO DSU’S NEW ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS, AND ANIMATION EMPHASIS

By Samantha Roybal, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis, Photography Minor The Entertainment, Arts, and Animation emphasis is the

The entertainment and arts industry is growing, making this

newest addition to the Dixie State University Art Department.

Entertainment, Arts, and Animation program a valuable asset

Due to much interest and a high volume of demand from students,

to the university. “The goal of the program,” explains Professor

this program became available in Fall 2019. The program offers a

Chamberlain, “is to help students build a portfolio so that they

general overview of 2D and 3D animation along with visual art

are able to compete for jobs.” The requirements of the program

techniques involving design, graphics, and drawing. Students

will impart students with the fundamental skills of art along

can expect to engage in the hands-on creation of visual arts while

with an in-depth focus on the study of animation. For more

also receiving the opportunity to observe artwork both on and

information on the course curriculum and requirements, visit

off campus.

catalog.dixie.edu/programs/art.

The curriculum will not only provide students with artistic

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knowledge, but with the necessary skills that may lead to a variety of future career possibilities. Art Department Chair and Associate Professor of Animation Alex Chamberlain says, “The idea is that the program should be applicable to anything students want to pursue eventually.” The education students receive from this art program may provide a career in the motion picture or video game industry along with the opportunity to continue on to graduate school.

A LOOK INSIDE THE CENTER FOR ADULT AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

By Brooke Garceau, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis This year, DSU opened the Center for Adult and Professional

interview skills, and online job profiles to secure employment.

Education. The director of the center, Chris Guymon, says

The Center is working to expand resources. Guymon says that

their goal is to build “an inclusive adult learning culture at the

they are training faculty on how best to engage adult learners and

University.”

working to offer more online, weekend, and condensed classes.

Adult students are those over the age of twenty-five. They

The Center is also partnering with DSU’s Alumni Association to

often balance careers and families with their educational pursuits.

create an alumni networking software to help graduates connect

They also generally prefer active, engaging classroom experiences

professionally and build relationships.

and career-focused curriculum.

They can access the center’s services by calling, emailing, or visiting Guymon in his office in the Administration Building.

The Center ’s goal is to make academic resources more accessible to adult students so that they can complete their degrees. Guymon says that while pursuing an education later

At the Center, Guymon connects adult students with the

in life has challenges, the Center will be “serving students,

resources they need to succeed in their unique circumstances.

recognizing the complexity of their worlds, and adding value

Academic advisors ensure that students graduate as quickly

to their lives.”

as possible, and experts at Career Services help with resumes,

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DSU’S DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM: Education and Access to Care Come Together

By Yasel Avalos, Junior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis, Spanish Minor The Dental Hygiene program at DSU offers vast opportunities

DentalCon and Southern Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association

and benefits for students and the community alike. The DSU

and donations from organizations such as Midmark Dental,

Public Dental Hygiene Clinic serves as a front line of defense for

UltraDent, Patterson Dental, and Henry Schein Dental allow the

vulnerable community members who lack the financial means

department to keep offering prestigious and accredited education

to provide themselves with oral healthcare. Through the State

to DSU students and professionals in the community.

Primary Care grant that the program applies for every year,

In the spirit of growth, the Department of Dental Hygiene

community members are able to apply for financial assistance.

recently began an affiliation with the University of Utah School

This year, more than $81,000 was awarded to DSU’s Dental

of Dentistry. A remodel to create a $1.1 million clinical addition

Hygiene program to assist the average of over 600 patients

and improved sterilization spaces in the Taylor Health Sciences

seen each year. The most exciting part is that each patient is

building are in place to facilitate the joint venture. The purpose

seen by DSU’s students, who gain immediate and important

of this collaboration is twofold: 1) Dental hygiene and dental

real-world experience.

students will be learning together in the clinical setting and 2)

Presently, the entry level for those who seek dental hygiene

Dental services will be expanded to some of the most vulnerable in

as a profession is an associate’s degree. Department Chair of

our community. This association provides a win-win for students

Dental Hygiene Brenda Armstrong states, “The American Dental

and the community.

Hygienists’ Association has advocated for entry level to be a

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bachelor’s degree for more than 20 years. We are proud of the fact that we offer a bachelor’s degree at Dixie State University.

This provides greater opportunities for the graduate to expand their career outside of clinical care if desired.” DSU offers a B.S. in Dental Hygiene with graduates entering a workforce that has a 41% growth rate in Utah.

Dental Hygiene was founded on the basis of serving the public through aiding prevention and increasing awareness of oral disease. DSU students are doing just that with a mobile clinic for place-based care. Students can travel to places where people live or work to offer their services. Some of their collaborating populations include Root for Kids, Three Points Center, WorkForce Services, long-term care facilities, and Title I elementary schools.

Armstrong is proud of the program, stating that “The DSU Public Dental Hygiene Clinic and mobile clinic provide an educational avenue for students to learn the practice of dental hygiene as they prepare for their future careers. It is a magical place where education and access to care come together for the betterment of individuals and our community.” Anyone who goes into the Dental Hygiene program benefits immensely.

The opportunities for the Department of Dental Hygiene keeps growing. Partnerships with various organizations such as

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STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE AT NEW ANALYTICS AND MODELING CENTER

By Spencer Soule, Senior, English Major, Creative Writing Emphasis

“The future is data and data is everywhere,” says Dr. Vinodh Chellamuthu, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Co-Director of the new Analytics and Modeling Center for students. “The demand for professionals in the field is high, but supply is low and more students are needed.”

The modern world runs on the rapid transfer of information.

Every click, every post, every episode of The Great British Baking Show viewers binge is recorded as data. But how do we interpret all those clicks and posts? What are corporations like Netflix to do with such vast quantities of information?

Students enrolled in Dixie State University’s Analytics and Information Systems program learn the skills to process and interpret that data and communicate their findings effectively in today’s job market. Students become mathematical storytellers, putting numbers in context to help businesses and other interested parties map trends and make predictions.

Experts predict that jobs in the field of analytics and information systems will increase to nearly 11 million by 2026— nearly two million new jobs per year. As more businesses rely on online interaction, especially through social media, marketing teams are collecting more data based on what users click on, upvote, and repost. But business is not the only application.

To prepare students for positions in an ever-expanding job market, Dr. Chellamuthu co-directs the new Analytics and Modeling Center with Dr. Matt Harris. In the Center, students work together as a team to apply their classroom learning to real

year was awarded the Early Career Mentoring Faculty Award for

issues in the community.

his efforts in supporting undergraduate research and mentoring

The Center represents a joint effort between Dixie State’s Math and Information Systems & Analytics programs, offering

students in the Analytics and Modeling Center on local realworld projects.

opportunities for students from separate disciplines to work

Recently, students in the center worked with representatives

together, building on each other's strengths to complete projects.

from Zion National Park to create a model predicting visitation

“We want students to be able to say in their future job interviews:

rates to the park. “By creating a statistical model of visitation

Yes, I have worked as a member of a team, collected data,

rates, we could help them better monitor crowding across the

combined efforts with my peers to write a report and presented

park, which affects everything from parking availability to safety

it to an interested party,” says Dr. Chellamuthu, who earlier this

measures for more dangerous hikes like Angel’s Landing,” Dr.

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Chellamuthu says. He enjoys working closely with students,

used to help track the spread of COVID-19.

helping them learn how to conduct research and interpret their

“Students who have had the opportunity to not just learn the

findings, but finds the greatest satisfaction when students are able

math but apply it in real life experiences will have so much more

to move out from under his mentorship and conduct research

confidence as they enter the workforce,” Dr. Chellamuthu says.

on their own.

“To anyone who might find modeling and analytics interesting

Among other projects, students have also had the opportunity

but fears mathematics I say context is what makes the numbers

to collect data and create control measures to curb the spread of

interesting. We want students to gain the mathematical tools to

the West Nile Virus. And as new problems arise, the Analytics

solve real world problems and get them used to being researchers

and Modeling Center continues to prepare students to face them.

in an environment that puts their skills of problem solving and

Measures developed during the West Nile study are now being

investigation to work.”

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Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

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THE UDVAR-HAZY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ACHIEVES CANDIDACY FOR AACSB ACCREDITATION

By Cody Tolbert, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis The Udvar-Hazy School of Business at Dixie State University

integral parts in our national and global economy.

is home to students who wish to major in Accounting, Marketing,

This move creates the path to potential master’s degrees in

Finance, Management, or Information Systems and Analytics.

the School of Business, including what could be an MBA program

The business school is excited to announce that it now holds

in the future.

accreditation from the the Association to Advance Collegiate



Schools of Business (AACSB). This means that DSU now joins 785 other schools from over ninety different nations with this distinction.

The AACSB accreditation means that graduates from the business school are better prepared to become industry leaders thanks in part to the education that DSU has provided them.

This education comes from prestigious professors shown to be business leaders not only in this community but on a national level. These professors have molded their students to become

KANAB CENTER: Propelling Educational Possibilities in Kane County

By Jessica Lounsbury, Junior, English Major, Secondary Education Emphasis The Kanab Center is not part of Dixie State University's main

The center is a state-of-the-art facility and a welcome addition

campus; however, the Center, located in Kane County, receives

to the high school. Consequently, it has generated lasting

the same care and attention. The Center has only been open for

partnerships with Kane County School District and the local

a year but has already facilitated massive leaps in jumpstarting

community. DSU has actively listened and met the needs of Kane

Kane County's higher education goals.

County, including but not limited to personal interaction, career

This past spring, eleven students were able to participate in a CNA program funded by the Perkins Grant, and they're now

preparation, embracing local input, and consistently collaborating to give the students the best facility and instruction possible.

fully certified nursing assistants. Director Jennifer Harrington

Concurrent enrollment is fundamental, although adults can

commuted twice a week and used an interactive video system

also enroll. Additionally, combining courses with the Hurricane

for lectures.

Center has allowed DSU to offer almost any class to Kane County.

The driving motivation is to give the students of rural Kane

CTE pathways allow each student to obtain, as Dr. Hauck

County as many opportunities as the students in Washington

explains, "stackable credentials that enable them to work in their

County. Correspondingly, Associate Provost of Community &

desired career, in more of an entry-level, and work their way up

Global Engagement Dr. Nancy Hauck states, “We're offering

as they get their degree finished." The main objective is to create

GE certificates and several Career Technical Education (CTE)

stepping stones that take each individual as far as possible while

pathways, and when combining the two, it's pretty close to

opening up career opportunities.

earning an associate degree."

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LYMAN GEOSCIENCES CENTER: Exploring, Expanding, and Experiencing

By Brooke Carpenter, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis On the west side of Dixie State University’s campus, a large

The center will also pave the way for a new program: the

structure of steel columns and white paper with blue markings

Earth, Energy, and Environmental Science degree. Between 25-30

provides the skeleton of what will soon be known as the Science,

students are enrolled for the first year, and an additional two

Engineering & Technology building. With a generous donation

faculty members have been hired.

of $1 million from Denis and Diane Lyman, the fifth floor of the building will be dedicated as the Lyman Geosciences Center.

“As we grow,” says Dr. Del Sesto, “we want to protect what we have and do things in a sustainable manner.” In an area

The center is a contribution to the University as well as to

where some of the world’s greatest geological landmarks reside,

the St. George community. “Whether you’re 2 or 102, we want

the addition of the Lyman Geosciences Center presents exciting

to enhance the community’s perspective about the region that

new possibilities for exploring, expanding, and experiencing the

surrounds them," says Dr. Rico Del Sesto, Associate Professor of

wonder of Southern Utah — a physical reinforcement of Dixie

Chemistry and active participant in the development of the center.

State University’s motto, “active learning. active life.”

Academic Report 2020

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| Dixie State University

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THE SOUTHERN QUILL AND THE ROUTE 7 REVIEW: DSU's Literary Publications

By Yasel Avalos, Junior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis, Spanish Minor The Southern Quill (SQ) has come a long way since publishing

in hands-on, real-world work experience for our students,

its first literary arts journal, such as acquiring its own ISSN and

who I believe will graduate from DSU fully prepared to enter

hosting an annual benefit reading and silent auction. At first, SQ

the workforce.”

only took in work from DSU students and staff. Now, the journal

Route 7 Review (R7R), an online literary arts publication, serves

is also accepting work from residents of Arizona, Colorado,

a worldwide audience through its website. Just like SQ, R7R has

Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Opening the

gained its ISSN, further legitimizing the publication. Dr. Olga

journal to western states will increase the number and quality of

Pilkington, faculty supervisor for R7R, believes in eliminating

submissions the journal receives as well as expanding readership,

any barriers for submitters; thus, there are no submission fees.

thus elevating the journal’s visibility and stature within the

Dr. Pilkington says, “As DSU moves toward becoming an open

region. Residents of these states, excluding Utah, will pay a $3

university, it is paramount that the costs of publication fall on

fee to submit their work. Dr. Cindy King, faculty supervisor of

the institution and not on the potential authors.” To flourish,

SQ, seeks to use these funds for distribution and advertising

Dr. Pilkington says, R7R must “attract talented, visionary, and

budgets, allowing the journal to reach more potential contributors

devoted student editors.”

and readers. She says, “With these changes comes an increase



CURIOSITY: DSU’s First Refereed Interdisciplinary Journal

By Emily Mildenhall, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis, Communication Studies Minor In January 2020, Dixie State University launched its first

Curiosity has been featured

ever peer-reviewed academic journal with sponsorship from

in Scholastica Blog because

the Provost’s Office and the Office of Undergraduate Research.

of its uniqueness of having

The journal, Curiosity: Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and

students, rather than faculty

Innovation, is managed by Dr. Olga Pilkington as editor-in-chief.

members, as editors. One of

Dr. Pilkington says, “The journal serves as an outlet for graduates

the undergraduates that took

and undergraduates to publish their work in a low-stress, in-house

the course and interned for

environment without fear of disparaging peer reviews.”

the journal over the summer

Curiosity’s name comes from American author and

Benjamin Miklautsch says, “I think I got a lot of good practice

anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, who wrote, “Research is

with client relations as well as project management. Although

formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. It

I did proofread the papers assigned to me, the class was much

is a seeking that he who wishes may know the cosmic secrets of

more about collaboration with outside contributors. I enjoyed

the world and they that dwell therein.”

being able to get my name out there, and I was proud to be a part

What makes the journal particularly unique is that its editorial

of something being published on campus.”

board consists of undergraduate students in the Digital Journal

Curiosity has received and published submissions from

Production course offered during spring semesters with Dr.

humanities, social sciences, and STEM departments, including

Pilkington (although a few students also interned over the

one article from a Weber State student graduate.

summer to accommodate the year-round publishing schedule).

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DSU’S INAUGURAL CONDUCTING SYMPOSIUM

By Rebecca Goates, Senior, Integrated Studies Major, Dance and English Areas of Emphasis, Honors Program The DSU Music Department hosted its inaugural Conducting

Support Manager for Conn-Selmer Inc. Dr. Mayne and Dr.

Symposium, led by Dr. Bryant Smith. While focused primarily

Fuller gave recommendations to enhance the participants’

on professional educators, DSU students took an active role in

conducting skills.

the success of this event. Cassey Flinders and Mattina Reep, as

Band students then played again, responding to the changed

student leaders, oversaw logistics during the two-day event

techniques. The students commented that this experience changed

including managing equipment, erecting learning spaces, and

how they viewed performing music and their understanding

instructing student workers.

of a music conductor’s role. Several students, Cassey Flinders,

The DSU Symphonic Band volunteered three hours of their time to perform and allowed 18 professional educators to conduct

Mattina Reep, Dylan Fizer, and Shandon Lewis, also volunteered to conduct the band and be given feedback by the clinicians.

sessions. These educators were then critiqued by two world-

The clinicians praised them for having the courage and

renowned visiting clinicians: Dr. Richard Mayne, Emeritus

preparation to actively conduct and learn, as university students,

Associate Director of Bands from the University of Northern

at a conference designed for professionals.

Colorado and Dr. David Fullmer, West Regional Educational

Academic Report 2020

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| Dixie State University

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ESL AND GLOBAL EDUCATION: Partnering in Peru

By Samantha Roybal, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis, Photography Minor The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Dixie

active participation and how much they want to improve their

State University has partnered with the DSU Global Education

teaching.” Faculty members have had the opportunity to travel

program in recent years. The director of this program, Luis

to Peru three times so far. The most recent workshop was held

Arevalo, has since formed an addition to the program known as

online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the ESL faculty hopes

Global Engagement Partnerships. These partnerships entail an

to be able to return to Peru soon.

agreement between the ESL faculty and international universities.

It was more than three years ago when the ESL faculty partnered with Global Education to redo the English teaching program at Uladech University in Peru. The partnership with this particular university is a 5-year contract, and at least once a year, 1–2 faculty members go to Peru to conduct teacher training.

The ESL faculty typically educates the teachers by developing the curriculum, producing materials, and conducting teacher training workshops. The workshops will often last several hours over the course of 4–5 days. During these workshops, the teachers learn how to use materials effectively, how to teach reading and writing skills, and how to manage a classroom.

ESL faculty members often meet more than 30 teachers in a single visit. These teachers come from all over Peru in order to attend the training. ESL Associate Professor and Coordinator Scott Miles says, “It has been a good collaboration, and we have really enjoyed working with them. We are impressed with their

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DSU’S INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH

By Emily Mildenhall, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis, Communication Studies Minor The Institute for Social Research (ISR) was created only

The team presented their

three years ago, but it has made great progress in a short time.

findings at the Utah Conference for

DSU faculty Dr. Robert Oxley and Dr. Matthew Smith-Lahrman

Undergraduate Research, Dixie’s

developed the ISR to give students from all disciplines real-world

Regional Symposium, and the Mid-

experience to pair with their academic training.

South Sociological Association

Dr. Oxley says the first study looked at single, full-time, female

Annual Conference. The ISR teams’

DSU students who had a three- or four-year-old. The team asked,

studies were published in DSU

“What did she encounter? What kind of expenses did she have?”

Institute for Social Research: Quality

The following spring, the ISR team analyzed two hypothetical

of Life Initiative, so each member is

18-year-olds to examine the experiences and challenges of first-

a published author.

time freshmen at DSU. The ISR team’s latest case study “A New

ISR Coordinator Pamela Holiday

Era: Teaching and Accepting of Burnout in a Techno-Reliant

says, “The ISR has also given us

Society" focuses on the question of whether society is teaching,

the opportunity to network and

or even encouraging, burnout as a condition to being successful.

experience presenting our research at national and state and local

The ISR team administered two surveys over the 2019-

conferences. We are exposed to other professionals and students,

2020 academic year to measure the quality of life for the DSU

and we make connections and build relationships. Being able to

community, distributing one survey to students and one to faculty

come to present and participate and attend these conferences has

and administration.

been an amazing experience.”

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GO BABY GO: Toy Cars Become Powered Wheelchairs to Help Children Move

By Denali Lathrop, Senior, English Major, Creative Writing Emphasis April 2020 marked the first time that Dixie State University’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program participated in the Go Baby Go Program. Dr. Burke Jorgensen, part-time faculty member and full-time pediatric physical therapist, was an integral

extremities, to propel the vehicle.” Remote control panels were

part of the program. Jorgensen worked with Drew Wilcox, the

built into the cars as well, so parents could take control if needed.

Department Chair of Healthcare Diagnostics and Therapeutics,

Students in the PTA program taught children in need how to

and Nicole Schneider, an Assistant Professor in the Physical

use these powered wheelchairs and provided a positive impact

Therapy Assistant Program.

on the children’s futures. Eight cars were provided to the PTA

PTA students adapted toy cars to allow independence and

program through a community engagement grant. Although

mobility to children with disabilities. The toy cars were converted

this was only the first time that Dixie State University’s Physical

to function as powered wheelchairs. Schneider explains that

Therapist Assistant Program participated in the Go Baby Go

the “cars are adapted for the children to activate the trigger

program, it will likely not be the last.

switch with other body parts, rather than their non-mobile lower Academic Report 2020

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| Dixie State University

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THE INTERNATIONAL REPUTATIONS OF THE ART DEPARTMENT FACULTY

By Abbigail Earl, Senior, English Major, Creative Writing Emphasis, Art Minor Dixie State University’s Art Department has dedicated faculty

for the students.”

who go above and beyond teaching students the fundamentals of

This year marks Professor Blakley’s 44th year teaching at

becoming an artist. They are practitioners as well as teachers, and

DSU, and currently, he is the senior faculty member on campus.

their current collective work is always being placed in art shows,

McGarren Flack, who has taught at DSU for the past 8 years,

installations, and exhibits to be purchased or viewed nationally

does figure painting about emotional memory. He works as an

and internationally.

EMT part-time and paints re-creations of scenes that he has come

Faculty members each have their own style of presenting

across. In the last 3 years, his work has appeared in 40 national

their art, which helps shape students’ experience and exposure

and international shows. He says, “My goal as a teacher is to help

to different types of expertise in each mode of art.

my students become professionals before they even graduate.”

Art Professor Del Parson is internationally known as a figure

Alex Chamberlain is famous mainly for his work in

painter, largely because of his religious depictions of Jesus. He

filmmaking, but for the past 10 years, he has shifted to

says, “Because of my experience with every kind of painting

photography. He has been sponsored by backpacking wildlife

style, I can help my students in whatever mode of painting they

companies, and his photos have been published in the St. George

desire to learn.”

News, and other publications. He says, “When students are

Professor Parson puts a painting in the Dixie Invitational every

involved in experimentation… especially something that you’re

year, along with an additional painting or two in galleries across

keenly interested in, the quality, engagement, and instruction

the nation. His success as a painter enables his students to come

goes up in the classroom.”

to him with questions about life as a painter.

Professor Chamberlain strives for growth in his teaching.

Glen Blakley’s skill in ceramics makes him a great teacher.

His pots are all over the world; he has received several awards

He has taught at DSU for 8 years and currently acts as the Art Department chair.

and distinguished titles over the course of his long career

Shane Christiansen’s work is popular in the ceramic world.

as a ceramicist. He says, “I think [my success] has kept my

He is active in getting his work out through exhibiting, research,

interest really high in ceramics… and I think that keeps it fresh

developing, or presenting. Currently, he has two teapots being

Green Pot - Shane Christiansen

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The Human Touch - Dennis Martinez

Red Pot with Birds - Glen Blakley

Mind in Two - McGarren Flack

Neighbor Rising - Alex Chamberlain

exhibited with Artlink in Indiana. He has been to Korea 3 times for conferences. He says he feels that his success “gives me connections that help my students.” His exposure to other ceramicists means his students will not be limited to only his techniques.

Professor Dennis Martinez has taught at DSU for 26 years. He focuses on mixed media artworks. He considers himself a painter and an installation artist. Currently, he has an installation at the St. George Art Museum. He says, “I can’t stay stagnant; I have to keep a tie with the art world.”

For Mollie Hosmer-Dillard, Fall 2020 was her first semester teaching at DSU. She is an emerging artist who has shown and sold her paintings in Berlin, New York City, and Providence, Rhode Island. Her experience gives her a broad background in painting, and this helps her students understand what options they have as emerging artists. She says, “As a teacher here at DSU, I’m trying to give my students an insight into a much bigger picture of art history.”



Lost Lamb - Del Parson

Summer Arc to Autumn - Mollie Hosmer-Dillard

Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

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ENSURING STUDENT SUCCESS THROUGH QUALITY INSTRUCTION: The ACUE Program

By Rebecca Goates, Senior, Integrated Studies Major, Dance and English Areas of Emphasis, Honors Program Last year, DSU established a partnership with the Association

practices to promote active student learning, persistence to

of Colleges and University Educators (ACUE) to ensure student

graduation, career readiness, and deeper levels of learning. In

success through quality instruction. ACUE is the nation’s leading

order to complete the course, faculty members had to master

provider of professional development to higher education.

twenty-five modules and apply what they learned in the courses

ACUE’s mission is student success through quality instruction.

they teach here at DSU. Faculty were evaluated by an external

Through innovative online courses, ACUE prepares and

evaluator to determine if they achieved mastery.

credentials faculty in evidence-based teaching practices. ACUE’s

All 30 faculty members who were enrolled completed the

standards-based approach leads to the only nationally recognized

course, despite all the challenges with COVID-19, and were

Certificate in Effective Instruction endorsed by the American

recognized as one of the few cohorts from universities in the

Council on Education (ACE). Numerous, independently validated

country that achieved a 100% course completion rate. The group

studies confirm that students learn more, more equitably, when

consisted of twenty-one new faculty, five second-year faculty, and

taught by ACUE-credentialed educators.

four current faculty members teaching high-enrollment courses.

In partnership with ACUE last year, thirty full-time faculty members completed a nine-month long course entitled “Effective Teaching Practices” in which they used evidence-based teaching

This year, thirty faculty have enrolled in and are projected to complete the course by May 2021.



NEW DEGREES ADDED IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

By Rebecca Goates, Senior, Integrated Studies Major, Dance and English Areas of Emphasis, Honors Program The Engineering Department has expanded its degree

junior courses in Fall 2021, and senior courses in Fall 2022. The

offerings with the addition of two new Bachelor’s degrees:

first cohort of students is scheduled to graduate in Spring 2023.

Electrical Engineering (EE) and Computer Engineering (CE). The

The Engineering Department will be moving into the

EE program builds upon the department’s mechatronics-focused

new Science, Engineering & Technology building in Summer

Mechanical Engineering program by providing coursework in

2021. The approximately 124,000 square-foot building sports

power systems, electromagnetics, and semiconductor devices.

6 engineering labs located on the 1st, 2nd, and 5th floors. The

The CE program additionally brings embedded systems and

labs will provide space for students to work on design projects

machine learning training to the table. While EE is more hardware

and experience engineering through applied learning. With the

oriented, CE is best described as a cross between EE and computer

recently announced polytechnic direction of the university, DSU

science because the focus is equal parts on hardware and software.

is focused on building high-quality STEM programs. Students

Both programs provide students with a plethora of hands-on

looking for an engineering education filled with industry-relevant

learning experiences in the form of lab training, design projects,

training, research opportunities, lab courses, and design projects

and research opportunities. The courses in the programs are

should check out the DSU Engineering Department.

being phased in starting with sophomore courses in Fall 2020,

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DSU’S ELEMENTARY EDUCATION PROGRAM GAINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION

By Samantha Roybal, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis, Photography Minor Dixie State University’s Elementary Education program has again been named one of the top programs in the nation for its early reading instruction. DSU first gained an A+ ranking from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) in 2016, and the program continues to be recognized on a national level. Dr. Angela Child, Associate Professor in the College of Education, says, “This recognition means a great deal to our small program.

I feel very excited that we can do things that are being recognized alongside much larger and more well-known universities across the nation.”

This bachelor’s degree teacher preparation program provides certification to teach in grades K–6 and an ESL endorsement.

Students are typically a part of the program for two years. The curriculum provides a very hands-on experience for the students, as they are able to observe and practice teaching methods within Washington County School District classrooms. This hands-on experience prepares them for student teaching during their last semester. Student teaching presents an especially useful opportunity because students get to teach for the majority of the day.

Research-based instructional strategies are notably the main reason DSU achieved national recognition. Some of the

practices taught to the students include comprehension strategy instruction, explicit phonics instruction, meaningful vocabulary instruction, metacognition, and text-based component instruction.

Reading components are a primary area of focus for the students.

Students learn what reading components are and how to teach them effectively. Comprehension and writing, early literacy foundations, fluency, phonics and phonemic awareness, and vocabulary are all significant reading components included within the program.

The teaching of Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multiple Systems of Support (MTSS) are other vital elements within the program. Dr. Child explains, “I make sure to include these in my literacy course and provide a broad understanding of what those structures are, and how to run them within [a] school or classroom to improve student learning.” RTI and MTSS are both processes used by educators to support and help students so that they may succeed. It is these methods, along with the other practicum-based strategies, that has allowed DSU to become one of the only 15 undergraduate elementary education programs to receive a recognition of this caliber.

NCTQ is committed to ensuring there are education programs available that offer quality methods and results. They have declared only 27% of early education programs worthy of an A+ ranking. DSU’s program is one of them and is a part of the daily battle against illiteracy. The effective curriculum, hands-on experiences, and mentorship from experienced educators has aided DSU in creating qualified teachers that have received the proper education necessary to succeed. Dr. Brenda Sabey, Dean of the College of Education, says, “The efforts of the Department of Education are evident in the high completion and high placement rates of our graduates. Principals want our graduates in their schools.” DSU is making such a significant difference within the world of elementary education and early reading instruction. This recognition acknowledges all of the hard work of the elementary education department, and it is an exceptional honor to all those that have been dedicated to improving the program.

Academic Report 2020

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| Dixie State University

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FOUR GRADUATE DEGREES NOW AVAILABLE AT DSU

By Rebecca Goates, Senior, Integrated Studies Major, Dance and English Areas of Emphasis, Honors Program Dixie State University offers four graduate programs: Master of Athletic Training, Master of Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Accountancy, and Master of Technical Writing & Digital Rhetoric.

This is the inaugural year of the Athletic Training Master's program, which is a six-semester, two-year program that prepares students for a board of certification exam and licensure as athletic trainers. Using the cohort model, this program accepts up to 20 students a year and begins in the summer term. Currently working toward accreditation, this program has two faculty, Dr. Peter Neibert, (Program Director) and Dr. Dillon Hyland, a 1,300 square-foot lab, and support from DSU President Richard B. Williams, who is an athletic trainer himself. Employment of

marriage and family therapist, for clinical membership with the

athletic trainers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029,

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and to

much faster than the average for all occupations. Athletic trainers

take the national licensing exam. DSU is currently working toward

are hired in traditional and non traditional areas such as Delta

seeking accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for

Airlines, the military, Cirque du Soleil, and physicians’ practices

Marriage and Family Therapy Education.

to help prevent, assess, and treat injuries.

DSU’s Master of Accountancy Program, the first graduate

The DSU Marriage and Family Therapy program was designed

program offered at DSU, was created to provide for industry

to prepare students for clinical careers in marriage and family

needs. The curriculum has been structured to prepare students

therapy. These degrees can be applied in various positions

for the CPA exam and a career in accounting. Both CPA and

including working in private practice, clinics, behavioral health,

CMA certifications are offered through this program. Career

or other mental health settings. Students will be prepared with the

opportunities range from public accounting and academia to

basic academic and clinical practice for Utah state licensure as a

financial analyst and CFO. Another goal of the program is to develop a differentiation in the market and help fill job needs locally. The course work is designed to give students conceptual, technical, analytical, and communications skills required for working in the accounting and tax professions. Students are also encouraged to enhance their understanding of available careers and to implement their knowledge with moral reasoning, confidentiality, and integrity.

The Technical Writing & Digital Rhetoric (TWDR) Master of Arts program is in its second year and will see its first graduates in May 2021. TWDR faculty are dedicated to offering students a humanistic approach to communicating effectively in technical

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and digital spaces. The strength of the program is its flexibility.

Students adapt the curriculum to their personal interests and goals and work on extended projects across courses. Furthermore, students can complete the program on campus or remotely. The TWDR Coordinator Dr. Joy McMurrin says, “We have an amazing group of diverse students, which makes thinking through the theories and questions of our field particularly interesting. If they all had similar talents and goals, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to approach problems from different perspectives.” In addition to the coursework, students have taught composition courses, delivered conference presentations, started successful internships, made substantial changes in their workplaces, and moved into better positions of employment. Dr. McMurrin says, “We could not be more pleased with all our students have achieved. And they’re just getting started.”

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Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

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DSU5: Digital Humanities of Utah’s Fifth Symposium

By Taylor Connor, Junior, English Major, Literary Studies Emphasis, Creative Writing Minor This year Dixie State University hosted the Digital Humanities

I think for Dixie State the viable goal is to say: Let’s continue to

of Utah’s Fifth Symposium (DHU5). Dr. Randy Jasmine, Professor

support students and faculty.” DHU serves to advance the state

of English, had the fortune to act as the principal organizer for

and DSU’s interest in the subject. Dr. Jasmine says, “It’s a great

the conference of student and faculty presentations in February

emerging field and the more that get to know about it, the more

before the COVID-19 nationwide shutdowns. Dr. Jasmine defines

I think people are going to enjoy it.” Dr. Jasmine encourages

Digital Humanities as “the intersection of what we traditionally

students to participate in next year’s DHU6 which will be hosted

considered humanities with technology.” Digital Humanities

remotely by BYU.

is the combination of two different fields of study to create



something unique to our place in history. Digital Humanities takes advantage of databases and programs to enhance the study of art and literature.

As usual in times of technological progress, traditionalists oppose such change in moving away from what is familiar. In the wave of expanding sciences, even the arts are swept into the digital world. Dr. Jasmine reports that in promoting Digital Humanities, “You also have to show people the value. It’s not giving up what we’ve always considered important in humanities: it’s complementing the work we’ve been doing.”

For the future of DHU, Dr. Jasmine thinks it’s “far out to think we can have a program in Digital Humanities like other schools.

DSU’S MUSIC DEPARTMENT GETS CREATIVE TO KEEP THEIR STUDENTS SAFE

By Shay Durrant, Senior, English Major, Literary Studies Emphasis, Psychology Minor The music department has had to adjust rapidly to a

masks with a hole to insert their mouth piece. Other instruments,

pandemic-plagued world. Dr. Paul Abegg, Director of Strings

such as trombones and trumpets, use bell covers to block air

and Director of Orchestras, Dr. Bryant Smith, Director of Bands,

particles from escaping. The symphonic band has split into two

and Dr. Roger Hale, Director of Choral Activities, have changed

groups for practice. They are on alternating days to keep everyone

how performances and how practices are conducted.

socially distanced. “It is a real chess game,” Dr. Smith states.

For instance, the orchestra hosted their first concert outside.

Dr. Hale explains that the choir pre-records their performances,

Their musicians keep socially distanced during practices by

then they go outside to lip sync to their recording. After that,

standing on spots marked with tape on the floor. Further,

Dr. Hale edits the video to have the lip synching match up with

Dr. Smith states, the department moved to completely

the recording.

live-stream performances.

All of the music department’s performances are available on

The members of the symphonic band also have new equipment

their Facebook page. The DSU musicians have had to get creative,

for practices and performances. Dr. Smith explained that the wind

but through technology, the music department has been able

instruments are the biggest concern. The musicians play the wind

to continue to bring the joy of music to the community during

instruments with bags placed over them. They also have special

these hard times.

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HANDS-ON LEARNING IN THE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS LABORATORIES

By Brooke Garceau, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis At DSU’s new Human Performance Center, students and

record athletes in motion and measure the direction and force of

professors are engaging in hands-on learning and gaining valuable

energy they exert. There is even a batting cage for baseball and

skills in the exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories.

softball research.

In describing the work they do there, Dr. Travis Ficklin

Students use lab computers to design, record, and analyze

says, “We study human movement with a focus on athletic

their own research studies to improve athlete performance. They

performance.” Both labs are set up with classroom space for

might find the perfect angle for a golf swing or change the shoes

teaching and learning the principles of exercise physiology and

a basketball player wears.

biomechanics. And, most importantly, they contain equipment to test and experience those principles.

As students conduct research and gain experience with the labs’ specialized equipment, they are preparing for graduate

In the exercise physiology lab, students use equipment like a

school and careers in medicine and exercise science. Dr. Ficklin

VO2 max machine that measures maximum oxygen intake during

says this hands-on experience is crucial. He goes on to say that

increasingly difficult exercise and a DEXA that scans a person’s

“active learning, active life is our way of doing things here, and

entire body to determine body composition. In the biomechanics

the labs are an embodiment of that approach to learning.”

lab, students use a system of cameras and force platforms that

Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

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ATWOOD INNOVATION PLAZA: Resources and Relationships Lead to Entrepreneurial Success

By Brooke Garceau, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis Atwood Innovation Plaza, the hub of entrepreneurship at

The opportunities at Atwood Innovation Plaza only continue.

DSU, is home to resources that transform ideas into businesses.

Students can apply for internships in every area of the plaza. Mr.

The director of the plaza, Colby Jenkins, says, “Our main

Jenkins says, “We don’t want to be a home just for STEM students.

goal is to support ideas, any and all ideas from students and

Everyone has expertise that we could use here.” Interns work

community members.”

in the Makerspace, the Business Resource Center, and, often,

On the plaza’s website, innovation.dixie.edu, potential

with startups connected to the plaza. Mr. Jenkins says, “Our

inventors and entrepreneurs can learn about and reserve time

goal is for an intern to gain employment.” And, he reports, they

to use plaza resources. One of the first things they’ll see on the site

are reaching that goal as companies incubated at the plaza are

is the slogan “Innovate. Launch. Grow.”— a perfect description

beginning to hire interns.

of the entrepreneurial journey.

Students begin at Innovation Guidance and Solutions with Dr. Wayne Provost. Together they research their ideas to prove

Just as interns find opportunities through relationships with potential employers, student entrepreneurs find success through relationships with mentors at the plaza.

originality and feasibility. In the state-of-the-art Makerspace,

In one such case, Dr. Provost teamed up with Jeff Stewart,

students use tools like 3D printers, wood-working and welding

the late Lindsay Atwood, and other community members to

equipment, and a sewing and embroidery machine to create

teach and mentor a class of eleven students as they built the

prototypes. The on-staff business attorney then helps inventors

startup 3XGreen. Dr. Provost and Mr. Stewart donated their

apply for protections like patents and trademarks.

patent for the solar-wind turbine they invented so students could

From there, students can apply for the chance to receive

use it to gain experience with the process of entrepreneurship.

mentorship and funding from investors for their new business

The turbine they created now provides power to the city of St.

through the Startup Incubator program. In the Business

George through a partnership with Dixie Power, and one of the

Resource Center, students find further mentorship to start and

eleven students, Wyatt Anderson, currently serves as operations

manage their businesses, marketing support, and workspace to

manager of 3XGreen.

facilitate growth.

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active learning. active life.

Another growing student business, Fill Drinks, started with

Student inventor Hunter Manz agrees. He says, “We have the

help from mentors at Innovation Plaza. The business offers an

best collection of people. You’ll find the people who can get you

unlimited soda subscription to DSU students for $19.99/month.

anything you need to help your business grow.”

The Fill Drinks machine located at DSU’s Brooks’ Stop scans the

Manz and his partner, Zack Manweiler, created Eden

RFID chip in each subscriber’s reusable bottle before dispensing.

Technologies Inc. and its energy and cost-effective water

Devon Dickson, co-founder of Fill Drinks, says he and his

desalination system. Their goal is to end water scarcity.

partners used all of the plaza’s offered resources to build their

International and domestic corporations have expressed interest

business. “We’ve taken full advantage,” he says. One of his

in becoming their customers once prototype testing is complete.

co-founders, Stuart Baker, says this: “People are really the main

Manz says that “you get everything you need to have a successful

resource here, just all of the wonderful people here who are willing

startup” at Innovation Plaza.

to share their knowledge and expertise with you.”



Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

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STAN F OR D & JO HNS HOP KINS SUM M ER R ESEAR C H I NTERNSHIP REP O RT

2014

10

3–6

10

Program established

by Lincoln Nadauld, director of Precision Genomics at Intermountain Healthcare

students selected from a pool of applicants for an interview with DSU and Intermountain this year

students selected of those interviewed for the Stanford internship

week summer research internship at Stanford & Johns Hopkins for juniorand senior-level DSU students

2 0 2 0 STAN F OR D & JOHNS HOP KINS INTERNS COLTON ROSENDAHL

Intermountain—Precision Genomics

Intermountain—Precision Genomics

SPENCER THATCHER

HANA-JOY HANKS

JONATHAN TUSCANO

During my internship at Intermountain—Precision Genomics, I learned the importance of the process that takes place before getting into the lab-literature review. I learned significant strategies used to find reliable academic journal articles and how to interpret what was written.

Because of this, I was able to comprehend hundreds of papers and produce a white paper about atrial fibrillation.

The unique challenges associated with the 2020 internship required me to be both resourceful and creative.

Working with Precision Genomics and their life changing research required me to improve my weakest academic skills and strengthen my aptitude for scientific reading. This summer has given me the best experience on the foundations where all research projects begin.

The summer internship with Johns Hopkins University was life changing! I was able to build confidence in my laboratory skills, create meaningful relationships with my mentors, as well as gain a glimpse of what life would be like as a medical researcher.

This experience shows me how to apply the science that I learned at Dixie State to a project that could potentially help future patients, and has made me more excited to pursue research as a physician-scientist.

My experience with Johns Hopkins allowed me to obtain firsthand experience in an increasingly relevant, hot area of research: nanomedicine for precision drug delivery.

Working with and getting to know world class doctors and scientists has increased my confidence to pursue an MD/PhD program. What I learned this summer will undoubtedly benefit my patients as a physician and my reasoning and laboratory skills as a scientist.

Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins

Due to COVID-19, 2020 Stanford interns participated in research with Intermountain—Precision Genomics instead of Stanford and 2020 Johns Hopkins Interns engaged in their research at DSU while receiving daily guidance and support from Johns Hopkins’ faculty via Zoom.

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active learning. active life.

DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY GRANTS DEPARTMENT

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

FUNDING AGENCY

TITLE

AWARD

Academic Affairs

Dr. Nancy Hauck

Utah State Board of Education

19LDSP Perkins Regional Consortium-LDSP

$100,000.000

Academic Affairs

Dr. Nancy Hauck

Utah State Board of Education

20FLEA Perkins Formula 2020

$274,701.00

Arts

Dr. Nancy Allred

St. George Arts Commission Non-RAP Organization

Castle Rock Music Camp

$6,680.00

Arts

Dr. Robert Matheson

Utah Department of Heritage & Arts

Dixie State University Bass Festival

$525.00

Arts

Ginger Nelson

St. George RAP Tax

Celebrity Concert Series

$25,000.00

Arts

Kathy Cieslewicz

State of Utah

Sears Art Museum

$17,500.00

Arts

Phil Tuckett

Utah Department of Heritage & Arts

DocUtah

$5,000.00

Atwood/Business

Colby Jenkins/ Dr. Kyle Wells

EDA

EDA-UC

$143,000.00

Atwood/Business

Colby Jenkins/ Dr. Kyle Wells

GOED

BRC

$35,287.00

Atwood/Business

Colby Jenkins/ Dr. Kyle Wells

GOED

PTAC

$5,000.00

Education

Dr. Jeri Crosby

Utah State Board of Education

Beverley Taylor Sorenson Elem Arts

$50,000.00

Health Sciences

Brenda Armstrong

Utah Department of Health

Dental Hygiene Program

$88,935.00

Humanities & Social Dr. Jeremy Young/ Dr. Tasha Toy Sciences

Census Day Completion Party for Dixie State University Students Leo Alva Snow Papers Oversize Materials Project

State of Utah

Library

Kathleen Broeder

Utah State Archives

SET

Dr. Andrew Christensen

NASA

NASA GUVI Project

$18,000.00

SET

Dr. Erin O'Brien

National Park Service

Outdoor Leadership

$64,762.00

SET

Dr. Erin O'Brien

National Park Service

Outdoor Leadership

$63,544.00

SET

Dr. Russell Reid

NSF Subcontract through University of North Texas

High Surface Area Reverse Electrowetting Mechanoelectrical Transduction

$10,535.00

SET

Dr. Samuel Tobler

University of Utah

NASA Space Grant Consortium

$12,000.00

SET

Jessica Davis

Office of the Commissioner of Higher Educa-tion (OCHE)

CE QL Earned Credit Award

$108,325.00

SET

Jessica Davis

Utah Department of Heritage & Arts

Dixie PREP

$2,500.00

Student Affairs

Craig Harter

Department of Education

TRIO Upward Bound

$360,861.00

Student Affairs

Jonathan Morrell

Department of Education

TRIO-Student Support Services

$355,733.00

Student Affairs

Kitty Hughes

Department of Education

TRIO Talent Search

$422,193.00

Academic Report 2020

$2,500.00 $1,777.00

| Dixie State University

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

DR. SUSAN HART: Uniting DSU and Special Olympics

By Denali Lathrop, Senior, English Major, Creative Writing Emphasis Dr. Susan Hart, Department Chair for Exercise Science, has

Divisioning takes place prior to competition. The Special

actively helped DSU host Special Olympics since 2018. Events

Olympics website explains that each athlete is given a skills

of the Utah Special Olympics Southern Region that have taken

assessment, which places athletes of similar abilities and skill

place at Dixie include basketball, bocce ball, swimming, and

sets into the same division. This ensures fairness and allows for

track and field. Dr. Hart says that each event includes “about

an equal chance at success.

150 Special Olympic athletes, with at least as many volunteers, and spectators.”

The DSU HOD also has some unified teams in the Southern Region basketball tournaments. A unified team consists of Special

Everyone who helps with the Special Olympics at DSU is

Olympic athletes playing side by side with DSU students. The

a volunteer. Volunteers may be DSU faculty, staff, students, or

teams train and play together. Dr. Hart says this results in “a better

community members. “In order to host major events,” Dr. Hart

understanding and appreciation of each other.”

says, “gym reservations and volunteer recruitment begin several months in advance of the event.”

The Special Olympics Southern Region Basketball Tournament was the last Special Olympics event on campus, taking place on

DSU is recognized as a Head of Delegation (HOD) for Special

February 1, 2020. Dr. Hart says that we “hope to continue to grow

Olympics. This means that volunteers have created teams that

our delegation, serving as many athletes as possible within the

participate in a variety of sports throughout the state. Prior to the

Southern Utah region.” The DSU delegation has been invited to

forming of these teams, many individuals did not have teams and

participate in a snowshoeing event in Northern Utah. Dr. Hart

therefore were not able to participate in Special Olympic events.

hopes that we will “have athletes participate in this event as well

Leaders of the DSU HOD are responsible for team development,

as other events across the state.”

including divisioning, recruitment, and competition preparation.

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

DR. ERIN O'BRIEN: Discover Amazing Places with the Outdoor Leadership Academy

By Jessica Lounsbury, Junior, English Major, Secondary Education Emphasis

Don’t let life idly pass by; grab it by the reins and explore courageously. Since the pandemic hit, many increasingly realized

the community. OLA is taking students out of the classroom and exposing them to a wealth of knowledge.

the benefits of being outside. The Outdoor Leadership Academy

The opportunities OLA provides take a great deal of time

(OLA) at Dixie State University acknowledges the need for

and preparation largely done behind the scenes. Additionally,

wilderness exploration; therefore, the university provides trips

OLA is flourishing because of funding from the National Park

for students of every skill level to enjoy and become comfortable

Service, DSU’s dedicated team, and the different agencies that

in the unbounded natural world.

contribute to the trips. Participation is covered by the grants,

The impact OLA has made is vast. Professor of Biology and

including transportation, gear, food/water, safety instructors,

Director of Community Engaged Learning Dr. Erin O’Brien

and funding student trips. Dr. O’Brien emphasizes, “Really, the

indicates the program has had influential interactions with

only obligation that you’re under is to show up when you sign

thousands of students in the five years it has been operating,

up for a trip.” OLA takes care of everything in between, trying to

exposing participants “to a variety of incredible experiences

make it as easy as possible for students to attend these outings.

and activities." OLA typically has two overnight trips and many

The pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, but

day outings every semester; some activities include camping,

OLA is still here to help students explore. Dr. O’Brien notes that

kayaking, rafting, and backpacking.

organizers are getting creative so they can still “get people outside

The target population OLA focuses on is underrepresented

while this is still going on but doing so safely.” Also, she mentions

youth such as racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals,

the five-year agreement that was recently reinstated with Grand

students with disabilities, and those who come from a low

Canyon Parashant will keep OLA going, and she’s excited for this

socioeconomic background with an emphasis on individuals who

as organizers are already planning phenomenal trips.

are 35 or younger. Dr. O’Brien mentions that sometimes students

Any student who wants to get outside and learn, Dr. O’Brien

feel hesitant to sign up, but once they do, every individual wants

states, should “sign up for one of our trips or one of our hikes. It’s

to return.

the easiest way to start...and we live in one of the most amazing

Students that participate in OLA’s trips are not only enjoying nature but also changing their whole outlook. Dr. O’Brien has

places to get outside.”



observed the sort of natural phenomenon that has risen as students absorb these experiences. Students have frequently told her that their participation in OLA made it so they’ve stayed in school, and many have found their majors or career opportunities.

Additionally, the high school students the program serves have felt inspired to attend college because of what Dr. O’Brien calls “the humanizing experience of being in public land/nature with college professors and realizing it’s not so scary.”

OLA is instilling lifelong learning and showing students the advantage of getting outside and out of one’s self. The program’s frequent service projects and outdoor ethics contribute to bettering

Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

DR. ALLYSON HAMILTON - American Sign Language and the Nursery Rhyme Project

By Brooke Garceau, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many of us felt like “all

Dr. Hamilton explains that the nursery rhyme interpretations

the king’s horses and all the king’s men” trying desperately to

had to be revised several times because traditional English nursery

put Humpty Dumpty back together again. Unlike the king’s

rhymes contain Old English and “nonsense words and phrases.”

horses and men, however, the American Sign Language (ASL)

The interns had to find a way to communicate the same feeling

professors and students at DSU overcame their new challenges.

of whimsy through ASL. Dr. Hamilton further explains that they

They collaborated with the Utah School for the Deaf to fulfill

changed some of the rhymes to feel more age-appropriate for

a graduation requirement and helped deaf children and their

their young audience: “We just tried to make some of the more

parents in the process.

horrifying ones a little silly so they would have more intrigue

At DSU, the ASL program is growing. Students can earn a

for the kids, a little more accessibility.”

bachelor’s degree in individualized studies with an emphasis in

That accessibility extends beyond the words of these rhymes

ASL. Dr. Allyson Hamilton, who is integral to the program, says

into the culture of childhood. Dr. Hamilton says that “deaf kids

she hopes DSU will soon be able to offer a full bachelor’s degree

deserve to have the same experiences as hearing kids.” The project

in American Sign Language.

will also give these kids a greater ability to communicate with their

In the current program, students are required to complete a

parents. Stoneking says that she “realized that this was just the

90-hour internship to prepare for graduation. Students spend

beginning for some parents in learning their child’s language.”

half of this internship observing a certified ASL interpreter. And,

In addition to strengthening parent-child relationships, this

under supervision, students fulfill the other half of the internship

project allowed the interns to strengthen their interpreting,

requirement by doing the interpreting themselves.

signing, researching, and collaborating skills. These ASL interns,

Because of the restrictions and caution associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, interns Chauney Nielson, Sadie Stoneking, and Amber Jeppson could not fulfill the 45-hour interpreting requirement in the traditional way. Collaborating with Dr. Hamilton and the Utah School for the Deaf, the interns completed their interpreting requirement by creating 29 ASL nursery rhyme videos for deaf students and their parents.

Jeppson describes the process this way: “I selected ten nursery rhymes from a list and spent a couple of days researching them, discussing ideas with my peers, glossing [translating] each rhyme, and practicing. I filmed practice videos, which I shared and reviewed with Dr. Hamilton. Together we brainstormed more visually involved and conceptually accurate improvements to my interpretations.” The other interns followed the same pattern.

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like the much younger deaf students, can now engage their worlds with greater competency and confidence.



CRYPTOGRAPHY AND QUANTUM COMPUTING AT DSU

By Rebecca Goates, Senior, Integrated Studies Major, Dance and English Areas of Emphasis, Honors Program Cryptography lies at the intersection of mathematics and computer science and deals with creating, implementing, and

use of quantum computing tools published by IBM, Microsoft, and others.

breaking the ciphers that keep our data safe. Students studying

Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Hicks proposed and developed two new

cryptography learn to apply advanced topics learned in upper-

cryptography certificates based on recommended knowledge

division mathematics and computer science classes to critical

units published by the National Security Agency (NSA). The NSA

real-world applications. Cryptography is a primary application

is the largest employer of math majors in the country. Students

for many of the topics students learn in both mathematics

completing these certificates will be better prepared for both

and computer science classes. This field of study is exciting,

governmental and industrial opportunities in cryptography.

approachable, and feels more like creating and solving intricate

Students interested in completing graduate work in this area

puzzles than studying mathematics.

will find that many researchers in academia build their entire

A student-driven push to bring opportunities to learn and

careers around the study of cryptography.

apply quantum computing to DSU has led to the formation of

These two certificates give students an early introduction to

a small (and growing) group of students and faculty exploring

one of the most exciting and relevant applications of mathematics.

the radically different ways of thinking required to create and

They include several new courses, such as a lower-division survey

develop quantum computing algorithms. Dr. Jesse Hicks and Dr.

course in cryptography and two cutting-edge upper-division

McKay Sullivan are assisting this student group to take an active-

courses in cryptography and quantum computing. Quantum

learning, exploratory approach focused on the understanding and

computers continually move toward disrupting the cybersecurity industry in a big way. Quantum computing algorithms already exist to break most of the cryptosystems currently in wide use once a large enough quantum computer is successfully built. In DSU’s unique upper-division Quantum Computing and Cryptography course, students learn and apply quantum algorithms on real quantum computers as well as investigate some of the current candidates for post-quantum cryptosystems.

Mr. Jameson Hardy assisted Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Hicks to develop CryptoCamp, a camp that provides middle and high school students with unique opportunities to explore cryptography through fun, hands-on activities. The students work in groups to encode cryptosystems and learn to use attack algorithms to break them in a hands-on setting. This camp fosters student excitement for cryptography, math, and computer science and showcases the exciting opportunities available at DSU for the brightest future Trailblazers.

Academic Report 2020



| Dixie State University

33

FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

LORA KLEIN: From Stay-at-Home Mom of Six to Computer Science Instructor

By Autumn Nuzman, Senior, English Major, Creating Writing Emphasis, Sociology Minor Computer science instructor Lora Klein had quite the journey on her way to where she is now.

“I used early mornings, late nights, middle of the nights, nap times, travel time, waiting in line times, [and more] to try

Klein married her husband one year after graduating from

and study,” Klein says. “There were some nights that I started

Hurricane High School, and they had the first two of their six

doing homework at 10:30 p.m., and I was still up working on

children within two years after that. Her husband started his

assignments when my kids got up for school the next morning.”

own cabinet business and ended up with a large workshop in St.

Klein went on to work remotely as a software developer for

George and a warehouse in Las Vegas. Then the Great Recession

Musicbed, thanks to contacts she made at DSU she never missed a

of 2008 hit hard.

day of class, maintained a 4.0 GPA, got selected as the CIT Student

Soon after the birth of their sixth child, Klein and her husband

of the Year, and received the Dixie 11 Award.

lost everything and had to downsize to a rental with a single

Klein says she decided to teach at DSU because the professors

bathroom and three broken windows. Her husband had to start

in the Computing and Design Department are phenomenal, she

over and started working as a cabinet installer.

wants to help students gain the same confidence she did, and she

“I felt helpless,” Klein says. “I had no degree or experience, and

wants to inspire diversity in a male-dominated field.

with three preschool-aged children, daycare would have cost more

“DSU is a fantastic institution,” Klein says. “I am excited for

than any money I would make. I decided to explore educational

all the new growth and changes that have been happening on

options and was surprised to find that nearly all of the classes I

campus and that are continuing to happen.”

needed to earn my associate degree could be completed online.

Although completely overwhelmed and intimidated, I decided to set two goals for myself: Earn an associate degree and learn a skill that would allow me to work from home.”

Klein originally attended DSU as an English major with an emphasis in professional and technical writing because she figured she’d be able to work from home in that field, but after taking a couple of digital design courses, she switched her major to visual technology and did freelance design work for family and friends. She may have ended her educational journey as a graphic designer if she hadn’t taken an introductory web course during the last semester of her associate degree.

“It was fascinating,” Klein says. “I could take all of my graphic designs and make them come to life online with buttons, galleries, hover effects, and animations! My professor promised even greater power to manipulate elements, and the potential for a higher salary, if I learned some programming skills. My interest piqued, and I accepted the challenge.”

Klein says her biggest challenges were securing time to study and finding someone to watch her kids while she was on campus.

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active learning. active life.



INSTITUTE OF POLITICS: Vince Brown

By Yasel Avalos, Junior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis, Spanish Minor The Institute of Politics & Public Affairs (IOP) first started

A current project that the IOP is working toward is making

as a student organization which later, under the leadership of

civic engagement a tangible element of campus and community

Director Vince Brown, transitioned to being housed in the College

life that prepares students for responsible citizenship. The IOP’s

of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHaSS). This strengthened the

mission is to ignite passion, appreciation, and respect for politics

IOP’s goal of becoming a world-class institution.

and public service for DSU students and the community. With all

DSU’s IOP has also partnered with the Hinckley Institute of Politics in Salt Lake City, an already established institute of more than 50 years. Brown has worked tirelessly with the support of

that the IOP has accomplished, the Institute is truly on the road to reaching that goal.



his student staff to bring awareness and education to DSU’s students, faculty and staff, and community. Recently, the IOP has brought awareness and education about voting to ensure those in our community register and exercise their right to vote.

To educate students, faculty, and community members, the IOP has held various forums including the recurring Pizza & Politics series with high-profile guests and speakers, including, but not limited to, the following: a mask-wearing mandate discussion with staff from DSU, which explained the science and policy behind mask-wearing mandates, an event on the Black Lives Matter movement with community leaders, faculty and students, an event on policing and police reform with police from DSU, St. George, and a representative from the City Council. Vince Brown believes that “[These] events have gone a long way to educating the community.”

The IOP has also created forums for Southern Utah’s political candidates who have included Congressman Chris Stewart and challengers Kael Weston and Rob Latham. Not only has the IOP served as a political information machine, but as a student guide.

The IOP has guided several students to submit resumes in order to become interns for state legislative, congressional, interest group, and campaign offices, many of whom have been placed.

Students certainly have been given a career boost through the opportunities facilitated by the IOP.

Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

BRIANNA MCFADDEN: Observing a Decade of Change at DSU

By Autumn Nuzman, Senior, English Major, Creative Writing Emphasis, Sociology Minor Sergeant Brianna McFadden is earning a master’s degree at

McFadden has enjoyed the ability to attend class through

Dixie State University, but she first attended the institution over

Zoom since she struggles with traditional online courses because

a decade ago when it was still a state college.

of their strict due date structure and lack of social interaction.

In ninth grade, McFadden was told about the SUCCESS

“It’s amazing that the university environment has advanced

Academy program, but she was not chosen through the lottery

to the point that a student such as myself can attend class from

enrollment system, so her Educational Talent Search advisor

halfway across the country and fully participate with the rest

suggested concurrent enrollment at Dixie State College.

of my classmates,” McFadden says.

“Most semesters, I took five courses at DSC and three at

Since coming back to DSU, McFadden has enjoyed adjusting

the high school,” McFadden says. “That’s what allowed me

to higher-level classes, shifting her study focus from science to

to graduate from DSC with my associate of science degree the

English, and working full time while attending class.

same year I graduated from Dixie High School.”

After graduating from DSC, McFadden attended Southern Utah University and graduated with a bachelor’s in criminal justice with an emphasis in forensic science and a minor in biology.

“Thanks to concurrent enrollment [at DSC], I graduated with my bachelor’s degree earlier than I otherwise would have,” McFadden says.

“I’ve been enjoying the challenge of coming back to school,” McFadden says. “It’s quite different from undergrad, for a variety of reasons.”

Another difference is that she’s attending DSU at the same time as her mother, undergrad senior English major Mary McFadden.

“The most interesting thing about attending school at the same time as my mother is that we are both first-generation

McFadden then joined the Army National Guard and received

students, as neither of us had parents with degrees,” Brianna

an Associate of Applied Science in Intelligence Operations

McFadden says. “Another fun aspect of attending school at the

Studies, afterward attending the Defense Language Institute

same time as her is that my professors will mention her from time

and earning an Associate of Arts in Chinese. She graduated at

to time because we have a lot of crossover with our instructors

the top of her class.

since she is also an English major. She’s well respected by her

“Learning a new language as an adult provided me the type of challenge I thrive on, and I feel more secure in hearing and processing any information first hand rather than through an

instructors, and I’m proud of her.”

Brianna has seen a decade’s worth of evolution from DSU. “DSU has progressed a lot since I first started attending in

interpreter,” McFadden says. “I also really enjoy Chinese dating

2009,” Brianna says.

shows. They’re way more interesting than English ones.”

“I’ve enjoyed getting

McFadden is currently earning a Master ’s in Technical

the chance to see

Writing & Digital Rhetoric at DSU while on mission in

its evolution from a

another state.

state college to a well-

“I’ve been working in the data analysis field for a while,

respected university.

which includes a lot of technical writing,” McFadden says. “I

I’m proud to have been

figured that I could increase my abilities within my field and

and to once again be a

also work toward having more career opportunities and making

Dixie State University

more money in the future.”

student.”

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dixie.edu | Student Spotlights



DEBBIE PETERSON: DSU Alumna Inspired to Learn

By Shay Durrant, Senior, English Major, Literary Studies Emphasis, Psychology Minor One day, Debbie Peterson, a future Dixie State alumna, picked

However, through this tough year, Peterson has kept a positive

up a magazine in the waiting room of a doctor’s office. She was a

attitude, and whenever she is in doubt, she reminds herself of

young mom, taking her child to get a check-up. In the magazine

that woman who obtained her doctorate in her sixties. Peterson

was an article about a woman who got her doctorate degree

says, “If she can go into the medical field, then I can do the

in her sixties and started practicing medicine later in life. The

PA program.”

woman in the magazine served as a huge inspiration to Peterson



throughout her life, motivating her to come back to college after having a twenty year dental hygiene career and raising a family.

“Transferring back to college after raising a family was hard,” Peterson explains. “I found that I couldn’t be there for all of the big events like when my daughter had a baby.”

However, her family rose to the occasion and filled in where Peterson couldn’t, so that she could pursue an education. Peterson graduated from DSU with a bachelor’s degree in individualized studies. Her focal points were dental hygiene, communications, and the sciences.

Peterson knew that her bachelor’s degree wasn’t the end of her education. She wanted to pursue a physician’s assistant degree.

“Most people at my age just want to be retired!” Peterson states.

Despite that, Peterson worked hard to fill out her applications and was accepted into the University of Utah’s PA program on a scholarship.

This year has been tough for Peterson. She isn’t able to connect with her classmates like she has been able to in the past. She also states that remote learning has been an adjustment.

Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

37

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

NOELLE WEST: Following Research Across the Country

By Denali Lathrop, Senior, English Major, Creative Writing Emphasis

Noelle West’s interest in mathematical research was piqued when she took an Ordinary Differential Equations class at Jackson College in Jackson, Michigan. The class led to her conducting some baseline research where she found Dr. Vinodh Chellamuthu’s dissertation in which he modeled the disease dynamics of an illness in frogs. West transferred to Dixie State in 2017 to work with Dr. Chellamuthu.

West’s research since arriving at Dixie included the implementation of a system of eighteen ordinary differential equations that all work together to simulate the disease dynamics of West Nile Virus (WNV). West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne illness that has spread worldwide via birds. This disease has resulted in infections and deaths. Previous models of the West Nile Virus and its transmission did not include passive immunity and vertical transmission. West defined passive immunity as “the passing of resistance to a disease from the recovered adult populous to their young.”

West was accepted to present her research on the West Nile Virus at Posters on the Hill 2020. Members of Congress and their staff members attend Posters on the Hill to learn about undergraduate research by talking with the undergraduate students personally. This event takes place at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and generally lasts two days. However, this year, due to COVID-19, the event took place virtually. Twitter was the mode of presentation. West uploaded four images and then replied to comments and questions. West says, “It was a bit tricky to reply to the questions and comments with Twitter’s character limit but I think it made it a bit of a challenge to try to get your point across with a character limit.” West also notes that because the presentations moved to digital format “a lot of people from my hometown were able to see and interact with my presentation when they would never have had the chance to before.”

West and Chellamuthu co-authored a report titled "Modeling

38

dixie.edu | Student Spotlights

the Effects of Passive Immunity in Birds for the Disease Dynamics of West Nile Virus." This report was published in the sixth volume of Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics.

West is now a first-year doctoral student at the University of North Texas. She is continuing her research in mathematics and is working toward a dissertation in representation theory. West says that she wants to be a professor and to “continue researching mathematics while also educating students and preparing them for their own goals and dreams.”



HOLLY BLAHA: Pursuing Excellence through Hardship

By Allison Furse, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis, Marketing Minor

Holly Blaha is a nontraditional student who returned to DSU

Even through all the adversity and hardship placed in her

in January of 2019. After deciding that nursing was not the path

path, Blaha remains enthusiastic and hopeful. She maintains

for her, but still wanting to pursue science and medicine, she

stellar grades in her classes and works toward her goal of

transferred to the College of the Arts in Spring 2020 and began

graduating from DSU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and going

taking both science and art classes. She was just getting into her

on to Johns Hopkins University to pursue a degree in Medical

element there when COVID-19 struck with a vengeance. The

Illustration, melding her love for both art and health sciences.

coronavirus pandemic created many difficulties for Blaha and

Blaha is a true example of the Dixie Spirit and is thriving, even

her family, as well as exacerbated some that they were already

in times of great uncertainty and struggle.

facing. Through it all, Blaha never failed to demonstrate her



commitment to her studies and her ability to make the best out of challenging situations.

When students were notified that in-person classes would not resume after spring break, Blaha was able to work with the faculty of the art department and retrieve her pieces and supplies from the building. She then created her own make-shift art studio on her kitchen table. She began figuring out how to complete her classes and further her craft in this new online setting while at the same time helping her 11-year-old daughter navigate the same difficulties in her own schooling. Blaha split her time between her schoolwork, homeschooling her daughter, and caring for her ailing mother.

Blaha continued into the summer, taking classes and preparing her application to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program here at Dixie.

She continued to adapt to the new style of learning and was able to step up and take the lead in one of her classes when the professor was sick and unable to teach for several weeks.

Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

39

FACULTY PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH 2019-2020 GALLO, SARA, Associate Professor of

SMITH, BRYANT W., Assistant Professor

Dance: Gallo, S. E. Dance improvisation–An

of Music/Director of Bands: Smith, B.

ever-evolving avenue for self-affirmation,

W., The Waves. Grand Circle New Music

Zion National Park; Eastwest Shin

Ensemble; Smith, B.W., Washington County

ALLRED, NANCY C., Professor of Music:

Somatics Zion Conference: Somatics

School District Honor Band; Smith, B. W.,

Allred, N. C., Piano Q&A, YouTube Series

in Phenomenology, Performance &

Beethoven’s Wind Music/Beethoven's

for piano technique and literature; Allred,

Leadership.

Fidelio Octet with DSU Students, Faculty,

COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

and Community Members; Smith, B. W.,

N. C., YouTube Channel for performances of classical and sacred music; Allred,

HALE, ROGER H., Associate Professor

Region 9 Jazz Festival Adjudication; Smith,

N. C., Beethoven Festival (performer),

of Music: Hale, R. H., Remote Guest

B. W., Region 9 Solo and Ensemble Festival

Eccles Concert Hall, DSU; Allred, N. C.,

Clinician for SingFonix Male Choral

Adjudication; Smith, B. W., St. George Jazz

Christmas Concert in the St. George

Ensemble; Hale, R. H., Clinician: Crimson

Festival Adjudication; Smith, B.W., Three

Tabernacle; Allred, N. C., Sterling Scholar

Cliffs High School Chamber choir; Hale,

Ideas for Saxophone and Piano with Grace

Auditions, Crimson Cliffs High School;

R. H., Clinician: Farmington High School

Palfreyman; Smith, B., Unsilent Night;

Allred, N. C., A step by step approach

Chamber Singers Workshop; Hale, R. H.,

Smith, B. W., DSU Conducting Symposium,

to teaching cross rhythms, UMTA State

Clinician: Pine View High School Chamber

Eccles Fine Arts Center.

Conference; Allred, N. C., From beginning

Singers Workshop; Hale, R. H., Clinician:

to end: Tips for more effective practice

Providence High School Choir; Hale, R.

STICH, ELIZABETH, Assistant Professor

and performance, Southern Utah Piano

H., Clinician: Roy High School, Crimson

of Dance: Hane, J. & E. Stich, The gift

Pedagogy Conference, DSU/SUU; Yu,

Cliffs High School Concert Choir; Hale, R.

of embracing risk: Responsibility as

K.-W., & Allred, N. C., When East meets

H., Clinician: Washington County School

practice in aerial dance, Journal of Dance

West: A guide to traditional Chinese Music,

District Honor Choir; Hale, R. H., Clinician:

Education.

Dixie Forum.

Herriman High School Chamber Singers Workshop; Hale, R. H., Clinician: Herriman

WEBB, GLENN D., Assistant Professor of

BLAKLEY, GLEN B., Professor of Art:

High School Chamber Singers Workshop;

Music: Webb, G. D., Extended techniques for

Blakley, G., Ceramics, Faculty Fall

Hale, R. H., Clinician: Pine View High School

vibraphone in George Crumb’s "Madrigals,

Showcase; Blakley, G. B., Ceramics: Lurking

Chamber Singers Workshop; Hale, R. H.,

Book 1" percussive notes; Webb, G. D., (Re)

in the shadow, Annual Halloween Art Show,

Topics in music education, Music Education

Creating Zion. DSU Symphony Orchestra;

St. George Art Museum; Blakley, G. B.,

Course at University of Pretoria, South

Webb, G. D., After the storm by Steve Ricks;

Telling asunder: Episode 1.

Africa.

Webb, G. D., Praise the lord with drums and

FRANCIS, TIMOTHY, Associate Professor

MARTINEZ, DENNIS J., Professor of Art:

drumming in culture and religion, Percussion

of Music: Francis, T. Jazz Christmas Concert,

Martinez, D. J., Arrangements: A survey

Studio Masterclass, BYU School of Music;

Rebel Jazz Band; Francis, T., Bohemia in

of Utah collage, 2017-2020.

Webb, G. D., Active learning session on

dance: The old testament advocates for

how to foster student learning, teaching,

the Desert Concert, Southwest Symphony Orchestra; Francis, T., Saint George City

RHODES, RHONDA L., Assistant Professor

learning, and student success conference,

Valentine Dance, Rebel Jazz Band; Francis,

of Music: Rhodes, R., Clinician - Guest

DSU.

T., Saint George Jazz Festival, Rebel Jazz

Conductor. San Juan County School

Band with Chuck Findley and Bob Reynolds;

District Jr. High Honor Band; Rhodes, R.,

WEBER, JENNIFER Y., Assistant Professor

Francis, T., Southwest Symphony Orchestra

& Giles, C.. Performance - Faculty Recital.

of Dance: Weber, J. Y., Another myself,

Hal lo we en Conc e r t: Superheroes ,

American College Dance Association

Southwest Symphony Orchestra.

Northwest Conference; Weber, J. Y.,

40

dixie.edu

|

active learning. active life.

Identifying intersections of identity as a tool to understand the complexity of the

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

CROSBY, JERI L., Instructor of the Practice in Educ & Elem Arts Endowed Chair:

dancing body. Advocating for Integrity in

Crosby, J. L., Pop! Goes the xylo, Utah

Ballet’s Education, Performance, Research,

Music Educators Association Statewide Conference, Dixie Center; Crosby, J.L.,

and Profession, Council of Organized

GUBLER, SHANDON DALE, Professor

Researchers of Pedagogical Studies

of Business Management: Gubler, S.D.,

Body bops and boogie buckets, Utah

(CORPS) de Ballet International.

Reverse mentoring, speed mentoring, and

Music Educators Association Statewide

micro-internships, DSU Women’s Resource

Conference, Dixie Center.

YU, KA-WAI, Assistant Professor of Music,

Center.

Cello: Yu, K.-W., Transcriptions for Voice

GALI, KARI A., Assistant Professor of

and Strings. St George Chamber Music

Education: Chellamuthu, V. K., DiSalvo,

Live; Yu, K.-W., World Premiere of JunYi

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

L. K., Wrede, T., & Gali, K. A. Learning

Chow’s Dance and Weep for solo cello,

innovation mini-grant research: How to

St George Chamber Music Live; Yu,

improve active learning in the classroom,

K.-W., An Afternoon of German Baroque

BARTHOLOMEW, GREG, Associate

Music; Yu, K.-W., Concerts with Southwest

Professor of Education: Bartholomew,

Symphony Orchestra; Yu, K.-W., Conductor

G.E., Mentor Teacher/university supervisor

of St. George Cello Ensemble; Yu, K.-W.,

compensation as a factor in successful

Soiree Musicale: Mykola Suk & Friends,

field experience opportunities, National

Celebrating Beethoven’s 250th Birthday,

Field Experience Conference, University

Chamber Music Society of Southern Utah;

of Northern Colorado.

CTL Lunch and Learn.

Yu, K.-W., World Premiere as Cello Soloist of Steven Ricks’ Re-Creating Zion, DSU

BRANDT, ADRIANA M., Associate

Symphony Orchestra; Yu, K.-W., Cello

Professor of Education: Brandt, A.,

Recital at the Hong Kong Economic and

Understanding the English side of dual

Trade Office; Yu, K.-W., DSU Cello Festival

language/bilingual immersion, TESOL

Final Concert, Festival Cello Ensemble and

International Convention and English

Ensemble Bravo; Yu, K.-W., Faculty Recital,

Language Expo, Atlanta.

DSU; Yu, K.-W., Grace Concert Series: Cosmopolitan Baroque; Yu, K.-W., Grand Circle New Music Concert; Yu, K.-W., On

BUCKNER, CARI L., Associate Professor of Family & Consumer Sciences, First

That Holy Night Concert, Cello; Yu, K.-W.,

graders in a multi-ability classroom: An

Soiree Musicale in Concert: Chamber Music

interpretive case study; Literature books for

by Beethoven, Mozart and Schumann,

young children, WCSD Special Education

Chamber Music Society of Southern Utah;

Preschool Teachers.

Yu, K.-W., World Premiere and Soloist at Fresno International Cello Festival Gala Concert; Yu, K.-W., Beethoven: Symphony

CHILD, ANGIE, Associate Professor of Education: Child, A. R. & Knight J. A.,

No. 7 (for Cello Octet) - Allegretto; Yu,

Teaching an effective phonics lesson,

K.-W., Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major

The New Mexico Journal of Reading, Vol.

(for Cello Quintet), among many other

XXXVIII.

performances.

Academic Report 2020 | Dixie State University

41

FACULTY PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH 2019-2020 curriculum use in English language arts

FAWNS, TRACY, Assistant Professor of

continued

and mathematics, American Educational

Nursing: Fawns, T. YouTube Channel: Nurse

Research Association, Orlando; Yang, X.

Tracy, https://www.youtube.com/channel/

HAUCK, NANCY E., Associate Provost for

and Pak, B., Pedagogical challenges of

UCSEWQngDmo4o_glU0sTYLtA/; Fawns,

Community & Global Engagement: Hauck,

immigrant minority teacher educators:

T., Hiker trash, Audible, https://www.

N. E., & Ortiz, E., Trailblazing connections:

A collaborative autoethnography study,

audible.com/; Fawns, T., Factors affecting

creating a sense of belonging in the first

Roundtable, American Educational

student success in Oregon associate

year, High Impact Practices in the Nation

Research Association, Orlando.

degree nursing programs, Western Institute

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION,

of Nursing Research, Portland.

Conference; Hauck, N. E., & Hill, J. Utah women’s leadership exchange: Exploring

ROSS, NANCY L., Assistant Professor of

potential barriers of career advancement

Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences: Ross,

FICKLIN, TRAVIS K., Associate Professor

in higher education, Utah Women’s

N. L., & Finnigan, J., The unexpected

of Exercise Science (Biomechanics):

Leadership Exchange, Utah System of

conversation: LDS garments, gender, and

Papadopoulos, P., Lund, R.J., Ficklin, T.K.,

Higher Education, Salt Lake City; Hauck,

belief, CHaSS Brown Bag Seminar, DSU;

& Reed, J.P., The role of rhythm step on pro-

N. E. Health and happiness in Washington

Finnigan, J. D., & Ross, N. L., Your religion

agility test performance in division I football

county, Utah, Washington County

is showing: Negotiation and personal

players, Research Quarterly for Exercise and

Commissioners, St George City Council,

experience in Mormon garments, religion,

Sport; Reber (Lewis), M., Del Toro, E., Lyman,

DSU University Council, Intermountain

attire, and adornment in North America,

H., Hargis, W., & Ficklin, T. Differences in

Healthcare Executive Council; Hauck, N.

Columbia UP.

anthropometric characteristics between

E., & Taylor, J., Live Long! Live Well! Utah

intermediate and high-level rock climbers,

State Board of Education, Utah Science

DSU Regional Research Symposium; COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Standards, K-2 Grades.

Clingman, J., Lindsley, K., Richardson, S., Del Toro, E., Bowles, B., & Ficklin, T., Hip and shoulder separation and its relationship

PAK, BYUNGEUN, Assistant Professor of Education: Cavanna, J. M., Pak, B.,

ARMSTRONG, BRENDA L., Associate

to pitched baseball velocity, DSU Regional

and Jackson, B., How do number talks

Professor of Dental Hygiene: Armstrong,

Research Symposium; Richardson, S.,

support beginning teachers’ ambitious

B. L., & Jensen, K., From passive to active:

Lindsley, K., & Ficklin, T. Predictors of bat

and equitable instruction?, Conference of

Revisiting the transformation of the

acceleration in collegiate softball players

the Association of Mathematics Teacher

traditional lecture course, Utah Dental

from a commercially available swing sensor,

Educators, Orlando; Pak, B., et al.,

Hygienists’ Association Annual Session,

DSU Regional Research Symposium.

New teachers’ equitable and ambitious

Salt Lake City; Armstrong, B. L., & Stout,

number talks, Poster, 42th Conference

S., Oral health of long term care residents,

FLOERCHINGER, SHERRY M., Professor

of the North American Chapter of the

Journal of Dental Hygiene; Armstrong

of Radiography: Imaging for the fun of it!

International Group for the Psychology

B. L., & Stout, S., Oral health data and

ACERT Annual Conference. Las Vegas,

of Mathematics Education, Mazatlán,

providing care to nursing home residents,

Association of Collegiate Educators in

Sinaloa, México; Pak, B., et al., Exploring

Journal of Dental Hygiene; Jensen, K., &

Radiologic Technology.

about beginning teachers’ equitable and

Armstrong, B., Medical/dental integration

ambitious teaching practice with number

in dental hygiene program curriculum,

JENSEN, KIMBERLY, Assistant Professor of

talk routine, American Educational

American Dental Hygiene Association

Dental Hygiene: Armstrong, B. L., & Jensen,

Research Association, Orlando; Pak, B. and

Annual Conference, New Orleans.

K., From passive to active: revisiting the

Drake, C., Beginning elementary teachers’

42

dixie.edu

|

active learning. active life.

transformation of the traditional lecture

course. Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association

with DXL services: HYBRID/blended

a profession that is #bettertogether, past,

Annual Session, Salt Lake City; Jensen, K., &

course, PTA 2400 Clinical Pathology, DSU

present, and future, Keynote Address, Utah

Armstrong, B., Medical/Dental Integration

PTA program; Schneider, N., New course

Physical Association Spring Conference;

in Dental Hygiene Program Curriculum.

development/creation: PTA 3000 Clinical

Wilcox, D., Professionalism/ethics in

American Dental Hygiene Association

Skills, DSU PTA program; Schneider, N.,

clinical education, Utah Physical Therapy

Annual Conference. New Orleans; Jensen,

New online course development with DXL,

Association Spring Conference; Wilcox, D.,

K., Strategies for Active Learning Success,

Intro to PT, PTA 1010, DSU PTA program.

Ethical practice and the Utah practice act,

American Dental Educators Association

Dixie Regional Medical Center Continuing

Directors Meeting, Minneapolis; Jensen,

WELCH, LISA M., Associate Professor of

K., Dental Health Services Study Abroad

Dental Hygiene: Doctorate of Education

- GLS 4990R, DSU Study Abroad.

in Health Professions. A.T. Still University

Education Series.

of Health Sciences; Welch, L. M., Doctoral LOVELL, JOSEPH, Associate Professor

Research Project Investigation into the

of Recreation and Sports Management:

Cultural Competency of Dental Hygienists in

Peterson, C., Chellamuthu, V. K., & Lovell,

a Large Western State of the United States

J., Weighted analytics - What do the

of America; Welch, L. M., Investigation

numbers suggest; Lovell, J., The influence

into the cultural competency of dental

of high school athletics participation in

hygienists in a large western state of the

developing lifelong healthy habits, North

United States of America, Journal of Dental

American Society for Sport Management

Hygiene; Welch, L.M., Investigation of the

Annual Conference, San Diego; Lovell, J.,

cultural competence of dental hygienists

Facilitating play: 50 games in 60 minutes,

practicing in the state of Utah, Journal of

National Recreation and Park Association

Dental Hygiene; Welch, L. M., Investigation

Conference and Expo. Baltimore; Lovell.

into the cultural competency of dental

J. Recreation internships in southern

hygienists in a large western state of the

Utah, Southern Utah Recreation and Park

United States of America, American Dental

Association Workshop; Lovell, J. Costa Rica:

Hygienist’s Association Annual Session,

Tourism and Adventure Recreation Study

online; Welch, L. M., & Boyd, L. D., Medical,

Abroad, DSU Study Abroad; Lovell, J.,

Dental and Psychosocial Histories 163-182,

London: Sport and Culture Study Abroad,

Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist,

DSU Study Abroad.

Jones & Bartlett Learning; Welch, L. M., The patient with a blood disorder 1061-1075,

NEIBERT, PETER J., Associate Professor

Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist,

of Athletic Training/Program Director:

Jones & Bartlett Learning; Welch, L. M.

Neibert, P. J., & Garrett, T. R. Graston

New Online Course Development with

technique® as a treatment for patients with

DXL Biostatistics, DHYG 4010, DSU Dental

chronic plantar heel pain, Clinical Practice

Hygiene Program.

in Athletic Training: A Journal of PracticeBased, Outcomes, and Action Research.

WILCOX, DREW Chair of the Department of Healthcare Diagnostics and Therapeutics,

SCHNEIDER, NICOLE, Assistant Professor

and Director of the Physical Therapist

of Physical Therapy, New course design

Assistant Program: Wilcox, D., The value of

Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

43

FACULTY PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH 2019-2020 COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

ABBOTT, JESSICA A., Assistant Professor

ANDES, RICHARD H., Instructor of the

E. Pauline Johnson’s Canoe, Western

Practice in ESL: Miles, S. W., Nagrodsky, J.,

American Literature 55.2; Brown, K.R.,

& Cutler, C., Now We’re Talking, Book 1 &

The Earth is our common ear: Zitkala Ša’s

2: Communicating in English. (R. H. Andes

Sonic Ecologies, Dissent, The Society of

& L. Galloway, Eds.), Blue Sage Learning.

Nineteenth-Century Americanists; Brown, K.R., Tiny taps and noisy hacks: Listening

of Criminal Justice: Abbott, J. A., et al., The effects of police effort on victims’ fear

BACABAC, FLORENCE ELIZABETH,

to Zitkala Ša’s Sonic Politics, Resonance,

of crime, American Journal of Criminal

Professor of English: Bacabac, F. E. , ‘We

A Journal of Sound and Culture.

Justice; Abbott, J. A., et al., College

write to serve': The intersections of service

Students’ Alcohol and Substance Use:

learning, grant writing, and the feminist

CARTMILL, MICHAEL K., Associate

Religiosity as a Protective Factor. Journal

rhetorical agency, Louisville; Bacabac, F.

Professor of Spanish/Director of Global

of Alcohol and Drug Education; Abbott,

E., Community engagement through grant

Education: Cartmill, M. K. Yucatán, México

J. A., Maintaining an active research

writing and the rhetorical agency, Brown

Medical Interpreting Service Learning Trip

agenda while at a small teaching university.

Bag Seminar, DSU; Bacabac, F. E., Service

with Wheeling University Physical Therapy

Mid-South Sociological Association.

writing, service learning: (DIY) feminist

Program; Cartmill, M. K., Utah St. George

Jackson; Abbott, J. A., & McGrath, S. A.,

pedagogy and community partnerships,

West Coordinating Council of the Church

Understanding victim-offender dynamics

12th Biennial International Feminism(s)

of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

when predicting violent crime victims’

and Rhetoric(s) Conference, Harrisonburg;

fear, Mid-South Sociological Association,

Bacabac, F. E., Toward writing in the

DING, ZHAO, Assistant Professor of

Jackson.

disciplines through critical thinking, The

Communication: Ding, Z., et al., Crazy

CEA Forum.

sexy Asian men!: Masculinities in crazy rich Asians, de-whitening intersectionality:

ALVARADO, RAISA, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies: Alvarado, R., NO

BARRY, BRAD A., Professor of English:

Race, intercultural communication, and

US WITHOUT YOU!: On recontextualizing

Barry, B. A., Soda, Route 7 Review; Barry,

politics, Lexington; Ding, Z., Review

border visuality, Border Rhetorics,

B. A., Student retention and the ‘are

on the book Queer Chinese Cultures

Communication and Critical/Cultural

you okay?’ e-mail, Chronicle of Higher

and Mobilities: Kinship, Migration, and

Studies Forum; Alvarado, R. & Holling,

Education; Barry, B. A., DeLillo’s white

Middle Classes by John Wei. QED: A

M., Digital testimonios of and witnessing

noise in our post post-modern age of a

Journal in GLBTQ Worldmaking; Ding,

to Salma Hayek and America Ferrera’s

viral pandemic, Rocky Mountain MLA,

Z., Same joy, same happiness: A critical

disclosures of sexual harassment and

Denver; Barry, B., DeLillo’s White Noise

reading of transnational whiteness through

assault, The Routledge Handbook of

during the onset of the COVID-19

Blackface performance in CCTV Chinese

Communication and Gender; Alvarado,

pandemic, Utah English Journal.

New Year Gala, Transnationalizing Critical Intercultural Communication: Legacy,

R., Book Review of Si Ella Puede: The rhetorical legacy of Dolores Huerta and the

BROWN, KRISTEN R., Visiting Post-

Relevance, and Future, Bern, Switzerland:

United Farm Workers, Quarterly Journal

Doctoral Teaching Fellow of English:

Peter Lang.

of Speech.

Brown, K.R., Of sound mind and body: Lessons in listening to the jingle dress

DUPREE, JARED, Associated Professor

ARMSTRONG, STEPHEN, Professor

dance, Humanities on the Brink: Energy,

of Communication Studies: Bean, R. A.

of English: Roger Corman’s New World

Environment, Emergency, Association

& Dupree, J. W., Evaluating scholarship

Pictures (1970-1983): An Oral History

for the Study of Literature and the

productivity in COAMFTE-accredited

Volumes 1 and 2, Bear Manor Media.

Environment; Brown, K. R., Queering

doctoral programs: An update, Journal

the waters: The subversive potential in

of Marital and Family Therapy.

44

dixie.edu

|

active learning. active life.

HAENDIGES, JIM A., Associate Professor

crossroads: LGBTQIA+ and autistic

OLSON, KRISTINE J., Associate

of English/Director of FYE: Kennedy, G. E.,

subjectivities, National Communication

Professor of Psychology: Olson, K.J., et

Montgomery, T. T., & Haendiges, J., Solving

Association Convention, Indianapolis;

al., The relationship between religious

problems with new media, Technical and

Jensen, R.E., Parks, M.M., Mann, B.W.,

fundamentalism, conservatism, and

Professional Writings: Solving Problems

Maison, K., Krall, M.A. Mapping nature’s

perceptions of substance and behavioral

at Work, Upper Saddle River.

scientist: The posthumous demarcation

addictions, The Journal of Psychology and

of Rosalind Franklin’s crystallographic

the Behavioral Sciences; Olson, K. J., et al.,

HARRIS, LISH, Associate Professor of

data, Quarterly Journal of Speech, NCA

The relationship between mentor support

Criminal Justice: Harris, L., et al., School

Association for the Rhetoric of Science,

experiences and STEM graduate student

Shootings and the Availability Cascade,

Technology, and Medicine Article of the

career optimism, Career Development

San Francisco.

Year Award.

International; Olson, K. J., & Jiang, L., The

LIN, HENGJUN, Assistant Professor

MILES, SCOTT W., Assistant Professor

climate strength on faculty self-reported

of Communication Studies: Lin, H.,

of English as a Second Language (ESL):

teaching performance, Higher Education

An Exploration of Psychological

Miles, S. W., et al., Now We’re Talking,

Research & Development; Olson, K. J.,

Distance, Risk Perception, Proactive

Book 1 & 2: Communicating in English,

et al., Job insecurity: Connections with

Risk Intention toward Risk Messages;

Blue Sage Learning; Miles, S. W., & Song,

financial and psychological wellbeing,

Lin, H., Is intercultural mindfulness

B., Happiness and the L2 writer: The effect

American Psychological Association

associated with anxiety, uncertainty,

of positive psychology writing tasks on

Annual Convention, Washington DC.

and communication effectiveness?

second language learners, Korea TESOL

A Moderated Mediation Model of

Journal.

effects of university research and teaching

Cross-cultural Health Communication, 106th annual conference of the National Communication Association, Indianapolis; Lin, H., Coping with workrelated depression: Resistance, stigma management and resilience construction through an online anti-depression and antianxiety forum, 105th annual conference of the National Communication Association, Baltimore; Lin, H. & Thompson, C.M., An Application of anxiety and uncertainty management theory in a patient-provider cross-cultural context, 69th International Communication Association annual conference, Washington DC. MANN,

BENJAMIN,

Postdoc

Communication Studies: Mann, B. W., Theorizing intersectional stigma management communication at the

Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

45

FACULTY PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH 2019-2020 science: Analyzing the communication

STEIN, JAMES, Assistant Professor of

of advanced ideas to lay readers,

Communication Studies: Stein, J. B.,

McFarland; Pilkington, O. A., Uhura

A longitudinal extension of Relational

ORTIZ, ERIN, Associate Professor of

and the linguistics of Star Trek, The

Turbulence Theory: Popping the dyadic

Media Studies: Hauck, N. E., & Ortiz, E.,

Kelvin Timeline of Star Trek, Jefferson;

bubble, Journal of Personal Relationships;

Trailblazing connections: Creating a sense

Pilkington, O. A., Definitions of scientific

Stein, J. B., A longitudinal test of

of belonging in the first year, High Impact

terminology in popular science books:

Relational Turbulence Theory, Journal

Practices in the Nation Conference.

An examination of definitional chains,

of Relationships; Murphy, B., Fiori, K., &

Science Communication; Pilkington,

Stein, J. B., Keep your friends out of it:

PHELAN, KOREY S., Assistant Professor of

O.A., Presented Discourse in Popular

Network interference negatively predicts

Criminal Justice: Abbott, J., Phelan, K. S.,

Science: Professional Voices in Books

relationship quality and mental health in

& McGrath, S., Assessing the relationship

for Lay Audiences, Brill; Pilkington, O.A.,

young dating couples, The Journal of

between public lands and juvenile arrest

Undergraduate research: What’s in It

Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences;

rates: Does a greater proportion of public

for me? opportunities and benefits for

Stein, J. B., et al., Measuring the sources

lands yield lower delinquency rates, Mid-

faculty and Popularizing research findings,

and content of network- based relational

South Sociological Association Annual

Annual Teaching and Learning Conference,

uncertainty: Looking outside of the dyadic

Meeting.

DSU; Pilkington, O. A., Mentoring future

bubble, Journal of Social and Personal

researchers: Identifying and fostering

Relationships; Stein, J. B., & Davidson,

PILKINGTON, OLGA A., Assistant

potential, DSU Women's Resource Center

M. J., Exploring the predictive and

Professor of English: Pilkington, O. A., &

Workshop Series.

theoretical validity of network interference

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES, continued

Pilkington, A. G. (Eds.), Lab Lit: exploring

and facilitation, Southern Communication

literary and cultural representations of

ROSE, KATHY, Instructor of the Practice

science, Lexington/Rowman & Littlefield;

in English: Rose, K., & Grauman, J.,

Pilkington, O. A., The language of popular

Motivational scaffolding's potential

TAYLOR, LUCIA, Associate Professor of

for inviting transfer in writing center

Spanish: Taylor, L., Learning Languages in

collaborations, Transfer of Learning in the

a pandemic, is it worthy? CHaSS brown

Writing Center: A WLN Digital Edited

bag seminar, DSU; Taylor, L., Teaching

Collection; Rose, K., Inviting undergraduate

and learning languages under COVID-19,

students to be co-researchers in WAW

International Conference Innovation in

(writing about writing) research, CCCC,

Language Learning, Firenze, Italy; Taylor,

Spokane.

L., Looking under the hood of advanced

Journal.

level, ACTFL conference, Washington DC. SMITH-LAHRMAN, MATT B., Professor of Sociology: Smith-Lahrman, M. B., & Oxley,

WIGHT, SHAUNA S., Assistant Professor

R., DSU’s bachelor's degree in applied

of English: Wight, S., Supporting student

sociology: Year three, Association for

literacy for the transition to college:

Applied and Clinical Sociology Applied

Working with underrepresented students in

U Webinar; Smith-Lahrman, M. B. , DSU’s

precollege outreach programs, Routledge.

bachelor's degree in applied sociology:

46

dixie.edu

|

The making of a program, Association

W I G N A L L , D E N N I S , P ro f e s s o r o f

for Applied and Clinical Sociology Annual

Communication Studies: Chair for one or

Conference, Portland.

more panels and/or research presentations

active learning. active life.

at the National Communication Annual

YILDIZ, MUHAMMED, Assistant Professor

The effects of passive immunity in birds and

convention. Reviewed seven research

of Sociology: Yıldız, M., Stressful life events

vertical transmission in mosquitoes, AMS -

papers for presentation at the convention

and adolescent suicidality: An investigation

MAA Joint Mathematics Meeting, Denver;

submitted to the Division of Human

of the mediating mechanisms, Journal

Smith, H., Gowans, B., Kellerstrauss, J.,

Communication and Technology.

of adolescence; Orak, U., Yildiz, M., et

& Chellamuthu, V. K., A mathematical

al., The utility of social learning theory

model to analyze COVID-19 related panic

WOLFE, JOHN E., Associate Professor

in explaining cigarette use in a military

buying, DSU Symposium for Research,

of Philosophy: Wolfe, J. E., A community

setting., Substance Use & Misuse; Gurbuz,

Innovation and Creativity, among much

of outsiders: Finding community through

S., Yildiz, M., et al., Drug-using behaviors

other research.

great texts, The Character of the

of Turkish Armed Forces Service members:

University, Waco, Institute for Faith and

A social control perspective, Military

CHILOM, GABRIELA, Professor of

Learning; Wolfe, J. E., Dying with dignity:

Behavioral Health.

Chemistry: Holden, M., Dustin, M., Spiller,

An introduction, DSU Institute of Politics.

W O O D , B A R RY D AV I D , Assistant Professor of Humanities: Wood, B., The

C., Chilom, G., Study of humic acids from COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

naturalistic turn in the humanities, CHaSS

soils and from leaves, Dixie Research Symposium; Holden, M., Richardson, S., Dustin, M., Chilom, G., Comparative study of humic acids from soils and

Brown Bag Seminar, DSU; Wood, B. D., War

CHELLAMUTHU, VINODH KUMAR,

from leaves, American Chemical Society

with Iran? DSU Institute of Politics; Wood,

Assistant Professor of Mathematics:

National Meeting, Philadelphia; Dustin,

B., Introduction to Asian humanities,

Chellamuthu, V. K., & West, N., Modeling

M., Holden, M., Peterson, R., Chilom, G.,

Dubuque, Great River Learning; Wood,

the effects of passive immunity in birds for

Heavy metals analysis of particulate matter

B., Rethinking the ecology of Islamic

the disease dynamics of West Nile virus,

removed by trees, American Chemical

geometric ornament, Journal of the Utah

SPORA: A Journal of Biomathematics;

Society National Meeting, Philadelphia;

Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters.

Chellamuthu, V. K., et al., Somatic

Dustin, M., Kondel, M., Chilom, G.,

mutations in the DNA repairome in

Accumulation of particulate matter on

WREDE, THEDA, Professor of English,

prostate cancers in African Americans and

leaf surfaces, American Chemical Society

Chellamuthu, V. K., DiSalvo, L. K., Wrede,

Caucasians, Nature, Oncogene; Peterson,

National Meeting, San Diego.

T., & Gali, K. A., Learning innovation mini-

C., Chellamuthu, V. K., & Lovell, J.,

grant research - how to improve active

Weighted Analytics - What do the numbers

DEL SESTO, RICO, Associate Professor of

learning in the classroom, CTL Lunch and

suggest; West, N., & Chellamuthu, V. K.,

Chemistry: Bardsley, T., Evans, C., Greene,

Learn; Wrede, T., Interstitial spaces of the

Modeling the effects of passive immunity

J., Audet, R., Harrison, M., Zimmerman,

border: The construction of the Mexican-

in birds for the disease dynamics of West

M., Nieto, N., Del Sesto, R, Koppisch, A.,

American border in Luis Alberto Urrea’s

Nile virus, Poster on the Hill, Washington

Kellar, R., Integration of choline geranate

The house of broken angels, Annual

DC; West, N., & Chellamuthu, V. K., A

into electrospun protein scaffolds affords

Conference of the Rocky Mountain MLA;

mathematical model of West Nile virus:

antimicrobial activity to biomaterials

Wrede, T., Barbara Kingsolver’s flight

The effects of passive immunity in birds

used for cutaneous wound healing, in

behavior: The sciences in a post-fact world,

and vertical transmission in mosquitoes,

review; Greene, J., Merrett, K., Heyert,

Lab Lit: Exploring Literary and Cultural

Utah Conference on Undergraduate

A., Simmons, L., Migliori, C.**, Vogt, K.,

Representations of Science, Rowman &

Research; West, N., & Chellamuthu, V. K.,

Castro, R., Phillips, P., Baker, J., Lindberg,

Littlefield.

A mathematical model of West Nile virus:

G., Fox, D., Del Sesto, R., Koppisch, A., Investigations into the scope, efficacy and antimicrobial mechanism of the broad-

Academic Report 2020

| Dixie State University

47

FACULTY PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH 2019-2020 spectrum antiseptic choline geranate,

root allocation patterns in belowground

PLoS ONE; R. E. Del Sesto, S. Mitragotri,

competition, Annual Meeting of the

M. Zakrewsky, D. T. Fox, A. T. Koppisch, K.

Ecological Society of America.

S. Lovejoy, Ionic Liquids for Transdermal

LIBRARY BROEDER, KATHLEEN, Head of Special Collections & Archives, Library and

Drug Delivery, US Patent issue number

QUINN, REN LORENZO, Assistant

Learning Services: Broeder, K. and D.

10,449,254. International Application PCT/

Professor of Computer Science: Quinn,

Aldrich, Arcadia, forthcoming; Broeder,

US2014/063745; R. Keller, N. Nieto, A.

R., Holguin, N., Poster, B., Roach, C.,

K. and E. Lanners, Priming for advocacy:

Koppisch, R. Del Sesto, Ionic liquids that

& Merwe, J. K., WASPP: Workflow

Revitalizing a 35-year-old lecture series,

sterilize and prevent biofilm formation in

automation for security policy procedures,

Marketing Libraries Journal.

skin wound healing devices, US Patent

15th International Conference on Network

issue number 10,293,080.

and Service Management.

H A R R I S , J E R RY D . , P ro f e s s o r o f

REID, RUSSELL, Assistant Professor:

Davidson, M. J., Exploring the predictive

Paleontology: Lucas, S. G., & Harris, J.

R.C. Reid, I. Mahbub, Wearable self-

and theoretical validity of the network

D., The plastotype problem in ichnological

powered biosensors, current opinion in

interdependence measure, Southern

taxonomy, Ichnos; Harris, J. D., Geology

electrochemistry; R.C. Reid, M.H. Merrill,

Communication Journal; Stein, J. B.,

and paleontology of red cliffs NCA,

J.P. Thomas, Stick–slip behavior during

Murphy, B., & Fiori, K., Keep your friends

Conserve Southwest Utah; Harris, J. D.,

electrowetting-on-dielectric: polarization

out of it: Network interference negatively

Talks about geological hazards, Horizon

and substrate effects, microfluidics and

predicts relationship quality and mental

Elementary, Washington, UT; Harris, J.

nanofluidics; P.R. Adhikari, N.T. Tasneem,

health in young dating couples, Journal

D., The fossils in your backyard -or- dead

D.K. Biswas, R.C. Reid, I. Mahbub,

of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences;

things are all around you, Voyager Lecture

Reverse electrowetting-on-dielectric

Stein, J. B., Monegeau, P. A., & Truscelli,

Series, Ivins.

energy harvesting integrated with charge

N. I., Identifying and measuring network-

amplifier and rectifier for self-powered

based relational uncertainty: Looking

JIN, ZHENYU, Assistant Professor of

motion sensors, ASME International

outside of the dyadic bubble, The Journal

Geography/GIS: Jin, Z., Chellamuthu, V.

Mechanical Engineering Congress and

of Social and Personal Relationships.

K., Kelley, N., & Maughan, D. Predicting

Exposition; N.T. Tasneem, D.K. Biswas, P.R.

habitat suitability for the Utah mountain

Adhikari, R.C. Reid, I. Mahbub, Design of a

ZIELKE, DAVID RAY, Librarian - Technical

kinsnake through GIS modeling, DSU

Reverse-Electrowetting Transducer Based

Services: Zielke, D., DSU patents and

Research Symposium; Jin, Z., Landscape

Wireless Self-powered Motion Sensor, IEEE

trademarks Libguide.

change detection using GIS and

International Symposium on Circuits and

remote sensing: A study on St. George,

Systems proceedings.

STEIN, JAMES B., Assistant Professor of Communication: Stein, J. B., &

Utah, Annual Conference of the AAG, Washington DC.

SMITH, GEOFF, Assistant Professor of Biology: Smith, G., Zani, P. A., & French, S.

O'BRIEN, ERIN E., Professor of Biology/

S., Life-history differences across latitude

Director Community Engaged Learning:

in common side-blotched lizards (Uta

O’Brien, E. E., Plant competition and

stansburiana).

the tragedy of the commons, Bryn Mawr College; O’Brien, E. E., Species specific

48

dixie.edu | active learning. active life.

DR. BRENT HUNT: Accomplished Scientist, Innovator, and Mentor

By Samantha Roybal, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis, Photography Minor Following the passing of Dr. John “Brent” Hunt in May 2020, Dixie State University remembers and honors one of its own. Dr. Hunt was the CEO and founder of Soft Cell Biological Research. With the help of DSU students, he conducted much research on campus, making him a beloved mentor to a number of students. He was also a loving husband, father, and friend. He is remembered by students and loved ones for his enthusiastic passion for science and the well-being of others. His passing leaves many with a profound sadness, but also a great appreciation for the opportunity to know him.

Hunt was an excellent example of someone who followed DSU's "active learning. active life." motto wholeheartedly. He was a true Trailblazer who worked tirelessly to innovate, inspire, and encourage. Former student Kristian Johnson remembers him as an involved mentor who always pushed students to be the best they could be. Johnson says, “He always pushed me to keep investigating, and it made me a better scientist as a result.”

Hunt was widely recognized for his incredible intelligence and passion when it came to science, but he was even more admired

and his infectious personality was one that pulled people in and

for his caring heart and dedication to mentoring.

allowed them to be their true selves. With unwavering acceptance,

He never forgot about anyone and managed to make students

he taught his students to reject biases and always strive for more.

feel as though they were a part of something much larger. His

The legacy he has left behind is tremendous and will surely

dedication to his students was as great as it was for science. If

not be forgotten. His presence can still be felt in the lab he built, as

someone needed him, he was always there. Another former

his passion continues to drive research. In fact, it was his passion

student Garett Milton describes him as such by saying, “His

for helping people that inspired him in all he did. Former student

heart was massive and all he wanted to do was care for those who

Lisa Justesen recalls, “When I think of Brent, I see his face the

might be missed or overlooked.” His compassion was unmatched

way it would light up when he was talking about his work. He was very passionate about finding answers to really help those with chronic illness.”

His mentorship to students left them with an astounding feeling of inspiration and motivation. He truly adored and represented his community with all that he had. “Southern Utah was in his blood and heart, and he wore it on his sleeve,” Milton states. The type of steadfast commitment and compassion that Hunt displayed is continually remembered by those who knew him. His legacy has left many with an earnest love for science, and his presence will be greatly missed at DSU.



Academic Report 2020 | Dixie State University

49

U.S. Postage PAID Non-Profit Org. PERMIT NO. 36 Provo, UT

225 South University Avenue St. George, UT 84770 435.652.7500 dixie.edu

Founded as St. George Stake Academy on Main Street

Admitted to the Utah System of Higher Education

Receives university status from the Utah State Legislature

1935

2013

1911 1923

2000

Becomes Dixie Junior College

Begins offering 4-year degrees

Launched 2020-2025 strategic plan – Trailblazing Distinction

2020

2018

Approved to offer its first graduate program

2020

12,043 students enrolled

141 international students

4

master’s degrees

53 16 68 2,450%

bachelor’s degrees

21:1 student-to-faculty ratio

associate’s degrees

degree emphases

growth in bachelor’s degrees since 1999

82%

#1

of students are offered grants, scholarships, or financial aid

Utah’s most affordable university