UW Students Share American Heritage Center Undergraduate Research Award

University of Wyoming students Patrick Enderle, of Chesterfield, Mo., and Lander’s Artemis Langford are the co-awardees of the 2024 American Heritage Center (AHC) Undergraduate Research Award.

The annual award recognizes exceptional undergraduate research that makes significant use of UW’s AHC archival collections.

Enderle, a student in the UW Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology, submitted a paper titled “A Brief Analysis of Three Structures of Uranium Mining in Wyoming.” Enderle’s research provides an in-depth examination of how government, industry and public structures influenced Wyoming’s uranium industry between 1945 and 1990.

“Patrick’s research stands out for its originality in analyzing the complex relationships between different societal structures over many years,” says Paul Flesher, a professor and director of the AHC. “His keen insights into the environmental and social impacts of uranium mining enrich our understanding of a significant chapter in Wyoming’s history.”

Langford, a UW Department of History student, was recognized for a paper titled “The Railroad: Wyoming’s Key Foundation from 1867 to 1980.” Langford’s research explores the pivotal role of the railroad in shaping Wyoming’s economic, political and cultural development.

“Artemis’ research is notable for considering both the benefits and drawbacks of the railroad’s influence on Wyoming,” Flesher says. “Artemis digs deep into more than 100 years of history, offering a detailed and balanced look that broadens our understanding of how the railroads shaped Wyoming’s history.”

Enderle and Langford each will receive a $500 prize. The AHC also has invited both students to share their award-winning papers on the AHC’s blog, “Discover History,” to serve as examples for future student researchers.

The AHC’s Undergraduate Research Award encourages the use of the center’s wide-ranging collections in original undergraduate research. UW undergraduate students in any discipline are eligible, as long as their research is conducted for academic credit, Flesher says.

“The AHC collections offer a wealth of primary sources to support undergraduate research across many disciplines,” Flesher adds. “We hope this award inspires more students to explore the extensive resources available to them at the center.”

The deadline for the 2025 award will be announced later and posted on the AHC’s website at www.uwyo.edu/ahc/.

For more information, interested students and faculty sponsors are encouraged to email AHC Archivist Leslie Waggener at lwaggen2@uwyo.edu.

About the American Heritage Center

The AHC is UW’s repository of manuscript collections, rare books and university archives. The center’s collections focus on Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West, including politics, settlement and western trails, but also include a wide array of other collecting areas, such as the mining and petroleum industries; the environment and natural resources; journalism; U.S. military history; transportation; the history of books; and 20th century entertainment, featuring popular music, radio, television and film.

To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/ahc.