Two undergraduate scholars will share results of their independent research at the University of Wyoming College of Arts and Sciences Keith and Thyra Thomson Honors Convocation Friday, Oct. 9, at 2:30 p.m. in the A&S auditorium.
Jordan Calmes and Reynaldo Feuntes, both from Evanston, are this year's student speakers.
Calmes, a senior majoring in chemistry, spent last summer in Bangkok, Thailand, working at a research institute specializing in developing new anti-malarial and anti-cancer drugs from native Thai plant species. He said that conducting research abroad was an extraordinary experience that inspired her to write several essays about her work as a scientist and living in Thailand.
She is a member of the College of Arts and Sciences student council and the UW American Chemical Society Student Affiliates. Professor Mark Mehn of the Department of Chemistry nominated her to speak at the convocation.
Fuentes is a senior majoring in political science with a minor in religious studies. His experiences as a campaign volunteer and statewide political activist gave him an understanding of what it takes to effectively run and win campaigns in Wyoming. His research project focuses on the theme of political targeting as a way to strategically campaign within Wyoming legislative districts.
Fuentes is a member of Phi Sigma Alpha, Phi Kappa Phi, Amnesty International, Collegiate Democrats of Wyoming, Associated Students of the University of Wyoming, the Good Mule Project and Americorps. He also received the Harry S. Truman Fellowship last year. Fuentes was nominated by professor James King and assistant professor Andrew Garner, both of the Department of Political Science.
In addition to these undergraduate speakers, the Happy Jacks, a student-run a cappella group, will perform. The keynote speaker for the event is Arts and Sciences alumnus Dan Haley, editorial page editor of The Denver Post. Haley will discuss "Cutting through the Clutter: How Newspapers Can Thrive in the Age of Texting and Tweets."
The College of Arts and Sciences holds the annual event to recognize undergraduates listed on the President's, Dean's or the Freshman honor rolls the previous year. The convocation is free and open to the public. For more information, call the A&S Dean's Office at (307) 766-4106.
Posted on Tuesday, October 06, 2009