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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESIDENT JOHNSTON AND VICE PRESIDENT ADHIKARI ANNOUNCE THE RECIPIENTS OF THE FELLOWSHIP POSITIONS
4 February, 2025
Today, President Annie Johnston and Vice President Prince Adhikari proudly unveiled the recipients of the first-ever fellowship and staffing programs created as part of their strategic vision to advance academic engagement, foster innovation, and inspire leadership at Augustana University. These groundbreaking initiatives, commencing in Spring 2025, mark a historic moment for the institution and reflect its commitment to empowering students to lead, discover, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
The fellowships span a diverse range of disciplines, offering students unparalleled opportunities to delve into critical issues, conduct cutting-edge research, and engage with the world around them.
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ASA History and Heritage Conservation Initiative
Fellows in this program will research, document, and celebrate the rich history and enduring legacies of Augustana Student Association (ASA) leaders since its founding in 1922.
Amy Kim ‘26
Lily Roberts ‘26
Mustafa Mumtaz ‘28
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The American Forum at Augustana University
Fellows will explore critical issues facing America today, such as economic inequality, social justice, healthcare reform, and environmental challenges, contributing to meaningful discussions on American values and heritage.
Chilotam Okafor ‘26: Our Precious Immigrant Perspectives: Exploring Themes of Coping, Resilience, and Stressors Among Student Immigrants of Color at Augustana University
Alexxus Radel ‘26: Actions to be Taken to Reduce TCOs and Drug Overdose Influence on American Society
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The Viking Global Review
This fellowship enables students to analyze and share insights on global affairs, including international politics, arts, and culture, with the freedom to focus on specialized or interdisciplinary topics.
Henry Dornbusch ‘25: Exploring Geopolitical Headlines and Unseen International Affairs | Focus Area: International Politics and Affairs
Ava Brandt ‘26: Bridging the Gender Gap Between Gen Z | Focus Area: International Arts and Culture
Madisyn Stogsdill ‘27: “Humanity” with an Emphasis on Miscommunication Through Cultures | Focus Area: International Arts and Culture
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STEM and Emerging Technologies Fellowship Program
This program empowers STEM students to explore innovative solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, data science, and biomedical engineering, among others.
Clark Egland ‘28: The Antimicrobial Examination of Various Stages of Amine-Modified Layer by Layer (LbL) Contact Lenses (Dr. Jetty L. Duffy-Matzner)
Andrew Bernston ‘25: Automatic Population Estimation of Neocaridina davidi Shrimp Using a Convolutional Neural Network
Lara Matuck ‘25: Setup, Troubleshooting, and Lesson Development Utilizing a Benchtop Fermenter (Dr. Stephanie Bruggeman)
Faith Burns ‘25: Neutrophil Phagocytic and Migratory Behaviors in Response to Factors within the Gestational Environment (Dr. Jennifer A. A. Gubbles)
Ashton Jensen ‘25: Development of Targeted Professional Development for AI Integration into K-12 Schools (Dr. Brad Uhing and Dr. Michael Amolins)
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ASA Media and Journalism Initiative
This program offers students with interests in journalism, communications, and graphic design the chance to enhance ASA transparency and engagement by documenting activities and contributing to impactful visuals and communication strategies.
Aporinta Ahona ‘26: Graphic Designer Lead
Ryleigh Tupper ‘26: Journalist I and Photographer
Mike Chiu '25: Graphic Designer
Abigail Kaburugo ‘26: Journalist III
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ASA Election Platform Reform Program
Teams of students will design an innovative and secure election platform to modernize campus voting and ballot tabulation, ensuring efficiency and transparency in ASA elections.
Kaleb Gebrehiwot ‘26
Mikias Tedele ‘26
Emmanuel Nwite ‘27
Benayas Hailu ‘27
Anwar Shikur ‘27
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This comprehensive fellowship initiative embodies the administration’s commitment to nurturing student talent and creating pathways for leadership, research, and meaningful contributions to our greater community.
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