{"id":20303,"date":"2023-05-30T13:37:23","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T13:37:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/160-news\/?p=20303"},"modified":"2026-01-18T22:57:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T22:57:07","slug":"maccolades-for-may-2023-a-flurry-of-success-in-forensics-fulbrights-creative-writing-sustainability-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/2023\/05\/maccolades-for-may-2023-a-flurry-of-success-in-forensics-fulbrights-creative-writing-sustainability-and-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Maccolades for May 2023: A flurry of success in forensics, Fulbrights, creative writing, sustainability, and more"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maccolades is a monthly round-up of the most recent accolades and accomplishments earned by members of the Macalester community. Below are highlights from May 2023. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mac students set the record<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A record number of Macalester students <\/span>were selected<\/span><\/a> for the University of Chicago\u2019s Expanding Diversity in Economics Summer Institute. The program is designed to \u201cidentify and support talented undergraduate students from a broad range of backgrounds who are interested in the study of economics.\u201d Out of more than 650 applicants, 45 were selected, including seven Macalester students: <\/span>Abdullah Farea \u201926, Shirley Jiang \u201926, Ethen Kantu \u201926, Lifelihle Kunene \u201925, Yvan N\u2019guettia \u201926, Gabriella Nieves \u201926, <\/b>and<\/span> Jiayao (Skye) Sun \u201926.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a focus on microeconomic research and applied economic analysis, the program offers participants unique opportunities for technical skill building, daily instruction, guest talks, and field trips. Students will also spend a week in Washington, D.C., learning about economists\u2019 crucial role in domestic and international fiscal and monetary policy. <\/span>The costs of housing, travel and participation are covered for all participants, who also receive a $1,200 stipend.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A winning plot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carling McQuinn \u201925<\/b> (Austin, Texas) won the <\/span>Nick Adams Short Story Contest<\/span><\/a> from the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, an honor that included a $1,000 prize. <\/span>McQuinn wrote the story in a creative writing class last year, workshopping it with her professor and peers before submitting it. She drew from her personal experience with her family during high school while writing \u201cPhantom,\u201d a work of fiction.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been passionate about writing my whole life, so it\u2019s super exciting to receive recognition for something I love,\u201d McQuinn said. \u201cMy story, \u2018Phantom,\u2019 is about sibling and family relationships while growing up and in times of difficulty. I\u2019m thrilled that by winning this contest, I will be able to share this story with a larger audience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Courting victory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Macalester\u2019s mock trial team advanced to the National Championship Tournament, the team\u2019s first qualification since 2015. Ten students, coaches <\/span>Niloy Ray \u201999 <\/b>and <\/span>Devon Holstad<\/b>, and Director of Forensics <\/span>Beau Larsen<\/b> traveled to Memphis in April for the competition. The students qualified during the semi-final Opening Round Series Championships hosted by Macalester in March.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe students worked tirelessly to prepare opening and closing statements, witness performances and objection battles in round,\u201d Larsen said. \u201cMock trial provides students with the foundational basics of legal training and expertise. Students are required to prepare cases on both sides of a civil or criminal trial, which requires multifaceted preparation and quick critical thinking skills.\u201d  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zero-waste warriors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the nationwide <\/span>Campus Race to Zero Waste<\/span><\/a> competition held between February and March, campuses across the country reported the amount of compost, recycling, and trash collected each week to determine which school was able to divert the most waste from landfills. Macalester emerged as the <\/span>winner of three categories<\/span><\/a> of the small campus division competition: overall diversion, food organics, and zero waste. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThanks to the collaboration of students, faculty and staff, Macalester has been able to make a tremendous positive impact by reducing the college\u2019s waste footprint through reduction, reuse, and recycling efforts,\u201d said Sustainability Director<\/span> Megan Butler<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Measuring what matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Bethany Miller<\/b>, d<\/span>irector of Institutional Research and Assessment, was <\/span>named a Senior Fellow<\/span><\/a> of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, a global membership organization dedicated to advancing the vitality and democratic purposes of undergraduate liberal education. Dr. Miller\u2019s work involves collecting and analyzing data to drive continuous improvement in students\u2019 education and overall experience. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am excited to receive this honor because it not only represents the work that I have been doing related to assessment, pedagogy, and general education, but it also represents the opportunity for me to continue to do this very important work,\u201d Dr. Miller said. \u201cIt means a lot to be able to work on campus and still have the work that you have done be recognized and supported not only on your own campus, but in the broader landscape of higher education.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The power of persuasion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Macalester\u2019s debate team earned recognition for competitive achievements at two collegiate debate championships: the National Debate Tournament in Washington, D.C. and the Cross Examination Debate Association\u2019s Debate National Championship in Houston. At the National Debate Tournament, the duo of <\/span>Ella Williams \u201926 <\/b>(Austin, Texas) and <\/span>Sam Price \u201925 <\/b>(Chicago) won 13 of 24 ballots. The team reached the elimination rounds at the CEDA national championship, winning multiple rounds on 3-0 decisions before losing 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Students debated whether the United States should grant legal rights and\/or duties to artificial intelligence, nature, and non-human animals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe debate team spends summer, fall and winter seasons preparing for spring championships,\u201d said <\/span>Beau Larsen<\/b>, director of forensics. \u201cJudges were incredibly impressed with the research and scholarship our students brought to the competition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding home in a foreign land<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Rossmann Deschamps \u201988<\/b> published a book titled \u201c<\/span>Journey to Japan: A Life-Saving Memoir<\/span><\/a>.\u201d Sarah and Fred Deschamps decided to move to Tokyo with their two-year-old daughter when Sarah was eight months pregnant. They dreamed of exploration and adventure. Instead, Sarah gave birth in a rundown Japanese hospital to a baby with multiple medical issues. They were thrust into a cross-cultural medical nightmare.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur story is helpless meets determination,\u201d Deschamps said. \u201cIt details the lengths we went to for our daughter so she could have the best chance in this world. At its heart, this memoir is about marriage, family, belonging, and what it means to find home in a foreign land.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cracking the code to community empowerment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Joslenne Pe\u00f1a<\/b>, assistant professor of mathematics, statistics, and computer science, received a National Science Foundation award through the <\/span>Computer and Information Science and Engineering Research Initiation Initiative<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>which supports early-career faculty. <\/span>The award will fund Pe\u00f1a\u2019s computing workshop series at Macalester\u2019s library, targeting workforce professionals with limited computing experience. The workshops are aimed at developing novice computational skills, such as programming, and engaging diverse groups of  people in the St. Paul community through informal learning opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat excites me the most about the award is being able to participate in community outreach efforts by engaging diverse groups of workforce professionals in programming workshops,\u201d Dr. Pe\u00f1a said. \u201cI am also excited to collaborate with students who will help shape and inform what these look like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The award enables Pe\u00f1a to hire students for two years and support their attendance at research and professional development conferences.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An aesthetic high note<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Hannah Kim<\/b>, assistant professor of philosophy, <\/span>won the John Fisher Memorial Prize<\/span><\/a> for her paper titled \u201cA Dual-Process Model of Xunzi\u2019s Philosophy of Music.\u201d She will present the paper at the <\/span>American Society for Asthetics Annual Meeting<\/span><\/a> in Arlington, Virginia in November.  Her paper will be published in the <\/span>Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism<\/span><\/i>. The Fisher Prize, awarded in alternate years to an original essay in aesthetics, offers $1,000 and travel to the annual meeting to foster the development of new voices and talent in the field of aesthetics. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full of bright ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Macalester seniors and recent graduates <\/span>Bella Garrioch \u201923, <\/b> <\/span>Eleanor Grinnell \u201923, Owen Sayre \u201923, Emma Iverson \u201922, Rachel Percy \u201922, Carter Rutherford \u201922, Ollie Radovic \u201922, <\/b>and <\/span>Willow Fortunoff \u201921 <\/b>received<\/span><\/a> Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2023-2024 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Senior <\/span>Alexandra Jabbarpour \u201923<\/b> received a USTA-Fulbright award. All recipients will study, conduct research, and teach abroad for the 2023-2024 academic year — traveling to places such as Ecuador, Sweden, Taiwan, Kyrgyzstan, and Austria. The <\/span>Fulbright Program<\/span><\/a> is the U.S. government\u2019s flagship international educational exchange program.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are so proud that these nine students and recent graduates are continuing the Macalester tradition of sharing their considerable passion and skills with the world through the Fulbright program,\u201d said <\/span>President Suzanne Rivera<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlocking public service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Macalester junior <\/span>Holiday O\u2019Bryan \u201924<\/b> received Phi Beta Kappa\u2019s undergraduate <\/span>Key into Public Service<\/span><\/a> scholarship. The award includes a $5,000 scholarship and the opportunity to attend a conference in Washington, D.C. for training and mentoring about jobs in public service. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs an undergrad, you have so many opportunities to learn from people, so I\u2019m looking forward to hearing from those who are in public service careers and about how they got there,\u201d said O\u2019Bryan, who was one of 20 students selected from more than 900 applicants. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Empowering education in Brazil<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Macalester students <\/span>Valeska Kohan \u201923<\/b> and <\/span>Amanda de Souza \u201925 <\/b>were awarded<\/span><\/a> $10,000 from <\/span>Davis Projects for Peace<\/span><\/a> to carry out their own project in Rio de Janeiro, where both students grew up. For over 15 years, Projects for Peace has worked with partner institutions to seek out young peacebuilders and encourage them to develop innovative and community-centered responses to pressing global issues. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For their project, \u201cSeeds of Peace: Fighting Racism in Rio de Janeiro by Empowering Public School Teachers,\u201d Kohan and de Souza will organize and present two workshops in June and July to public school teachers in the Brazilian metropolis. These workshops aim to provide the tools and resources teachers need in order to implement anti-racist practices and facilitate discussions about race in their classrooms. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to be considered for future Maccolades<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you or someone you know recently earned an award, fellowship, or honor and would like it to be considered for inclusion in next month\u2019s Maccolades, please let Communications & Marketing know by filling out this<\/span> Maccolades form<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>For recent book publications, please use this<\/span> book publication form<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Maccolades is a monthly round-up of the most recent accolades and accomplishments earned by members of the Macalester community. Below are highlights from May 2023.\u00a0<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1077,"featured_media":20305,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20303","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-college-newswire","mediatype-articles"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"fields":{"article_type":[8],"flickr_photoset_id":"","youtube_id":"","square_thumbnail":false,"press_photos":false,"story_title":"","story_caption":"","rotations":false,"maps":false,"marker_title":"","marker_text":"","geographic_location":false,"feature_embed":"","custom_link_url":"","news_icon_name":"","image_options":false,"main_feature_story":"","custom_image":false,"custom_feature_title":"","custom_feature_caption":"","custom_markup":"","custom_markup_link":"","custom_markup_title":"","custom_markup_caption":"","byline":"","post_thumbnail_style":"default","press_downloads":false},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20303","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1077"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20303"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20303\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30121,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20303\/revisions\/30121"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20305"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20303"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20303"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20303"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}