College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University

Meet Carli Samuelson, a senior chemistry major from Banner Elk and new member of the CAS Corps! Samuelson was drawn to App State by its atmosphere. “I absolutely love the nature here, as well as the environment created by the students,” explained Samuleson. “It is so beautiful, yet it still has a very homey feel to the campus. The weather is also amazing!” Samuelson, who is a member of the Appalachian Chemical Society, Women in Science and Engineering, Hillel and Sigma Kappa, shared that she loves the sense of community among students at App State, writing, “It is very fun and welcoming. They make it very easy to socialize and make friends.” One of her favorite memories at App State is sledding and building snowmen during a snowstorm her freshman year, which provided her with an opportunity to meet other students. In the A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry & Fermentation Sciences - Appalachian State University, Samuelson conducts research under the guidance of Dr. Nicholas Shaw. Her research involves synthesizing a molecule that is capable of detecting a specific DNA sequence responsible for Crohn's Disease. “The most valuable experience in my education at Appalachian has been my involvement in research,” she shared. “I run all experiments by myself and I am in control of my research. I feel like I wouldn't get this experience anywhere else.” When asked about a faculty member who has made an impact on her life, Samuelson recognized Dr. B.J. Yoblinski, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences. “He taught me the value of really putting in the effort and working hard to receive results,” said Samuelson. “I'd say being in his class has helped me to build crucial skills that led me to be successful while completing my major in chemistry.” In her free time, Samuelson enjoys working out, playing volleyball, traveling, crocheting, and reading. Her favorite book is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. After graduation, Samuelson hopes to pursue a doctorate in chemistry with the goal of eventually becoming a chemistry professor. Learn more about Samuelson: https://bit.ly/3XtMUP6

When 20 donors support the Student And Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund by 11:59 PM, Dr. David Jurney '73 will contribute $20,000 to the fund. How does the SAFE Fund benefit students and faculty? ? Leah Boone, a senior chemistry major from Pfafftown and member of the CAS Corps, received a SAFE grant to purchase three reactants necessary to develop a nano-facilitated synthesis of L-DOPA, an amino acid often used to treat Parkinson's disease. "I was given opportunities through the grant that would have otherwise been impossible or a lot more difficult," said Boone. ? Rachel Weaver, a junior psychology major from Greensboro, received a SAFE grant to present a poster at the River Cities I-O (RCIO) Psychology Conference in Chattanooga, TN. "Being able to travel and present our poster allowed me to build confidence in speaking publicly," wrote Weaver. "I gained professional skills and it enhanced my learning." ? Dr. Howard Neufeld, a professor in the Department of Biology, received a SAFE grant to complete training workshops on gas exchange methods for plants. With the funding, Dr. Neufeld and Leigha Henson '24 attended a series of workshops held by Li-Cor, Inc. to help them better understand the capabilities of the Li-6800, a portable gas exchange system. Read more stories like these: https://bit.ly/3Xq2Ul1 Give to the SAFE Fund: https://bit.ly/4i6eaLN #iBackAPP

We've reached our goal of 100 donors! We appreciate your support for the College of Arts and Sciences. With less than 12 hours to go, 6 #iBackAPP challenges remain. Can you help? ? In honor of the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences' (GES) 50th Anniversary, Dr. Steve Hageman will establish the "Hageman Fund for Visiting Speakers in Earth and Life Sciences" once 10 donors support any fund within the Department of GES. Give: https://bit.ly/3XyiIT8 ? When 20 donors support the College of Arts and Sciences SAFE Fund, Dr. David Jurney '73 will contribute $20,000 to the fund. Give: https://bit.ly/4bz4pmT ? When 10 donors support any fund within the Department of English, Joe Phillips will donate $5,000 to the Carolyn Ann Phillips Literary Competition. Give: https://bit.ly/4irwZZL ? When 10 donors support the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Peace Studies Strategic Initiatives Fund, Molle Grad will donate $2,900. Give: https://bit.ly/4iqc1KM ? When 15 Computer Science (CS) alumni support the CS Alumni Scholarship, Michael Crawford '14, '17 will give an additional $2,500 to the fund. Give: https://bit.ly/41KWShJ ? When 15 people support the Ken "Doc" Muir Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Tolerance and Inclusion, Dr. Lisa Muir will donate $2,500 to the fund. Give: https://bit.ly/41KWSyf

Support the Student And Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund for #iBackAPP Day! Initially endowed by a generous gift from Hughlene and Bill Frank, the SAFE Fund provides resources to transform the undergraduate and graduate experience and support faculty teaching, research and engagement. When 20 donors support the College of Arts and Sciences SAFE Fund, Dr. David Jurney '73 will contribute $20,000 to the fund. Give to the SAFE Fund: https://bit.ly/4bz4pmT

TODAY'S THE DAY! ? For #iBackAPP Day, we hope you'll consider supporting the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) by giving, wearing and sharing. This year, our priority areas are: ? The Center for Appalachian Studies ? The Center for Judaic, Holocaust & Peace Studies ? The Student & Faculty Excellence Fund ? Watauga Residential College To learn more about how to support CAS, visit https://bit.ly/3QMVtRq.

#iBackAPP is tomorrow! GIVE a gift, WEAR your black and gold gear, and SHARE your love for Appalachian State University. CAS Corps members Emerson Phillips (History and Social Studies Education), Dominick Bontempo (Biology, Spanish and Hispanic Studies), Leah Boone (Chemistry), Hermès Henry (Computer Science), and Emma Ingram (Physics) shared why they ?? App State! For more information about iBackAPP, visit ibackapp.appstate.edu.

T-2 days until #iBackAPP! CAS Corps members Morgan Tringali (Mathematics), Nathaia Lassiter (Veterinary Technology), Tucker Terrell (Geology), Emily Baker (Chemistry), and Sophie Davis (Sociology) shared why they ?? Appalachian State University! For more information about iBackAPP, visit ibackapp.appstate.edu.

Sam J. Massey ’24 is an alum of the Department of Sociology and the CAS Corps, graduating Summa Cum Laude with Departmental Honors last May. Now, Massey is a doctoral student at the University of Colorado Boulder. Last year, they received the prestigious National Science Fellowship Graduate Research Fellowship Grant, a three-year tuition and living stipend, to further their proposed research project, “Reproductive Justice Mobilization: Assessing Social Impact and Organizational Efficacy.” When asked about their advice for current students, Massey shared, “Whenever you write a paper for one class, consider how you might expand or adapt it for another. Once you find a topic that genuinely excites you, focusing your coursework on it can make larger projects, like your senior capstone, way more manageable because you build upon your knowledge over time. Focusing on a specialized area such as political sociology, hazards and disasters, or gender and sexuality, can set you apart in the job market or when applying to graduate programs. A clear focus demonstrates your passion and drive to potential employers or admissions committees.” They added, “If you are contemplating graduate school, forming meaningful connections with professors in and outside your department is invaluable. They can provide mentorship, research opportunities, and guidance about future career paths. Hands-on experiences such as research assistance or internships not only sharpen your skills but also strengthen your game. Ultimately, approaching your undergraduate sociology experience with curiosity and strategic thinking can open doors to a wide range of opportunities!” Read more about how the Department of Sociology prepared Massey and other alumni for success: https://bit.ly/4390yec

Shane Miller, Administrative Specialist in the Department of Computer Science, received a staff shout out in February. A colleague praised Miller for "awesome detective work!" They explained, "Shane resolved a years-old and recurring hotel charge among other investigative tasks to clarify and resolve issues." Miller joined the Department of Computer Science in 2021. In his role, he manages a wide variety of tasks, such as advisor assignments, textbook orders, classroom scheduling, budget reconciliations, travel requests and data entry. Congratulations, Shane! ??: https://bit.ly/3XoXas3

Meet Emerson Phillips, a junior history and social studies education major from Cary and new member of the CAS Corps! Phillips chose App State for its educator preparation programs. “In particular, I loved how both the History Department and the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University worked together to offer students unmatched opportunities in pursuing their professional goals of being educators,” shared Phillips. “I was also drawn to App because of the Honors College and the Chancellor’s Scholarship, both of which have helped to provide me with an interdisciplinary, well-rounded and engaging education.” At Appalachian, Phillips is involved in a variety of organizations, including the Chancellor's Scholars Board, Honors College Vanguard, Appalachian Educators Club, History Club and Momentum Dance Club. She also serves as assistant editor of the “History Matters” undergraduate history journal. “App State’s smaller class sizes, especially in the History Department, have been extremely beneficial,” explained Phillips. “I am grateful for the frequent opportunities to work one-on-one or in small groups with professors, something that is not often an option in schools with larger class sizes.” When asked about a faculty member who has made an impact on her life, Phillips recognized Dr. Vicky Klima, interim dean of the Honors College: “Even though she is so busy, she always makes time to talk to me about my classes, extracurricular activities and postgrad aspirations. I greatly value and appreciate her advice, and I love the community that she has helped create within the Honors College.” Phillips, a recipient of the Honors College International Education Scholarship, has traveled to Ireland and Northern Ireland for a ten-day trip with her Honors seminar and studied abroad at the University of Roehampton in London, England, for five months. She hopes to spend time in Boston, MA, and Washington, DC, in the future. In her free time, Phillips enjoys spending time with her friends and family, hiking, baking and journaling. After graduation, Phillips hopes to become a high school social studies teacher. “I would also like to pursue postgraduate studies in the field of history, as well as my National Board Certification,” she added. Learn more about Phillips: https://bit.ly/4h1oJhY