Two Penn State Students Receive National Recognition for Environmental Studies

University Park, Pa. -- Morris K. Udall, democratic representative from Arizona from 1961 to 1991, dedicated his career to improving legislation for environmental policy, specifically public lands and natural resources preservation. Founded to honor his memory and contributions, the Morris K. Udall Foundation provides financial assistance for exceptional students who are dedicated to research and careers that will preserve the environment. This year, Penn State student Tiffany Bogich, a junior mathematics/applied biological analysis major and Schreyer Honors College Scholar, has been awarded the Udall Scholarship. Kathleen Lucot, a junior secondary education major and Schreyer Honors College Scholar, received honorable mention.

The Udall Scholarship is unique in the multitude of opportunities it offers to students who are involved with environmental issues. As the foundation boldly states, "There is no 'typical' Udall Scholar." Encouraging undergraduate students in their second or third years of study, the Udall Scholarship rewards students who are active in campus activities and local communities to increase awareness of the importance of natural resources. Bogich and Lucot have both been involved with many campus events and outreach activities in the surrounding area.

Bogich has enjoyed the benefits of Schreyer Honors College's unique Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate Study Program (IUG), which allows advanced students to begin graduate work while finishing their undergraduate degrees. Associating with other graduate students and professors in the ecology department, Bogich has been able to explore her academic interests and apply them to significant research projects. During her time at Penn State, she has been involved with Professor Cynthia Stifter's Infant and Child Temperament Lab. Monitoring the motor movements of children, Bogich has collected data by tracking motor-skill development. She has managed the data collected with a computer program that she created, which methodically tracks movement. Now a graduate assistant for the project, Bogich personally has contributed more than three years of data to this seven-year project.

Bogich's research is quite distinctive, as she has combined her training with computer programs and data collection with her interest in mathematics and her love of nature. Pursuing her master's in quantitative ecology through IUG, Bogich has been able to apply her mathematical training to ecological problems and maintenance of data. After taking an upper-level course on mathematical modeling in biological systems taught by Professor Katriona Shea, Bogich became very interested and inspired by the connections that could be made with mathematical data processing to solve ecological problems. With the conclusion of the course, Bogich was offered a position as an honors research student in Shea's lab. "Now, I use mathematical modeling to optimize the management and monitoring of the gypsy moth," explained Bogich.

Receiving honorable mention, Lucot has been recognized for her dedication to environmental education and her connection to the community around Penn State. Lucot has spent many summers volunteering and interning at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center and numerous Girl Scout camps, educating children about the importance of the world around them and their personal impact on the environment.

"Environmental education is important so that citizens are informed," explained Lucot. "If you want to maintain laws that protect environmental resources, you need to provide people with the tools and information necessary to make grounded decisions." This belief has motivated Lucot to pursue secondary education with an environmental education emphasis, while volunteering her time with many organizations, including the Penn State Outing Club.

The existence of the Udall Foundation Scholarships is evidence that students are appreciated for their dedication to environmental research and protection. Now that Lucot has been recognized for her commitment to educating children about the environment and preservation, she hopes to make further connections with other Udall Scholars who have also dedicated their studies similarly. Together, Udall Scholars contribute as environmental consultants for industry, not-for-profits and government by advocating policies that improve environmental preservation regulations, just as Morris K. Udall did as congressman.

While both students will enjoy monetary awards for their outstanding achievements, Bogich will be sent to the Udall Scholar Orientation Weekend in Tucson, Ariz. During this four-day event, Udall Scholars from all over the United States are given the chance to come together to learn more about Udall's legacy while making life-long connections with other like-minded scholars. Comparing research projects and past experiences, many Udall Scholars walk away with renewed and refreshed passion for environmental protection along with a strong community of friends and supporters.

From Penn State Live  located at http://live.psu.edu/