Woodrow Wilson Fellows arrive on campus

Grand Valley’s 14 Woodrow Wilson Fellows were welcomed to campus during a reception at the Alumni House June 2.

Grand Valley was one of six Michigan universities chosen to participate in the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Woodrow Wilson Michigan Teaching Fellow program, aimed at increasing the number of science and mathematics teachers. The Fellows will take part in Grand Valley’s innovative master’s level teacher preparation program linked with intensive classroom experience in the candidate’s field of expertise. Grand Valley has partnered with Grand Rapids Public Schools, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Muskegon Public Schools.

“I’m looking forward to being in the classroom and connecting with the students,” said Nathan Wruble, Grand Valley fellow who will be teaching in the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools.

Anne Heyt will be teaching in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” she said. “I am excited to use my engineering background in the classroom.”

Grand Valley’s Fellows are:

• Vlad Borza, from Sterling Heights
Wayne State University ‘07, biology
Former manager, University of Michigan Neuromotor Behavior Laboratory (medical physics, brain research)

• Ana Castleberry, from Grand Rapids
Grand Valley State University ‘09, biomedical sciences
Substitute science teacher at Intercity School, youth advocate for Grand Rapids Public Schools

• Steven Feutz, from Grand Rapids
University of Notre Dame ‘09, aerospace engineering and music theory
Engineering intern at high-tech aerospace manufacturer, researcher on airfoil modification and testing in aerodynamics lab

• Novel Grant, Jr., from Southfield
Ohio State University ‘84, mathematical sciences, minor in engineering sciences
Cambridge College ‘11, master’s in education leadership
Sales manager/business developer, 20 years in engineering consulting, sales development and loss control; licensed insurance agent

• Anne Heyt, from Sparta
Michigan State University ‘85, civil engineering
Grand Valley State University ‘08, MBA
Civil engineer in water and wastewater systems for more than 20 years, volunteer engineering mentor in public schools

• Heather Holland, from Sparta
Grand Valley State University ‘10, mathematics and psychology major
Volunteer math tutor at middle/high schools and community college

• Steven Jablonski, from Grand Haven
Grand Valley State University ‘10, biology
Volunteer at GVSU Regional Math and Science Center assisting with science presentations and activities for children

• Elyssa Krivicich, from Geneva, New York
The College of Wooster ‘09, geology
Ohio State University ‘11, master’s in geology
Research assistant in tree ring lab at The College of Wooster; undergraduate researcher in Jurassic fossils from Israel

• Christina  Muckenfuss, from Logansport, Indiana
Indiana University Kokomo ‘10, biological and physical sciences
Laboratory assistant in biology preparation lab at Indiana University Kokomo

• Toby Onyekonwu, from Champaign, Illinois
St. Francis University ‘11, health leadership
Certified health tech since 2007 with British Government training in classified drugs/substance abuse and the law

• Robert Slider, from Grand Rapids
Grand Valley State University ‘09, biology
Grand Valley State University ‘11, master’s in biology
Arctic ecologist with three field seasons in Alaska researching the impacts of climate change on plants as part of an international study

• Tammy Stambaugh, from Jenison
Grand Valley State University ‘11, biology
Published undergraduate researcher; teaching assistant in ecology lab

• Virginia Wimmer, from Whitehall
Grand Valley State University ‘94, chemistry and psychology
University of Florida ‘97, master’s in physical chemistry    
Research chemist in private industry for a decade, lab technician in municipal water facility, chemistry teaching/research assistant

• Nathan Wruble, from Big Rapids
Ferris State University ‘06, survey engineering
Survey engineer for five years, former captain of Muskegon Thunder football team

NOTE: Grand Valley alumni are heading to other institutions as fellows. They include:
• Benjamin Garlets, math/biomedical science ’10, who will attend Michigan State University
• Shanda Bennett, cell/molecular biology ’09, who will attend Western Michigan University
• Mitchell Overway, health sciences BS ’88 and MS ‘90, who will attend Western Michigan University
• Jennifer Buchman, cell/molecular biology ’08, who is attending the University of Indiana