Chippewa Valley Times

Jada Wahl, a dedicated biology major at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, has been recognized as one of the three recipients of the distinguished Goldwater Scholarship this year. This national honor is awarded to second and third-year students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Wahl expresses gratitude for the recognition, calling it a validation of her hard work and a boost of confidence for her future academic pursuits.

“It described selected scholars as ‘showing exceptional promise of becoming this nation’s next generation of research leaders,’” Wahl says. “Reading those words and earning this award validates all the hard work I’ve done so far and gives me added confidence to move on to graduate school and beyond.”

In her ongoing research at UW-Eau Claire, Wahl holds a live trap containing a California ground squirrel, part of a study conducted in collaboration with Dr. Jennifer Smith and the faculty at the University of California, Davis. Wahl credits her mentor Dr. Smith, an associate professor of biology, for shaping her academic trajectory and research focus. Wahl reflects on her transformative mentorship with Smith, who fostered a collaborative environment that influenced her career path.

“My direct connection with Dr. Smith has been crucial to my academic journey,” Wahl states. “Dr. Smith fostered a welcoming, collaborative environment that was fundamental for my development as a scientist. My career plans shifted dramatically after becoming involved in her lab, and I haven’t looked back since.”

Dr. Smith describes Wahl as “deeply deserving” due to her exceptional academic and research performance, as well as her potential to lead in ecological research. “Some students stand out due to their creativity or ability to grasp new concepts, while others may demonstrate strong leadership skills or exceptional laboratory proficiency,” Smith says. “Jada embodies all these qualities and has tremendous potential to become a national leader in understanding the causes and consequences of animal decision-making in a changing world.”

Alongside her academic responsibilities, Wahl is actively involved in community-based ecological research at Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, where she has volunteered for over a year. Her involvement in the long-term migrant bird study unites volunteers in meticulous data collection. Wahl is particularly excited about the practical application of their research and the wider network of information collected across North America.

“It’s really cool,” Wahl says of the migrating bird data. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement in ecological studies, stating, “Being part of an invested community of ecologically minded people is transformative.”

Dr. Erica Benson, executive director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, highlights the significance of UW-Eau Claire having multiple Goldwater Scholars. “The recognition of three UWEC students is a testament to the high quality, enriching research experiences that faculty offer students, and the exceptional caliber of the students engaging in collaborative student-faculty research,” Benson says. The other Goldwater Scholars from UW-Eau Claire include Thomas Benning, a chemistry major, and Rachel Horejsi, a microbiology and bioinformatics double major.

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