Wisconsin Idea Undergraduate Fellowships Projects: 2007-08

Lobbying and Lawmaking in the Wisconsin Legislature:
Student: James Campbell; Faculty Mentor: Professor David Cannon, Department of Political Science; Community Partner: Wisconsin Ethics Board; Madison, WI
This project analyzes data collected by the Wisconsin Ethics Board to determine the effects of early-stage lobbying by interest groups on the Wisconsin Legislature’s legislative output. The study includes an examination of correlations between the amount of money spent on lobbying for or against a bill or topic, the comparative potency of interest groups’ spending, and the ability of interest groups to set the legislative agenda. Results of the study will be publicized through the Wisconsin Ethics Board website.

Ethnomathematics: Engaging Students of Color for Mathematical Success:
Student: Fawn Houck; Faculty Mentor: Professor Concetta Gomez, Department of Mathematics; Community Partner: Wright Middle Schoo; Madison, WI
This project will establish an afterschool enrichment program of ethnomathematics, designed to engage Middle School students of color in mathematics in order to forestall their disengagement in that subject and to excite their interest in math and encourage their academic success. Creative age-and culturally appropriate mathematical activities will be researched, developed and implemented. Pre and post assessments will be conducted to compile and analyze data regarding the effectiveness of the program and to make recommendations for future program implementation by the UW-Madison Mathematics Department.

Improving Family Health Through a Partnership with the YMCA’s Kidafit and Harambee Health Hour:
Student: Robert Korom; Faculty Mentor: Linda Baumann, School of Nursing; Community Partner: AccessCommunityHealthCenters; Madison, WI
Designed to improve family health in Madison’s south side community, this project includes increased coordination of volunteers for expanded health/fitness programs within local community organizations, a multi-faceted publicity campaign and a rigorous evaluation of participants’ fitness levels over the course of the year. Emphasis will be placed on nutrition education and exercise to achieve healthy family lifestyles and chronic disease prevention.

Linking Developing-World Entrpreneuers with Investors: Creating a Marketing Strategy and Campaign for Non-Profit Microfinance Investments:
Student: Julia Glad; Faculty Mentor:Rick Brooks, Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies; Community Partner: Envest, In;
Madison, WI
The primary objective of this project is to increase awareness of and support for microfinance in the developing world for large scale poverty relief. Specifically, a marketing strategy will be developed for Envest, Inc, a newly created local non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting existing microfinance institutions through North American investments. This strategy will be designed to combine social responsibility with competitive returns for investors and then marketed to a broad range of financial institutions.

Reducing the Burden of Disease: Diabetes Prevention on Allied Drive:
Students: Alicien Nelson and Vijay Prasad; Faculty Mentor: Professor Byron Crouse, School of Medicine & Public Health; Community Partner: Allied WellnessCenter; Madison, WI
Madison’s Allied Drive neighborhood is primarily comprised of populations that are the most susceptible to developing diabetes due to genetic predispositions and limited access to comprehensive medical care. In an effort to reduce this burden of disease, students will conduct physical fitness workshops, healthy cooking classes and foot care clinics. Residents already afflicted with the disease will be advised on managing their condition and receive recommendations for care; a monitoring program will be established for those residents categorized as having an elevated risk of diabetes.

Increasing Economic Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities in Northwest Wisconsin:
Student, Matt Pesko; Faculty Mentor: Professor Kimber Malmgren, Department of Rehabilitation Psychology & Special Education; Community Partner: Ventures Unlimited, Inc; Shell Lake, WI.
A multi-tiered plan will be developed and implemented to dispel any misgivings and negative predispositions of businesses in the area of Shell Lake, Wisconsin, and garner their support to hire and retain individuals with disabilities. Four categorical and chronological steps will be employed: 1) materials and methods will be prepared and delivered to area businesses, 2) businesses will be recruited to participate through meetings and presentations to chambers of commerce and county boards; 3) a publicity plan will be designed and implemented to promote the acquisition of business cooperation; and 4) a retention plan will be put into place to ensure long-term success of employer-employee relationships.

Biocore Outreach Ambassadors: Reaching Out to Improve Rural Science Education:
Students: Kate Dielentheis and Katie Gielissen; Faculty mentor: Michelle Harris, Biology Core Curriculum; Community Partner: BlackEarthElementary School; Black Earth, WI
The goal of this program is to sustain and expand current efforts by Biocore to improve science education in rural communities outside of Madison. The project focuses on the Wisconsin Heights School District and three additional rural districts. Projects will include an after school science club for middle school students, incorporating hands-on activities into 4th and 5th grade curriculums, and expanding Family Fun Science Night programming.

Vietnam Health Project: Project Playrooms—Key to Increasing Development:
Students: Hoai Thanh Nguyen, T. Huyen Le Hoang; Anh Y. Duong & Nghia Le; Faculty Mentor: Michael Cullinane, Center for Southeast Asian Studies; Community Partner: U. S. Committee for Scientific Cooperation with Vietnam; Hanoi, Vietnam
This project focuses on improving the conditions in Hanoi’s Children’s Hospital pediatric rehabilitation room. A playroom with developmental sensory toys and rehabilitation equipment and furniture will be built to serve children with disabilities. A promotional campaign will also be developed and implemented to spread awareness of developmental issues and help educate the Vietnamese about developmental disabilities. This experience will provide the students with an opportunity to observe the medical and health institutions in Vietnam and to gain experience working within the Vietnamese culture.