Maddie Swanson
Veterinary Science · Laurel, Nebraska
In honor of National First-Generation Celebration Day on Nov. 8, we brought together two first-gen Huskers for a Q&A: junior Maddie Swanson and Chancellor Ronnie Green.
RG: So, Maddie, you're a first-generation college student. I am too. Congratulations on taking on that challenge and being successful here at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. You’re from Laurel, NE, and interested in being a veterinarian — how's that going?
MS: It’s going pretty good so far, I'm getting a lot of work experience in the field and that's very rewarding.
RG: As a first-gen student, what made you make the decision to pursue your university education?
MS: There's actually quite a few factors. One of them was my family. They've never limited me in what I want to do. They really pushed me to be the best I can be and reach all my goals. To be a veterinarian, I need a higher education, so they really pushed me to go to college. Another factor was myself. When I looked at my life, I didn't think I'd be happy not pursuing higher education furthering myself as a person. The younger people coming after me in my family look up to me and I want to be a role model for them.
RG: Have you been part of the First Husker program here at the university? What has that been like?
MS: They have been a saving grace for me. Coming from a small town and coming to a bigger city, it was kind of a culture shock. When I came to campus early, they indulged in all my questions. They helped me find my resources on campus. They helped me adjust. When I ran into problems, they were the first people I contacted, and they were there for me day or night. It was really a saving grace. I'm also a peer mentor for that program now, so I’m able to help the new first gen coming in.
RG: Well, I understand what that's like. Because I remember being a first-gen student. I remember all my friends seemed to know how all this worked, and I had to kind of figure it out. So, congratulations on your success.
Marianna Burks
science learning specialist, biology instructor and educational sciences PhD student · Baton Rouge, Louisianna
Marianna is making science accessible to all students.
“I tell my students, whatever you experienced in biology or science before you have taken my course...throw it out the window,” Marianna said. “We are going to reset all of the experiences that you may have had if they were negative in science and biology.”
As an instructor for BIOS 101 and LIFE 120, she’s dedicated to helping students overcome their struggles in science and realize their capacity for success in the subject.
“I can have students that are straight-A students that say, ‘Mrs. Burks, I don't think I'm good at science.’ And I’m like, ‘What do you mean you’re not good at science? You’re doing great. But, in terms of if they feel fulfilled in their ability to do science, that's very different from a student's ability to be successful just in college.”
To help her students feel empowered by their abilities, Marianna takes on the role of both instructor and mentor. She forms personal connections, shows them the tools they need to succeed, and cheers them on even after the semester is over.
“I enjoy the relationships we develop during our time in the semester, and the other thing is that those students always come back to me.”
Her teaching method is also the driving force behind the research she is doing for her dissertation, titled, “An Assessment of the Relationships Critical in Developing Science Self-Efficacy in First-Generation Undergraduate College Students.”
Marianna’s impact is clear — and the cards she proudly displays in her office from former students prove that her empathy and enthusiasm-led teaching style is effective.
“My passion every day has been to educate the students and serve them...what has been rewarding about what I do is even just the thank-you's that I get.” Marianna said. “I have hundreds of thank-you cards...that has also been the reward, to see their journeys, to watch their journeys and to know that I was a part of influencing their journey.”
Joe
Air Force Veteran · Lincoln, Nebraska
Joe Brownell, director of Nebraska’s Military and Veteran Success Center, said he operates the center with one goal in mind: helping students achieve their academic and career goals. “Some [students] take a straight path, and others may have to explore a little bit more, but through it all you’re creating connections so that individuals are successful not only here, but in society,” he said. The Military and Veteran Success Center, now in its fourth year, provides support to students in regard to their military service and academics, offering academic tutors, peer mentors and even medical tests and screenings. For Brownell, the military wasn’t just about serving but doing your part. That’s why he got involved with the center shortly after he retired from the Air Force in August 2018, “I’ve always believed in servant leadership, and this is helping to do that,” Brownell said. “Your career doesn’t end when you leave the military, you still have to give back." As director of the program, Brownell said his main job is to ensure that students have the services and the support that they need to be successful. While it hasn’t always been an easy journey, which Brownell attributes to there not being enough time in the day, he still takes pride in seeing students succeed and accomplishing their goals. “At the end of the day, whatever decisions we make, if we’re focused on the students we’ll be successful,” Brownell said.
Sean
Mechanical Engineering · Lincoln, Nebraska
How, exactly, do you ship a robot to space? As Sean learned first-hand last summer, you do it very, very carefully.
Interning for Nebraska Engineering faculty Shane Farritor’s Virtual Incision lab last summer, Sean suddenly found himself preparing one of Virtual Incision’s surgical robots for its maiden voyage to the International Space Station. Launched into space for its 250-mile journey on Tuesday, the hope is that these robots can one day be used to perform surgery remotely from Earth.
For any of that to be possible, the first test robot needs to arrive at the station intact.
“I mostly worked on the hardware to get it up to the station and perform the experiment where the robot cuts rubber bands in its workspace, simulating surgery,” Sean explains. “I basically helped with the equipment that supports the robot.”
While a “locker” sounds simple enough, the process of ensuring the robot makes the journey safely — and is safe for astronauts to unpack once it gets there — requires a staggering amount of detail.
“We created an early version just for simulating vibrations that the robot will experience during launch,” says Sean. “We also used lots of protective measures, working with NASA to prevent safety hazards like electrical fires or structural failures causing injury.”
Sean, who graduated in December and now works full-time at Virtual Incision, will be anxiously awaiting the results of the robot’s journey.
“It's definitely a little nerve-wracking; it’ll be a week or two later until we know for sure, but I'm really excited.”
And for someone who’s worked on a project soaring so high, Sean stays grounded about the experience.
"It’s a privilege, right?” Sean says. “It’s just an honor, so you have to just keep your head down, try your best and work hard on what needs to get done.”