Picture left to right: Magda Javakishvili, Virginia Groppo, Alyssa Campbell, Sarah Butterbaugh, Austyn Erickson, Dan Liu, Kelci McHugh, Allison Smith and Phillip Thompson. Not picture: Nick Fazzino
The School of Human Environmental Sciences awarded its Killpatrick and Buster fellowships to ten graduate students for the 2019 spring semester. Two very deserving graduate students received John I. and Patricia J. Buster Fellowship.
- Virginia Groppo is completing her master’s degree in retailing and tourism management with emphasis in merchandising, apparel and textiles. She serves as a research assistant in the Textile Testing Laboratory, providing supervision for the undergraduate lab technicians. Virginia’s thesis research is evaluating the performance of leggings in relation to consumer desires and complaints.
- Magda Javakhishvili is a doctoral student in family sciences. She is an accomplished scholar with two published peer-reviewed articles, five articles in process, one published book chapter, two published book reviews, and 15 conference presentations. Her dissertation research is examining the developmental sequelae in language, empathy, self-control, and psychopathy from infancy through middle adolescence.
Patricia J. Buster was a pioneer in the field of home economics. She was the first known graduate of UK’s home economics program to become a home economist in business at the national level. She contributed to new technology as the author of care manuals for electric appliances in the 1930s and served on the standardization board for major appliance manufacturers.
Eight students received the Alice Pile Killpatrick Fellowship for the 2019 spring semester.
- Sarah Butterbaughis a doctoral student in family sciences with a strong passion for serving others. She has become an expert in emerging adulthood with research emphasis on the college years. Sarah is a member of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment Graduate Student Success Team and is a department representative on the Graduate Student Congress.
- Alyssa Campbellis a doctoral student in family sciences whose goal is to become an educator at a research university. Her master’s thesis research examined attitudes and beliefs surrounding sexual assault in university and military communities. She is extending this research into areas of policy and clinical practice. Alyssa is a department representative on the Graduate Student Congress.
- Austyn Erickson is a master’s student in dietetics and human nutrition. She was drawn to the field after her father required triple bypass heart surgery. Her goals are to educate children and those living in poverty about healthy food choices, to promote sustainable food systems and to teach people how diet can reduce risks of chronic disease.
- Nicholas Fazzino is a master’s student in the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management. After completing his undergraduate degree, Nick worked for Kate Spade and Lord & Taylor in New York City. He returned to UK in the fall to enter the graduate program. He is pursuing research focused on luxury consumerism within generation Z.
- Dan Liu is pursuing a Ph.D. in Family Sciences. She has published one journal article on parenting and adolescent deviance as lead author and presented research at five professional conferences. She is currently working with her advisor on several projects related to sleep and adolescence. Dan taught FAM 254 during the fall semester and received positive course evaluations.
- Kelci McHugh earned a master’s degree in dietetics and human nutrition. Kelci completed her dietetic internship and is credentialed as a registered dietitian. She recently defended her master’s thesis entitled, “Tanglewood Trail Walking and Voucher Program.” Kelci is a current and active member of the Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association.
- Allison Smith is a first-year doctoral student in the Department of Family Sciences. Her assistantship work, in conjunction with her volunteer work, clinical work, and research involvement led to her interest in studying the processes of aging and the role of the family in older adult well-being. She is pursuing graduate certificates in both gerontology and applied statistics.
- Phillip Thompson is pursuing a Ph.D. in Family Sciences. A graduate of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, he balances his graduate studies with his roles as husband, father, and ordained minister. Phillip is a first-year doctoral student with previous work experience at the Kentucky State Reformatory and the Louisville Metro Youth Detention Center.
Alice Pile Killpatrick graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1938 with a degree in home economics. She began her career as a home economist with the Farmers Home Administration in Hardinsburg, Ky., then served as home economics extension agent in Meade and Montgomery counties. The school awards Killpatrick Fellowships to full-time graduate students who excel academically, display strong potential for professional excellence, possess citizenship and leadership qualities, and participate in community activities.