Continuing with our celebration of this year’s CALS Award recipients, we are sharing information about the winners of the Academic Staff Excellence Recognition Awards this week.

Ronnie Frederick

Ronnie Frederick is a researcher at the National Magnetic Resonance Facility in the Department of Biochemistry. For more than 15 years, Ronnie has also served as a research mentor for participants in the Dane County Youth Apprenticeship Program.

In addition to being an incredible mentor to many, Ronnie’s wonderful sense of humor and cheerful attitude has brought joy to anyone that he comes across. His expertise in making recombinant proteins makes him a key piece of any research lab he’s a part of.

Ronnie has prepared hundreds of proteins critical for NMR studies, and his excellent samples have made important research so much easier because of his efforts.

Ronnie has inspired hundreds of students and helped launch them into successful careers. His partnership with the Youth Apprenticeship Program has helped over 300 youth apprentices enter the biosciences field. So many of these students owe their passion for science to Ronnie.

Isaac David Kabera

As a Research Program Manager at the Walnut Street Greenhouse, Isaac David Kabera is instrumental in keeping the greenhouses operational and effective for research. He has an intimate knowledge of all aspects of the facilities, equipment, and technology. Due to his observant and diligent nature, he is quick to identify issues and takes action to correct them.

Isaac’s greatest contribution, by far, is his engaging and welcoming personality. His demeanor is a perfect fit for working at the Walnut Street Greenhouse. Isaac makes everyone feel like they belong, from the most seasoned professor to the new undergraduate that is seeking to learn more about the plant sciences. His nominators note that Isaac brightens the day for anyone who visits with him.

Makayla Schuchardt

Makayla Schuchardt is the Department of Nutritional Sciences’ program manager for online graduate programs, the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and the Capstone Certificate in Clinical Nutrition. Under her leadership, these online graduate programs are among the most successful online programs recently developed at UW–Madison.

Makayla’s background makes her well qualified to oversee these programs. Her experience as an instructor, clinical dietitian and clinical researcher gives her an excellent understanding of what students want and need in their education. She maintains a high standard of education, and effectively communicates with students that the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition program is the best choice to further their careers. She also takes great care to make students feel like they are part of our campus community despite being scattered across the country and around the world.

Makayla’s tireless work has bought much success to the nutritional sciences department, to CALS and to the campus community.