People

Honors Professional Staff

	Director John S. Nelson has a PhD in politics and philosophy from Chapel Hill. He is a Professor in Political Science, International Programs, and the Project on Rhetoric of Inquiry. He teaches political communication and theory, especially for popular culture in America. So he watches lots of ads, films, news, and sports to discuss with all comers. Contact John at john-nelson@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1685.
	Associate Director Robert F. Kirby has a PhD in biopsychology from Virginia. Bob directs the Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates, and he is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Psychology. His interests are neural control, human behavior, the effects of drugs, and their processes of action. Beyond the University of Iowa, Bob loves to spend his time in the outdoors. Connect with Bob at robert-kirby@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1684.
	Assistant Director for Activities LaShelle Christensen has a BA in psychology and an MS in epidemiology, both from Iowa. LaShelle leads the Honors Student Staff in creating and conducting activities for Honors Students throughout the campus. She is working on national certification for interpreting Sign Language, while training her Morkie as a therapy dog. Contact LaShelle at 319-335-1682 or lashelle-christensen@uiowa.edu.
	Assistant Director for Advising Andrea Kann has a PhD in Art History from Iowa and a BA in Fine Arts from Amherst. She links Honors Students to educational opportunities. Andrea has been a technical writer, an editor, and a researcher at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. When not working, teaching art history, or serving as chauffeur to her children, she paints and knits then reads and writes really bad fiction. Reach Andrea at andrea-kann@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1932.
	Assistant Director for Scholarships Sarah Prineas has a PhD in English from Arizona. Sarah is a Lecturer in the University College, teaching fantasy, science fiction. Sarah helps students seek major scholarships. For fun, she walks, plays piano and frisbee, blogs, writes fantasy and science fiction, and wrangles her two kids — Maud and Theo. Connect with Sarah at sarah-prineas@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1874.
	Assistant Director for Experiential Learning Andrew Willard has an A.B. in anthropology from Stanford then studied international law and politics at Yale. He is president of The Policy Sciences Center, Inc. and the Society of Policy Scientists, while serving on the editorial board of Policy Sciences. Andy teaches human rights and helps engage undergraduates in learning by doing. Reach Andy at 319-335-8333 or andrew-willard@uiowa.edu.
	Secretary Mary Uhl has an MA in English from Northern Illinois. Mary manages the Honors Office, keeping its records and helping students and faculty with its policies. Her interests encompass book studies, tombstone engravings, prophecies, and anything about Mark Twain. Contact Mary at honors-program@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1681.
	ICRU Undergraduate Research Coordinator Katie Wildman is a doctoral student in Student Affairs Administration and Research. Her Advertising B.A. is from Southern Methodist and her M.Ed in Counseling is from Clemson. Katie matches undergraduates with money and mentors for research. She enjoys volleyball, creative projects, and the triathlon. Find Katie at 319-335-8336 or katherine-wildman@uiowa.edu.