Dr. Rachelle Yankelevitz has just begun her second year at UW-Whitewater.  Prior to joining our  Psychology Department, she held positions at Willamette University and Portland State University. Some of her  research interests include decision making, impulsivity, risk-taking, and social influence. She enjoys community service at the humane society and has volunteered with the Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center’s outreach program.

What made her want to teach?

The main reason is that she likes the connection with students. It’s very rewarding to see a student learning something new or acquiring a tool to help them become a better consumer of information. 

What is her approach to teaching and what can students expect in the classroom?

She enjoys taking a collaborative approach to learning as much as possible by making information as structured as she can.  Encouraging critical thinking is an important part of her classes.  She also wants to provide a foundation for the broader concepts she introduces to her students.

What is one experience that occurred during her undergraduate or graduate school experience that made a definite impact on her approach to her academic career?

One thing was getting hands on research experience as an undergraduate that carried in to her research in graduate school. She also selected courses that were related to her major field but also provided different experiences and perspectives in order to become a more versatile scholar.

What book would she recommend to her students?

Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely is a good choice for people first approaching psychology.

 What is something that students would be surprised to learn about her?

She’s very interested in animal rescue and how we can improve the behavior of the animals in the shelter as well as working to ensure that fewer animals given up by their families.

 What is her favorite thing about UWW so far?

The students are her favorite thing about UWW.  They seem very open to learning and that makes her job enjoyable and fun.

It is the College’s pleasure to welcome a new faculty member to the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.  Brian O’ Neill has recently been hired as an Assistant Professor in our Biological Sciences Department.  Dr. O’Neill received his undergraduate degree from Bemidji State University  and his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. 

Here is some interesting information about Professor O’ Neill:

Hobbies:  Being Outdoors, camping, fishing, biking, or anything that is outside

Research:  Ecology of ephemeral aquatic ecosystems, aquatic invertebrates, food web ecology, food chain length, stable isotope ecology

Family:  My wife Andrea Romero.

It is the College’s pleasure to welcome a new faculty member to the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Rachel Chaphalkar joins us as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Education.  Rachel graduated with her B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics from Michigan Technological University.  She earned her PhD in
Mathematics Education from the University of Montana.  

Here is some interesting information about Professor Chaphalkar:

Hobbies:  Cross-country skiing, running, and sewing

Research:  Statistics Education

Family:  My husband is named Nik

It is the College’s pleasure to welcome a new faculty member to the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.  Veronica Fruiht has recently been hired in our Department of Psychology.  Veronica graduated from California Polytechnic University with a BS in Psychology and has a master’s degree in Positive Developmental Psychology from the Claremont Graduate University where she is currently completing her PhD.

Here is some interesting information about Veronica:

Hobbies:  I’m a crafty-type and have been the resident seamstress, designer, and cupcake baker in my research lab. Now, I am looking forward to all of the DIY projects that come with a new home! I am also excited to explore a new set of hiking trails and campgrounds in the area.

Research:  My research focus is on hope. In particular, I’m interested in how to build hope and goal-setting skills among adolescents and high risk college students. I also study mentoring relationships and their impact on college student success. 

Personal Life: No spouse or kids, but I look forward to seeing what my pudgy calico cat Barley thinks of snow.

Interesting Facts:  I’m a California native and have never lived or driven in the snow before. I appreciate your patience in advance.