Star Journal Report

Two Rhinelander High School graduates have been awarded 2019-20 Wisconsin Idea Fellowships (WIF) for undergraduate projects at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In its 21^st year, WIF are awarded to UW-Madison projects working to solve issues identified by local or global communities.

Haley Sisel

Haley Sisel, a 2017 RHS grad, has developed a project that aims to identify the ramifications of excessive mycotoxin exposure on plants, animals and humans in rural Guatemala, and connect experts in those fields through the One Health initiative. According to the World Health Organization, myxotoxins are compounds that are naturally produced by certain types of molds which can grow on food such as cereals, dried fruits, nuts and spices. The One Health initiative works to address the connections between health and the environment, among other goals. Sisel will work toward developing a variety of educational materials to share with locals in Guatemala.

Brianna DeNamur

2016 RHS graduate Brianna DeNamur is working with another student on a project to integrate healthy and sustainable practices into the lives of Madison youth. The goal of the project is to work with the Goodman Community Center’s after school program to teach life practices including sustainable agriculture, waste reduction and eating habits to lower-income youth who may not have the opportunities to learn such things.

A total of nine projects were awarded fellowships and will receive both logistical and financial support of up to $7,000. Some projects will begin this summer and some will last through next May.