The University of Wisconsin-Superior has named Giulia Martins, Shalese Snowdon and Rachel Turner the recipients of the 2020 Chancellor’s Leadership Award. This award is given to members of the graduating class who are committed to personal growth and who have made a positive contribution to their peers, campus and community.
Martins, a biology, pre-medicine and health major with a behavioral neuroscience minor, has been an active member of the campus community. She has been involved with the Department of Natural Sciences, Residence Life, the Yellowjacket Activities Crew and the Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning. In the classroom, her biology research focused on antibiotic sourcing from soil grown microbes, with a specific focus on microbial diversity and medical plants. From São Paulo, Brazil, Martins plans on continuing her education, pursuing a master’s and doctorate in biology and acquiring certificates in instructional design.
Snowdon, a legal studies and indigenous studies double major, is an anishinaabekwe from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation in Canada. In her time at UW-Superior, she was actively involved with the Native Nations Student Organization, Alpha Phi Sigma- Criminal Justice Honor Society, Pre-Law Society, and played on the Yellowjacket women’s golf team. The last four years, Snowdon worked for the Department of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and at the Jim Dan Hill Library. Snowdon was also involved in the McNair Scholars Program and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship where she completed research projects surrounding the issue of violence against Indigenous women. Post-graduation, Snowdon plans to pursue pre-law internships then attend law school with a focus in tribal law.
A native of Duluth, Turner will be graduating with a degree in social work. On campus, she served as a student success coach and lead office manager within the Veteran and Nontraditional Student Center. Turner has been involved in Psi Chi, Social Work Student Association, McNair Scholars Program, and the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, as well as serving the community as a youth care counselor in the mental health unit at The Hills. After graduation, she plans on continuing her education with the goal of performing mental health work as a clinical social worker.
