Just Off College Avenue

Being Non-Traditional with Andy Huffman

Being a non-traditional student comes with its struggles and advantages. In this episode, we talk with Andy Huffman, a 2nd year student, about his experience navigating the non-traditional student experience at UVA Wise. Want to connect with Andy? Reach out via Instagram (@huffmanandy13), Facebook, or through emailatyej8zq@uvawise.edu. Don’t forget to stay curious this summer! Andy has been staying curious through The Hunger Games series, specifically the newest book release of Sunrise on the Reaping and the upcoming movie release. So, check out Susanne Collins or other related authors for an immersive world building experience!

So You're Thinking About Grad School? with Mark McNalley

In today’s episode, we talk about applying to graduate school. From when to start considering graduate programs and information sessions to looking for funding, we cover it all with Mark McNalley! Currently, Mark works in graduate admissions at Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business, but his career in academia has allowed him to navigate various areas of student affairs and admissions. As an alum of UVA Wise, Mark is passionate about assisting students as a self-proclaimed bridge builder. Looking for ways to connect with Mark? Check out his LinkedIn page or send him an email at mmcnalle@purdue.edu [mmcnalle@purdue.edu]. Today’s curiosity suggestion includes checking out the podcast Hey, Riddle Riddle, playing board games, andthe book Play the Man by Mark Patterson. Drop a comment with your curiosity suggestion!

Navigating Professional Development After Graduation

We are happy to have Natalie Blankenship, the Academic & Professional Program Manager with UVA Wise’s Office of Strategic Engagement & Government Relations, join us for this week’s episode! Natalie has a background working in admissions as well workforce readiness which makes her a great candidate to talk about continuing professional development after graduation. To participate in the programming mentioned in this episode, please visit https://www.swcenter.edu/uvawise/ . Want to learn more from Natalie? She is reachable at nlblankenship@uvawise.edu or by calling her work line at (276) 639- 0686. You can also talk to her about program related scholarships. Today, staying curious means taking care of yourbody! Suggested is using a kettle bell to build lean muscle. Working out can seem like a daunting endeavor, but if you keep your body moving you will maintain a healthy brain. So, let’s hit the gym!

Making Your Passion Your Career with Damean

Follow your dreams, or your passions in this case! Finding ways to make your passions the soul focus ofyour daily life is difficult and has many obstacles. Damean, a published alum, talks about when he identified his passion for literature and writing as well as how he was able to connect with the Appalachian Writer’s Guild community to foster his craft. Students who are interested in pursuing their passion as acareer will benefit from hearing about Damean’s journey and the advice he thinks is important for not getting discouraged. Interested in Damean’s publications? Check out Barnes and Noble or Amazon. On his website, dameanmattews.com, you can keep up with events to see him in person. Looking for more ways to connect? Damean is on Instagram and TikTok as mr.author91 as well as hosting a Facebook page. If you would like to join his pen pal group, SWVA and Beyond, don’t hesitate to reach out to him on one of the various platforms previously mentioned. We can’t forget the curiosity suggestion! Damean is fascinated by Appalachian cryptids and the supernatural, so he spends his free time looking into the many stories to discover new creatures. In thatsame vain, he listens to Old Gods of Appalachia, an ‘eldritch horror fiction’ podcast that leans into legend, creating an immersive experience.

Impact Through Undergraduate Research with Kenley

Have you wondered how to get involved with research on campus and the impact it can have on your professional endeavors? In this episode, we talk with Kenley Eisenminger about their experience creating connections, finding their niche, and how presenting research has propelled their undergraduate career while attending UVA Wise. Have questions about pursuing research? You can reach Kenley on Instagram: @fellowferalgardener, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenley-eisenmenger , or through email (until graduation): pxg6kh@uvawise.edu. Kenley has been involved in various research projects which you can view from the links below. 1.Caves, Clay, and Communication: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Connecting Art and Science (Independent Research, nationally funded): https://gsameetings.secure-platform.com/connects25/solicitations/103002/sessiongallery/schedule/items/95343/application/11108 2.How GSA Foundation Support Transforms Careers: Voices from Our Community, page 35 (Interview for FINS at GSA, nationally funded and FINS funded): https://rock.geosociety.org/net/gsatoday/archive/35/3/pdf/i1052-5173-35-3.pdf 3.Testing Different Sampling Methods To Study Actinobacteria In Pristine Vs Human-Impacted Karst Sites (FINS funded): https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2025SE/meetingapp.cgi/Session/58191 4.The Way a Cave Sings (Senior Final at MECC filmed by Lone Mountain Productions): https://youtu.be/7xn75eh-llY?si=S27EIXvpBhG3zFL6 5.Virginians Are Restoring a Forest Economy Built on Herbs and Tradition, New York Times Article (assisted Dr. Ryan Huish and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee in the Appalachian Indigenous Land Histories and Ethnobotany class): https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/20/climate/virginia-farmers-herbs-appalachia.html **Cave Safety Training is new for Virginia State Parks, so the cleaning procedures are in the process of being finalized. Check the Virginia Department of Conservation and Research (DCR) website for updates. Don't forget to stay curious like Kenley! They suggest looking into different American Histories such as the influence of Jazz on Pop music. #careerchat #research #uvawise