4/6/26

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University proudly recognizes four outstanding graduate students who represented the university at the Capitol Graduate Research Summit (CGRS) in Topeka, an annual event that highlights innovative graduate scholarship from institutions across Kansas.

The prestigious summit brings together graduate researchers from across the state to share their work with state leaders and the broader public, demonstrating the value and impact of academic research on communities and public policy.

Fort Hays State University congratulates Raul Ayala, Jonathan Owusu, Chelsea Wildman, and Hanna Fontes, each of whom earned a participation certificate for presenting their research at this year’s summit. Their work reflects the depth and impact of graduate scholarship at FHSU and underscores the university’s continued commitment to academic excellence.

FHSU is especially proud to recognize Chelsea Wildman as the university’s overall winner at the Capitol Graduate Research Summit. Her achievement highlights the university’s dedication to research that addresses important challenges facing Kansas communities.

The FHSU student presenters and their research topics included:

• Raul Ayala, advised by Dr. Marco Macias
  “Separatism in Independent Mexico, 1821–1846”
• Chelsea Wildman, advised by Dr. Bonnie Landgraf
  “Establishing a School-Based, Peer-Led, Universal Mental Health Intervention in a Rural Kansas School District”
• Hanna Fontes, advised by Dr. Matthew Clay
  “Trail to Classroom: Digitizing Rocky Mountain Landscapes with 360° Video”
• Jonathan Owusu, advised by Dr. Thomas Schafer
  “Assessing the Impact of Nitrate and Arsenic Contamination on Groundwater Quality and the Potential Risks to Human Health in Western Kansas: A Geochemical Investigation”

Fort Hays State University congratulates all participating students and their faculty advisors for their outstanding accomplishments and for representing the university with excellence at the state level.

For additional news and information about Fort Hays State University, go to https://www.fhsu.edu/university-communications/