Lauren K. Gilstrap
221 Lake St. Apt. 4
EDUCATION
May 2016
anticipated
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Bachelor of Arts
Summa cum laude
3.80 GPA
gilstrlk@uwec.edu
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Majors: European and Public History (3.79)
Religious Studies (4.00)
Specialized Coursework
Late Medieval/Early Modern European History
The Age of Reformation*
Western Civilization since 1660
Gender, Sex & Science in European History*
20th Century European History
Art History Survey I
20th Century Russian History
World History to 1500
Religious Studies & Languages
New Testament*
Modern Christianity
Music in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Old Testament/Hebrew Bible
Judaism
World Religions
Sacred Earth: Nature in Religion
Hinduism
Chinese and Japanese Religions
Indigenous Religions of the Americas
Spanish I-IV
German I*, II*
Ethnic and Cultural Studies
Introduction to Archaeology
Language in Culture and Society
American Women’s History
American Indian History
American Indian History and Culture
*anticipated 2015-2016
RESEARCH & PRACTICA
Collaborative Research
“Ethnicity, Gender, and Justice in Progressive Era Milwaukee.” With Dr. Jane Pederson (HIST),
UW–Eau Claire (UWEC). Summer 2015. Study explores the 1914 trial in Progressive Era Milwaukee, WI of the Italian
immigrant, Carmello Musso for the murder of her husband. Analysis addresses gender and ethnic identity’s role in
courtroom discourse and the nature of justice for women and specific ethnic groups in Milwaukee. Sources include the
Milwaukee Journal, The State of Wisconsin vs. Carmello Musso (1914) court case records, Office of the Governor,
Emanuel L. Philipps, Pardon Papers for Carmello Musso, (1917) and U.S. Census records. Secondary source included G.
La Piana’s The Italians in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1915), David Holmes’ Irish in Wisconsin (2004), Mario A. Carini’s
Milwaukee's Italians: the Early Years (1999), and Richard Zeitlin’s Germans in Wisconsin (2000).
Independent Research
“The Irish War of Independence” Dr. Patricia Turner (HIST), UWEC. Spring 2014. A study of David Leeson
and Tom Bowden’s take on interpretations of the Irish War of Independence. Study analyzes the Black and Tans and I.R.A.
military groups, and Leeson’s and Bowden’s revision of previous portrayals of these groups. Study explores the traditional
portrayal of both groups as extremely violent and radical, and also examines Leeson and Bowden’s challenges to this view.
“The Councils of Trent and their Effects on Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century Europe.” Dr.
Charlene Burns, Philosophy and Religious Studies (RELS), UWEC. Fall 2012. A study of how the Councils of
Trent escalated Europe’s division and prompted religious civil war by further eroding the already poor relationship
between Catholics and Protestants. The Councils’ main result was the Thirty Years’ War, a devastating conflict involving
massive loss of life and the desertion of religion in the following centuries.
“Music in Irish Church Liturgy from the Medieval to Modern Era.” Dr. Steven Fink (RELS),
UWEC. Spring 2015. A study of how music in Irish Christian church liturgy changed over time, typically in response to
the most popular musical trends of the present era. Study explores the different liturgical styles of both Catholic and
Protestant churches in Ireland through medieval and modern history.
“The Jew as a Character in English Literature.” Dr. Jonathan Paradise (RELS), UWEC. Spring 2015.
Study analyzes Frank Modder’s book, The Jew in the Literature of England. Study emphasized the ever changing social,
economic, and political stages of English history’s effects on Jewish literature in England.
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“Bede Griffiths: A Man of East and West.” Dr. Scott Lowe (RELS), UWEC. Fall 2014. Study analyzes
how religious scholar Bede Griffiths, raised in the Church of England, came to serve as a spokesperson for the blending of
Hinduism and Christianity. Study explores his search for the Divine through contemplation, mystical naturalism,
meditation, and prayer.
“Dissent in the Soviet Union-1960 to 1980: an Intellectual and Cultural Revolution Featuring
Solzhenitsyn and Sakharov.” Dr. Paulis Lazda (HIST), UWEC. Spring 2014. A study of “dissidents” (“otherthinkers”) who shared their unease and disagreement with Communist policies and actions through essays and novels.
Study focused on Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and Andrei Sakharov, and their role in the intellectual and cultural revolution
called the Dissident Movement.
“Ch’an Buddhism and the Shaolin Temple” Dr. Scott Lowe (RELS), UWEC. Fall 2014. A study of Ch’an
Buddhism, and its’ origins in the Shaolin Temple in China. Study analyzed meditation and prayer techniques, temple
characteristics, monastic lifestyle, and religious beliefs of the Ch’an school of Buddhism.
“Native Americans: Civilized Civilizations.” Dr. Andrew Sturtevant (HIST/AM IND STDS), UWEC. Fall
2013. A study of 16th century European colonists’ view of Native American societies. The colonists’ perception of
indigenous peoples as “primitive” and “uncivilized” is corrected through an analysis of Native North American societies
in the pre- and contact eras. Anthropological research reveals that Native Americans’ way of life was simply different from
Europeans’; the differences generated the misconceptions.
Practica
Student Assistant and Social Media Marketing Assistant. UWEC McIntyre Library Special Collections
& Archives & Wisconsin Historical Society. Supervised by Greg Kocken, MLS. 2014-16. Assisted the Head and
Assistant Archivists with cataloging projects, the creation of new finding aids, locating documents and answering patrons’
questions via telephone and email enquiries. As Social Media Marketing Assistant I managed the Special Collections and
Archives social media networks—i.e., choosing Archives’ content for display weekly on Facebook. These advertise
Archives’ resources to university and community.
Archives Researcher. UWEC McIntyre Library Special Collections and Archives, UWEC. Supervised by
Greg Kocken, MLS. Summer 2014. Digitized the Jeanette Gaffney Miller Collection and created and curated a digital
exhibit that highlighted this resource. Designed a physical exhibit and wrote an article for McIntyre Library’s “Off the
Shelf” newsletter re: benefits of digitization in the archival world.
INSTRUCTION
Corps
Member
ECLIPSE AmeriCorps Program, UWEC. Eau Claire Family Literacy, Eau Claire,
WI. 2012-2013. Duties included leading weekly ESL sessions teaching reading, writing and
social skills to Hmong and Spanish-speaking preschool children. Every week taught 10 four
and five year olds to read books, practice writing skills, and play games/sing songs that
reinforced their acquisition of English.
Student
Co-Editor
Nova Religio: Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions. Supervised by Dr.
Scott Lowe (RELS), UWEC. Spring 2015. Assisted Dr. Lowe in reviewing and editing
submitted research papers and reviews on new religions; new movements within established
religious traditions; neo-indigenous; neo-polytheistic and revival movements; ancient wisdom
and new age groups; diasporic religious movements; and marginalized and stigmatized
religions. Upon completion of reviews, papers returned to authors for revisions. Process
repeated pieces were ready to be published.
Teaching
Assistant
Introduction to World Religions. Supervised by Dr. Scott Lowe, UWEC. 2015.
Lead review sessions for the students and assisted students with questions on course content.
GRANTS, AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS
$1,000 Willis and Betty Gertner Religious Studies Scholarship
$5,200 Research Grant. Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
$500 Travel Grant. UWEC McNair Achievement Program
$5,800 Research Grant. U. S. Dept. of Education (McNair Achievement Program)
$1,000 Jane M. Pederson and Ronald E. Mickel History Scholarship
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2015-16
2015
2015
2015
2014
$4,000
$2,500
$1,500
$500
$1,500
$1,000
$1,000
$2,000
Dr. Fred and Chris Timm Health/Education Scholarship
Kohl’s Department Store National Scholarship
American Legion Rose Harms Post #355 Scholarship
Marine Credit Union State Scholarship
Cedarburg-Grafton, WI Rotary Club Service Above Self Scholarship
Grafton, WI Lion’s Club Scholarship
WI American Legion Auxiliary H.S. and Angeline Lewis Scholarship
KAPCO Grafton, WI Community Scholarship Fund
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Scholar
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Dean’s List, College of Arts & Sciences, UWEC
UWEC Mortar Board Scholar
UWEC Theta Alpha Kappa, Religious Studies Honors Society
UWEC Phi Alpha Theta, History Honors Society
National Honors Society
AP Scholar with Honor. Grafton High School
4-H Youth Leader Award
4-H Outstanding Achievement Award
4-H Outstanding Achievement Award Honorable Mention
2012-16
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2014-16
2013-15
2013-15
2014-16
2014-16
2015-16
2010-12
2012
2010
2009-12
2007-08
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
“Ethnicity, Gender, and Justice in Progressive Era Milwaukee.”
 Astra: The McNair Scholars’ Journal. UWEC. Forthcoming 2016.
 24th National McNair Research Conference and Graduate Fair, UW-Milwaukee & Midwest Association
of Educational Opportunity Programs. Delevan, WI. October 27th – 31st, 2015.
 16th Annual UWEC McNair Scholars’ Colloquia, UWEC. December 2015.
 CERCA. UWEC. Spring 2016.
“Digitization: A Technological Journey through the Archival World” Off the Shelf, UW-Eau Claire
McIntyre Library Journal. September 2014, Number 80.
LEADERSHIP, SERVICE & MEMBERSHIPS
Leadership
Amnesty International.
UWEC Amnesty International Chapter. Eau Claire, WI. 2014-2016.
President. Lead chapter meetings, attend and help plan fundraisers, letter signing events, and design urgent action
events. Led seminar on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for UW-Eau Claire’s Human Rights Weeks.
Vice President. Led chapter meetings in absence of President, attended and helped plan fundraisers, letter signing
events, and designed urgent action events. Led a digital letter signing that included non-member UWEC students.
Amnesty International Club. Grafton High School, Grafton, WI. 2011-2012.
President. Led club meetings, helped plan fundraisers & letter signing events, and designed urgent action events.
Presented articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to high school peers.
Workcamp Planning Committee. St. Joseph Parish, Grafton, WI. 2009-2014. My duties included support to
general meeting planning, fundraising, and prep for yearly youth groups’ mission trip.
National Catholic Youth Conference. Kansas City, MO. 2010. Chosen for advanced leadership training as a
delegate to four-day NCYC. Attended keynote presentations, workshops, and a formal Mass lead by many of the nation’s
brightest Catholic youth and adult leaders.
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Service
Group Workcamp Foundation. Grafton, WI. 2009-14. Each summer serve families across the U. S.by repairing
low-income or disabled persons’ houses: paint, construct wheel chair ramps, porches, and roof. Home parish supplies funds.
AmeriCorps-ECLIPSE. Eau Claire, WI. 2012-13. Led weekly sessions on literacy, writing and social skills to ESL
preschoolers; also taught K-6 children literacy skills at Eau Claire Children’s Museum’s Dr. Seuss Birthday Party. Led
activities as parents attended museum’s classes. For Global Youth Service Day led 5 member cleaning crew at local church.
St. Joseph Parish-Lecturer. Grafton, WI. 2011-16. Lecture(d) regularly at St. Joseph Parish once a month, and sub
for other parish members. Prep involves studying scripture, reading interpretations of the text, and perfecting pronunciation.
Cloverleaf 4-H Club. Ozaukee County, WI. 2003-2013. Decade of membership marked by community service,
conference attendance, and duty as secretary of local Cloverleaf Club. Each year worked clean-up at Ozaukee County
Fairgrounds, maintained library’s flowerbeds, sang Christmas carols at seniors’ home, worked Family Sharing Holiday Gifts
for poor children, manned the 4-H Desk at Ozaukee County Fair and helped kids make crafts.
 Delegate. 4-H State Youth Conference. Madison, WI. 2008. Chosen as a delegate to conference to promote 4H throughout the county and state. Attended multiple seminars and speeches on leadership.
 Youth Leader. 4-H Cloverbud. Ozaukee County, WI. 2010-2012. Planned and led meetings for youngest
members of the Cloverleaf 4-H Club. Often conducted games or crafts that taught creative problem solving and 4-H values.
 Ambassador. Ozaukee County, WI. 2010-2012. Promoted 4-H and taught service, leadership, and community
values to 5th graders via skits and other methods of interactive teaching. Led 4-H related crafting events and themed parties
for youth at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds. Also attended meetings with other Ambassadors to brainstorm ways to
promote 4-H in our county and on the state level. Designed and filmed a promotional movie and provided info sessions and
events to promote 4-H at annual county fair.
 State Art Team. Madison, WI. 2011. Chosen as a delegate to attend the 4-H State Art Conference. Constructed 3-D
models of Madison and learned about art/architecture history of WI.
Girl Scouts. Grafton, WI. 1999-2012. Decade + in scouting included crafts, camping, service projects, and fundraisers.
 Cookie Salesperson of the Year- 2010, 11, 12.
Memberships
Native American Student Association. UW-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI. 2012-present. Promote awareness and
understanding of Native cultures and indigenous issues across the campus and throughout the local and regional communities.
Also participate in monthly meetings and attend organization’s yearly Pow Wow.
Military History Book Club. Grafton High School, Grafton, WI. 2008-2012. Read and discussed military history
books against backdrop of the area’s history and the era in which the novel took place.
Forensics. Grafton High School, Grafton, WI. 2009-2012. Team competed at local, district and state levels in Poetry
and Group Play-Acting categories. Won gold medals in 2011 & 2012 (Group-Play Acting category).
Stage Crew. Grafton High School and John Long Middle School, Grafton, WI. 2007-2012. Stage crew member
throughout middle and high school for eight musicals and plays.
 Stage Crew Manager Assistant. 2010-11.
 Stage Crew Manager. 2012.
Trumpeter. Grafton High School. Grafton, WI. Directed by Mr. Brett Dimmer. 2008-2012. Performed/marched at
the yearly Homecoming game as well as in the Homecoming parade, Christmas Parade, and Veteran’s Day Parade. Played at
basketball home games, and held two concerts a year. Also played taps for our school’s Veteran’s Day ceremony.
 Pep Band. 2008-2012.
 Marching Band. 2008-2012.

Ensemble. WI State Music Assn. Competition. Gold Medal (2010, 2011, 2012), Silver Medal (2010),
Tennis. Grafton High School, Grafton, WI. 2008-11.

 Junior Varsity Tennis: Doubles. 2008-10.
Varsity Tennis Team: Doubles. 2011.
 North Shore Conference Tournament: 2nd Place (2010), 5th Place (2009).
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