BYU-Idaho/Web-Content huggingface dataset:
Amy Anne De Vera

## Biography

Amy De Vera is a dancer, choreographer, and educator. She received her bachelor's in dance choreography and performance from BYU-Idaho, graduating with honors through the National Honors Society for Dance Arts. She received her YTT 200 certification through Yoga Alliance in 2018, is a member of the National Dance Education Organization, and is currently an adjunct faculty member at BYU-Idaho.

Amy loves teaching and helping her students grow, make connections, and discover themselves through movement. She strives to create a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to question and think critically. She has taught a variety of subjects at the university, including Modern Technique, Jazz Technique, Conditioning for Dancers, Somatics, Choreography and Improvisation, Kinesiology, Yoga, Philosophies and Techniques of Teaching Dance, served as artistic director of "A BYU-Idaho Christmas", and assistant director for Dance Alliance several times.

Amy has taught and choreographed for professional companies, musicals, and studios throughout Utah and Idaho for over 15 years. Her choreography has received accolades throughout the West, including being recognized in Salt's SHAPE Festival in 2019. In Boise, Idaho, Amy helped establish CADA Dance Studio, which won an award for Best of Idaho in 2022.

As a performer, Amy danced with The Dance Collaborative and set original choreography for the company throughout two seasons. In 2019, she performed in Dichotomy, an evening-length work set by Ashley Storm and Joy Esplin Harris. She also performed for three seasons with BYU-Idaho's Dance Alliance, touring across the US and Canada.

When she's not teaching or creating, Amy enjoys baking bread, reading, spending time with family and friends, and doing yoga.

Tags

Theatre & Dance
Amy Hanks

Amy Hanks earned an associate degree in chemistry from Ricks College in 1996 and a bachelor's in chemistry from Utah State University in 2000. After graduation, she joined the Chemistry department at Ricks College in 2000, just before it transitioned to BYU-Idaho. In 2006, Amy completed a master's degree in analytical science from Utah State University.

Amy also serves as a co-chair on the BYU-Idaho Women in STEM Committee on campus.

"Who Do You Want to Be?" (BYU-Idaho Devotional, March 21, 2023)

#### Education

- B.S. in Chemistry, Utah State University (1999)
- M.S. in Analytical Chemistry, Utah State University (2006)
- Teaching Experience: BYU-I (2000-present)

#### Interests

- Chemistry Education
- Analytical Chemistry
- Science in Everyday Life
- Issues related to Women in Chemistry and other Sciences

Tags

Chemistry
Amy Renee Villacorta

Amy Villacorta teaches orchestra at BYU-Idaho. She is an accomplished cellist and plays in the Idaho Falls Symphony in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Amy also serves as Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Cello Festival, an annual festival dedicated to providing musical opportunities for cellist of all ages and abilities. She participates as an instructor at Bozeman String Jam, a summer camp for youth string musicians in Southwest Montana.

Professor Villacorta earned a Bachelor of Music Education from BYU-Idaho. "I am a firm believer and advocate for music and the arts in communities and schools. Music not only brings us joy, it also provides opportunities to share culture, build connections between individuals, and find peace in trying times."

Tags

Music
Andrea G. Radke-Moss

#### Education

- B.A., History Education, Native American Studies, BYU, 1992
- M.A., American History, BYU, 1995
- Ph.D., U.S. History, American West, Women's History, University of Nebraska, 2002
- Dissertation: Coeducational Experiences for Women College Students at Land-Grant Colleges in the American West, 1868-1920

#### Interests

- 19 and 20th Century U.S. History
- Mormon Women
- Women at World's Fairs
- Women and Higher Education
- Women and Suffrage/Political Activism
- Women Homesteaders

#### Teaching Interests

- American West
- U.S. Women
- Industrial Age and Progressive Era
- Post 1945 Foreign Policy and Social Movements
- Cultural History

Tags

History Geography Poli Science
Andrew Nylen Allphin

Andrew Allphin is a trumpet performer and educator. Prior to joining the faculty at Brigham Young University-Idaho, he was a trumpeter in The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" in Washington D.C. since 2004. "Pershing's Own is the premiere ensemble of the Army, and as a member of "Pershing's Own" he performed regularly in ceremonies and concerts of national significance. He performed "Taps" hundreds of times yearly at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and for fallen heroes in Arlington National Cemetery. Sergeant First Class Allphin performed at the funerals of Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald R. Ford, and participated in the inaugurals of three U.S. presidents. Dr. Allphin played regularly in concerts as a member of t he U.S. Army Concert Band, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets for dignitaries and heads of state, the U.S. Army Brass Quintet, the U.S. Army Blues, and the U.S. Army Band Trumpet Ensemble. As a founding member of the U.S. Army Band Trumpet Ensemble, he was a featured artist at the International Trumpet Guild Festival in Sydney, Australia, and the Sauerland-Herbst Music Festival in Germany. Andrew Allphin also fulfilled a diplomatic mission to China where he performed multiple concerts with the premiere musical organization in China, The People's Liberation Army Band. As a member of "Pershing's Own," he also participated in several recording projects.

As a performing musician, he has entertained in world renowned venues such as the Kennedy Center, Strathmore, Wolf Trap, the Lincoln Center, and the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China. He has performed with greats such as Vince DiMartino, Jens Lindemann, Marvin Stamm, Conrad Herwig, Joseph Alessi, Carol Jantsch, Mnozil Brass, and Rhythm and Brass. Andrew has performed regularly with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Annapolis Symphony. He has performed with other orchestras such as the Plymouth Symphony, Maryland Symphony, Windsor Symphony, and the North Carolina Symphony.

Andrew holds the degree Doctor of Musical Arts from The Catholic University of America, Master of Music from the University of Michigan, and Bachelor of Music from Brigham Young University. He studied trumpet with William Campbell, David Brown, Steve Hendrickson, and Adel Sanchez. Dr. Allphin was previously an adjunct Professor of Trumpet and the Director of Brass Ensembles at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. He also taught at Strayer University as a Professor of Humanities, and was a faculty member at Bishop Ireton High School, a renowned school for music education.

Tags

Music
Andrew Edward Burger

#### Education

- Ph.D. Sociology, Utah State University, 2018
- M.S. Sociology, Utah State University, 2012
- B.A. Sociology, Brigham Young University, 2009

#### Interests

- Demography
- Social Epidemiology (Health)
- Statistics
- Research Methodology

#### Current Courses

- Sociological Analysis (Soc 400)
- Sociology and Health (Soc 462)
- Introduction to Sociology (Soc 111)
- The Eternal Family (FDREL 200)

#### Other Courses Taught

- Self and Society
- Social Inequalities
- Social Problems

#### Publications

Burger, Andrew E., Eric N. Reither, Erin Trouth Hofmann, Svenn-Erik Mamelund. (2017). "The influence of Hispanic Ethnicity and Nativity Status on 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Vaccination Uptake in the United States." Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 
Krueger, Patrick M., Eric N. Reither, Paul E. Peppard, Andrew E. Burger, and Lauren Hale (2015). "Cumulative exposure to short sleep and body mass outcomes: a prospective study." Journal of sleep research. 
Burger, Andrew E. and Eric N. Reither (2014). "Monitoring receipt of seasonal influenza vaccines with BRFSS and NHIS data: Challenges and solutions." Vaccine 32(31): 3950-3954. 
Masters, R. K., Eric N. Reither, Daniel A. Powers, Y. Claire Yang, Andrew E. Burger, and Bruce G. Link. (2013). "The Impact of Obesity on US Mortality Levels: The Importance of Age and Cohort Factors in Population Estimates." American journal of public health 103(10): 1895-1901. 
Burger, Andrew E., Eric N. Reither, David W. Ramos, Sun Young Jeon. (2011). Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among Utah Adults, 2000-2008. Utah's Health: An Annual Review 
Curriculum Vitae

Tags

Sociology & Social Work
Andrew Nathaniel Harris

#### Introduction

Andrew N. Harris has been professionally illustrating for the past 10 years. He graduated from Rick's College with an Associates Degree in Graphic Design and Illustration and graduated from Art Center College of Design with a BFA in Illustration and is currently attending Academy of Art University to receive his Masters degree.

Bro. Harris is talented in digital and traditional mediums. He enjoys using watercolor and experimenting with Photoshop.When Bro. Harris is not illustrating he is teaching art at BYU-Idaho, teaching after school art classes at the local museum and spending time with his wife and five children.

Bro. Harris is a huge BYU sports fan, enjoys playing the guitar, and all things art.

#### Courses taught:

Watercolor 251 and 351 
Media Experimentation 142

#### Andrew Harris' work:

Oil Still Life

Oil Still Life

Oil Still Life

Oil Still Life

Pastel Portrait

Charcoal Portrait

Watercolor Portrait

Watercolor Portrait

Charcoal Portrait

Published Works include:

Twenty Hungry Piggies: A Number Book

Tally Cat Keeps Track

Your Body Battles a Cold (a Society of School Librarians International Honor Book)

Your Body Battles A Broken Bone

Your Body Battles a Skinned Knee (both Junior Library Guild selections)

Your Body Battles an Earache

Your Body Battles a Cavity

Your Body Battles a Stomachache

Tags

Art
Andrew Orem Hyde

Andrew Hyde graduated from BYU-Idaho in 2006 with a degree in Health Services, Allied, Health, and Health Sciences. He then completed a physical therapy program at Nova Southeastern University, earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy. He worked for over a decade as a director and physical therapist for Star Therapy Services before accepting a faculty position at BYU-Idaho in 2022.

Professor Hyde emphasizes that there is a spiritual application to everything, including health and human performance. He loves teaching students and helping others improve their quality of life.

Tags

Human Performance & Recreation
Andrew Robert Wells

Andrew Wells graduated from Brigham Young University in 2010 with bachelor's degree in English, followed by a master's degree in English in 2012. He has served as an adjunct professor for LDS Business College and BYU-Pathway Worldwide, an ESL teacher for Seinate International School, and a graduate student instructor for the University of Utah. He joined the faculty in the Department of English at BYU-Idaho in 2017.

Professor Wells has published scholarly articles for Quarterly West and BYU Academic Publishing, and presented conference papers on medieval and classical literature in Illinois, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho.

Tags

English
Andrew Wilson

Andrew Wilson studied welding engineering technology at Ricks College before transferring to Utah State University to complete a bachelor's degree in 2004. He went on to earn a master's in Welding Engineering Technology from USU in 2006.

Professor Wilson worked a high profile engineering company in the Kennewick, Washington, area as a welding engineer until he accepted a faculty position in the Department of Engineering Technology at BYU-Idaho in 2017.

Tags

Engineering Technology
Angelia G. Watkins

## Education

- DHSC
- MBA/HSA

## Bio

Angelia Watkins has been teaching at BYU Idaho since 2012. Prior to that, she worked for the United States Congressional House Budget Office in Washington, DC and for Covey Leadership Center in Provo, Utah. She also served on the Board of Trustees, including serving as the Board Chair, of Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Angelia earned her undergraduate degree in Business and Organizational Behavior from Brigham Young University. She earned a dual master's degree in Business Administration and Health Services Administration from University of Utah. Additionally, she earned a doctorate in Health Sciences from AT Still University.

Angelia and her husband, Dane, are the proud parents of four awesome children. She loves to garden, ski, read, bake, and watch British crime dramas. She looks forward to teaching, mentoring, and getting to know you as you attend BYU Idaho.

Tags

Health Services
Annalee Sommer

Annalee Sommer attended BYU-Idaho while also working as an office manager and bookkeeper for the campus married housing. She also worked as a receptionist for Integrated Counseling and Wellness before working as an office assistant in BYU-Idaho's Design and Construction Management Department. She currently works as an office manager in the Applied Plant Science Department, and as an office manager for Yellowstone Safari Park.

Tags

Applied Plant Science
Ann Jensen Traynor

### Biography

Ann graduated from Brigham Young University in 1999 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Then she worked for several years in solar energy research and development. After taking some years to mother her six children full-time, she returned to engineering. She finished a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in December 2024, working remotely from Idaho Falls. Her area of focus is the thermal sciences and fluid dynamics, with particular interest in the energy sector. She enjoys tennis, playing piano, and the mountains. She also served a mission in the Dominican Republic.

Tags

Mechanical Engineering
Ashley Nichole Reed

## Biography

Ashley Reed is a dedicated ballroom dance educator with a rich background in competitive dance and teaching. Originally from Idaho Falls, ID, Ashley discovered her passion for dance at an early age, inspired by her siblings' involvement in the sport. Her journey began on her high school's ballroom team and flourished at the Idaho Ballroom Academy (IBA), where she represented the academy at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival in 2008.

During her time at Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-I), Ashley immersed herself in the vibrant dance community, assuming diverse roles as a competitor, performer, student teacher, director, and choreographer within esteemed organizations like the BYU-I Latin Team, Collegiate Dancers, and Dance Alliance. Her commitment extended beyond campus, coaching youth teams at IBA while also competing with their Adult Medley Teams.

Upon graduating, Ashley joined the BYU-I Dance Department as Adjunct Faculty, focusing on refining the technical proficiency of aspiring dancers. She finds fulfillment in nurturing their growth and fostering artistic expression through strong fundamentals. Concurrently, she continued coaching at IBA for six years, competing for three of those years. In this time, she married her high school sweetheart and former ballroom teammate. Together, they enjoy a variety of activities including traveling, concerts, sporting events, paddle boarding, and spending time with their dog.

Ashley remains dedicated to advancing her craft, having earned her Bronze American Smooth certification with DanceVision and actively pursuing further certifications and personal development. In 2023, she participated in an international European ballroom tour, supporting one of her couples as they trained for and competed at the German Open Championships. This experience not only intensified her love for dance but also exposed her to top-tier competition, igniting her pursuit of excellence.

Tags

Theatre & Dance
Ashley Rae Storm

## Education

- Master of Fine Arts in Modern Dance, University of Utah, 2009
- Bachelor of Arts in Modern Dance, BYU, 2005
- Associates, Ricks College

## Interests

- Dance professionally for Repertory Dance Theater out of Salt Lake City, Utah
- Received the Dee Winterton Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Utah in 2008
- Special Areas of Interest: Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Contact Improvisation, Pilates, Barteniuff Fundamentals, and Choreography

## Bio

Ashley is a dancer, choreographer and educator. She is currently an Associate Professor at Brigham Young University Idaho and has taught at the University of Utah, Utah Valley University, Brigham Young University as well as several residencies at universities throughout the North West as a member of Repertory Dance Theater. She has performed with Repertory Dance Theater out of Salt Lake City, Performing Dance Company of the University of Utah, and Dancers Company of Brigham Young University. She has had the opportunity to perform works choreographed by Zvi Gotheiner, Robert Battle, Andrea Miller, Elizabeth Waters, Susan Hadley, Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Dennis, Doris Humphrey, Helen Tamiris, Jose` Limon, Lar Lubovitch, Laura Dean, Bill Evens, Lisa Race, Andy Vacca, Carley Conders, Abby Fiat and Stephen Koester. Ashley has choreographed works for Repertory Dance Theater, the University of Utah, Utah Valley University, and Brigham Young University Idaho. She is one of the directors for Dance Alliance, Brigham Young University Idaho's premiere touring dance company. Ashley is a certified Pilates instructor and has experience in Modern, Jazz and Ballet styles as well as Composition, Dance for Film, Improvisation, Barteniuff Fundamentals, Laban Movement Analysis and the Tanner method of Creative Dance for children. She has been awarded the Golden Apple teaching award from Brigham Young University Idaho, the Dee Winterton Excellence in teaching award from the University of Utah, and been named performer of the year at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, as well as Student of the Year at Utah Valley University. At Brigham Young University Idaho she currently teaches Advanced Technique and Somatic Studies, Advanced Composition, Improvisation, Conditioning for Dancers, Introduction to Dance and Career, Advanced Jazz Dance and she mentors the student senior capstone projects and directs various dance companies on campus. She recently completed an evening-length piece entitled Dichotomy, which debuted in 2019. Ashley is currently serving as the Associate Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Brigham Young University Idaho. She continues to build her local community through dance as she works with youth groups of all ages. She is a member of the National Dance Education Organization and serves on the executive board for the Idaho Dance Education Organization. Along with her passion for her work, some of her greatest joys in life come from being a wife and a mother to her three beautiful children.

Tags

Theatre & Dance
Aubrie Mema

## Artist Statement

The world is increasingly plagued by division, with rifts permeating various aspects of society. These divisions are manifested in politics, religion, and social issues, creating a complex landscape. I am interested in exploring these divisions as a dynamic interplay of oppositions. This exploration aims to delve into the friction and synergy that arise when differing perspectives collide or attempt to coexist.

In my work, I seek to portray the nuanced interplay between opposing forces. By examining how conflict and cooperation emerge from these divisions, I seek to highlight both the discord and potential harmony that can exist within society. Through my art, I desire to capture the essence of these interactions, showcasing how oppositional elements can both challenge and complement each other, ultimately contributing to a more profound understanding of the human experience.

## Biography

Aubrie MEMA was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She received her BFA from Utah State University and is presently enrolled in the MFA program at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She recently completed a residency at the Idaho Art Lab. Recent exhibitions include solo shows at The Tirana International Hotel, Albania; Rome Temple Visitor's Center, Italy; Lushnjë City Cultural Hall, Albania; Fairfax Schlesinger Art Center, USA; and Touchstone Gallery, Washington, DC, USA. Recent group exhibitions include The LDS Church History Museum, Salt Lake City; National History Museum, Albania; Anne C. Fisher Gallery, Washington, DC. and Zenit Art Gallery, Tirana, Albania. AMEMA's work is included in numerous personal collections. She is an Adjunct Professor at Brigham Young University Idaho and lives and works in Rexburg, Idaho.

Tags

Art
Autumn Dawn Hawkes

## Biography

Autumn, raised in Ammon Idaho, will often joke that she was born dancing. She began her dance career as a dedicated ballerina before trading in her pointe shoes for Latin heels in 2010. For the next 10 years, Autumn trained, competed, and performed as a ballroom dancer, first at Extreme Ballroom and later as a member of the BYU Ballroom Touring Company. In addition to being an accomplished Latin dancer both individually and on team, Autumn was also exceptional at cabaret, winning two national titles as a youth dancer and placing in the top three nationally numerous times as an adult.

As a dance major at Brigham Young University, Autumn refined her skills and passion for ballroom while also studying a myriad of other styles including ballet, contemporary, tap, world, and modern dance. In 2019, she traveled to Blackpool, England, to compete at the British Championships with the BYU team, where they secured first place in the Latin formation category. During her three years on the touring company, Autumn showcased her talent and love of dance through extensive travel across Europe and North America. While at BYU, Autumn taught university classes in social dance, country dance, and international Latin technique. She also spent a year as a coach in the Utah area elementary ballroom program. In 2020, she graduated with a Dance B.A., and the following year she taught ballet and tap at a fine arts preschool. Most recently, Autumn has taught Latin technique and coaches private Latin and cabaret couples while also coaching competitive medley teams at Extreme Ballroom.

With her broad dance background, Autumn brings a well-rounded approach to dance education. She has been teaching dance since 2016, and has worked with dancers of all ages and skill levels. She is passionate about nurturing individual growth, artistic self-expression, excellent technique, and a love of dance in her students. Autumn has experience doing choreography for both individual competitors and large show groups. She excels in crafting routines for dancers of all levels, from beginners to advanced performers.

Autumn finds the most joy in her family and cherishes special moments with her husband, son, and dog. An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys long walks, bike rides, and drawing inspiration from nature. Autumn also loves sunny beach getaways, yoga classes, and a competitive game of Spikeball in the backyard. Known for her laughter and fun-loving nature, she enjoys engaging in conversations and spreading smiles wherever she goes.

Tags

Theatre & Dance
Baily Rae Ashby Thurgood

## Biography

Baily Ashby Thurgood serves as the Lab Manager at the BYU-Idaho Student Health Center. With over 2 years of experience in laboratory science and phlebotomy, Bailey specializes in Lab management. She holds a degree in Biomedical Science from BYU-I. She is passionate about applied biotechnology and will start her masters program in May of 2025. Outside of work she enjoys water coloring, back packing, and visiting national parks.

Tags

Student Health Center