Global Campus Student Wins Award for Undergraduate Research Detailing Family History
Eleanor Wildermuth, a student at Washington State University Global Campus, has been awarded the 2026 Emerita Award for Undergraduate Research.
“This recognition means a lot,” said Wildermuth. “Awards like this strengthen the WSU community because they show that the work students are doing is seen and valued.
Wildermuth, who is currently earning her degree in management information systems fully online from Global Campus, presented her research at WSU’s Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activates (SURCA).
SURCA, which all WSU students can participate in virtually or in-person in Pullman, is an annual opportunity for undergraduates to demonstrate how the results of their work make an original intellectual or creative contribution to a discipline. In addition to gaining valuable experience from presenting publicly, student presenters at SURCA are eligible for awards.
“This kind of recognition doesn’t just support one person — it reinforces the idea that when a Coug succeeds, whether in person or virtually, it creates momentum for others,” said Wildermuth. After driving 306 miles to the Pullman campus, she was one of six Global Campus students who attended SURCA in-person to present their research. One also participated virtually. Learn more about the students who attended this year’s SURCA.
According to Wildermuth, her research means more to her than a simple college project.
“Receiving this award is incredibly validating, because this project is as personal as it is academic,” she said. “It’s rooted in my own family history and in a part of Northwest conservation that means a lot to me, so having it acknowledged at this level feels deeply meaningful.”
Wildermuth’s research focuses on the early conservation landscape of the Pacific Northwest during the Great Depression. During this time, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Mountaineers, a private Pacific Northwest outdoor recreation and environmental preservation organization, worked side by side in a shared stewardship — but these relationships were barely documented.
“My great grandfather, Lorance Perry ‘Shorty’ Williams, was a climbing and EMT instructor for the Tacoma Mountaineers, and also a volunteer firefighter,” said Wildermuth. “The stories he passed down about working alongside CCC crews are part of what led me to this topic.”
“Despite the challenges, I’ve found evidence of direct collaboration. I’ve located documented rescues involving both focal groups and a Mountaineer-led CCC unit,” she said.
Using specialized software, Wildermuth built an interactive map detailing Mountaineer records from the 1930s and 40s, turning historical records into useable data. She also compiled newspaper records and incorporated her own family history to create a more comprehensive view of events.
“I really enjoyed gathering family stories, photos, and keepsakes that show how my great grandfather fit into that history,” she said. “This research is still growing, and every new lead opens another door. This project has only been possible because of the people and institutions who helped me get here, and thanks to that support I’ve even uncovered a WSU alum who was both a Mountaineer and a CCC member, which added an unexpected layer to the story.”
Wildermuth says that alongside helping her remember and honor her family history, her research, and the recognition it’s gained, will also be very impactful for her path moving forward in her studies and career.
“This recognition has also become part of my professional portfolio, and it gives me momentum toward the kind of career I want to build,” she said. “It makes the long-term possibilities–whether that’s for future research, a book, or even a documentary–feel attainable.”
“No matter where this project goes next, this award will always be part of its foundation and its future.”
About the Author
Jeff Willadsen is the Digital Content and Communication Coordinator for WSU Global Campus. Before being hired at WSU in 2018, he worked as a photojournalist and public affairs specialist in the US Navy. He earned his Master’s in Strategic Communication online through WSU Global Campus while still active duty in the Navy, illustrating its value as an effective and flexible higher education option for working adults.