BOONE, N.C. — In the Spring and Fall, Appalachian State University's Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies seeks nominations for the Cratis D. Williams Society. The Society is designed to recognize the top two percent of graduates from the School of Graduate Studies each year. Inductees are chosen from among the nominees based upon their academic performance, their engagement in their discipline and their potential for leadership.
Keep reading to learn more about four Spring 2025 Cratis D. Williams Society inductees from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).
Abigail Branco '23
Branco, of Wilmington, graduated with a master's degree in psychological science and a certificate in sociology in May 2025.
In addition to her master's degree, Branco earned her bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in business from App State. "After 18 years at the beach, I felt an insatiable pull to the mountains and cooler temperatures," she explained. "Despite the bulk of my undergrad career taking place during COVID, I managed to get involved with the Department of Psychology by participating as a research assistant in a variety of labs. I absolutely adored working as a research assistant, and knew that I wanted to pursue a graduate program with a collaborative environment like the one the faculty and staff in my department provide. In the end, I wanted to extend my time at the home that App provided, so I chose to continue my collaboration with the various faculty and pursue my master's here!"
As an undergraduate student, Branco was a member of several clubs, including the Philosophy Club, Society for Human Resource (HR) Management, and Sociology Club. As a graduate student, she was a member of the HR Science Club's leadership team and served as a Graduate Student Ambassador.
Branco shared that she contributed to three projects as a student in the Department of Psychology. The first, conducted as part of the Williams School of Graduate Studies' Graduate Research Assistant Mentoring Program (GRAM), evaluates whether stereotypes serve a heuristic benefit by "freeing up cognitive resources," the currently favored explanation as to why they exist. The second, Branco's graduate thesis, examines the efficacy of interventions designed to inhibit the continued influence effect (a misinformation phenomenon). Finally, Branco collaborated with the Human Resources Science Evidence-Based Practices Team to develop a website called "Eugene," a career exploration tool for psychology undergraduates.
Branco thanked her graduate thesis advisor, Dr. Andrew Smith, professor in the Department of Psychology, for "his patience and support through countless hours of me yapping at him about Pokemon instead of my thesis during our weekly meetings, as well as providing me with my graduate assistantship project." She also recognized Dr. Mary Ballard and Dr. Shawn Bergman, also professors in the Department of Psychology, for their collaboration and mentorship.
When asked about her plans for the future, Branco responded, "After graduation, I'm planning to continue collaborating with my faculty advisors at App to buff up my CV in preparation to apply to Ph.D. programs in the fall."
Roland Kummer
Kummer, of Mitterberg, Austria, graduated with a master's degree in engineering physics in May 2025.
Previously, he earned his bachelor's degree in mechatronics from Management Center Innsbruck (MCI), in Innsbruck, Austria, in 2022. Kummer chose to pursue his master's degree at App State as part of MCI's dual degree program.
"My research focused on quantum communication, which utilizes entangled photons to establish quantum networks," explained Kummer. "I studied the transmission of entangled photons through various media to investigate their behavior in terms of signal attenuation."
Kummer's research was advised by Dr. Brooke Hester, assistant chair and professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. About Dr. Hester, he wrote, "Dr. Hester was very supportive over the course of my masters thesis and really tried everything to accommodate me and make tough times during my research more pleasant. She was always very uplifting and did everything she could to provide a pleasant working environment."
Kummer was a member of both the Physics and Astronomy Club and the App Auto Club as a graduate student.
According to Kummer, attending App State allowed him to fulfill his childhood dream of visiting the United States for a prolonged period of time. "Experiencing the United States college lifestyle as an European was a great experience," shared Kummer, who plans to work in the automotive industry in North Carolina.
Kate Starr
Starr, of Hickory, graduated with a master's degree in public administration (MPA) with a concentration in town, city, and county management in May 2025.
Previously, she earned her bachelor's degree in public policy and bachelor's degree in political science from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. "I chose Appalachian State for my graduate degree because of the faculty and alumni network within the public sector field," shared Starr. "App State exceeds all other universities when it comes to the strength of the alumni in local government that have gone through the MPA program. The faculty are phenomenal and truly cater to the goals of each student in the program."
When asked about a faculty member who made an impact on her life, Starr recognized Dr. Patricia Mitchell, MPA program director and assistant director in the Department of Government and Justice Studies, and Dr. Mac-Jane Crayton, assistant professor in the Department of Government and Justice Studies. She wrote, "Both Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Crayton have made such an immensely positive experience during my program experience. Dr. Mitchell has provided me with numerous local government opportunities and has served as a mentor for my future career. I served as her assistant in my second year of the program, allowing me to learn about local government and our program on a deeper level. Dr. Crayton strengthened my skill in academia and broadened my scope when considering public administration literature. She allowed me to assist her at multiple public sector field conferences and assist her with the creation of new opportunities within the program - whether that be a study abroad trip or the creation of a new think lab. I am so thankful for them both."
During her time as a graduate student, Starr was a member of the Graduate Student Government Association and the chapter president of the App State student chapter of the International City and County Management Association. Additionally, she served as a Graduate Student Ambassador.
Starr shared two favorite memories from her time at App State. The first was attending the Appalachian State University Local Government Alumni Association Conference in 2023. "We had a golf tournament which helps fund scholarships, a networking and session day, and a tailgate at the football game. These experiences were not only fun, but were so fruitful in building our relationships with alumni and local government professionals," she explained.
Starr's other favorite memory was co-leading the MPA program's trip to London with Dr. Crayton. "The trip consisted of volunteering with nonprofit agencies that serve local UK communities, touring and learning from professionals at Westminster City Council, and engaging in other multicultural immersion activities," she shared. "Even as I assisted in planning the trip, this was such a great opportunity to learn and compare the public sector fields across continents."
After graduation, Starr will begin a local government position in Western North Carolina.
Rylee Strassner '23
Strassner, of Brentwood, Tennessee, graduated with a master's degree in biology with a concentration in environment, evolution and ecology in May 2025.
In addition to her master's degree, Strassner earned her bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in environment, evolution and ecology from App State. "I chose Appalachian State for my graduate degree because I completed my undergraduate studies here and developed a deep appreciation for both the university and the surrounding region. The abundance of hiking trails and outdoor opportunities not only made this a beautiful place to live, but also deepened my curiosity and passion for understanding the natural world," she shared.
Strassner's research explores how carbon cycles through two distinct forest types in the Southern Appalachian Mountains: intentionally planted coniferous forests and naturally regenerating deciduous forests. "I’ve measured how much carbon is stored in trees, deadwood, leaf litter, and soil, and also estimated how much carbon is being captured and released by these ecosystems," explained Strassner. "In addition, I examined how nitrogen enrichment affects deadwood decomposition—an increasingly relevant question as human activities continue to alter natural nitrogen levels in forests worldwide, potentially reshaping carbon dynamics and long-term forest carbon storage."
Strassner's research was advised by Dr. Ashley Adams, assistant professor in the Department of Biology. About Dr. Adams, she wrote, "My advisor, Dr. Adams, has been a true inspiration over the past two years. She’s shown me what it means to be a woman in STEM—not only balancing the demands of motherhood with two young children, but also serving as a dedicated mentor and role model. Her passion for research, relentless curiosity, and leadership in the field of biology continually motivate me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn and grow under her guidance."
According to Strassner, she has many good memories from her time at App State, but the most meaningful ones are from her first visit to campus. "I remember seeing students hanging hammocks on Sanford Mall and a spontaneous water balloon fight happening in Durham Park. In that moment, I knew App State was where I wanted to spend my college years. It felt like a place where I could find joy both outdoors and through my education—something especially important to me as I began my freshman year during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic," she shared.
When asked about her plans for the future, Strassner replied, "The future is still unfolding, and my exact plans after graduation remain open. Whether I find myself traveling, working with a nonprofit, or pursuing a path in the professional world, I feel confident knowing that Appalachian State has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and resilience to succeed wherever I go."
In addition to these students, Katie Rodriguez, graduate student in the Appalachian studies program, was inducted into the Cratis D. Williams Society.
Congratulations to all of the inductees!
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About Graduate Education at App State
Appalachian State University’s Williams School of Graduate Studies helps individuals reach the next level in their career advancement and preparedness. The school offers 80 graduate degree and certificate programs — both in person and online — in a range of disciplines, including doctoral programs in education (Ed.D.) and psychology (Psy.D.). The graduate school enrolls nearly 2,000 students. Learn more at graduate.appstate.edu.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
May 20, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
Abigail Branco (top left), Roland Kummer (top right), Kate Starr (bottom left) and Rylee Strassner (bottom right) were inducted into the Spring 2025 Cratis D. Williams Society. Photos submitted
Abigail Branco (top left), Roland Kummer (top right), Kate Starr (bottom left) and Rylee Strassner (bottom right) were inducted into the Spring 2025 Cratis D. Williams Society. Photos submitted