Team Witt: Who’s Who

Team Witt at Sardis Dam, about to get schooled in river management 

A super-quick introduction to the crew we’re traveling with this week, including their responses as to what they’re hoping for from this Mississippi ramble.

Caitlin Archdeacon

San Jose, California

I want to learn about the connection between the MIssissippi culture and its surrounding environment

Neil Boyles 

Delaware, Ohio 

I’m looking for good memories and to learn more about southern culture

Shannon Csordos

South Plainfield, NJ

I want to learn about Mississippi culture and go somewhere I have never been before

Bailey Drews 

Springfield, Ohio 

I want to learn more about Mississippi’s culture and living since I have never been to Mississippi

Ava Falzarano 

Bellbrook, Ohio 

I want to gain a new perspective on the world around me and learn about what is happening in another state

Abbie Fox

Dayton, Ohio

More knowledge about Mississippi because I have never been there and don’t know much about it

Tyler Gardner

Springfield, Ohio (originally Redditch, UK)

I’d like to see new things

Bryce Kahl

Toledo, Ohio

I want to experience a different culture and soak in the diverse culture of Mississippi.

Miya Miller

Grove City, Ohio 

I want to learn more about a region of the US that I’m not too familiar with. I’m an education minor and hope to learn about different areas that I could potentially teach in.

Gracie Pantalone 

Wadsworth, Ohio 

I hope to learn more about environmental impacts / important things the river does

Abby Rohrer 

Springfield, Ohio 

I hope to gain an understanding of the culture and unknown struggles faced in Mississippi. I’m very excited to see the various types of art.

Molly Specht

Newark, Ohio 

I would like to gain more knowledge about that region of the United States and learn more about how the river affects the world surrounding it

Averi Wells

Indianapolis, IN

On this trip, I hope to gain more knowledge on the importance of the Mississippi River to the community and environment, and about the culture

George West

Dayton, Ohio

What I want to get out of this trip is to better understand life in the South and to meet new people

Ben Woxman 

Eaton,Ohio 

I would like to gain a new understanding of Mississippi culture that I wouldn’t have had an opportunity to learn if I didn’t attend the trip 

 * * * * * *

Richard Phillips

I am from Batesville, Mississippi even though Oxford is my birthplace. 

I look forward to introducing students to Mississippi, a morning cup of coffee on the front porch, and spending time with the Egley sisters.

Cathy Waggoner

Leland, Mississippi (I claim Leland as my hometown though I was born in NC. "I was born at Lake Waccamaw and grew up on Lake Monocnoc!")

I want to introduce students to my beloved home place, with all of its complications. AND to eat some catfish, smell the soil, stick my toes in the river, and have some good giggles with my sister and Dr. Phillips!

Laura Egley Taylor

Santa Fe, New Mexico (by way of Leland, Mississippi)

I look forward to sharing the unique place that is Mississippi with folks who've never been. I'm also really excited about adventuring with these two knowledgable but fun & unconventional profs.