Kara Peterson has a front-row seat to see the impact of donor support in the College of Sciences through her work as director of development for the college.
Whether the support provides scholarships, research, faculty or community engagement programs, Peterson gains the benefit of learning more about the college along the way.
“As I work to bring support into the college, I have a wide range of opportunities to get to know faculty and students – meeting talented scholarship recipients, hosting laboratory tours of UNLV’s cutting-edge research facilities, or even volunteering at our annual science and engineering fair, which serves our Southern Nevada community and beyond,” Peterson said. “Fundraising for STEM education, working alongside industry experts in their scientific fields, and supporting programs that strengthen the Las Vegas community is exciting work to be a part of.”
It’s this sense of purpose that brought Peterson to UNLV and the College of Sciences, and pushes her to continue connecting donors back to the impactful programs that support UNLV students.
What is the biggest misconception about your job?
A significant misconception in the sciences is that federal research grants provide all the funding our science students need. Grants fund research, but usually do not cover student tuition or defray living expenses.
Most of UNLV’s diverse student body relies on scholarships to achieve their academic goals. A majority of the college’s scholarships are funded by individuals who are passionate about the field or want to memorialize a loved one. Another 25% of scholarships are supported by generous community partners investing in educating and diversifying the future STEM workforce.
What do you find to be your biggest challenge within your role?
Development encompasses a wide range of responsibilities and each gift and relationship has a unique arc. It can be a juggling act to keep everything moving forward simultaneously. There are so many more facets to the development process than just finding donors and asking for their support.
My role includes working with scholarship administrators, reporting out on programs, strategic planning and proposal/budget development, event coordination, fund tracking, and board management. All of this is driven by ongoing engagement with faculty and students.
I love being part of the whole process, but it can be challenging to keep all the plates spinning!
What is the item you chose to have in your photo? What is the meaning of this item to you?
The item is a sample of Rogerly fluorite from a collection generously donated to the Department of Geosciences by longtime collectors Michael and Shirley Stefflre.
The Stefflres never attended UNLV but they wanted their gem and mineral collection, lovingly grown over decades, to support the education of students who were also passionate about minerology and geoscience.
The best part of the experience of stewarding this gift was bringing a team of geoscience students to the Stefflre home to pack the collection. The Stefflre family was able to see the students’ excitement over hundreds of individual pieces in the collection and feel the impact the collection would make to UNLV students.
What brought you to UNLV?
I had friends and colleagues working at UNLV who spoke highly of the university and the Foundation. As I considered working at UNLV, I was impressed by the university’s values and the positive professional experiences my connections shared. I’ve had the great fortune of working for multiple organizations in the valley which shared a reputation for excellence and intersect with science education. My role in the College of Sciences has offered opportunities that bring these professional experiences full circle.
What about the sciences excites you?
I started my undergraduate degree in the sciences (at another institution). When I eagerly sought out lab positions, I was discouraged by two dismissive professors who flatly informed me that undergraduates did not work in labs. I ultimately decided to change my major. With that background, I find it very compelling that UNLV’s undergraduate students are encouraged to seek out research opportunities and excel.
After my own higher education experience, I stayed adjacent to the sciences and STEM education through roles at the Southern Nevada Water Authority/Springs Preserve and Discovery Children’s Museum. Working in the College of Sciences provides an exciting opportunity to learn about the wide range of fascinating research happening at UNLV.
Who have you looked up to in your life? Who inspires you?
I am inspired by women who, despite the discouraging voices of their time, made significant contributions to their communities. Many of UNLV’s founders were visionary women, including Juanita Greer White (chemist), Anne Wyman (geoscientist), Maude Frasier (educator) and Lilly Fong (educator), among others.
A favorite podcast, What’s Her Name, is often a source of inspiration to introduce me to amazing women whose stories few remember. For example, I recently read a stunning biography, "The Counterfeit Countess," about Dr. Josephine Janina Mehlberg, a brilliant Jewish mathematician who hid in plain sight as Polish royalty and risked everything many times over to save thousands of her fellow Polish citizens, many of whom had betrayed their Jewish neighbors. I am inspired by her ingenuity to find ways to relieve suffering and her pragmatic mathematical calculation that she had an obligation to risk her one life if it meant that many others could be saved.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Do less, but do it well and with intention!
I have learned I need to pace myself to balance work with family life and overall well-being. My goal is always to give the prioritized need my best efforts to represent the university well and build genuine relationships.
What’s your ideal vacation?
Spending equal time in the beautiful outdoors and inspiring museums, which all my kids enjoy without grumbling (a mom can dream!). The final element for travel perfection is great food experiences — from finding the best hole-in-the-wall taco/burger/pizza lunch to a memorable, upscale dinner.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy reading (listening to) books, getting outside (I used to run marathons but now I walk and hike), baking (I have at least one perfect cookie recipe for every season), and exploring Nevada with my husband, Kelly, and our three boys.
