TXST graduate student and alum receive Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Awards
Liza Kalinina and Nathan L. Pounds (alum), Phi Kappa Phi members inducted at Texas State University, are recipients of the 2025 Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award.
Liza Kalinina and Nathan L. Pounds (alum), Phi Kappa Phi members inducted at Texas State University, are recipients of the 2025 Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award, recognizing their commitment to advanced scholarship and professional development.
This $1,000 award supports post-baccalaureate professional development, including graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, career development, and travel related to teaching, research, or learning.
Liza Kalinina: Studying political communication to protect democracy
Liza Kalinina, who completed a master’s degree in digital media communication from TXST in December 2025, received the award in support of her graduate research and doctoral applications. Her academic work focuses on political communication with an emphasis on misinformation, disinformation, and Russian propaganda across national borders.
Kalinina presenting at the TXST 3MT University Final competition.
“I believe the more we understand propaganda as a society, the more prepared we are to identify and resist it,” Kalinina said. “That knowledge is essential to protecting democracy and allowing people to make informed choices.”
The Love of Learning Award supported Kalinina as she completed her thesis, covered standardized testing costs, and applied to Ph.D. programs across the country. Her thesis examined how Russian and U.S. media framed coverage of the Russia-Ukraine War, building on her academic background in international relations earned at Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia.
Originally from Russia, Kalinina’s interest in media began through storytelling.
“During my exchange year in Wimberley, Texas, I shared my experience with those back home in Russia through posts on YouTube, Instagram, and my main online blogging platform,” she said.
She later worked as an investigative journalist in Russia before shifting toward research and teaching after facing government censorship.
“Media really is a fourth estate,” she said. “When censorship made it impossible for me to continue that work, I knew I wanted to help train the next generation of journalists.”
Liza Kalinina
During her time at TXST, Kalinina served as a graduate assistant in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and was later promoted to teaching assistant and instructor of record for a media writing course. She credited William T. “Kelly” Kaufhold, Ph.D., and her thesis committee for their mentorship throughout the program.
“Dr. Kaufhold has been as passionate about my research as I am and has been an excellent and very supportive mentor,” she said.
Kalinina photographed with her family at the TXST 3MT University Final competition.
Kalinina said creating an itemized budget contributed to her success with this competitive external award by helping her stay organized and focus on her goals.
“It took extra time to put my planned expenses on paper, but it was worth it,” she said. “I would recommend reading The Graduate College newsletter every Friday and reaching out to The Graduate College External Funding team. Notably, they have a Canvas site with best practices and guidance for this award.”
When Kalinina applied for the award, she was pregnant with her first child. By the time she was named a recipient, she was completing her degree while navigating early motherhood.
“I hope one day my daughter will be proud of her mother’s research,” she said. “Strive for perfection, stay curious, apply for funding, and don’t let anything stop you.”
Nathan L. Pounds: Advancing respiratory therapy education
Nathan L. Pounds, who earned a master’s degree in respiratory care from TXST in 2023, also received the 2025 Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award. He is currently pursuing a doctor of education in higher education at Rockhurst University while completing a graduate certificate in organizational leadership.
Pounds used the award to support doctoral tuition and academic resources, allowing him to remain focused on his studies and professional growth as an educator and leader in respiratory care education.
As a Phi Kappa Phi member, Pounds said the honor reinforced his commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning.
“The application process highlighted the importance of linking academic goals to a realistic plan for using funds and demonstrating impact, as well as writing in a way that is accessible to reviewers outside my discipline,” Pounds said. “I believe my selection reflected a strong educational plan, academic performance, and contributions through teaching, service, and scholarship.”
Nathan Pounds
His doctoral research examines how clinical instruction models in respiratory therapy education relate to credentialing outcomes and workforce readiness—an area of growing importance as programs face clinical placement shortages.
“My interest in respiratory care comes from both professional purpose and personal experience,” he said. “Advocating for a child with significant respiratory needs strengthened my commitment to improving pulmonary education and addressing inequities in health outcomes.”
Pounds currently serves as a respiratory therapy instructor and laboratory coordinator at Ozarks Technical Community College where he oversees lab and simulation-based instruction, supports clinical readiness, and contributes to program assessment and improvement.
“I’m committed to advancing respiratory therapy education through leadership, research, and service,” he said. “Creating high-impact learning experiences strengthens not only clinical competence, but also professional confidence.”
The Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award is administered by the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective multidisciplinary honor society.
