Faculty and Staff Highlights: Bruce, Hwang, Chace and Belo

Webster University faculty and staff highlights offer a roundup of recent Webster faculty and staff activity and achievements.  

Professor Bruce Publishes Research on PTSD Symptoms and Adult Autism 

Assistant Professor of Psychology Madeline Bruce, PhD, published a research paper alongside colleagues at the UTHealth Houston Trauma and Resilience Center and the Changing Lives through Autism Spectrum Services clinic. The paper, “An analysis of how autistic burnout relates to posttraumatic stress in autistic adults,” revealed significant overlap in PTSD symptoms and a condition coined “autistic burnout” in adults with autism who may not be served effectively with current assessment and treatment options.  

Professor Hwang Serves as Key Organizer and Presenter for 250th Jane Austen Celebrations 

English Professor Sheila Hwang, PhD, planned and participated in events marking Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. In April 2025, she presented a lecture on “Mansfield Park” to the Jane Austen Society of North America, Central Missouri Region. In August, she helped organize the Universally Austen Festival with Stages St. Louis during its pre-Broadway run of “Austen’s Pride: A New Musical of Pride and Prejudice.” As part of the festival, she presented on “Pride and Prejudice” adaptations and taught attendees period card games. In December, she took part in an after-show talkback at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Hwang also facilitated an “Emma” book discussion and an Austen birthday party, free and open to the public. 

Professor Chace Leads Sessions on Career and Classroom Language Skills at International Conference 

Professor Adelia Chace presented two virtual sessions at the TESOL 2025 Convention Nov. 21-22, 2025. The poster session, “Mock Interviews: Bridging Classroom Learning to Professional Success,” showcased an assignment that develops students’ professional language skills, builds confidence for high-stakes communication and connects academic learning to career preparation. Chace also presented “Creating Pathways: Building Classroom Community with Tech Tools,” demonstrating how the first 10 minutes of class can shape trust and engagement through community-building activities using free tech tools. Attendees received practical resources to create inclusive environments and support a strong sense of belonging.  

Professor Belo Co-Authors Policy Commentary 

Director and Assistant Professor of International Relations and National Security Studies Dani Belo, PhD, co-authored two pieces of policy commentary for the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy titled “Shield and Weapon: Lawfare and Canada in an Era of Competitive Multipolarity” and “Ukraine-Russia: Strategic Realism to Break the War’s Stalemate.”