Five Faculty Honored for Excellence in Teaching</h1> <article> <h1>Five Faculty Honored for Excellence in Teaching</h1> <p>eburnett — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:15:56 +0000</p> <span>Five Faculty Honored for Excellence in Teaching</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-03-24T11:15:56-04:00" title="Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - 11:15">Tue, 03/24/2026 - 11:15</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Five 91ֱ�� faculty members have been recognized with Excellence in Teaching Awards for the 2024-25 academic year.</p><p>Presented annually, the awards recognize faculty across the college and conservatory who have demonstrated sustained and distinctive excellence in the classroom and beyond.</p><p>"The awardees represent the very best of undergraduate teaching and are deeply admired by colleagues and students alike for their mastery as pedagogues and their dedication to the learning and growth of their students,” says<a href="/node/4921"> David Kamitsuka</a>, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Their insights and mentoring will be a lifelong inspiration for their students."</p><p>Three college faculty and two conservatory faculty earn the honor each year.</p><p>“In their steadfast commitment to their students—and to all of our students—and their transformative work in and beyond the classroom and studio, these five individuals represent the highest ideals of the institution,” says Dean of the Conservatory <a href="/william-quillen" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ae2f8811-f23e-458f-87e3-6d455d557536" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="William Quillen">William Quillen</a>. “We are grateful to them for their extraordinary work and fortunate to count them as colleagues.”</p><p>A dinner reception was held March 19 at the home of President Carmen Twillie Ambar. The honorees are as follows:</p><div class="image_resized media-embed-resized" style="width:200px;"> </div> <p><a href="/grace-an" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3b336afb-7a55-45fc-9ebc-8a894957b3c7" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Grace An"><strong>Grace An</strong></a><br><strong>Associate Professor of French and Cinema and Media</strong><br>“Grace An is a brilliant innovator in immersive pedagogies, leading our students on transformative experiences in France,” Kamitsuka says of An, a driving force behind the popular 91ֱ�� in Paris study-away program, which launched in fall 2025. “Students literally hear, see, touch, smell, and taste French culture through her multidisciplinary advanced courses.”</p><div class="image_resized media-embed-resized" style="width:200px;"> </div> <p><a href="/paul-brehm" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0b425ae3-159b-4795-8db5-22eeb3e6864e" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Paul Brehm"><strong>Paul Brehm</strong></a><br><strong>Associate Professor of Economics and Environmental Studies</strong><br>“Paul Brehm is masterful in cultivating the virtuous educational circle of celebrated lectures and super-popular individual office hours,” says Kamitsuka. “He makes the study of economics into an adventure of discovery.”</p><div class="image_resized media-embed-resized" style="width:200px;"> </div> <p><a href="/dmitry-kouzov" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b85376d2-ae5a-4e3d-abad-9f105194fa92" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Dmitry Kouzov"><strong>Dmitry Kouzov</strong></a><br><strong>Associate Professor of Cello</strong><br>“Dmitry Kouzov is one of the great cello pedagogues at work in the country today,” says Quillen. “In his time at 91ֱ��, he has not only cultivated an extraordinary studio; he's helped support the flourishing—artistically, personally, and more—of so many of our students through his engaging, inspiring work as a teacher and chamber music coach.” </p><div class="image_resized media-embed-resized" style="width:200px;"> </div> <p><a href="/gunnar-kwakye" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a4ff3436-3ac9-4e9b-968d-9dad71694d40" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Gunnar Kwakye"><strong>Gunnar Kwakye</strong></a><br><strong>Robert W. & Eleanor H. Biggs Associate Professor of Neuroscience</strong><br>Kamitsuka notes that an incredible 33 91ֱ�� students have served as co-authors with Gunnar Kwakye on peer-reviewed scientific publications. “And that is just the tip of the iceberg regarding his integral role in the success of his students,” the dean says. “Professor Kwakye is a living legend as a mentor for our neuroscience students.”</p><div class="image_resized media-embed-resized" style="width:200px;"> </div> <p><a href="/james-oleary"><strong>James O’Leary</strong></a><br><strong>Frederick R. Selch Associate Professor of Musicology</strong><br>“Jamie O’Learly is not only one of the most respected musicologists of his generation,” says Quillen; “he's also an extraordinary pedagogue, consistently transforming students' lives through his extraordinary classroom teaching, his mentorship work directing individualized research, and more.”</p><hr><p>About the Excellence in Teaching Awards: Each year, College of Arts and Sciences faculty are selected for consideration through nominations presented to the College Faculty Council, which are then reviewed by a faculty committee. An award is presented in each division of the college: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and natural sciences and mathematics. The conservatory dean recommends a number of conservatory faculty to the Conservatory Faculty Council for consideration, and together they review and narrow the recommendations to two recipients.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Annual awards celebrate distinguished and sustained leadership across the college and conservatory.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-03-24T12:00:00Z">Tue, 03/24/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4303">A&S Faculty</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3341">Conservatory Faculty</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35261">Cello</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25356">French</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25341">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25256">Cinema and Media</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=28856">Musicology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/grace-an" hreflang="und">Grace An</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/dmitry-kouzov" hreflang="und">Dmitry Kouzov</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/james-oleary" hreflang="und">James O’Leary</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gunnar-kwakye" hreflang="und">Gunnar Kwakye</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/paul-brehm" hreflang="und">Paul Brehm</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/french-and-italian" hreflang="und">French and Italian</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/cinema-studies" hreflang="und">Cinema and Media</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/strings" hreflang="und">Strings</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/musicology" hreflang="und">Musicology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Honorees were celebrated at a March 19 dinner hosted by President Carmen Twillie Ambar. Pictured from left are Dean of the Conservatory William Quillen, Paul Brehm, James O'Leary, Gunnar Kwakye, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences David Kamitsuka, and President Ambar. Not pictured: Grace An, Dmitry Kouzov.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Marketing For Good</h1> <p>awillia2 — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 04:09:15 +0000</p> <span>Marketing For Good</span> <span><span>awillia2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-03-08T23:09:15-05:00" title="Saturday, March 8, 2025 - 23:09">Sat, 03/08/2025 - 23:09</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology <a href="/node/5696" target="_blank">John Petersen ’88</a> says yes to both. “The tools advertisers have developed to influence people’s behavior are well researched,” he explains. “Instead of convincing people to buy a lot of things they don’t need, we should be using ads to convince people to exhibit pro-environmental and pro-community behavior.” </p> <p>Petersen and Professor of Psychology and Environmental Studies <a href="/node/6296" target="_blank">Cindy Frantz</a> coauthored a field study published in 2024 in the journal <em><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/17/7312" target="_blank">Sustainability</a></em> that demonstrated digital signs were effective in fostering positive environmental norms and behaviors. This includes greater awareness of (and sense of connection with) the local community and ecology; increased electricity conservation; and increased perception of youth engagement. “There are advertisements all over the place, and a lot of people believe they’re not influenced by them,” Frantz says. “But research shows you can be persuaded even if you’re not consciously paying attention.”</p> <p>The professors first zeroed in on the online opportunities for digital research and social connections. The problem, Petersen and Frantz explained, is that people tend to occupy online communities that reinforce their preexisting beliefs. Unless people purposefully seek them out, pro-environmental messages can get lost in virtual echo chambers. </p> <p>Around 70 percent of U.S. residents report they believe in climate change. But people also greatly underestimate the beliefs of others. For example, Petersen notes that people who care about climate change but believe other people don’t are less likely to take action to address the problem.</p> <p>Frantz and Petersen theorized that public digital advertising, which is encountered by happenstance, can circumvent online habits. With funding from sources like the Environmental Protection Agency’s People, Prosperity and the Planet program and the Great Lakes Protection Fund, Petersen developed the Environmental Dashboard, a system of digital signs across the city of 91ֱ��. The signs display community events, environmental conditions, and consumption of electricity and water.</p> <p>The Environmental Dashboard also highlights Community Voices (CV), a series featuring images of community members with quotes about their positive activities in 91ֱ��. A previous Frantz and Petersen study in the journal PLOS One demonstrated that people shown CV content in a controlled setting felt more environmental concern. </p> <p>Testing the messages in the real world on the Environmental Dashboard was the next step. To populate the CV images, 91ֱ�� students collected positive thoughts and actions related to the environment and the community from local residents. The project intentionally developed more content representing the perspectives of Black residents to negate a false perception that white Americans are more concerned about the environment than Black Americans. The team then worked with community members to place the signage in high-traffic public areas where people from diverse social, economic, and racial backgrounds would encounter them. </p> <p>Student research assistants working with Frantz and Petersen surveyed 174 community members at six Environmental Dashboard sites before the signs were installed and 133 people two years after the screens were placed. They asked questions about community and environmental norms they predicted would be most affected by Environmental Dashboard content. </p> <p>“We found that when the environmental actions of community members are made visible, it really does shift social norms,” Frantz said. “If you see people you identify with making statements about what they’re doing or what’s important to them, it makes you more hopeful and more likely to take action.”</p> <p>The researchers found a significant increase in pro-environmental beliefs two years after the signs were installed. They also found that boosting Black representation on the screens made a significant impact on the responses from Black respondents, with their environmental norms shifting more than those of white interviewees. </p> <aside class="pull obj-right"> <div class="basic-box basic-box--light"> <h2 class="small-headline">Student Researchers</h2> <ul class="list--clean"> <li>Emma Grant-Bier ’26</li> <li>Thomas Holmes ’26</li> <li>Bryn Kearney ’25</li> <li>Derya Taspinar ’25</li> <li>Chau Anh Tran ’28</li> </ul> </div> </aside> <p>Based on their results, Petersen and Frantz have launched a similar study on climate change action. The team is also installing digital signs in Cleveland to test the impact of Community Voices, using vignettes of community climate action and more climate-oriented content. </p> <p>Petersen praises 91ֱ��’s collaborative environment for his decades-long research partnership with Frantz. “There’s a creativity here that happens in no other environment,” he says. “And there are so many opportunities for students with broad interests to engage with faculty who are working in unique ways across disciplines.” </p> <p>Frantz says she is excited about what the future might hold with the power of environmental messaging. “We have this impression that nobody cares about climate change,” she says. “But that’s not true. And we’re turning that false narrative on its head, using digital signs to shift social norms and make people more likely to take action on climate and environmental issues.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cindy Frantz and John Petersen ’88 found that leveraging stealth marketing can encourage pro-environmental thoughts and action.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-03-21T12:00:00Z">Fri, 03/21/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Jen DeMoss</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Advertising signs are used to sell everything from legal services to razor blades. But are there ways to leverage advertising psychology for the good of the planet? And could digital signs be used to encourage pro-environmental thoughts and action?</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4292">91ֱ�� Research Review</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25286">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/cindy-frantz" hreflang="und">Cynthia (Cindy) Frantz</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/john-petersen" hreflang="und">John Petersen ’88</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-cte-images field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yes (Gallery Style)</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Flotsam Jetsam</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-40350" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <hr> <p><em>Chair of the Department of Psychology Cindy McPherson Frantz is a professor of psychology and environmental studies. Frantz graduated from Williams College and earned her doctorate in social and personality psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is a social and environmental psychologist whose research, teaching, service, and activism focus on mitigating and preparing for climate change. She directs the award-winning Community-Based Social Marketing Research Project, a collaborative research program between faculty, students, and staff to develop, test, and promote behavior change programs that reduce 91ֱ�� College’s carbon emissions. She is also a founding member of a grassroots environmental justice organization POWER (Providing 91ֱ�� With Efficiency Responsibly), which seeks to promote energy efficiency in 91ֱ�� and surrounding areas.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="field field--name-field-bio-card-el-biography field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="biography-card"> <figure> </figure> <div class="biography-card__content"> <h2><span>Cynthia (Cindy) Frantz</span> </h2> <ul class="item-list list--clean" style="margin-top: 0px;"> <li class="professional-title">Professor of Psychology and Environmental Studies</li> <li class="professional-title">Chair of Psychology</li> </ul> <a class="view-more" href="/cindy-frantz">View Cynthia (Cindy) Frantz’s biography</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-40351" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <hr> <p><em>John Petersen ’88, 91ֱ��’s Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology, is a systems ecologist. His research focuses on understanding the role of feedback control in environmental and social systems. </em></p> <p><em>Through the Environmental Dashboard project he leads, he has been instrumental in developing real-time feedback display technologies for buildings, organizations, and whole cities with the goal of engaging, educating, motivating, and empowering resource conservation and pro-environmental and pro-community behavior. A founder of the design firms Lucid and Community Hub, he has developed technology that’s now installed in thousands of buildings across the U.S. and Canada. Petersen earned a master’s at Yale University and a doctorate at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="field field--name-field-bio-card-el-biography field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="biography-card"> <figure> </figure> <div class="biography-card__content"> <h2><span>John Petersen ’88</span> </h2> <ul class="item-list list--clean" style="margin-top: 0px;"> <li class="professional-title">Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology</li> </ul> <a class="view-more" href="/john-petersen">View John Petersen ’88’s biography</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-40381" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <h2 class="small-headline" style="margin-top: 1.25rem;">About the Illustration</h2> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right" data-cte style="margin-bottom: 1.75rem;"> <figcaption><em>Click the image to expand</em></figcaption> </figure> <p class="subhead" style="margin-bottom: 0; color: var(--darkgray);">Illustrator: Flotsam Jetsam</p>  <p> </p> <hr class="hr--light" style="clear: both; margin: 1.25rem 0;"> <p><a class="view-more" href="/node/488025">Return to <em>91ֱ�� Research Review</em></a></p> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-40352" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p class="header-tag no-show" id="header-tag">91ֱ�� Research Review</p> <style> .no-show { display: none } </style> <script> (function() { var header = document.querySelector(".story-header"); var headerTag = document.getElementById("header-tag"); header.insertBefore(headerTag, header.firstElementChild); headerTag.classList.remove("no-show"); })(); </script>  <script> (function() { var credit = document.querySelector(".top-combo__figure .figure__credit"); credit.innerText = credit.textContent.replace("Photo credit","Image credit"); })(); </script>  <style> aside .list--clean li { margin-bottom: 0.25rem; } aside ul.list--clean { margin-top: .5rem; font-family: var(--font-sans-serif); font-size: 0.875rem; } aside .basic-box { margin: .5rem 0; max-width: 240px; } aside .basic-box .small-headline { font-size: 1rem; } </style> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Adds 7 New Majors</h1> <p>eburnett — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:31:25 +0000</p> <span> 91ֱ�� Adds 7 New Majors</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-10-11T13:31:25-04:00" title="Friday, October 11, 2024 - 13:31">Fri, 10/11/2024 - 13:31</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p> 91ֱ��, a world leader in developing innovative thinkers and exceptional artists, will launch seven new majors spanning a wide range of disciplines. The majors not only have broad faculty support but their creation was driven by faculty desire to expand our curriculum to meet evolving student interests and the opportunities and challenges of our complex world.</p><p>In the College of Arts and Sciences, the new majors are Business, Financial Economics, Environmental Science, Communication Studies, and Data Science. The Conservatory of Music has added Music Theater and Recording Arts and Production.</p><p>Recording Arts and Production, Financial Economics, and Communication Studies welcomed their first classes this fall. All other programs will be available to incoming students in fall 2025. Current College of Arts and Sciences students should reach out to the chairs of the new majors for information about adding a major in these new areas.</p><p>Music Theater is taking shape with the addition of an impressive roster of internationally known faculty and a state-of-the-art space created specifically for the program.</p><p>“I share in our faculty’s firm belief that this is not a time to back down from the programs that are foundational to our values as an institution,” says Carmen Twillie Ambar, President of 91ֱ��. “Just as important: This is the moment to double down on that commitment and to continually ask ourselves <em>Can we do more to prepare our students for success?</em> The arrival of these new majors offers a resounding answer: We can do more, and we are prepared to do just that. I applaud our faculty in both the college and conservatory for their visionary dedication to creating vital opportunities for our students.”</p><p>The seven new majors are designed to build upon 91ֱ��’s historic excellence in launching creative thought leaders from all walks of life. </p><p>“These new majors,” says David Kamitsuka, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, “build on 91ֱ��’s academic excellence and will equip our students to harness the power of their liberal arts education for an ever wider range of professional interests and 21st-century global challenges.” </p><p>The new majors also offer previously unimaginable combinations of study in the form of double majors and 91ֱ��’s popular Double Degree Program, through which students earn both a Bachelor of Arts in the college and a Bachelor of Music in the conservatory in five years or fewer. </p><p>“91ֱ�� was the first institution in America to confer the Double Degree, and we welcome new opportunities to expand the potential range of multidisciplinary approaches made possible by the program,” says Dean of the Conservatory William Quillen. “Already, we are hearing from many of our conservatory students about their enthusiasm for pursuing the new college majors through the Double Degree Program.” </p><p>Learn more about the Double Degree on <a href="/admissions-and-aid/double-degree-program"><strong>91ֱ��’s Admissions website</strong></a>.</p><p>Click the links below to learn more about each program:</p><p><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/business"><strong>Business:</strong></a> Business and finance are among the top fields pursued by 91ֱ�� graduates. Through rich and varied courses and experiential learning opportunities, the Business major offers students the knowledge, skills, and experience to build, improve, and lead organizations in creating sustainable value. With signature programs such as Internship+, the Ashby Business Scholars, and the Impact Investment Advisory Group, Business at 91ֱ�� includes high-impact opportunities for applying theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges and tapping into 91ֱ��’s influential network of alumni connections spanning a wide range of industries.</p><p><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/writing-and-communication"><strong>Communication Studies:</strong></a> The program equips students to be ethical producers and discerning consumers of a comprehensive range of communications and communications mediums. Students analyze and deploy communication strategies to address the interpersonal, cultural, and political challenges facing pluralistic democratic societies today.</p><p><a href="/node/478422"><strong>Environmental Science:</strong></a> Students investigate the complicated relationships between humans and the environment and explore interdisciplinary, science-based solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow. The program is a companion to 91ֱ��’s popular Environmental Studies major, which approaches the subject from more cultural and sociological perspectives.</p><p><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/data-science"><strong>Data Science:</strong></a> Data informs virtually everything we do today: It fuels critical thinking for 21st-century challenges and unlocks insights across the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and beyond. The Data Science major prepares students to be evidence-based analysts and decision-makers in a constantly evolving world.</p><p><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/finance"><strong>Financial Economics:</strong></a> The program applies theoretic principles to extensive hands-on experiences with industry-standard software and data, preparing graduates for careers in a wide range of fields related to investment banking, asset management, venture capital, and more.</p><p>The conservatory major in <a href="/music-theater"><strong>Music Theater</strong></a> reinforces a longstanding tradition of 91ֱ�� graduates who have transformed Broadway through their artistry. The program will debut in 2025 with a newly built home, outstanding faculty and staff, and a host of complementary resources. </p><p>The major in <a href="/recording-arts"><strong>Recording Arts and Production</strong></a>, available this fall, capitalizes on the extensive resources of the conservatory—including more than 500 on-campus performances each year and extraordinary recording and production facilities. Its expert faculty facilitate an understanding of the technical skills and aesthetic considerations that inform the craft of those at the leading edge of the profession and across a multitude of musical styles.</p><p>“These programs demonstrate our commitment to expanding the aperture of today’s conservatory education,” says Quillen. “Music Theater and Recording Arts and Production, while obviously distinct from one another, are unmistakably united in the ways they support our mission to prepare students for relevant and fulfilling careers across the professional music landscape of today and tomorrow. This has been a hallmark of an 91ֱ�� Conservatory education throughout our 158-year history, and it is unquestionably more crucial today than ever before.”</p><p>Visit 91ֱ��.edu for more information about majors in the <a href="/arts-and-sciences/areas-of-study"><strong>College of Arts and Sciences</strong></a> and <a href="/conservatory/areas-of-study"><strong>Conservatory of Music</strong></a>.</p><hr><p><strong>ABOUT OBERLIN COLLEGE AND CONSERVATORY: </strong>Since its founding in 1833, 91ֱ�� has led the nation in its commitment to educational access and opportunity. 91ֱ�� was the first U.S. college to adopt a policy to admit Black students and grant undergraduate degrees to women alongside men.</p><p>Located at the heart of a bucolic Northeast Ohio town, 91ֱ�� uniquely combines an outstanding pre-professional school of music with a leading undergraduate college of arts and sciences. 91ֱ�� students hail from nearly every U.S. state and more than 50 nations. Our alumni include 15 MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellows, four Nobel Laureates, nine Pulitzer Prize recipients, and countless Grammy Award winners. In the last century, more graduates of 91ֱ�� have gone on to earn PhDs than any other liberal arts institution. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">New programs build on established successes, bolster resources to position graduates for meaningful careers.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-10-15T12:00:00Z">Tue, 10/15/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2583">College of Arts and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2556">Admissions</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=187731">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=415031">Data Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=468173">Communication Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=476332">Music Theater</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=184446">Recording Arts and Production</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/david-kamitsuka" hreflang="und">David Kamitsuka</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/william-quillen" hreflang="und">William Quillen</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/carmen-twillie-ambar" hreflang="und">Carmen Twillie Ambar</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/business" hreflang="und">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/finance" hreflang="und">Financial Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/data-science" hreflang="und">Data Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/writing-and-communication" hreflang="und">Communication Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/music-theater" hreflang="und">Music Theater</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-science" hreflang="und">Environmental Science</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">William Bradford</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Noah Hamaoui ’25 Plans Solar Development at AC Power Internship</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 15:54:11 +0000</p> <span>Noah Hamaoui ’25 Plans Solar Development at AC Power Internship</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-07-30T11:54:11-04:00" title="Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 11:54">Tue, 07/30/2024 - 11:54</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p> </p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Todd France</figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>Describe what you’re doing this summer in your internship.</strong></p> <p>This summer, I am working on the Business Development Team of AC Power, a solar developer that specializes in previously disturbed land — this can mean former landfills, sand pits, closed mines, quarries, Superfunds, etc. One of the biggest problems with developing solar energy is the lack of space, since it requires acres of flat land, which are usually required for agriculture. AC Power only develops solar on sites that are too "destroyed" to become anything else, therefore eliminating the land competition aspect of the project. This way, they are also bringing obsolete land back to good use and working on a transition to renewable energy. Being on the Business Development side of things means that I help out with the first processes that are in place around a new site: I have learned how to screen potential sites to see if they meet the physical and regulatory criteria to have solar built on them, how to digitally model solar arrays, how to calculate the financial feasibility of potential projects, how to write business proposals and maintain contact with clients, and more. </p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Todd France</figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>How did 91ֱ�� shape or influence you to pursue this internship? </strong></p> <p>91ֱ�� was the main driver of my interest in working with renewable energy. In the fall of 2022, I was one of the 25 students on the <a href="/node/64856">91ֱ��-in-London</a> program focused on climate resilience. That semester and its weekly field trips were key to my understanding that everything in the field of sustainability is directly or indirectly connected to energy infrastructure, and that, therefore, one of the most important measures towards the climate neutrality goals that cities and institutions have issued around the globe is a transition to renewable energy sources. I then knew I wanted to explore this industry further and declared my pathway within the <a href="/node/3196">environmental studies</a> major in urban sustainability. I learned more about the challenges associated with a renewable energy transition this past spring semester, when I took Professor <a href="/node/5706">Md Rumi Shammin</a>'s Energy and Society class, a course designed for third-years that culminates in a consulting project for the City of 91ֱ��. My project was to conduct a feasibility study for the installation of wind turbines at the College, which was tremendously helpful when I got to AC Power and had to conduct those studies again. </p> <p><strong>How does pursuing this internship align with your post-college life and career goals?</strong></p> <p>Pursuing this internship was a way of testing if I could see myself working in the renewable energy industry, and, more specifically, if I could see myself working at a solar company. I have always wanted to work in the third sector, maybe for a non-profit, but decided to investigate what working at a for-profit environmental company looked like. After being at AC Power for nearly two months, I can say that I understand and appreciate the value of working at a small, mission-driven company. I genuinely appreciate the essential role developers like this have in shaping the future of the electrical grid in the United States. One of the coolest things about working with renewable energy right now is to see firsthand the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. The incentives I learned about in class are actually a big part of making or breaking some projects, and I get to see all of that happening with a backstage pass. Moreover, this internship has given me a better idea of what type of role I can see myself having within the vast world of renewables. It gave me clarity that maybe I don't want to be a business analyst, but to work with community engagement within the renewable energy industry. Now I have a direction of fellowships and jobs to look for as I enter my last semester of college. </p> <p><strong>How has the liberal arts education and way of thinking shaped how you approach science and research?</strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Todd France</figcaption> </figure> <p>I believe the environmental studies major, at least in the way it was designed at 91ֱ��, is one of the most interdisciplinary majors in the College. To me, that is liberal arts at its core. I find myself switching between disciplines all the time; bringing scientific topics for projects in non-science classes, or wanting to talk about environmental justice in science classes. To me, the liberal arts way of thinking translates to not putting limits on specific fields and projects. Everything is connected, and, especially when it comes to the environment, everything truly has to be connected if we want to work on the climate crises in an intersectional way. I have this 'no limits' approach so ingrained on my brain now that I will definitely take it with me wherever I go next. </p> <p><strong>What drew you to environmental studies?</strong></p> <p>What drew me to environmental studies is the idea of how circular the work is. Sometimes a sustainable alternative to something will also be easier, cheaper, bring about local jobs, etc. I say it is circular because everything is interconnected — you can't think of renewable energy without thinking of energy justice without thinking about environmental justice in general, for example. I love how broad the field is and how much it welcomes (and demands) creativity. I wanted to work for a cause that felt urgent, and the environment was a good place to start. </p> <p><em>If you're interested in a summer internship, connect with <a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration & Development</a> team to learn more about exploring career interests, gaining real-world experience, and developing a professional network.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-08-12T12:00:00Z">Mon, 08/12/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Noah Hamaoui ’25 spent the summer interning at AC Power, a solar developer. Learn about her role at the company, and how her 91ֱ�� experience as an <a href="/node/3196">environmental studies</a> major shaped her ideals and future.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4096">Summer Internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4097">Internship+ Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/md-rumi-shammin" hreflang="und">Md Rumi Shammin</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Noah Hamaoui ’25 in New York City, where her internship took place.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Todd France</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Five Faculty Earn Excellence in Teaching Honors</h1> <p>eburnett — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:48:43 +0000</p> <span>Five Faculty Earn Excellence in Teaching Honors</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-03-14T10:48:43-04:00" title="Thursday, March 14, 2024 - 10:48">Thu, 03/14/2024 - 10:48</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Five 91ֱ�� faculty members have been recognized with Excellence in Teaching Awards for the 2022-23 academic year.</p> <p>Presented annually, the awards recognize faculty in the college and conservatory who have demonstrated sustained and distinctive excellence in the classroom and beyond.</p> <p>Though they approach their teaching across widely varied disciplines, the honorees are united by several key characteristics, says <a href="/node/4921">David Kamitsuka</a>, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences:</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px;">“All of them are beloved and visionary teachers, they are deeply admired by their colleagues, they do a superb job connecting their area of expertise to its importance in real life, and they find great joy and meaning in the growth of their students.”</p> <p>A dinner reception was held March 11 at the home of President Carmen Twillie Ambar. The honorees (pictured above at the reception) are as follows:</p> <p><strong><a href="/node/6671">Jay Ashby</a><br> Associate Professor of Jazz Studies<br> Teacher of Jazz Composition and Trombone<br> Director of the Division of Jazz Studies</strong></p> <p>Dean of the Conservatory <a href="/node/49511">Bill Quillen</a> praises Jay Ashby’s commitment to students, his stewardship of the <a href="/node/3231">Division of Jazz Studies</a>, and his development of the Performance and Improvisation program, as well as his ongoing ties to 91ֱ�� athletics as co-chair of the General Faculty Athletics Committee.</p> <p>“Jay Ashby has played a leading role in continuing the legacy of jazz studies at 91ֱ��, and he works tirelessly in support of our students,” Quillen says. “He has expanded the realm of jazz studies and created opportunities not just for our jazz students, but for students across our campus.”</p> <hr> <p><strong><a href="/node/6761">Jonathan Moyer</a><br> David S. Boe Associate Professor of Organ<br> Chair of the Organ Department</strong></p> <p>“Jonathan Moyer is one of the most outstanding organ performers and pedagogues in America,” Quillen says. “He stands out not only for his artistic excellence, but also for his deep-seated care for his students. He has continued 91ֱ��’s rich tradition of organ study and placed the students and their needs at the heart of everything he does.”</p> <p>Quillen praises Moyer for his commitment to creating immersive learning experiences in organ centers across Europe and fostering career connections for his students throughout Northeast Ohio and around the world.</p> <hr> <p><strong><span id="cke_bm_37257S" style="display: none;"> </span>Lynn Powell<br> Emerita Assistant Professor of Creative Writing<br> Director of 91ֱ�� Writers in the Schools</strong></p> <p>Kamitsuka cites Lynn Powell’s extraordinary and longstanding commitment to the <a href="/node/3221">Creative Writing Department</a> and the community. For more than two decades, she provided visionary leadership to 91ֱ��’s <a href="/node/178921">Writers in the Schools</a> program, a collaboration between the college and 91ֱ�� public schools. “It’s truly unimaginable how much work Lynn has put into this labor of love,” Kamitsuka says of Powell, who retired in summer 2023.</p> <p> </p> <hr> <p><strong><a href="/node/5706"><span id="cke_bm_37257E" style="display: none;"> </span></a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="/node/5261">Lisa Ryno</a><br> Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry</strong></p> <p>“What is so impressive about Lisa Ryno is her incredible efforts and success in involving students in every facet of her research,” says Kamitsuka. “No one has done more than Lisa to ensure that all students thrive.” Kamitsuka notes that Ryno spearheaded—while on sabbatical—implementation of the Chemistry Climate Survey, which was intended to assess students’ sense of belonging and engagement with the department.</p> <p>Ryno’s many student collaborations are evidenced in the great number of student researchers who participate with <a href="/undergraduate-research">91ֱ�� Undergraduate Research</a> and present at departmental symposiums—and also in the contingent of five students who will present alongside Ryno at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology conference this month in San Antonio.</p> <p>“Nothing is better than watching someone gain confidence in the lab and take ownership of their project,” Ryno says.</p> <hr> <p><strong><a href="/node/5706">Md Rumi Shammin</a><br> Professor of Environmental Studies<br> Director of the Environmental Studies Program</strong></p> <p>“Rumi Shammin models genuine modesty and humility as the foundation of all learning,” says Kamitsuka.</p> <p>Shammin is regarded among students and fellow faculty as a master of group projects and collaborative work, including his National Science Foundation-funded project “Perspective-Taking and Systems-Thinking for Complex Problem Solving.” Shammin founded <a href="/node/3196">Environmental Studies</a>’ Career Day, which offers a highly successful model for forging professional connections.</p> <hr> <p><strong>About the Excellence in Teaching Awards:</strong> Each year, College of Arts and Sciences faculty are selected for consideration through nominations presented to the College Faculty Council, which are then reviewed by a faculty committee. An award is presented in each division of the college: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and natural sciences and mathematics. The conservatory dean recommends a number of conservatory faculty to the Conservatory Faculty Council for consideration, and together they review and narrow the recommendations to two recipients.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Annual awards celebrate distinguished and sustained leadership across the college and conservatory.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-03-14T12:00:00Z">Thu, 03/14/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2583">College of Arts and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=34896">Jazz Composition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=34691">Jazz Performance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25326">Creative Writing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25246">Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25306">Chemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=28886">Historical Performance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=40211">Historical Keyboard Instruments</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=32966">Organ</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jay-ashby" hreflang="und">Jay Ashby</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jonathan-william-moyer" hreflang="und">Jonathan William Moyer</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/lisa-ryno" hreflang="und">Lisa Ryno</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/md-rumi-shammin" hreflang="und">Md Rumi Shammin</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/jazz-studies" hreflang="und">Jazz Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/historical-performance" hreflang="und">Historical Performance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry" hreflang="und">Chemistry and Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/creative-writing" hreflang="und">Creative Writing</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">91ֱ��’s 2022-23 Excellence in Teaching honorees (from left): Jonathan Moyer, Lisa Ryno, Rumi Shammin, Lynn Powell, and Jay Ashby.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Scott Shaw</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Secures $1M Mellon Foundation Grant for Food Studies Partnership with Lorain County Community College</h1> <p>eburnett — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 23:00:30 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Secures $1M Mellon Foundation Grant for Food Studies Partnership with Lorain County Community College</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-03-03T18:00:30-05:00" title="Friday, March 3, 2023 - 18:00">Fri, 03/03/2023 - 18:00</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The <a href="https://mellon.org/">Mellon Foundation</a>, the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities, has awarded 91ֱ�� College a $1 million grant to help launch a food studies program in collaboration with <a href="https://www.lorainccc.edu/">Lorain County Community College</a> (LCCC). 91ֱ�� has received more than $20 million in Mellon grants since 1970.</p> <p>The new alliance will unite students and faculty from the two campuses with local nonprofits to tackle urgent questions related to food justice, including the historical and present-day barriers that prevent residents—especially those in lower-income communities and communities of color—from accessing high-quality food in Lorain County and beyond. Groundbreaking partnerships with farms and food-justice organizations are central to the program and exemplify 91ֱ��’s commitment to community-based learning and research.</p> <p>91ֱ��’s focus on food studies has been crafted as an <a href="/node/413251">integrative concentration</a>, one of several programs intended to blend coursework with experiential learning. 91ֱ�� students may choose to pursue integrative concentrations in tandem with their major courses of study. The grant will fund programming through the summer of 2026.</p> <p>“Students will learn to engage in respectful, reciprocal, and ethical relationships with growers and food justice advocates while gaining practical experience through internships and ongoing collaborations,” says professor <a href="/node/5661">Jay Fiskio</a>, director of <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies">Environmental Studies</a> at 91ֱ��. “We are committed to understanding the needs of our community partners and supporting their work.”</p> <p>One of the county’s largest nonprofits, <a href="https://www.oberlincommunityservices.org/">91ֱ�� Community Services</a> (OCS) provides more than 30,000 meals a year.</p> <p>“We are thrilled to be working with 91ֱ�� College and LCCC to create long-term solutions to food inequity and the unjust systems that cause it,” says OCS Executive Director Margie L. Flood.</p> <p>While LCCC and 91ֱ�� have joined forces before, the food studies collaboration marks a significant expansion of the relationship between the neighboring institutions. Together, they plan to create or revise more than 20 courses and offer nearly 40 internships and other community-based learning opportunities for students at both colleges.</p> <p>“The food studies program is the perfect marriage of rigorous coursework and real-life application of lessons learned in the classroom,” says <a href="/node/48561">Carmen Twillie Ambar</a>, president of 91ֱ��. “This visionary undertaking lies at the heart of our mission to train young people to become leaders who do good in the world.” </p> <p>For LCCC, the grant will strengthen an existing program in <a href="https://www.lorainccc.edu/sciences/sustainable-agriculture/">sustainable agriculture</a> that allows students to contribute to the production, distribution, and marketing of locally grown produce through hands-on experiences with farmers and growers.</p> <p>“LCCC is committed to fighting food insecurity and food injustice in Lorain County and neighboring areas,” says Jonathan Dryden, LCCC provost and vice president for academic affairs and university partnership. “This innovative collaboration will advance the work already under way through local partnerships with agriculture and community organizations. By joining with 91ֱ�� College for this initiative, our community will soon reap the rewards of a holistic and equitable food system.”</p> <p>91ֱ��’s Fiskio will lead the grant initiative with professor Ruby Beil, coordinator of LCCC’s sustainable agriculture program. To build the curriculum, they will tap into the complementary strengths of their home campuses: a wide network of community partners at LCCC and an interdisciplinary team of liberal arts faculty at 91ֱ��.</p> <p>Classes will explore topics such as foodways (the everyday activities, often carried out by women, related to the cooking and eating of food and how that cultural knowledge is passed from one generation to the next), Black farming and land ownership, and practices such as seed keeping (saving seeds to plant in later harvests to preserve biodiversity and culturally significant crops for future generations).</p> <p>Early programming will include an introductory course on food studies available to students from both campuses; a speaker series that will draw on the expertise of farmers, scholars, and food-justice activists; a course on urban farming; and a research project involving the city of Elyria, which is home to the LCCC campus and includes neighborhoods where residents struggle to find fresh, affordable produce and other nutritious staples. These “food deserts,” says the city’s mayor, Frank Whitfield, have existed for decades but are hardly unique to Elyria.</p> <p>Students interested in food justice as well as business and social entrepreneurship will explore alternatives to chain supermarkets or traditional grocery stores—such as the cost of revitalizing a vacant downtown building and ways to fund it—to help Whitfield’s administration solve a real-world problem. “My hope is that through this partnership, we’re going to come up with a new model that other communities around the country are going to be able to replicate,” says Whitfield.</p> <p>Thanks to the Mellon Foundation grant, food studies interns will be paid for their work—a boon to busy students at both 91ֱ�� and LCCC. Professor Beil’s diverse group of learners includes traditional college-age students as well as high schoolers earning college credit, veterans, and retirees who want to teach their grandchildren how to plant and harvest food.</p> <p>“It’s really hard for students juggling full-time jobs and family responsibilities to find the time to go out in the community and volunteer, even though that is something they would love to do,” says Beil.</p> <p>Paid internships are a game-changer, she says, extending the reach of what students can give back to the community while helping with the bills. A portion of the grant is allocated for elder care, childcare, and transportation, so that all students can fully participate in the spadework to get high-quality food on area shelves and engage in thoughtful collaborations to address food security on a regional, national, and global scale.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Wide-ranging collaboration to address food justice across the region through the humanities.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-03-06T12:00:00Z">Mon, 03/06/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2583">College of Arts and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2563">Grants</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2369">Environment & Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3875">Integrative concentrations</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jay-fiskio" hreflang="und">Jay Fiskio</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yevhen Gulenko</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Vera Grace Menafee Receives Ping Student Service Award</h1> <p>anagy — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 18:47:58 +0000</p> <span>Vera Grace Menafee Receives Ping Student Service Award</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-07-12T14:47:58-04:00" title="Tuesday, July 12, 2022 - 14:47">Tue, 07/12/2022 - 14:47</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Rising third-year Vera Grace Menafee discovered a passion for community organizing, gardening, and environmental and racial justice through their ongoing work with Vel’s Purple Oasis, a community-based urban farm in Cleveland. Since January 2021, Menafee has worked on a variety of projects for <a href="https://www.velscott.com/purpleoasis">Vel’s Purple Oasis</a>, from creating curriculum and educational materials, writing grants, and conducting oral history interviews, to learning the inner workings of urban gardening under the mentorship of community activist Vel Scott. </p> <p>Menafee has been recognized for their leadership and contributions to service learning as a recipient of the 2022 <a href="https://ohiocampuscompact.org/awards/student-awards/">Charles J. Ping Award</a> from Ohio Campus Compact. </p> <p>“I have learned so much from Ms. Vel about being a leader in your community, what it takes to organize a garden, and what it means to eat healthy, nutritious food,” Menafee says. “I truly look up to her as a role model for how I want to carry myself in the world, and I am so thankful for her mentorship.”</p> <p>The Charles J. Ping Student Service Award, sponsored by Ohio Campus Compact, is designed to recognize and honor undergraduate students for their outstanding leadership and contributions to community service or service-learning on their campus and within their community. This recognition is granted annually to undergraduates at Ohio Campus Compact member institutions.</p> <p>Menafee is a <a href="/bcsl/programs/bonner-scholars">Bonner Scholar</a>, a four-year community service scholarship program offered by 91ֱ�� College in collaboration with the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation. An Africana studies major with minors in environmental studies and dance, as well as a concentration in education studies, Menafee was connected to Vel Scott through the <a href="/bcsl">Bonner Center</a>.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Menafee meets with Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Jay Fiskio, left.</figcaption> </figure> <p>“Coming into college, I never imagined I’d be able to pursue something so important and valuable to me after my first year, but now I can truly see myself pursuing a career in gardening, community organizing, and research, especially projects that are community-based like the one I’ve created,” says Menafee, who grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and now resides in Columbus, Ohio. “My work with Vel's Purple Oasis has truly helped me realize just how committed I am to connecting both environmental and racial justice around the world, and how central these two frameworks will be in my future career path.”</p> <p>Menafee has been selected by the <a href="https://www.mmuf.org/">Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship</a> to expand on their community-based research with Vel’s Purple Oasis, and they plan to continue that work through graduation.</p> <p>In addition to doing community-based research with Vel Scott, Menafee has been working as an America Reads reading tutor for grades K-5 in 91ֱ�� Elementary School, helping to empower young students in their literacy abilities. Menafee has also become a regular volunteer with the food pantry at 91ֱ�� Community Services. </p> <p>“I am also incredibly passionate about creative writing, and I volunteer as a workshop facilitator for Writers In Residence, an organization that leads creative writing workshops for incarcerated youth at juvenile detention centers throughout Ohio.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The award honors undergraduate students for their outstanding leadership and contributions to community service or service-learning.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-07-12T12:00:00Z">Tue, 07/12/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2381">Bonner Center</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3846">Engaged Liberal Arts</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4821">Africana Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25331">Dance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/africana-studies" hreflang="und">Africana Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/dance" hreflang="und">Dance</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Vera Grace Menafee has been recognized for her leadership and service-learning work with an urban farm in Cleveland, Ohio.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Elise Steenburgh '22 Receives Fulbright to Brazil</h1> <p>anagy — Tue, 24 May 2022 14:20:03 +0000</p> <span>Elise Steenburgh '22 Receives Fulbright to Brazil</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-05-24T10:20:03-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 24, 2022 - 10:20">Tue, 05/24/2022 - 10:20</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>For spring graduate Elise Steenburgh, a gap year in Brazil was a formative experience that shaped their learning and interests at 91ֱ��. In February 2023, Steenburgh will return to the country that was a source of cultural and academic inspiration with a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship.</p> <p>A resident of Rockville, Maryland, Steenburgh spent a gap year with Global Citizen Year before enrolling at 91ֱ��. They stayed with a host family in Florianópolis, Brazil, immersed in the culture and language while working at a wildlife conservation facility.</p> <p>“My engagement with a diverse international cohort and the locals of Floripa enchanted me with the wonder of cultural and linguistic exchange, and this experience helped shape my college career,” says Steenburgh. After working full time with veterinarians and caretakers of monkeys, parrots, penguins, and turtles (among others), they decided to major in <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology">biology</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies">environmental studies</a> with a minor in <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/comparative-american-studies">comparative American studies</a>. </p> <p>At 91ֱ��, Steenburgh found community in the Experimental College (ExCo) program. In Spring 2021, they taught a Steel Pan ExCo. Through a private reading with Visiting Instructor in Environmental Studies Brad Melzer, they also created a Biomimicry ExCo.</p> <p>“I developed skills in preparing and delivering presentations, facilitating discussions, and leading classroom activities through teaching the Biomimicry ExCo. During that experience, I realized my desire for more teaching opportunities to prepare myself for a career in environmental education,” Steenburgh says. </p> <p>Teaching the Steel Pan ExCo also had a profound effect. “Two students came in to get extra help with learning the first song, and by the end of the session, they had learned it completely— and it was only the second time they had looked at it. After showing their parents their progress on FaceTime, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment in having been able to foster a space for these students to learn about and play an instrument that is culturally significant to them and their families. This experience was the first moment I really considered becoming an educator.”</p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Elise Steenburgh has learned Capoeira from Associate Professor Justin Emeka.<br> <br> Photo credit: Clarissa Heart '20</figcaption> </figure> <p>Steenburgh has been a teaching assistant for Capoeira courses taught by Associate Professor of Theater and Africana Studies <a href="/justin-emeka">Justin Emeka</a>, and they credit Emeka for deepening their understanding and respect for Afro-Brazilian diasporic traditions. </p> <p>During the Fulbright year, Steenburgh intends to practice Capoeira Angola, and they hope to get immersed in music. “I originally chose to go to Brazil for my gap year because I loved playing bossa nova. Instead of learning more bossa when I was there, I was exposed to the diversity of Brazilian music—sertanejo, funk, and MPB—which I broadcast on a WOBC radio show during my first few semesters at 91ֱ��. I used the radio show, titled “Tudo Bem” (all’s right), to feature a different genre of Brazilian music each week with history segments in both English and Portuguese.”</p> <p>Steenburgh has been a member of 91ֱ�� Student Cooperative Association (OSCA) since their first year, having worked as head cook and housing coordinator. They have worked as events coordinator and co-chair of the Multiracial Students Association; served as chair and treasurer of 91ֱ�� Capoeira Angola; and has been a member of the steel pan ensemble <a href="http://www.oberlinsteelpan.com/">91ֱ�� Steel</a>. </p> <p>This spring, Steenburgh has been doing research with Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Comparative American Studies <a href="/jay-fiskio">Jay Fisko</a>. They presented at the HBCU Climate Change Conference in New Orleans in April 2022. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">With the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, Steenburgh plans to reignite their interests in music and Capoeira Angola.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-05-24T12:00:00Z">Tue, 05/24/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2379">Student Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Elise Steenburgh '22 has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Brazil.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Clarissa Heart '20</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Nick Beltramini Receives NOAA Hollings Scholarship</h1> <p>anagy — Fri, 13 May 2022 20:25:10 +0000</p> <span>Nick Beltramini Receives NOAA Hollings Scholarship</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-05-13T16:25:10-04:00" title="Friday, May 13, 2022 - 16:25">Fri, 05/13/2022 - 16:25</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Double degree student Nick Beltramini hopes to contribute to the management, regulation, and public appreciation of marine fisheries as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hollings Scholar. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/hollings-scholarship">Hollings Scholarship Program</a> awards undergraduates with academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid internship at a NOAA facility during the summer. The internship between the first and second years of the award provides scholars with hands-on, practical experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities. Awards also include travel funds to attend a mandatory NOAA Scholarship Program orientation and the annual Science & Education Symposium, scientific conferences where students present their research, and a housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship.</p> <p>Beltramini is in his third year as a double degree student majoring in <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies">environmental studies</a> and <a href="/jazz-performance#:~:text=At%2091ֱ��%2C%20Jazz%20Performance%20students,%2C%20percussion%2C%20and%20double%20bass.">jazz performance</a>. This summer, he has an internship with Jeff Kneebone of the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, where he will be tagging mako sharks and yellowfin tuna offshore to monitor the potential adverse effects of catch and release.</p> <p>“I grew up obsessed with fishing, and I still am,” says Beltramini, who is from Wrentham, Massachusetts. “I was heavily involved in the local fisheries and the local fishing community, and it’s quite obvious that overfishing pressures and poor management have negatively impacted our nation's fisheries, including the local fisheries I grew up with. I want to make a difference and feel that I can make a difference in the end. NOAA is arguably the largest national player in terms of fisheries management, and that’s where I want to be.”</p> <p>Beltramini says his combination of studies in the <a href="/admissions-and-aid/double-degree-program">double degree program</a> gives him a distinct advantage when tackling challenges. </p> <p>“I firmly believe that music makes me a better scientist and science makes me a better musician,” he says. Most importantly, leading the band Slightly Tooned has been the most influential experience of my life to date. Learning how to communicate with people, be a leader, and acquire all the necessary skills it takes to run a business have been incredibly important to my ability to achieve as a scientist.”</p> <p>Off campus, Beltramini has performed research at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, where he headed a project on methylmercury bioaccumulation of trout in kettle ponds. He has also aided and will continue to be involved in NOAA-funded research monitoring sandbar shark mortality for the New England Aquarium.</p> <p>When he’s not practicing or studying, Beltramini plays club soccer at 91ֱ��, and there’s a good chance he can be found on the rivers casting for steelhead. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">A double degree student, Beltramini is eyeing a career in fisheries management.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-05-16T12:00:00Z">Mon, 05/16/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2367">Science & Math</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2357">Double Degree Program</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=34691">Jazz Performance</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/jazz-studies" hreflang="und">Jazz Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Nick Beltramini is a 2022 Hollings Scholar.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Watson Fellowship Winner to Explore Grief and Loss Across Cultures</h1> <p>ygay — Mon, 02 May 2022 19:22:07 +0000</p> <span>Watson Fellowship Winner to Explore Grief and Loss Across Cultures</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-05-02T15:22:07-04:00" title="Monday, May 2, 2022 - 15:22">Mon, 05/02/2022 - 15:22</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship is a one-year grant for purposeful, independent exploration outside the United States, awarded to graduating seniors nominated by one of 40 partner colleges. Fellows conceive original projects, deciding where to go, who to meet, and when to change course. The fellowship provides a one-year stipend of $40,000.</p> <p>Gleydura, a spring 2022 91ֱ�� College graduate, will work with palliative care teams, researchers, community organizations, counselors, and hospitals to understand mourning across cultures and uncover resources to assist families dealing with the loss of a child. Gleydura, a double major in <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" target="_blank">psychology</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/french-and-italian" target="_blank">French</a> with a concentration in <a href="/education-studies" target="_blank">education studies</a>, plans to pursue a career as a child life specialist, where she can educate patients on their diagnosis, the procedures they will have, and the medical equipment and personnel they will encounter. </p> <p>“I want to make sure children feel as calm, comfortable, and normal as possible while facing medical hardships,” she explains. “Death is uncomfortable to many, so conversations about it are avoided. I want to offer care and compassion in those moments. I know the power of a strong support system in helping you persevere. In a world where 15,000 children die each day, there is an urgent need to understand the most effective and compassionate practices to support the bereaved.”</p> <p>Gleydura’s understanding of the deficits of care for children in the U.S. was heightened shortly after earning a Stamps Scholarship at 91ֱ��—an award that provides recipients with a $5,000 enrichment fund to benefit academic, professional, and personal development. In the fall of 2020, as many people worked and studied from home during the early phase of the pandemic, she used her scholarship to take online classes, which included an eye-opening course on death, dying, and grief in pediatric care.</p> <p>The need to promote change continued to propel her throughout her time at 91ֱ��. She tutored Eastwood Elementary School students in math and reading and worked as a classroom assistant at the 91ֱ�� Early Childhood Center, helping to care for children between the ages of 3-18 months. </p> <p>“One of my favorite parts of working in the infant room was watching the rapid development of the children and getting to assist them in meeting the appropriate milestones such as sitting unsupported, rolling over, and talking,” she says.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Gleydura’s academic research at 91ֱ�� helped forge relationships with professors who quickly became mentors. </p> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>This past year, Gleydura worked with <a href="/nancy-darling" target="_blank">Professor of Psychology Nancy Darling</a> on her Continuity of Close Relationships project, and spent the semester doing background research and evaluating data on adolescents’ behavioral and attachment continuity to determine if these are more influenced by parents, peers, or romantic partners. Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>In a research project with psychology and environmental studies professor <a href="/cindy-frantz" target="_blank">Cindy Frantz</a> and environmental studies and biology professor <a href="/john-petersen" target="_blank">John Petersen ’88</a>, Gleydura took the lead on an effort to increase a person’s sense of “systems thinking” in an attempt to increase their likelihood of engaging in sustainable actions and behaviors. In two other projects with Frantz, Gleydura assisted with measuring the effectiveness of various high school educational programs and messaging from a social psychology perspective. She also performed data collection for a study that examined the effect of including pronouns in email signatures on feelings of inclusivity both for gender nonconforming people and gender-conforming people. </p> <p>Her French research project, completed in spring 2020, involved a team of her peers and Associate Professor of Sociology <a href="http://www.oberlin.edu/greggor-mattson" target="_blank">Greggor Mattson</a>, who investigated the social and legal implications of prostitution in France during the 19th century. For her part, Gleydura transcribed and translated passages from literary texts, police archive documents, and other materials. The project was later compiled into a presentation titled “Economic Desperation, Moral Apocalypse, and Everyday Paranoia: the Filles Insoumises of Paris.”</p> <p>“The most significant things that helped shape me as a person and a scholar were the connections I made with amazing professors, peers, and community members,” she says. “I could not have gotten to where I am today without the support, guidance, and mentorship that I received along the way.”</p> <p>Gleydura is currently completing an End-of-Life Doula Certificate. She hopes to find ways to improve pediatric care and interventions from an intellectual, cultural, and professional standpoint during her Watson year.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-05-02T12:00:00Z">Mon, 05/02/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Molly Gleydura’s desire to understand the grieving process and gain strategies that will assist families with the loss of a child will take her to New Zealand, Senegal, El Salvador, and Ireland this summer on a Watson Fellowship.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3846">Engaged Liberal Arts</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25286">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25356">French</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25431">Sociology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/nancy-darling" hreflang="und">Nancy Darling</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/john-petersen" hreflang="und">John Petersen ’88</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/cindy-frantz" hreflang="und">Cynthia (Cindy) Frantz</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/greggor-mattson" hreflang="und">Greggor Mattson</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/french-and-italian" hreflang="und">French and Italian</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/sociology" hreflang="und">Sociology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Molly Gleydura '22</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>