91ֱ�� to Offer Bachelor of Science Degree Beginning Fall 2026</h1> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� to Offer Bachelor of Science Degree Beginning Fall 2026</h1> <p>mreed — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:20:14 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� to Offer Bachelor of Science Degree Beginning Fall 2026</span> <span><span>mreed</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-10-16T15:20:14-04:00" title="Thursday, October 16, 2025 - 15:20">Thu, 10/16/2025 - 15:20</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The new degree gives students pursuing a wide range of eligible majors—from biochemistry and computer science to psychology and economics—the opportunity to graduate with either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS), depending on the balance of their coursework. Students who complete at least one BS-eligible major and 16 full courses carrying the Natural Science and Mathematics designation may choose to receive the BS degree.</p><aside class="pull obj-right"><div class="basic-box basic-box--light"><h2 class="small-headline">Majors Eligible for</h2><h2 class="small-headline">the Bachelor of Science:</h2><ul class="list--clean"><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5124b507-99df-4595-9104-bdb9c6a22310" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Chemistry and Biochemistry">Biochemistry</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5954f263-77c8-4106-80db-2cb993408d8a" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Biology">Biology</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/business/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8ad7fc7e-532c-4cd8-9b35-8391defc685b" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Business">Business</a></li><li><a href="/biochemistry" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="755c73bb-f2ba-4bbe-bfb4-8fc57b94dd7c" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Biochemistry">Chemistry</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/computer-science" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b1e2c8e5-2a8b-4967-8a6d-f8ce5cea4476" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Computer Science">Computer Science</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/data-science/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="fe3d12fe-2a64-4438-b738-5fe696675b00" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Data Science">Data Science</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="30752c27-cce4-4efa-9ba3-c310d98b61a7" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Economics">Economics</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-science/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="66900a61-06bd-4aa7-9555-e85efa26654b" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Environmental Science">Environmental Science</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/finance/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6911f8f3-bb76-4a72-a710-9869a094b462" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Financial Economics">Financial Economics</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0a12379d-58d4-489b-a75d-68d46edd4214" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Geosciences">Geosciences</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/global-health" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="cf90288b-047f-4d2f-ac3a-91691901fde1" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Global Health">Global Health</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="50eb3820-b9e6-4a08-b060-92ebf3b1a4eb" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Mathematics">Mathematics</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8e28996c-7931-4f76-912f-28f4ec621121" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Neuroscience">Neuroscience</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/physics-and-astronomy/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="d36e1693-1165-4e42-ac58-9f9bfb1b9a0d" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Physics and Astronomy">Physics</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2655a549-4d67-4820-a808-9a7fb471e11f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Psychology">Psychology</a></li></ul></div></aside><p>“This is an important evolution for 91ֱ��,” says David Kamitsuka, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The Bachelor of Science degree reflects the strength of our existing programs and the multidisciplinary nature of scientific work today. It gives our students new ways to signal the depth of their scientific training. For example, in all of the eligible majors, undergraduates routinely co-author with their faculty mentors in scholarly peer-reviewed scientific journals.”</p><p>Kamitsuka noted that several programs outside traditional STEM areas—such as economics, business, and psychology—also qualify for the BS. “That reflects how today’s problems are solved,” he says. “Understanding markets, managing complex organizations, and studying human behavior all require the same analytical and evidence-based thinking we teach in the natural sciences. The BS degree captures that spirit of interdisciplinary inquiry grounded in the liberal arts tradition that is at the heart of an 91ֱ�� education.</p><p>The new degree will also broaden 91ֱ��’s appeal to prospective students. Across U.S. higher education, more than half of all international students pursue <a href="/arts-and-sciences/sciences-at-oberlin" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6b83b150-0f8e-435b-9594-08382bdb4e2f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Sciences at 91ֱ��">degrees in STEM or science-related fields</a>—a trend that makes 91ֱ��’s new BS degree especially attractive to global applicants.</p><p>For people like Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Jason Belitsky, the degree represents a way to better acknowledge the work many students already do.</p><p>“Our students in chemistry, physics, biology, and related disciplines already engage in extensive lab work, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving that meet the expectations of a Bachelor of Science education,” Belitsky says. “This new degree formally recognizes that rigor and affirms the quality and breadth of scientific preparation our students bring to graduate study and professional work.”</p><p>Belitsky emphasizes that the BS option doesn’t change 91ֱ��’s approach to teaching—it enhances it. “What’s exciting is that students will be able to show both sides of their education: deep technical and analytical expertise, and the creativity and communication skills that come from a liberal arts environment.”</p><p>The degree was endorsed by the college’s Educational Plans and Policies Committee earlier this year and approved by the College Faculty. The Bachelor of Science will be available to students beginning in fall 2026.</p><hr><h3>How to Qualify for the BS Degree</h3><p><em>To earn a Bachelor of Science at 91ֱ��, students must:</em></p><ol><li>Declare at least one major from the list of BS-eligible programs.</li><li>Notify the Office of the Registrar of their intention to convert their Bachelor of Arts degree to a Bachelor of Science.</li><li>Complete at least 16 full courses designated as Natural Science and Mathematics.</li></ol><p><em>Students who meet the criteria may choose to graduate with either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science—but not both.</em></p><hr></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The new degree option expands academic pathways in the sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. </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="2025-10-16T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/16/2025 - 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> 91ֱ�� will begin offering a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/bachelor-of-science" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="122754f5-47f5-4c43-a02d-0fce89dcb008" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Bachelor of Science (BS) at 91ֱ��">Bachelor of Science</a> degree option to students in the<a href="/arts-and-sciences" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="c6983a98-0d9e-4cc8-b7f9-ba6f11fa4cbb" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="College of Arts and Sciences"> College of Arts and Sciences</a>, expanding pathways in the natural sciences, social sciences, and emerging interdisciplinary fields. Students may elect to pursue the BS program beginning in fall 2026.</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=4112">New Programs</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=25246">Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=187731">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25306">Chemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25321">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=415031">Data Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25341">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=468171">Financial Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25411">Physics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25286">Psychology</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/chemistry-biochemistry" hreflang="und">Chemistry and Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> <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/computer-science" hreflang="und">Computer Science</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/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-science" hreflang="und">Environmental Science</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/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/global-health" hreflang="und">Global Health</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</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/physics-and-astronomy" hreflang="und">Physics and Astronomy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</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">Mike Crupi</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>Accelerating beyond 91ֱ�� College into a finance career</h1> <p>mreed — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:52:16 +0000</p> <span>Accelerating beyond 91ֱ�� College into a finance career</span> <span><span>mreed</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-10-04T10:52:16-04:00" title="Friday, October 4, 2024 - 10:52">Fri, 10/04/2024 - 10:52</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>As a double major in <a href="/node/3371">mathematics</a> and <a href="/node/3386">economics</a> with a minor in <a href="/node/84821">statistical modeling</a>, and a leader on the 91ֱ�� Women’s Soccer team, Samantha began her journey into private equity while at 91ֱ�� College. Initially entering 91ֱ�� with different academic interests, she soon discovered a passion for math and economics through the college’s interdisciplinary curriculum. In the spring of her sophomore year, she enrolled in Principles of Finance, which explored the intersection of quantitative analysis and the tactical application of social science. </p> <p>Her involvement in the <a href="https://osfic.squarespace.com/">91ֱ�� Finance Club</a> introduced Samantha to the principles of investing firsthand, which was a catalyst for exploring a career in business and finance through 91ֱ��’s <a href="/node/54566">Ashby Business Scholars Program</a>. The Ashby Business Program provides students access to additional finance-focused resources and connects them with a broad network of Obies working in the industry. </p> <p>Through the Ashby Program, she met alums working in various fields across the Northeast and Cleveland, including a private equity firm in New York, The Riverside Company. In the summer of her junior year, Samantha interned as an analyst for Riverside’s growth equity and debt fund, Riverside Acceleration Capital (RAC). RAC focuses on high-growth, software-as-a-service B2B companies. During her internship, she was able to apply the quantitative, research, and problem-solving skills that she developed in the classroom. Samantha enjoyed the collaborative and results-oriented environment and is excited to return to RAC as a full-time analyst following graduation. </p> <p>Reflecting on her journey, Samantha says, "All of my experiences at 91ֱ�� have led to this opportunity. The liberal arts thinking, practical finance experience, and the powerful Ashby business network truly opened the door for my position at Riverside."</p> <p> </p> <hr> <p> </p> <p><em>Ready to make an impact with your education and career? Explore <a href="/node/468170">financial economics</a> at 91ֱ�� to learn how you can change the world, one finance class at a time.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Samantha Gilfond ’25 accepts private equity analyst placement at Riverside Acceleration Capital</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="2024-10-03T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/03/2024 - 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>Samantha is excited about her next steps after 91ֱ�� as she joins Riverside Acceleration Capital.</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=3519">Early Careers</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3925">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2360">After 91ֱ��</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3955">Ashby Business Scholars</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4147">91ֱ�� Finance Club</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=468171">Financial Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</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/finance" hreflang="und">Financial Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</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">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Jeff Witmer Wins 2024 Chauvenet Prize for Mathematics Writing</h1> <p>eburnett — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 21:02:56 +0000</p> <span>Jeff Witmer Wins 2024 Chauvenet Prize for Mathematics Writing</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-06-03T17:02:56-04:00" title="Monday, June 3, 2024 - 17:02">Mon, 06/03/2024 - 17:02</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ�� Professor of Statistics <a href="/node/6031">Jeff Witmer</a> won the 2024 Chauvenet Prize, presented by the Mathematical Association of America for an exceptional expository article on a topic related to math.</p> <p>Witmer was honored for his paper “Simpson’s Paradox, Visual Displays, and Causal Diagrams,” which was published in the<em> American Mathematical Monthly</em> in 2021. The award was announced in late May, as Witmer was concluding his 38th year of teaching at 91ֱ��.</p> <p>“Simpson’s Paradox” refers to the phenomenon that inequality can hold for several groups of data, but reverse itself when the groups are combined into a single data set.</p> <p>According to the MAA: “Witmer’s article not only nicely illustrates the phenomenon but also shows the reader a useful technique for avoiding it: namely the use of causal diagrams. These diagrams give a methodical way to clarify the hypothesized causal link that is being tested and therefore determine which is the most appropriate way to look at the data.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Longtime professor lauded for exploration of “Simpson’s paradox.”</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="2024-06-03T12:00:00Z">Mon, 06/03/2024 - 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=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=415031">Data Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</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="/jeff-witmer" hreflang="und">Jeffrey (Jeff) Witmer</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/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/data-science" hreflang="und">Data 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">Jennifer Manna</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-32140" class="paragraph paragraph--type--pb-el-bq paragraph--view-mode--default"> <blockquote class="blockquote--quotemark" data-text-color-red data-text-size-giant> <p>As an educator, I am always trying to find ways to help others understand important concepts—and to help myself better understand them. When I stumble upon an idea...the excitement energizes me.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-27997" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p>Witmer’s paper incorporates numerous real-life illustrations of Simpson’s paradox, including baseball statistics, airline on-time arrival rates, and <em>Titanic</em> survivors.</p> <p>“I was shocked, but delighted, to learn that I was receiving the Chauvenet Prize,” he says. “Simpson’s paradox has long been an interest of mine, and I was happy to write a paper that pulled together what I’ve learned about this topic over many years. But I never expected anything beyond the satisfaction of seeing my thoughts published.</p> <p>“As an educator, I am always trying to find ways to help others understand important concepts—and to help myself better understand them. When I stumble upon an idea, like the BK-plot, mosaic plot, or directed acyclic graph (DAG)—three key components of my paper—the excitement energizes me.</p> <p>“And to be clear: I didn’t create any of those ideas,” Witmer adds. “I merely borrowed them from others and used them in my paper.”</p> <p>First presented in 1925, the Chauvenet Prize is named for William Chauvenet, a former math professor at the United States Naval Academy and a leading architect of the institution.</p> <p>Learn more about the MAA and the Chauvenet Prize at the <a href="https://maa.org/chauvenet-prizes/">MAA website</a>. Witmer’s paper can be accessed via 91ֱ�� College Libraries’ <a href="https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/faculty_schol/4463/">Digital Commons</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ��’s Tanisha Shende Named National Student Employee of the Year</h1> <p>eburnett — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:42:55 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ��’s Tanisha Shende Named National Student Employee of the Year</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-04-11T10:42:55-04:00" title="Thursday, April 11, 2024 - 10:42">Thu, 04/11/2024 - 10:42</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Tanisha Shende, a second-year student majoring in computer science and mathematics, has been named National Student Employee of the Year and Student Employee of the Year for Diversity and Inclusion, twin honors conferred by the <a href="https://www.nsea.info/">National Student Employment Association</a> (NSEA) this week.</p><p>The accolades were made possible through the effort of the <a href="/human-resources/student-employment">Student Employment Office</a>, which coordinated the nomination process.</p><p>Originally from Lodi, New Jersey, Shende is a key supporter of STEM studies at 91ֱ�� and a driving force in the effort to ease the acclimation to college among first-generation and other underrepresented students. In the <a href="/undergraduate-research">Office of Undergraduate Research</a>, she serves as chair of the collective advocacy committee for Bridging Resources and Access to Nurture Community through Holistic Engagement in STEM (BRANCHES).</p><p>Shende is an active member of the <a href="/undergraduate-research/programs/strong">STRONG</a> (Science and Technology Research Opportunities for a New Generation) program and played a pivotal role in the successful merger of two other 91ֱ�� programs—Roots in STEM, an identity-based residence hall cluster, and the Center for Learning, Education, and Research in the Sciences, or <a href="/clear">CLEAR</a>—and improve student support in the process.</p><p>In her own research, Shende is part of a study examining classrooms and research spaces to identify barriers to STEM learning. She is also a member of a team working to make virtual and augmented reality technology more accessible to people with sensory processing disorders.</p><p>“Tanisha is one of those unique students who has a natural spark,” says Zach Slimak, <a href="/clear/employment">91ֱ��’s STEM program</a> coordinator, who nominated Shende for the NSEA honors. “She recognizes how hard it can be for a student to find a community and a sense of belonging. She cares deeply about her position and goes above and beyond every day. She’s always willing to learn, always willing to teach, and always willing to be a leader for change. I am honored to know Tanisha and be a small part of her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”</p><p>Shende learned of the honors at an April 9 gathering on campus that—to her surprise—was held in her honor. The guest list included 91ֱ�� President <a href="/node/48561">Carmen Twillie Ambar, </a>Vice President and Dean of Students <a href="/node/362451">Karen Goff</a>, and Shende’s staff colleagues from the Office of Undergraduate Research—part of the <a href="/node/396216">Center for Engaged Liberal Arts</a>, or CELA.</p><p>The honors coincide with 91ֱ��’s celebration of National Student Employment Week.</p><p>“I’m so grateful to everyone involved for making the reception such a special moment,” Shende says. “It’s an honor to be recognized for my efforts and be surrounded by incredible supporters. I’m looking forward to continuing my work!”</p><p>The NSEA is dedicated to promoting professional development, recognition, and advocacy for student employees in higher education. 91ֱ�� joined the organization in 2022; this year marked the first time it has submitted a nominee for Student Employee of the Year. The NSEA confers awards in five categories: Community Service, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership, Technology and Innovation, and Critical Thinking, as well as the overall award for Student Employee of the Year.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Computer science and math double major is also a devoted advocate for other STEM students through her work with the Office of Undergraduate Research.</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="2024-04-12T12:00:00Z">Fri, 04/12/2024 - 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="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=3898">Stem</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=25321">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</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/computer-science" hreflang="und">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Tanisha Shende, pictured with her awards for National Student Employee of the Year and Student Employee of the Year for Diversity and Inclusion, which were presented in conjunction with National Student Employment Week.</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>A Beautiful Mess</h1> <p>tapplega — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:50:06 +0000</p> <span>A Beautiful Mess</span> <span><span>tapplega</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-30T10:50:06-05:00" title="Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - 10:50">Tue, 01/30/2024 - 10:50</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>“I think you’re basically solving weird little puzzles.” Don’t take that as a put-down. Hurtado likes weird little puzzles. In fact, he wouldn’t want to do anything else—and he has tried.</p> <p>As a student at 91ֱ��, Hurtado puzzled his way through his <a href="/node/3371">math</a> classes. “They would give me a puzzle, I’d play with it, mess around with it, until I figured out how to do it,” he recalls. “Especially when problems have a bit of a physical context, I can really picture them.”</p> <p>Hurtado graduated from 91ֱ�� with high honors in mathematics. A math career was always on his mind, but he knew that the path through academia could be long and bumpy. So after graduation, he tried out an office job. He answered phones. He filled out spreadsheets. He had no fun at all. The conclusion was obvious: “I would rather be doing math!”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Omar Hurtado stepped away from math and quickly learned why he missed it.</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="2024-01-30T12:00:00Z">Tue, 01/30/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Kate Becker</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Some people say that math is like art: that it is a source of beauty, elegance, and connection to the deepest truth. Omar Hurtado ’16 doesn’t buy it.</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=2360">After 91ֱ��</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=25401">Mathematics</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="/chris-marx" hreflang="und">Chris Marx</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/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Omar Hurtado</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">courtesy of Omar Hurtado</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-32132" class="paragraph paragraph--type--pb-el-bq paragraph--view-mode--default"> <blockquote class="blockquote--quotemark" data-text-color-red data-text-size-large> <p>When you take math in undergrad, you’re looking at very well-established theories. Usually they’re all at least 100, 150 years old. Now, at the cutting edge, it’s very far removed from that. The progress is incremental. You’re chipping away at the edge of what we know.”<br> </p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-27936" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p>Today, Hurtado is a PhD student in math at the University of California, Irvine, where he works on problems in mathematical physics, a field he was first introduced to by his 91ֱ�� thesis advisor, Associate Professor of Mathematics <a href="/node/6006">Chris Marx</a>.</p> <p>“Physicists usually use theoretical models and then calculations or numerical simulations to predict the outcomes of experiments,” says Marx. “But there are limits to what you can do based on numerical simulation or computation. The advantage mathematics has is that it is able to lift the problem to a more abstract situation.</p> <p>Hurtado is working on a problem you might call “electrons behaving badly.” If you could magically travel inside a copper wire, you would see the copper atoms linked up neatly in a Tinker Toy-style lattice. An electron can breeze right through. That is what makes copper such a good conductor. But in some other materials, like many metal alloys, the Tinker Toys are a disordered jumble, an arrangement “so haphazard it might as well be random,” Hurtado says. Electrons trying to muscle their way through these scrambled-up atomic landscapes often get stuck, meaning that the alloy cannot conduct electricity.</p> <p>The wrinkle is that sometimes electrons get stuck in a wire or a sheet of foil, even when the atomic lattice is relatively tidy. Hurtado wants to figure out why.</p> <p>Physicists have their own answers, often gleaned by observing how light waves travel through special fibers. But when mathematicians take on problems in physics, they do it differently. “We as mathematicians generally agree with [physicists],” says Hurtado. “But we don’t settle for, ‘Oh yeah, it’s probably true.’ We settle for, ‘Okay, we know it’s true.’” Which puts Hurtado in the unusual position of studying materials without actually testing or touching them, instead representing them on paper using matrices and vectors.</p> <p>Hurtado presented his work at the Great Lakes Mathematical Physics Meeting (GLaMP), held on campus at 91ֱ�� in June. The first time he attended GLaMP, back in 2019, it was an eye-opener. “It was a you-don’t-actually-know-anything event,” he says. Instead of the highly-polished results he was accustomed to from his classes, the results were quirky, raw, and unfinished.</p> <p>“When you take math in undergrad, you’re looking at very well-established theories. Usually they’re all at least 100, 150 years old,” says Hurtado. “Now, at the cutting edge, it’s very far removed from that. The progress is incremental. You’re chipping away at the edge of what we know.”</p> <p>It might not be elegant. It might actually be pretty messy. But to Hurtado, that’s what makes it so much fun.</p> <hr> <p><em>Kate Becker is a freelance writer based in Massachusetts. She earned a degree in physics from 91ֱ�� in 2001.</em></p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>How Biostatistical Analysts Are Born</h1> <p>tapplega — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:11:40 +0000</p> <span>How Biostatistical Analysts Are Born</span> <span><span>tapplega</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-03-01T13:11:40-05:00" title="Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - 13:11">Wed, 03/01/2023 - 13:11</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Ian Dinsmore ’19 studied <a href="/node/25401">mathematics</a> and <a href="/node/25411">physics</a> at 91ֱ�� while earning all-conference honors as a pitcher on the baseball team. By his senior year, he developed a passion for analytics that inspired him to pursue a master’s degree in business analytics from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management in Cleveland. A Pennsylvania native, Dinsmore later returned home to the borough of Danville, where he works as a biostatistical analyst for Geisinger Health Systems—the same company where he completed a pivotal internship as a rising fourth-year student at 91ֱ��.</p> <p>We caught up with Dinsmore recently after he spoke about his career path with current students in a program cooradinated by 91ֱ��’s <a href="/center-engaged-liberal-arts">Center for Engaged Liberal Arts</a>…</p> <p><strong>What does a biostatistical analyst do?</strong></p> <p>My work is varied, but primarily I work with genetic data and electronic health record information to generate phenotypes, which are tested for associations with each other. This can include variants in a specific gene, or generally gene expression tied to changes in health. I also create novel data-analysis pipelines that are aimed at making available health information more effective in preventing disease—whether that’s through machine learning, data organization, or other forms of data management.</p> <p><strong>What do you love most about your work?</strong></p> <p>The most enjoyable part of my job is the creativity and freedom I have in finding solutions to questions from my lab. Working in research, we’re exploring ideas that have not been published and accepted by the scientific community at large, so being nimble in my work to adapt to the problem at hand is exciting. This can include writing code to automate a previously mundane, manual task, to developing a novel technique that can be published as a method for the broader community to use.</p> <p><strong>How did you know graduate school was the right step after 91ֱ��?</strong></p> <p>I knew going into my senior year I wanted to [work] in data analytics, and grad school was an option I knew I would be readily prepared for thanks to 91ֱ��. After my internship, I also knew that I had a lot more to learn in the field of analytics. This led me to looking into graduate programs, and Case Western was a great fit for me with the scholarship I received from the <a href="https://case.edu/weatherhead/academics/graduate/ohio-5-business-collaborative">Ohio 5 Business Collaborative</a> program. Case ended up being a great match, as it allowed me to take the STEM skills and knowledge I had received at 91ֱ�� and apply them to the analytics field.</p> <p><strong>You were a double major and a varsity athlete during your time here. What was it like balancing everything? </strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Michael Durkin</figcaption> </figure> <p>It was definitely busy! There were times, in my junior and senior years especially, where I had to focus on school and finish homework or projects and miss some social events with my friends. But it rarely was completely overwhelming, and it really prepared me for my current position and work I will pursue in the future. It greatly developed my time-management skills, and looking back, I don't think I would have changed my path at all. I loved my time in both the mathematics and physics departments, and also found great joy representing 91ֱ�� athletics.</p> <p><strong>What role did your 91ֱ�� mentors play in shaping your career path?</strong></p> <p>My professors at 91ֱ�� were critical in shaping my career path. The professors in the physics and math departments—really everywhere at 91ֱ��—were incredibly helpful, encouraging, and challenging. My senior year, I had quite a few discussions with my advisor, [physics professor] <a href="/node/6186">Jason Stalnaker</a>, about my career path, and he was great at providing me with answers and insight to any questions I had. Without the education that my professors provided me, I would not have been nearly as successful at Case or in my current position.</p> <p><strong>What’s your fondest 91ֱ�� memory?</strong></p> <p>My fondest memory is the time I spent together with my classmates and friends, whether that was doing homework or socializing together. I met so many great people at 91ֱ�� that are still my best friends—it truly is a special place. We spent countless hours working together in the Science Center, or working in the libraries around campus. Just having those people I could depend on, by my side through it all, is what I miss most about being at 91ֱ��.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Ian Dinsmore studied physics and math. Then an internship shed light on a new path.</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="2023-03-01T12:00:00Z">Wed, 03/01/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tyler Applegate</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=2360">After 91ֱ��</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2771">Athletics</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=25411">Physics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</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="/jason-stalnaker" hreflang="und">Jason Stalnaker</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/physics-and-astronomy" hreflang="und">Physics and Astronomy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</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">courtesy of Ian Dinsmore</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Finding a Calling in 91ֱ��'s Writing Associates Program</h1> <p>anagy — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 16:58:41 +0000</p> <span>Finding a Calling in 91ֱ��'s Writing Associates Program</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-02-23T11:58:41-05:00" title="Thursday, February 23, 2023 - 11:58">Thu, 02/23/2023 - 11:58</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Ryo Adachi cultivated interests in education and writing through a variety of peer mentorship positions at 91ֱ��. A 2022 graduate, Adachi came to 91ֱ�� as as an international student. She studied <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics">math</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics">economics</a> with minors in <a href="/linguistics">linguistics</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/east-asian-studies">East Asian Studies</a> and a concentration in <a href="/education-studies">education studies</a>. In addition to her coursework, she gained experience as a writing and speaking associate, a Japanese conversation tutor, a teaching assistant for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), and a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/pal">peer advising leader</a> (PAL), part of 91ֱ��’s support network for new students.</p> <p>After graduation, Adachi started working full-time with the <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/wap">Writing Associates Program</a> at 91ֱ��. On February 25, Adachi will facilitate an interactive workshop, “Overcoming the Comfort Zone,” in collaboration with the Office of Entrepreneurship and the Office for Disability & Access.</p> <p>Read more about Adachi’s career entry in the following Q&A.</p> <p><strong>How did you develop an interest in writing and communication while at 91ֱ��?</strong></p> <p>Initially, it started from an interest in language education. During my first year, I was a Japanese tutor and took a class in Japanese language pedagogy. I then also took Kim Faber’s language pedagogy class, which furthered my interest in language education. As part of the class, I worked as an ESOL TA, teaching English lessons to international students. Tutoring and working with students led to being a writing associate. As I grew up bilingual, I resonated with the program’s core values that emphasized embracing language diversity.</p> <p><strong>What did you learn from your mentorship and teaching positions on campus?</strong></p> <p>I learned about the importance of reflection, especially as an ESOL teaching assistant. I originally had rigid lesson plans, but learned the importance of being flexible in my teaching. I was also informed by reflections of past experiences. Even though I’ve done a lot of workshops and presentations, I always reflect on what went wrong and how things can be improved next time. I also learned the value of building good boundaries with students. It’s possible to be sympathetic to students’ struggles while cultivating responsibility.</p> <p><strong>Which people at 91ֱ�� had the greatest impact on your experience?</strong></p> <p>Along with cultivating an interest in language education, Kim Faber encouraged me to spend more time writing. There was a specific assignment where she complimented my writing abilities and told me I had potential as a writer. Her comment was the first time I thought about pursuing writing more seriously. She really made an impact on me, and I still see her a lot. Additionally, Tania Boster, former director of the <a href="/bcsl">Bonner Center</a>, who played an important role in my college life. First as an academic advisor and then as a mentor. Tania Boster always listened to me and connected me with people on campus. She was very supportive throughout my college career.</p> <p><strong>How did you end up in your current role as the Writing Associates Program Fellow?</strong></p> <p>I first became involved in the Writing Associates Program at 91ֱ�� in the fall semester of my third year. During my last two years at 91ֱ��, I was working on a lot of different projects for the program. I worked as a Writing Center writing associate, course writing associate for three different classes, and a speaking associate. With the involvement I had in the program, it made sense that I could fit into this role after graduation. Given my passion for language and writing education, I felt like this position would enhance my experience in the field.</p> <p><strong>Can you describe your responsibilities in the role?</strong></p> <p>I do a lot of logistical work in the writing and speaking centers to ensure that everyone gets the information they need. This includes training student writing associates and ensuring they are paid for their work. I also am in charge of workshop programs and outreach. I lead workshops that give writing and speaking advice that tailors to different audiences and contexts. For example, I work with the office of <a href="/fellowships">Fellowships and Awards</a> to help students with personal statements for programs like the Fulbright fellowship, Truman scholarship, and Goldwater scholarship. I also work with the <a href="/undergraduate-research">Office of Undergraduate Research</a> to support students who are applying for various summer programs.</p> <p><strong>What’s next for you after this role?</strong></p> <p>Down the road, I’m very interested in working with multilingual students and international students. Finding a way for everyone to incorporate their own unique voice and tap into linguistic resources is very important to me. I’m hoping to pursue literacy education.</p> <p><strong>Do you have any advice for students interested in your position?</strong></p> <p>My advice is to keep a teaching journal and record what you are thinking before and after lessons. It’s really helpful to look back and see what changes you can make.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Ryo Adachi helps students hone their writing and speaking skills—a role she started as a student.</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="2023-02-23T12:00:00Z">Thu, 02/23/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Ava Miller '25</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=2360">After 91ֱ��</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=2391">Languages & Literatures</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2396">International Students</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=25236">Linguistics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25336">East Asian Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25341">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</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/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</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/east-asian-studies" hreflang="und">East Asian Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Ryo Adachi graduated from 91ֱ�� in 2022.</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>Mark Walker ’22 Awarded Beinecke Scholarship</h1> <p>swargo — Fri, 07 May 2021 18:26:27 +0000</p> <span>Mark Walker ’22 Awarded Beinecke Scholarship</span> <span><span>swargo</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-05-07T14:26:27-04:00" title="Friday, May 7, 2021 - 14:26">Fri, 05/07/2021 - 14:26</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Mark Walker, a junior majoring in <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/rees" target="_blank">Russian studies</a>, <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" target="_blank">economics</a>, and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" target="_blank">mathematics</a>, has recently been awarded the prestigious Beinecke Scholarship, which he plans to put toward a graduate program in economics.</p> <p>The <a href="https://fdnweb.org/beinecke/">Beinecke Scholarship</a> is an award given to students with exceptional academic achievements who plan to enter a research-focused master’s or doctoral program in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Beinecke scholars receive $4,000 immediately before attending graduate school and another $30,000 while in attendance. After completing their undergraduate degree, the scholars are encouraged to seek graduate-level education as soon as possible and use their funds within five years. </p> <p>Walker applied for an internal nomination and was selected as a finalist for the Beinecke scholarship. After getting selected, he completed an external application directly to the Beinecke Foundation and was later awarded the scholarship. </p> <p>“I found out about Beinecke through <a href="/fellowships">91ֱ��'s Fellowships and Awards office</a>, which is a very good resource for folks who are looking to get funding for graduate study or for doing after 91ֱ�� abroad programs such as Fulbright.”</p> <p>At 91ֱ��, Walker has participated in student research with several faculty members. He has worked alongside professors <a href="/john-duca">John Duca</a>, <a href="/evan-kresch">Evan Kresch</a>, and <a href="/henrique-veras">Henrique Veras</a> in the economics department, and he has studied the politics of Russian labor alongside Professor of Politics <a href="/steve-crowley">Steven Crowley</a>. Under the mentorship of Kresch, Walker is currently writing a development economics research paper about sanitation and taxation in Brazil. </p> <p>“I really like international trade issues and international economics in general, but specifically I love trade issues. I did some trade-related consulting as part of Politics 411, which is basically a course that is also a small consulting group with the students working as analysts. For macro, I did some trade studies, and then this semester I'm also working on some trade-related research because it's what I really like.”</p> <p>Walker wants to focus on international economics in graduate school, though he has yet to commit to a specific sub focus.</p> <p>“I definitely want to do something with econometrics because I love statistical methods. I really like the idea of trying to find new ways to get better identification of what's happening in observational data that we observe. It makes me excited because this is the frontier of statistics, and the better the statistics the better knowledge we can get from this observational data mess that we work with in a lot of the social sciences and to an extent, some of the natural sciences.”</p> <p>Walker is grateful to have won the scholarship and excited to see what the future holds.</p> <p>“Knowing that I have external funding before actually applying to grad school is a big relief. It helps me feel reassured that I'll be able to afford grad school, and it sends a strong signal to the institutions that I'm a decent candidate. I think that scholarships are a good opportunity and I would recommend applying for folks who are really passionate about wanting to do something that requires graduate education.”</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="2021-05-07T12:00:00Z">Fri, 05/07/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Jane Hobson ’22</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> <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=25341">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25416">Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25426">Russian, East European, and Eurasian 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/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics" hreflang="und">Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Mark Walker '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">Courtesy of Walker</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Second-Year Emma Hart Coauthors COVID-19 Vaccine Issue Brief</h1> <p>anagy — Mon, 03 May 2021 18:09:05 +0000</p> <span>Second-Year Emma Hart Coauthors COVID-19 Vaccine Issue Brief</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-05-03T14:09:05-04:00" title="Monday, May 3, 2021 - 14:09">Mon, 05/03/2021 - 14:09</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>As part of 91ֱ��’s three-semester plan for 2020-2021, second-year students participated in a monthlong winter term <a href="/career/set/soar">SOAR</a> retreat and had the opportunity to pursue micro-internships or research projects during their spring semester, much like the juniors during the <a href="/career/set/junior-practicum-program">Junior Practicum program</a> during the fall semester. The SOAR retreat included major planning workshops, panels, and guest speakers, while the <a href="/career">Career Development Center</a> matched students with parents, faculty, and alumni who sponsored micro-internships and research opportunities.</p> <p>Hart, a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology">psychology</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/dance">dance</a> double major with a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics">math</a> minor, says that the internship’s prestige surprised her, but she was eager to take on whatever work was required. </p> <p>“People I knew were talking about things on the news, and it felt surprising to get to be a part of that,” says Hart, who was encouraged to “drive her experience” by her sponsor Steven Bloom ‘84, assistant vice president, government relations for the American Council on Education.</p> <p>“They made it very clear that I could drive the experience and do as much or little as I wanted, and when I heard my sponsor [Steven Bloom] say that, I thought, ‘Well, I would rather do more,’” she adds.</p> <p>Though she is not a politics major, Hart is interested in law school after 91ֱ�� and considers the American Council in Education (ACE), a non-partisan lobbying agency, as a similar work environment to what her post-91ֱ�� life could look like.</p> <p>“I was interested in lobbying and to an extent I still am,” Hart says. “Even being at 91ֱ��, there’s such an atmosphere of social justice that goes hand in hand with what people call politics.”</p> <p>While she thought the internship was initially somewhat intimidating, Hart says that the welcoming atmosphere and friendly people made the experience worthwhile. Being able to tackle politics head-on boosted her confidence, and she remarks that the people there even thought she was a fourth-year due to the polished work she turned in.</p> <p>“I was definitely intimidated because [McDonough] was also the general counsel at Princeton for at least a decade,” Hart explains. “But after meeting with him one-on-one, he was so friendly and welcoming. None of the people on the public affairs team ever acted like I was unprepared or like I was lacking in any type of knowledge. They really wanted it to be a learning experience for me.”</p> <p>When explaining the <a href="https://www.acenet.edu/Documents/Issue-Brief-COVID-Vaccines-March-2021.pdf">issue brief</a>, Hart describes it as “food for thought,” rather than direct legal advice to colleges and universities. Because some schools do not have the resources to have an attorney in-residence, they reach out to organizations such as ACE for their advice.</p> <p>Through research, drafting, and revision, Hart and McDonough transformed the issue brief from just a vague idea into a distributable document that has now been promoted by organizations such as <em>Politico</em> and <em>Inside Higher Ed</em>.</p> <p>Hart says that one of the greatest challenges was attempting to write about a subject that was still so new, uncertain, and constantly changing. In their research, they focused on CDC guidelines and employment law, which were changing regularly.</p> <p>“I feel like in researching for a paper that you're going to write for a class—all the information is already out there and maybe even the exact idea that you're trying to communicate— but with [the brief], we [were] putting pieces of a puzzle together and trying to put them in one place to help advise people and institutions,” Hart states. “Peter [kept] sending me new things he was seeing… and it was important within the brief to cite that this was written in March of 2021, [because] it might not be relevant within two or three months.”</p> <p>Another example of rapidly changing information was when Rutgers University announced on March 25 that it was making the vaccine mandatory for all students. Hart and McDonough could adjust their language and focus more on whether a college “should” require it.</p> <p>Furthermore, Hart made sure to include notes that were important to her, such as adding a bullet point that some schools might choose not to require vaccines because “Marginalized groups and individuals may be distrustful of the vaccine due to a history of medical racism and discrimination.”</p> <p>“[Under-represented] communities were an important piece that I wanted to add,” Hart says. “There has been a huge history of medical racism and I felt that was important to include in the brief because that to me is fair, more so than maybe people who don't believe that COVID-19 is real.”</p> <p>As the issue brief begins to gain traction, Hart hopes that it will provide some clarity for schools, particularly for presidents of institutions.</p> <p>“A large majority of ACE members are the presidents of of institutions, and I would like [the brief] to provide them some clarity, just in general as far as COVID-19 goes, because I think that this past year and a month now has been incredibly chaotic and has left a lot of questions unanswered for people and there's been a lot of confusion and fear,” Hart explains. </p> <p>Outside of class, Hart is most passionate about co-leading Survivors of Sexual Harm and Allies (SOSHA), a nonchartered club at 91ֱ��. For April, or <a href="/equity-diversity-inclusion/campus-initiatives/consent-month">Consent Month/Sexual Harm Awareness Month</a>, SOSHA is partnering with the <a href="/equity-diversity-inclusion">Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion</a>, <a href="/equity-diversity-inclusion/training-education-and-outreach/prsm">Preventing and Responding to Sexual Misconduct</a> (PRSM), and the Peer Support Center to offer a wide range of programming to raise awareness about sexual violence.</p> <p>In particular, her interest in Title IX and justice for victims of sexual violence was also a significant factor in the internship she was matched with.</p> <p>“It’s so ingrained in my identity and informs all of my interests and what led me to ACE,” she says.</p> <p>Besides law school, Hart is newly motivated to potentially work in D.C. in a lobbying group or even run for office someday.</p> <p>“That would be a space where hopefully those changes could get made,” she says.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hart worked with general counsel Peter McDonough to co-author an issue brief on considerations regarding whether to require COVID-19 vaccination for students in fall 2021.</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="2021-05-03T12:00:00Z">Mon, 05/03/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Jaimie Yue '22</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>This spring, second-year Emma Hart coauthored an issue brief about the COVID-19 vaccine requirement considerations in higher education institutions with General Counsel Peter McDonough through her Sophomore Opportunities and Academic Resources (SOAR) internship at the American Council on Education’s Department of Government and Public Affairs in Washington, D.C.</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=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=25286">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25331">Dance</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/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</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">Second-year Emma Hart completed a micro-internship with the American Council on Education’s Department of Government and Public Affairs.</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">Courtesy of Emma Hart</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Live From the Cat</h1> <p>ygay — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 21:15:19 +0000</p> <span>Live From the Cat</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-09-02T17:15:19-04:00" title="Wednesday, September 2, 2020 - 17:15">Wed, 09/02/2020 - 17:15</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>With safety protocols necessary, it’s evident that the atmosphere on campus is much different than in years past, especially with students under quarantine after returning to campus, which made a virtual Orientation necessary. To make time in their rooms easier, students were invited to take part in a host of virtual events that included readings from 91ֱ��’s slam poetry group, a variety show, and an opportunity to tune into 91ֱ��’s first live-streamed jazz concert from the <a href="/student-union/cat" target="_blank">Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse</a>.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Georgia Heers ’21. Photo credit: Mike Crupi</figcaption> </figure> <p>The concert was a welcome opportunity for jazz vocal performance major Georgia Heers ’21 and mathematics and jazz piano major Arthur Welsh ’21 as well. Days earlier, the pair had agreed to pull together a show after answering an ask that went out to all jazz students via <a href="/bobby-ferrazza" target="_blank">Bobby Ferrazza</a>, professor of jazz guitar and director of the Division of Jazz Studies. Welsh and Heers had also been cleared in the college’s coronavirus testing.</p> <p>‘‘This was my second performance since COVID-19,’’ says Welsh. ‘‘I had only performed at the Union Town Provisions in July for a live-streamed performance with a few audience members present. The lack of performances I have had this year definitely made this virtual concert at the Cat very special.’’</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Arthur Welsh ’21. Photo credit: Mike Crupi</figcaption> </figure> <p>‘‘For the past five months I‘ve been singing alone or accompanying myself poorly on piano or guitar,’’ says Heers. ‘‘Surprisingly, I wasn‘t too nervous (at the Cat performance). Usually, before any type of performance, I get really bad nerves, but this was different! I think the idea of there not being an audience put me at ease. However, having a live audience is a fundamental aspect of this tradition, so it did feel like something was missing.</p> <p>‘‘But, this was the first type of performance of its kind (at 91ֱ��), so I felt like there were fewer expectations and more excitement—which was refreshing. Expectations make me anxious. Overall, it was a really cathartic experience getting to make music with another human again. I‘m very thankful to have had that opportunity.’’</p> <p>The 45-minute performance included a wide range of songs, such as <em>Moonlight in Vermont </em>by Karl Suessdorf, <em>S’wonderful</em> by George Gershwin, <em>East of the Sun</em> by Brooks Bowman, <em>Redbone</em> by Childish Gambino, and <em>Crazy</em> by Gnarles Barkley. </p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Behind the scenes at the live-streamed performance.<br> Photo credit: Mike Crupi</figcaption> </figure> <p>Although the pair had performed together before, an outdoor rehearsal was needed in order to hear each other play again and determine a setlist. It was difficult to find a good way to rehearse, admits Welsh, but they made it work.</p> <p>Welsh says, ‘‘The Cat is usually a secluded and special space, but now we can share it with the rest of the world!’’</p> <p>Both look forward to more live-streamed concerts this year. </p> <p>View behind-the-scenes and concert images from the Cat performance on <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsmQwos3a" target="_blank">91ֱ�� Flickr</a> <span aria-hidden="true" class="fa fa-external-link"></span>.</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="2020-09-02T12:00:00Z">Wed, 09/02/2020 - 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>The campus community was treated to a live-streamed jazz performance on August 28 from the Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse. The virtual concert was a first for the student-run performance space.</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=2379">Student Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</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=34691">Jazz Performance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</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="/bobby-ferrazza" hreflang="und">Bobby Ferrazza</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/la-tanya-hall" hreflang="und">La Tanya Hall</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="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Authur Welsh ’21 (on piano) and Georgia Heers ’21 (vocals) give a live-streamed jazz performance in 91ֱ��'s Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse.</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">Mike Crupi</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>