Pianist Jiongli Wang to Perform with 91ֱ�� Chamber Orchestra</h1> <article> <h1>Pianist Jiongli Wang to Perform with 91ֱ�� Chamber Orchestra</h1> <p>cstrauss — Fri, 03 May 2024 03:26:48 +0000</p> <span>Pianist Jiongli Wang to Perform with 91ֱ�� Chamber Orchestra</span> <span><span>cstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-02T23:26:48-04:00" title="Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 23:26">Thu, 05/02/2024 - 23:26</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Each spring, 91ֱ�� orchestras feature four student soloists who have been awarded the honor in the annual Senior Concerto Competition. On <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/concert_oberlin_chamber_orchestra_7138">Friday, May 3</a>, the 91ֱ�� Chamber Orchestra performs a program that will showcase fourth-year pianist Jiongli Wang in Frédéric Chopin’s First Piano Concerto. </p> <p>91ֱ�� Orchestras Director <a href="/raphael-jimenez">Raphael Jiménez</a> has also programmed Ludwig van Beethoven’s compellingly rhythmic and inventive Symphony No. 7, as well as the world premiere of Black River Prelude, composed by fourth-year composer Cashel Day-Lewis, commissioned by 91ֱ�� Conservatory in honor of the Lorain County Bicentennial. </p> <p>The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Finney Chapel and is free, open to the public, and <a href="/conservatory/on-stage/live-webcasts/finney-chapel-live-webcast">streamed live at concert time</a>.</p> <p><em><strong>Meet the soloist</strong></em></p> <p>Born in Wenzhou, China, Jiongli Wang started to play the piano at the age of 6. From 2017 to 2020, he studied at Gulangyu Piano Academy at the Central Conservatory of Music. Wang is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at 91ֱ�� Conservatory, where he studies with Professor <a href="/alvin-chow">Alvin Chow</a>. He has performed in major concert halls in China including Shanghai Concert Hall, Gulangyu Concert Hall, and Ningxia Grant Theatre, among several others. He has attended several piano festivals, including Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival, Adamant Piano Festival, Shanghai International Music Festival, and Europe International Music Festival. He has been honored to play in master classes for well-known musicians such as Lydia Artymiw, Kathryn Brown, Angela Cheng, Marc-André Hamelin, Douglas Humpherys, Ewa Pobłocka, and Mikhail Voskresensky. At 91ֱ��, Wang has been a prize winner of the 2022 Peter Takács Beethoven Piano Competition and 2023 Arthur Dann Competition, in addition to the 2023 Senior Concerto Competition.</p> <p><em><strong>Q&A</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>What was your reason for choosing the Chopin first piano concerto?</strong></em></p> <p>Chopin's First Piano Concerto is undoubtedly one of the most popular piano concertos in the world. He composed this work at the remarkably young age of 20. Despite his youth, the concerto exhibits not only passion, but also a maturity and depth of emotion that belies his age. These qualities deeply resonate with me, and more importantly, this concerto offers the performer an incredible opportunity to showcase their creativity. Listening to and playing this concerto is such fun, and I never grow bored discovering new things in it.</p> <p><strong><em>What has the piece taught you about your playing and how to reach an audience?</em></strong></p> <p>Music is the art of sound and time, each of which needs to be balanced in delicate proportion. Alongside the emotional depth, mastering various sound qualities is required. Every time I play Chopin's First Concerto, it's an experimentation with different touches in order to explore more possibilities. Moreover, this piece has also taught me about the proportion of rubato. Playing with an orchestra makes it impossible to do the same rubato as in a solo performance. It requires maintaining the steady pulse of the music as well as having flexibility in tempo. Reaching an audience is always a major concern for a musician. For me, aside from fine technique and a wide range of sound, it is even more crucial to play with authenticity and sincerity. </p> <p><em><strong>When you think back on your time at 91ֱ��, what stands out about the experience of going to school here?</strong></em></p> <p>Undoubtedly, I've had a very memorable study experience at 91ֱ��. The vibrant and inclusive community fostered a sense of belonging that enriched both my academic and personal growth. 91ֱ�� Conservatory gathers a group of talented musicians, and I truly felt inspired by my peers. In addition, 91ֱ�� offers an excellent academic environment. The world-class faculty challenged and mentored me to expand my knowledge and develop my skills. Most importantly, many thanks go to my teacher Professor Alvin Chow, who provided me with extremely valuable guidance. Under his tutelage, I’ve cultivated a deeper understanding of music. His unwavering support and encouragement empowered me to push beyond my limits and I’m deeply grateful for his mentorship.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Program also includes world premiere work by composition student Cashel Day-Lewis</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="2024-05-02T12:00:00Z">Thu, 05/02/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</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=3878">Conservatory of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2396">International Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4052">Concerto Winners</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=29541">Piano</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="/alvin-chow" hreflang="und">Alvin Chow</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/raphael-jimenez" hreflang="und">Raphael Jiménez</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/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</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">Tanya Rosen-Jones</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Concerto Competition Winners Take Finney Stage This Spring</h1> <p>cstrauss — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 04:30:56 +0000</p> <span>Concerto Competition Winners Take Finney Stage This Spring</span> <span><span>cstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-04-05T00:30:56-04:00" title="Friday, April 5, 2024 - 00:30">Fri, 04/05/2024 - 00:30</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ�� Conservatory’s annual Concerto Competition identifies four winners that earn featured solo spots with the 91ֱ�� orchestras each spring. The first rounds were adjudicated by Conservatory faculty, while the public final round was adjudicated by a guest jury.</p> <p>This year, concerto so opportunities were won by <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/concert_oberlin_chamber_orchestra_929">clarinetist Juan Pedro Espinosa Monteros</a>, <a href="http://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/concert_oberlin_orchestra_oberlin_jazz_oberlin">cellist Drew Dansby</a>, <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/concert_oberlin_chamber_orchestra_7138">pianist Jiongli Wang</a>, and <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/concert_oberlin_orchestra_3257">violinist Maya Irizarry Lambright</a>—all fourth-year students. They will each present full performances of their winning pieces in concerts on four Friday evenings in Finney Chapel. Each performance will also be <a href="/conservatory/on-stage/live-webcasts">streamed live</a> at concert time.</p> <p>Three of the young artists will collaborate with the 91ֱ�� Orchestra and 91ֱ�� Chamber Orchestra, conducted by <a href="/raphael-jimenez">Raphael Jiménez</a>. And, this year there is an 91ֱ�� “first.” Later this month, Dansby will perform David Baker’s 1987 Concerto for Cello and Jazz Band, which will be accompanied by an ensemble of students from 91ֱ��'s Jazz Division. </p> <p>Performances get underway on <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/concert_oberlin_chamber_orchestra_929">Friday, April 5</a> at 7:30 p.m., with Juan Pedro Espinosa Monteros and the 91ֱ�� Chamber Orchestra leading the way in Carl Nielsen's Clarinet Concerto. The program also includes Gioachino Rossini's Overture to <em>William Tell</em> and Alberto Ginastera Variaciones concertantes, Op. 23. </p> <h6>Meet the soloist</h6> <p>Born and raised in Ecuador, clarinetist Juan Pedro Espinosa Monteros studies with Professor <a href="/richard-hawkins">Richard Hawkins</a>. His quite notable professional achievements include an appointment as principal clarinetist of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Guayaquil, under the direction of conductor Dante Anzolini. He joined the orchestra in 2019 and played in the ensemble for three seasons as the youngest member in the organization. He made his solo debut with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Loja at the age of 15 and has since served consistently as a substitute clarinetist with that ensemble. And in 2017, he won the gold medal at the Solo Competition of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador—the first woodwind player to earn this prize—securing his appearance as soloist with the orchestra. He has also performed as a soloist with the symphony orchestras of Guayaquil and Cuenca. </p> <h6>Q&A</h6> <p><em><strong>How did you come to choose the Nielsen Concerto?</strong></em></p> <p>I picked the Nielsen clarinet concerto because my heart beats fast whenever I play it. I get excited, and it is a feeling that I try to give to the people that listen to me. I want the audience to be as enthusiastic about the music as I am. This concerto is like a roller coaster of emotions.</p> <p><em><strong>What has the piece taught you about your playing and how to reach an audience?</strong></em></p> <p>This concerto is an extremely difficult piece for the soloist and orchestra. And working on it has taught me a lot about patience. Nielsen’s writing allows for tons of freedom and variety. It lets me express myself a lot. It is one of the pieces where I can do more and give the work a little bit of my personality.</p> <p><strong><em>When you think back on your time at 91ֱ��, what stands out about the experience of going to school here?</em></strong></p> <p>Friends and music. 91ֱ�� is a special place. As an international student, the conservatory has been like a second home, people are welcoming and warm, and the sense of community is always there. I have felt seen and cared for by all the friends I’ve made through music here. </p> <p><br> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Clarinetist Juan Pedro Espinosa Monteros kicks off the festivities on April 5</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="2024-04-04T12:00:00Z">Thu, 04/04/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</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=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3878">Conservatory of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4052">Concerto Winners</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</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=37266">Clarinet</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="/richard-hawkins" hreflang="und">Richard Hawkins</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/raphael-jimenez" hreflang="und">Raphael Jiménez</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/conducting-and-ensembles" hreflang="und">Conducting and Ensembles</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/winds-brass-and-percussion" hreflang="und">Winds, Brass, and Percussion</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Fourth-year clarinetist Juan Pedro Espinosa Monteros.</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</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>Marwan Ghanem '22 Receives Nexial Prize</h1> <p>anagy — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:49:18 +0000</p> <span>Marwan Ghanem '22 Receives Nexial Prize</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-07-18T12:49:18-04:00" title="Monday, July 18, 2022 - 12:49">Mon, 07/18/2022 - 12:49</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Marwan Ghanem came to 91ֱ�� College from a STEM-centered high school in Egypt, where he worked in teams to design and test solutions for Egypt’s challenges. While he considers himself fortunate to have an early foundation in interdisciplinary research, it was through 91ֱ��’s liberal arts courses in anthropology, history, and sociology that Ghanem began to rethink approaches to problem solving. </p> <p>A resident of El Mahalla El Kobra, Egypt, Ghanem proudly holds the distinction of being the first African, Arab, and international Muslim student to receive 91ֱ��’s 2022 Nexial Prize, a $50,000 award made annually to a member of the graduating class whose science studies are complemented by a profound interest in the study of culture. With majors in biology and neuroscience and a minor in Middle Eastern and North African studies, Ghanem will use the Nexial Prize to study how cultural upbringing might influence the development of neuropsychiatric disorders among Arab youth.</p> <p>“I feel honored that 91ֱ�� believes in my potential as a next-generation leader and scientist,” Ghanem says. “The Nexial Prize will advance my goal of understanding neuropsychiatric disorders.”</p> <p>The Nexial Prize was launched in 2017 with support from an alumnus who wanted to recognize the contribution that 91ֱ��’s liberal arts education made to his successful career as a scientist and manager, as well as his growth intellectually and culturally. </p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Marwan Ghanem and his faculty mentors, Biggs Professor of Neuroscience Gunnar Kwakye, left, and Assistant Professor of Neuroscience Christopher Howard. Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</figcaption> </figure> <p>During his academic and experiential learning journey at 91ֱ��, Ghanem received the <a href="/undergraduate-research/programs/ocrf">91ֱ�� College Research Fellowship</a> award through the <a href="/undergraduate-research">Office of Undergraduate Research</a> and studied the neural mechanisms behind drug addiction and learning with Assistant Professor of Neuroscience <a href="/christopher-howard">Christopher Howard</a>, where he was a contributing author on three papers.</p> <p>Under the mentorship of Biggs Professor of Neuroscience <a href="/gunnar-kwakye">Gunnar Kwakye</a>, he developed his understanding of genetic and environmental influences in neurodegeneration. Specifically, Ghanem and Kwakye are co-authors on a paper in preparation that examines how the huntingtin gene and heavy metals cooperatively alter cellular and biochemical processes to promote Huntington’s disease. He also studied Middle Eastern cinema history in a private reading with Professor of History <a href="/zeinab-abul-magd">Zeinab Abul-Magd</a>.</p> <p>“I was attracted to 91ֱ��’s liberal arts education, which widened my horizons to non-STEM fields like the study of cultures in anthropology, history, and sociology, in addition to the exceptional training in neuroscience research,” Ghanem says. </p> <p>Through 91ֱ��’s Winter Term and summer research grants, he conducted research at Zewail City of Science and Technology in Egypt to develop a portable water filtration system for arid areas in Africa. </p> <p>“91ֱ�� reshaped the way I approach the world and its challenges. I came to discover the key to solving problems is vulnerability—being vulnerable to admit lacking the knowledge and to find humility is what a scientist needs to solve big problems.”</p> <p>Kwakye, whose research team studies the impact of environmental pollutants on the development and progression of various neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and multiple system atrophy diseases, says he admires Ghanem’s positive attitude, work ethic, and growth mindset.</p> <p>“I have been impressed with his humility and cross-disciplinary knowledge. He perseveres through challenges, loves to learn, and supports the younger generation of students,” Kwakye says. “His dedication to research and ability to work independently and collaboratively are outstanding. I am optimistic that these qualities will propel him to success in graduate school and beyond, and I am delighted that he has received this well-deserved recognition.”</p> <p>At 91ֱ��, Ghanem was a <a href="/bcsl/programs/bonner-scholars">Bonner Scholar</a>, and he was involved in the <a href="http://msa@oberlin.edu">Muslim Students Association</a>, the <a href="http://asa@oberlin.edu">African Students Association</a>, and the Middle Eastern and North African Students Association. He also participated in the Interfaith Student Council and Barefoot Dialogue.</p> <p>Ghanem plans to enroll in the neuroscience PhD program at the Scripps Research Institute. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The award is given annually to a student who demonstrates excellence in the pursuit of interdisciplinary 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="2022-07-18T12:00:00Z">Mon, 07/18/2022 - 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=2396">International Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2367">Science & Math</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2583">College of Arts and Sciences</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=25446">Middle East and North Africa Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</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="/christopher-howard" hreflang="und">Christopher Howard</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gunnar-kwakye" hreflang="und">Gunnar Kwakye</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/zeinab-abul-magd" hreflang="und">Zeinab Abul-Magd</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/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</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">Marwan Ghanem '22, a graduate in biology and neuroscience, is the recipient of the 2022 91ֱ�� College Nexial Prize.</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>Expressing Vulnerability Through Music</h1> <p>ygay — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 18:45:53 +0000</p> <span>Expressing Vulnerability Through Music</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-03-24T14:45:53-04:00" title="Wednesday, March 24, 2021 - 14:45">Wed, 03/24/2021 - 14:45</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>A few months ago, Özüm Pamukçu ’23 explored her ability to become fully vulnerable. Her journey led to the production of two original songs and a thirst for more.</p> <p>Like most 91ֱ�� students, Pamukçu returned home in January for <a href="http://www.oberlin.edu/winter-term/about">winter term</a>. The annual program allows students to pursue interests outside of 91ֱ��’s regular course offerings. For four weeks Pamukçu, who returned to Istanbul, Turkey, was immersed in music.</p> <p>Studying in a different country, although rewarding, can be extremely challenging, admits Pamukçu. In her first year at 91ֱ��, she says she felt like a big part of her identity was defined by being an international student, which made it harder to explore herself beyond borders and labels. Pamukçu found support in the college’s international student community, and learned that many of her peers, who would become close friends, had similar experiences. </p> <p>She nurtured her ability to accept and talk about vulnerability as a participant in 91ֱ��’s <a href="/religious-and-spiritual-life/pastoral-care-and-counsel">Barefoot Dialogue program</a>, where Pamukçu also serves as a facilitator. The program brings small groups of students together to meet and choose vulnerability as a more beneficial way to draw out differences and encourage deeper listening. It is a technique Pamukçu uses in her music.</p> <p>“I love losing the notion of time when making music—my brain temporarily turns into a blank page. I feel beyond daily worldly concerns and just feel in that exact moment,” says Pamukçu, a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/musical-studies">musical studies</a> major.</p> <p>By the end of winter term, Pamukçu composed, sang, recorded, and produced two original songs—one in Turkish and one in English. The project also afforded her the time to learn to record using MIDI keyboards, improve her vocal mix and mastering skills, and use of Logic Pro X, a high-quality digital audio workstation. </p> <p>In her first song, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ozumpam/little-istanbul-1" target="_blank"><em>Little Istanbul</em></a>, Pamukçu sings about carrying the concept of home as a burden. Her voice rhythmically echoes over a soft succession of chords. “<em>It’s cold in Ohio, colder than it ever gets at home,” </em>she sings from her room in Istanbul.<em> “It’s lonely here. I’m craving for what is left of home. Staring at the road won't get me too far from the cornfields.</em>”</p> <p>An anguished melody lingers over her second composition, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ozumpam/kiz-basina" target="_blank"><em>Kız Başına</em></a>, as Pamukçu expresses in Turkish the hardship of growing up as a woman in a patriarchal society.</p> <p>“Expressing vulnerability is quite natural for me because I’ve been involved with many different forms of art from such a young age,” she says. “What’s challenging is making your vulnerability public. With social media and artists being so focused on highlighting their strongest, prettiest, and best selves, we, as the audience, are not used to witnessing vulnerability. </p> <p>“My creative process starts by me talking, humming, and playing to myself about topics that have significance in my life. I don’t imagine an audience hearing my voice while recording because I want my expression to be as real as possible.</p> <p>“However, my perception has changed a bit,” she admits. “I don’t see home as a burden anymore. It rather feels like something that gives me a wider perspective. It makes me and my music special.”</p> <p>Pamukçu has played piano since she was a child. Throughout the years she has added the ukulele, classical guitar, percussion, <em>kemençe</em> (an Eastern Mediterranean stringed bowed instrument), and a little bit of <em>baglama</em> (a Turkish plucked stringed instrument). She says a working knowledge of these instruments has helped her to understand composition and songwriting on a deeper level.</p> <p>The music theory classes she took in 91ֱ�� Conservatory as a non-conservatory major helped enrich the harmonic structure of her compositions, she says. Pamukçu also received valuable musical feedback in the Internalizing Rhythms class she took with <a href="/jamey-haddad" target="_blank">Jamey Haddad</a>, professor of advanced improvisation and percussion. Haddad, regarded as one of the foremost world music and jazz percussionists in the United States, also served as the advisor for Pamukçu’s winter term project.</p> <p>“I have a fondness for Turkey as I have been there many times performing with Paul Simon and [working on] other musical projects, including designing cymbals and zills. So when I meet a Turkish musician, I am always curious,” says Haddad. “Özüm mentioned that she was a singer and she loved her Turkish roots. When I asked her if she could sing me a song, she jumped at the chance. </p> <p>‘‘For me that is always a game changer. It [makes me think] what, if anything, we as a school or I personally can do for that person. Özüm took both levels of my Internalizing Rhythms class and outperformed most of the conservatory students. There was still work to do, but her stock had gone up considerably,‘‘ he says. ‘‘Most importantly her ability to perform and write the music that she had a real contextual experience with was becoming stronger.”</p> <p>If a professional producer had been on hand, Haddad says he is certain Pamukçu’s end results would have been at a higher level. “But that would have been the producer's job and not the same as the experience she had figuring it out on her own. Now after having done these things, it will be much easier for Özüm to put to use and understand the professional tools that a great producer would have done for her.” </p> <p>While she remains in Istanbul during spring semester, Pamukçu continues to work on many aspects of music: writing, singing, recording, arranging, and marketing, with interests in business and economics. She is studying music production with <a href="/ami-dang" target="_blank">Ami Dang</a>, visiting assistant professor of computer music and digital arts in the <a href="/timara">TIMARA Department</a>.</p> <p>As a first-year student, Pamukçu <a href="https://ozumsturkishmusic.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">completed a research winter term project</a> that explored the fundamentals of Turkish microtonal music and she practiced microtonal singing. And last semester, she and friend Ezra Rudel ’23 hosted Hijaz Forum, a <a href="https://www.wobc.org/">WOBC</a> radio show that focused on music from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, as well as its intersection with jazz and other genres. The pair hopes to lead a Balkan ensemble at 91ֱ��.</p> <p>“We miss Özüm on campus,” says Haddad, who views Pamukçu’s project as “a total success,” explaining, “I think [her winter term] project has taught her much about her capacity to produce music in a digital recording environment and record and perform herself, which ultimately starts a process of discovery. She is super intelligent, disciplined, and has compassion when dealing with other musicians—that is a real criteria I observe about my students when we perform in class. </p> <p>‘‘Talent is a free gift but being a compassionate human is the ultimate goal, and hopefully your talent will lead you to that realization.”</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="2021-03-24T12:00:00Z">Wed, 03/24/2021 - 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="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2402">Winter Term</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2396">International Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3328">Musical Opportunities for College Students</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=33031">TIMARA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=28876">Music Theory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25281">Musical 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="/conservatory/divisions/music-theory" hreflang="und">Music Theory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/musical-studies" hreflang="und">Musical Studies</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">Kerem Albuyur</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Student Brings Expertise to Discussion on Arab Youth and Resilience</h1> <p>anagy — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 16:50:16 +0000</p> <span>Student Brings Expertise to Discussion on Arab Youth and Resilience</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-12-17T11:50:16-05:00" title="Thursday, December 17, 2020 - 11:50">Thu, 12/17/2020 - 11:50</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>How did you get involved in this panel discussion with <em>The Hill? </em></strong></p> <p>I have been interning remotely with the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, D.C. this fall, which is how I stumbled upon this event. When the embassy received an invitation to nominate someone to take part in the panel discussion, they asked if I would be interested in speaking on the panel about Arab youth and employment in the COVID-19 era. As an Arab student graduating in the spring, I wanted to share my perspective on how I have been navigating the pandemic vis-a-vis post-91ֱ�� plans.</p> <p><strong>Before the pandemic, what were your plans and intentions after 91ֱ��? Did you plan to return to Jordan?</strong></p> <p>Since I arrived at 91ֱ��, I have been determined to go to law school in the United States. Unfortunately, the pandemic has forced me to pivot because my main goal now is to find opportunities to work or pursue studies in a country that is faring well in terms of economic recovery and containing COVID. With the fate of COVID being uncertain in both Jordan and the U.S., I have decided to put my law school plans on hold until it is safe to return to the U.S.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Courtesy of Marah Ajilat</figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>How has Jordan been affected by COVID-19—economically, socially, etc.? What job opportunities are in your region?</strong></p> <p>The economic and social risks imposed by the restrictions the government had put in place since March severely tested the government and the people’s resilience. The government was under immense pressure especially because it was responsible for hundreds of thousands of refugees in camps that do not allow for physical distancing. And the households surviving on a single paycheck (or none at all) due to high unemployment could not afford being unable to work anymore. The lack of opportunities in the country has forced people to move, either internally—from the south to the capital or the north, or externally—largely to the Gulf countries. I am fortunate that my preprofessional experience has helped me build a network that I could tap into for employment back home should I need to. Not everyone has had that privilege of spending their breaks doing unpaid internships. I have numerous friends who’ve been looking for a job for almost a year now. They are spending their time bolstering their qualifications and pursuing online courses to have their skills certified. These courses and certifications, however, come at a hefty cost.</p> <p><strong>In the discussion, you mentioned that the pandemic has made undergrads reconsider the value of traditional postgraduate opportunities since virtual learning is more convenient and less expensive. In your opinion, what kinds of online classes or skill building has value for those who are about to graduate and enter the job market?</strong></p> <p>Languages. I believe that learning a new language, especially languages that are highly demanded in one’s respective field, are always a great way to distinguish oneself from other candidates. Not only does it attest to one’s language proficiency, but also one’s discipline and dedication. It takes a lot to learn a new language but it always pays off.</p> <p><strong>“Resilience” was one of the topics in the discussion. Are there any courses or experiences you’ve had at 91ֱ�� that you think will give you a competitive advantage? </strong></p> <p>Absolutely. 91ֱ�� students are nothing if not resilient. I think our COVID numbers attest to that. Personally, the doors that 91ֱ�� opened for me tested my resilience the most: The internships, part-time jobs, research, and consultancy opportunities made me want to consider career paths other than law. At several points during my undergraduate career, I have questioned whether I really wanted to spend at least seven years to get a law degree, when I could have had a law degree in half that time back in Jordan. Now, I can confidently say that these opportunities only proved to me that I made the right decision by coming here and going down the longer path, rather than the easy one, even though my law school plans have had to be pushed back further.</p> <p><strong>You’ve been involved with ExCo. Did you participate in any other organizations or extracurricular activities? </strong></p> <p>I have joined a couple of student organizations at various points throughout my time at 91ֱ��, but being a student staff member in ResEd and an ExCo Committee member has taken up most of my time. I have been very invested in those two positions since, in my experience, they have prepared me the most for life after college. I strongly encourage every student to seek and get involved in opportunities that require handling responsibility independently as well as in a group. It teaches you what to look for in a positive work environment so you can approach your job-hunting with more clarity and confidence.</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="2020-12-17T12:00:00Z">Thu, 12/17/2020 - 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="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Marah Ajilat, a fourth-year student from Jordan majoring in politics and minoring in French, recently participated in a student panel that discussed <a href="https://thehill.com/event/527936-aspiration-and-resilience-arab-youth-the-covid-19-era">Arab youth and employment in the COVID-19 era</a>. The event was a collaboration between <em>The Hill</em> and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. In this Q&A, Ajilat shares her perspective as an Arab student making postgraduate plans, the experiences at 91ֱ�� that she holds most valuable, and the skill she believes will give students a competitive edge. </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=2396">International Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2580">Experimental College (ExCo)</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=25416">Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25356">French</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/politics" hreflang="und">Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/french-and-italian" hreflang="und">French and Italian</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Fourth-year Marah Ajilat, seen bottom left, participates in a panel discussion hosted by The Hill and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates.</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-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Nine International Obies Will Begin PhDs in STEM</h1> <p>anagy — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 16:50:33 +0000</p> <span>Nine International Obies Will Begin PhDs in STEM</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-06-04T12:50:33-04:00" title="Thursday, June 4, 2020 - 12:50">Thu, 06/04/2020 - 12:50</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Nine Chinese international students in the Class of 2020 will begin fully funded and stipended PhD programs in STEM in the fall. Despite the limitations that international students face due to their citizenship, the nine students, roughly a third of all Chinese international students in the Class of 2020, still managed to secure positions in top PhD programs because of support from 91ֱ��’s faculty, programs, and academic services.</p> <p>The nine students are Charles Cui, Yiling Fang, Keyi Feng, Tao Hong, Jiachen Liu, He Ren, Qia Wang, Yuhao Wu, and Yichi Zhang.</p> <p>Despite arguments in favor of attending large research universities, the liberal arts approach is gaining traction among prospective STEM majors, even overseas. </p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Yiling Fang ’20<br> Photo courtesy of Yiling Fang</figcaption> </figure> <p>Yiling Fang is a biology major and chemistry minor originally from Nanjing, China, and will be starting her PhD in plant and microbial biology at the University of California, Berkeley. She explains that China has several liberal arts college fairs, and she first learned about 91ֱ�� at a fair in Shanghai. </p> <p>Out of all the schools there, she was most drawn to the admissions officer from 91ֱ�� because of her enthusiasm and passion about the school: “There weren’t any admission officers that were like her,” she says. </p> <p>Charles Cui, who double-majored in math and computer science, will be pursuing a PhD in computer science at Northwestern University. “The mentorship between my professors and peers are the most valuable things I received” while at 91ֱ��,” says Cui.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Charles Cui ’20<br> Photo courtesy of Charles Cui</figcaption> </figure> <p>Fang notes how 91ֱ��’s approach to learning in STEM has greater emphasis on communicating scientific ideas rather than simply textbook knowledge.</p> <p>“91ֱ��’s STEM program is not just about the knowledge you learn, it’s about trying to give [students] practice on scientific critical thinking. Most of the biology classes I took had more emphasis on group work and how to communicate science with the public, which I think might not be as emphasized [at] other colleges or universities. In one of my immunology classes, I got the chance to make videos [for the first time] to communicate immunology to the public, and I really liked it.”</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Leo Wu ’20<br> Photo courtesy of Leo Wu</figcaption> </figure> <p>Leo Wu, a chemistry major originally from Zhengzhou, will be starting a PhD program in chemistry at Northwestern University this fall. Outside of classes, he describes how his experience as an <a href="/clear/owls">91ֱ�� Workshop and Learning Sessions </a>(OWLS) leader and coordinator for chemistry reflected 91ֱ��’s dedication toward peer learning, especially in STEM subjects.</p> <p>“A community around peers is really important because you learn from each other and you want to have someone around you who is also motivated, self-driven, and passionate about your field,” Wu says.</p> <p>91ֱ��’s size and liberal arts approach is ideal for undergraduate research, says Assistant Professor of Computer Science <a href="/node/49431">Sam Taggart</a>, Cui’s advisor.</p> <p>“Smaller liberal arts schools perfectly package the three things you need to get off the ground as a researcher: technical proficiency, which at 91ֱ�� is cultivated in small classes with skilled instructors; dedicated mentorship, a passion of everyone here; and connection to a broader research community, which should be clear from the quality of scholarship the faculty produce,” says </p> <p>Taggart directly inspired Cui to pursue a PhD in computer science, specifically with a concentration in the intersection of theoretical computer science, economics, and law. </p> <p>Due to his status as an international student, Cui’s citizenship made him ineligible for the majority of Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). With limited options, he turned to Taggart, who invited Cui to work on a summer research project on the intersection of game theory in economics and privacy after Cui’s second year.</p> <p>“That summer, I learned a lot,” Cui said. “Professor Taggart met with us almost daily during the week. We presented our results and asked questions; Sam has always made himself available. He’s very approachable, gives great advice, and is very supportive and encouraging. And he has been that way for my honors project as well. After that summer of research, I also took three upper-level computer science classes with him.”</p> <p>For Wu, working with Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry <a href="/node/5256">Catherine Oertel </a>was what helped him decide on his career path.</p> <p>“In my own experience, I really struggled to determine my major in my sophomore year, and I think doing research in Professor Oertel’s lab really helped me clear my mind about what my future would look like if I pursued chemistry, and I just really appreciate the chance to get research experience this early,” Wu added.</p> <p>Taggart believes that 91ֱ��’s smaller size and emphasis on the undergraduate student is what enables successful mentor-student experiences and helps students who plan to pursue postgraduate studies. </p> <p>“One-on-one research mentorship is exciting because, at its best, research is a process of shared struggle,” Taggart wrote. “It's about asking a question nobody has known to ask or known how to answer. It is also a chance to help students develop the sometimes-neglected skill of working out of confusion into understanding. Students often get to graduate school without realizing the importance of these questions. I love being able to give my students a head start, one that is only possible with the sort of close mentorship that happens at 91ֱ��.”</p> <p>Cui appreciates how the computer science department supported him in helping him to decide on graduate school. In addition, <a href="/jack-calcut">Jack Calcut</a> and <a href="/node/6001">Ben Linowitz</a> in the math department wrote recommendation letters, and Writing Center and Writing Associate Momo Suzuki advised many of his academic papers.</p> <p>“The computer science department held a lot of lunches or talks telling people about different options after graduation, so that’s how I learned about grad school originally,” Cui said. “ I got the most help from Sam Taggart, my advisor, because applying to PhD programs is different from applying to college. Your personal statement is more of a research statement— so my professor knows what grad school expects and what they want to see in a statement.”</p> <p>Fang was likewise inspired by Professor of Biology <a href="/node/5181">Marta Laskowski</a>. Both Laskowski and the Career Development Center provided specific guidance and advice for her resume, CV, and application materials for her summer internship at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston and later graduate school. </p> <p>Fang had the opportunity to travel with Laskowski to the Netherlands for a summer, working in the lab that Laskowski to prepare materials to bring back to Ohio. </p> <p>Fang noted, “This kind of experience can only happen in small liberal arts colleges because in big universities they will of course take postdocs and graduate students with them to do foreign collaboration meetings.”</p> <p>“[The trip] was a really wonderful experience,” Fang added. “That was the first time for me to see [how] a research lab in a big university works and the difference between the European science field and the American science field.”</p> <p>Similarly, Oertel gave Wu the opportunity to work at Cornell University for a summer, using the lab’s instruments to characterize inorganic compounds and observe graduate students at work.</p> <p>“That was a memorable experience for me because at Cornell, at that time, research was still a very fresh thing for me, but at Cornell, I was able to see some grad students who were very involved in their research subjects,” Wu said. </p> <p>Deciding on, applying to, and being accepted to graduate school is no easy feat, and requires careful deliberation, persistence, and hard work. However, the students agree that the support from their professors, advisors, and even classmates at 91ֱ�� has helped them immensely.</p> <p>“If I can give a piece of advice to 91ֱ�� students who want to major in STEM: I would say go to office hours. Go to talks. Get to know your professors and let them get to know you. Build close relationships with these people. They want to help you. And if you’re humble you will learn a lot,” Cui said.</p> <p>“I'm super proud of this year's graduates,” Taggart wrote. “They were a pleasure to teach and work with. I look forward to seeing what they do with the next stage of their lives.”</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="2020-06-04T12:00:00Z">Thu, 06/04/2020 - 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>Roughly a third of all Chinese international students in the Class of 2020 have secured positions in top PhD programs. They credit the liberal arts approach to STEM and the support they've received from 91ֱ��’s faculty, programs, and academic services.</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=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=2396">International Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2389">Young Alumni</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=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=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="/sam-taggart" hreflang="und">Sam Taggart ’12</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/catherine-oertel" hreflang="und">Catherine Oertel</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/marta-laskowski" hreflang="und">Marta Laskowski</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/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</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/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/computer-science" hreflang="und">Computer Science</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">The liberal arts approach is gaining traction among prospective STEM students overseas.</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> <article> <h1>91ֱ��’s Student Clubs and Organizations Stay Connected</h1> <p>anagy — Fri, 08 May 2020 16:48:47 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ��’s Student Clubs and Organizations Stay Connected</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-05-08T12:48:47-04:00" title="Friday, May 8, 2020 - 12:48">Fri, 05/08/2020 - 12:48</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The transition to remote learning in March has brought challenges to the 91ֱ�� community, but also many triumphs. What seemed like a threat to the active and engaged environments of 91ֱ��’s <a href="/life-at-oberlin/clubs-organizations">student clubs and organizations</a> has turned out to be, for many, a way of developing leadership skills and remaining connected despite the unforeseen circumstances. </p> <p>As part of an effort to engage with prospective students and the Class of 2024, many clubs have created remote videos, giving a look into their missions, events, and members, and conducted meetings via Zoom. Still more have continued to tackle environmental issues, be a voice as the student government, and publish student journalism.</p> <h5>91ֱ�� Student Senate</h5> <p>The <a href="http://ocsites.oberlin.edu/studentsenate/">91ֱ�� Student Senate</a>, the central governance organization representing the student body, has been holding its weekly meetings open to the student body via Zoom and working on multiple projects since remote learning began.</p> <p>In an email, Senate Communications Director Ilana Foggle ’21 says that Student Senate’s “number-one priority has been finding ways that we can best support students during this really challenging and unprecedented time.”</p> <p>To accomplish this, according to Foggle, Student Senate has worked with the college's Educational Plans and Policies Committee and the conservatory's Educational Policy Committee to create policy recommendations for faculty regarding academic support for students, and made efforts to ensure the safety and security of students still on campus.</p> <p>“All of our worlds have truly been flipped upside down, some more than others,” says Foggle, who also praises the work of her fellow Student Senators. “Student Senate is here to make sure that despite all of the craziness throughout the country, world, and in our own lives, student voices will always be represented and heard at 91ֱ��.”</p> <h5><em>Two Groves Review</em></h5> <p><a href="https://twogroves.com/"><em>Two Groves Review</em></a>, 91ֱ��’s online journal for student poetry, literary criticism, fiction, and other forms of “writing about writing,” has been holding Zoom meetings weekly with its board members and is working on the upcoming publication of its fourth issue. Members have been receiving writing submissions from students and transitioned to a remote editorial process.</p> <p><em>Two Groves</em> board member Miranda Purcell ’20 explained how the role of student publications as an accessible entryway for writers to share their ideas and discoveries with a wider audience lends itself well to remote learning.</p> <p>“It’s important to have a space for people to submit their writing about crisis in times of crisis so that their work is heard,” says Purcell. She also notes that her personal experience as a writer, that of working towards a tangible goal, has inspired her as a board member of Two Groves.</p> <p>According to Purcell, <em>Two Groves</em> is an ideal “space for both writers and editors to work collaboratively towards a goal and a finished product.”</p> <h5>International Student Organization </h5> <p>91ֱ��’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/oberlinISO/about/?ref=page_internal">International Student Organization</a> (ISO) has been meeting via Zoom and brainstorming ways to welcome the Class of 2024.</p> <p>ISO Chair Ryo Adachi ’22 calls regular meetings “a bit of a challenge” considering ISO membership spans the globe, but the group has managed to maintain a sense of community, also with the help of their faculty advisor, Josh Whitson.</p> <p>ISO collaborated with 91ֱ��’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Program to host a movie night, and members have also been in contact with international students from the Class of 2024, who are uncertain as to the details of their arrival to 91ֱ�� in the future. Adachi and others served on an international student panel and attended virtual hangouts for admitted students.</p> <p>Adachi has enjoyed remote ISO meetings—which she calls “low-stress”—because she feels connected despite vast geographical distances. “We were laughing all the time,” says Adachi, who also sees meetings as an opportunity to learn how COVID-19 has affected different parts of the world.</p> <p>“It’s nice that we got to connect even though we’re in different parts of the world, because we also got to know how different countries are doing things differently.” </p> <h5>Sunrise 91ֱ��</h5> <p>The 91ֱ�� College and Community chapter of the national Sunrise Movement has been actively working for the past two months to combat climate change, fight for worker justice, and raise awareness about environmental issues remotely.</p> <p>According to Communications Director Rachel Serna-Brown ’22, “it took some time to adjust,” but <a href="https://twitter.com/sunriseoberlin?lang=en">Sunrise 91ֱ��</a> quickly got to work on organizing Zoom events for Earth Week in April, hosting teach-in information sessions. One session, titled “The Green Noodle,” provided a space to discuss the Green New Deal, and another session focused on the mission of People’s Bailout and COVID-19 relief plans.</p> <p>Bookkeeper Anna Silverman ’22 describes the transition to remote meetings as an opportunity to develop event-planning and organizational skills to build a sense of community within Sunrise remotely, especially during the summer. “We didn’t stop now, so we don’t ever need to stop,” said Silverman.</p> <p>Both Serna-Brown and Silverman discuss why it is important for groups that support environmental causes, such as Sunrise 91ֱ��, to remain engaged during a time of crisis. </p> <p>“Environmentalism is always the thing that gets pushed back, and it disappears from peoples’ minds,” says Silverman, “and even with COVID relief packages, it’s still relevant to environmentalism.”</p> <p>Serna-Brown emphasizes the importance of togetherness in the group: “Even though we all are from such different parts of the country, it’s still important to have some kind of involvement [in order to] mobilize within the 91ֱ�� community” from a distance.</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="2020-05-08T12:00:00Z">Fri, 05/08/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Kyra McConnell ’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=2355">Student Organizations</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2379">Student Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2396">International Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2369">Environment & Sustainability</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">A walkout for climate justice was organized by the 91ֱ�� Sunrise movement in September 2019.</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</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-27060" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p>View a <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/oberlin/sets/72157713780775781/">Flickr gallery</a> of 91ֱ��'s student clubs and organizations.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Business and Pleasure and Ballerinas</h1> <p>eburnett — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:01:35 +0000</p> <span>Business and Pleasure and Ballerinas</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:01:35-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:01">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:01</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><a class="newshub_embed" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOskN_pZgFo&feature=youtu.be">International Student/Double Degree Student Thanisa Durongkaveroj ’18</a></p> <p>Thanisa Durongkaveroj ’18 tries to take advantage of all 91ֱ�� has to offer, and she’s doing a very good job of it.</p> <p>A <a href="https://new.oberlin.edu/applying/double-degree.dot">double-degree student</a> majoring in piano performance and visual arts and minoring in theater and politics, Durongkaveroj has no trouble finding time to follow all of her passions. “This is a small school,” she says. “It’s easy to get involved.”</p> <p>A native of Bangkok, Thailand, Durongkaveroj first heard of 91ֱ�� through her high school piano teacher, a fellow Obie. Once here, she became involved with 91ֱ��'s International Student Organization after responding to an e-mail in her first weeks on campus. Soon she was assuming leadership positions in the group, which provides support for 91ֱ��’s diverse international student population and organizes events such as first-year orientation and an annual cultural festival.</p> <p>Being at 91ֱ�� has given Durongkaveroj many opportunities to combine her passions in creative ways. During her junior recital, she performed Tchaikovsky’s <i>The Nutcracker Suite</i> on piano. Three ballerinas—wearing costumes made by Durongkaveroj—danced in front of a triptych she painted.</p>  <p>During the 2016 winter term, she was an <a href="https://new.oberlin.edu/office/career-center/set/business-scholars/">91ֱ�� Business Scholar</a>, an experience that helped her focus on her longtime interest in business—which, she is quick to point out, has nothing to do with making money. “I didn’t know about ‘social enterprise’ or ‘impact organizations,’ so for me before 91ֱ�� it was all just ‘business.’” Competitively administered, the program invites just 10 to 12 students to take part every year. Each student focuses on clarifying career focus and increasing marketability through lectures, case studies, and on-site visits with alumni.</p> <p>The experience inspired Durongkaveroj to pursue product design in order to make the arts more accessible to all. Even something as commonplace as a cup or a chair, she says, can be beautiful in addition to being utilitarian, and she wants to use her artistic eye for this purpose after 91ֱ��.</p> <p>Her ultimate dream, however, is to move back to Thailand and work to improve the Thai education system through nonprofit work. With a diverse educational background, from Bangkok to 91ֱ��, Durongkaveroj acknowledges the unique position she’s in. “I’ve been trying to find the balance between my culture and feeling comfortable in America. Being from a different country is so valuable, so I want to keep all that I love from my country.”</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="2016-05-16T12:00:00Z">Mon, 05/16/2016 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Faith Roberts</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=2357">Double Degree Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</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=29541">Piano</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-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Four Hands, Two Voices, One Family</h1> <p>eburnett — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:01:35 +0000</p> <span>Four Hands, Two Voices, One Family</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:01:35-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:01">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:01</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1xAFfVyP6c&feature=youtu.be" class="newshub_embed">International Students Chloe ’18 and Chelsea DeSouza ’16</a></p> <p>Chelsea and Chloe DeSouza have a relationship unlike that of most sisters. The Mumbai, India, natives are not just siblings who study at 91ֱ��; they also perform together. Chelsea ’16, a <a href="https://new.oberlin.edu/applying/double-degree.dot">double-degree student</a> with majors in piano performance, vocal accompanying, and politics, accompanies Chloe ’18, a singer majoring in voice and piano. Other times, they join together as a piano duo.</p> <p>“We have very similar ideas musically, so when we perform it really seems like one, like I’m accompanying myself or she’s singing,” Chloe says. </p> <p>“We’ve collaborated so much that it feels like a natural thing,” Chelsea adds. </p> <p>The DeSouza sisters’ multiple areas of study distinguish their musicianship. “The thing that’s really interesting accompanying Chloe is that she’s a pianist, so she knows exactly how she wants my part to sound,” Chelsea says. “I do secondary voice as well, so I understand what it’s like to be singing things.” (Chelsea also sings in and arranges for the all-female campus a cappella group Nothing But Treble.) </p> <p>Chloe’s pianistic studies draw her attention to the piano parts of art song, so that she can “color the music according to the harmonies,” she says. “And a lot of people say I sing at the piano.”</p> <p>“Chloe inclines more toward the sensuous, expressive side of interpretation,” says Professor of Piano <a href="https://new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/faculty/faculty-detail.dot?id=21227">Peter Takács</a>, who teaches both DeSouzas. “Chelsea is cerebral, focused, analytical, and multi-dimensional.” </p> <p>For Chelsea, who plans to study piano with Boris Slutsky at the Peabody Institute, 91ֱ�� was appealing for its wide variety of majors on both sides of campus. “I realized it was way too early for me to stop studying other things beyond music,” she says. “91ֱ�� seemed like a really cool place because it has the college and conservatory on the same campus. I think it’s really important to have those other perspectives, and it informs your playing even if not in an obvious way.”</p> <p>91ֱ�� also provided a strong international community for support. Chelsea says that the friends she made during her first-year international student orientation have ended up being her closest friends. The sisters have each other as well, and they try to have a weekly dinner together in addition to a shared class and Chloe’s voice lessons, in which Chelsea takes part.</p> <p>The DeSouzas’ many majors have not diminished their multifarious talents. Chelsea will perform Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with the 91ֱ�� Orchestra in May, her prize for being one of four winners of the conservatory’s annual Concerto Competition. Both sisters have won the Con Brio piano competition in India, where they played Rhapsody in Blue as a piano duo last summer. </p> <p>The DeSouzas have presented many other performances together in India, including two tours funded by 91ֱ��’s Creativity & Leadership Project and the Bonner Center for Service and Learning. Though they usually perform when they go home, those tours provided more structure than most, with each sister leading master classes, teaching concerts, and playing at a festival in addition to giving concerts.</p> <p>Performing together has been successful enough that the sisters are considering it as a career. “It’s such a fun idea to do a concert that combines both our talents,” Chelsea says. “There are lots of permutations and combinations: voice and piano, solo piano, piano duo. It’s less stressful since we’re not playing all solo music; it’s interesting for us and very interesting for the audience.”</p> <p>Variety, musicality, multiple perspectives, a sisterly bond. As Takács says: “Two different personalities, both compelling and highly gifted.”</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="2016-05-03T12:00:00Z">Tue, 05/03/2016 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Daniel Hautzinger</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=2357">Double Degree Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</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=29541">Piano</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/vocal-studies" hreflang="und">Vocal Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>