Spring 2024
Summer Vocology Institute in Salt Lake City, UT – Alyssa Wronski
Alyssa used her Honors enrichment funds this summer towards taking graduate-level courses at the Summer Vocology Institute (SVI) where she had the opportunity to learn from some of the most prominent researchers and founders of the field of vocology. “SVI provided me with more than just a graduate-level education of the material, it fostered endless networking opportunities, surrounded me with people from all different backgrounds and career experiences, created life-long friendships and connections, and provided a space for self-reflection and growth in personal perspectives. Vocology is the science and practice of voice habilitation, and it is the intersection of my two main passions – science and music. The day I learned about this career path, it was like a fire ignited in me and I knew immediately that this is what I am meant to do.”
The curriculum included four classes: Principles of Voice Production, Instrumentation for Voice Analysis, Voice Habilitation, and Voice for Performers. The first course was heavily based on physics, ranging from vocal anatomy to efficient/inefficient use of voice, and more. In Instrumentation for Voice Analysis, Alyssa was trained on a speech analysis software known as Praat. “I also gained experience in glottographic, videostroboscopic, electromyographic, and acoustic analyses for assessment of vocal and respiratory function.” Voice Habilitation covered the application of methods of intervention in development, training, and rehabilitation of vocal behavior. Lastly, the Voice for Performers course encompassed varying kinesthetic techniques for singing and acting voice.
What makes this program particularly unique is that the first course; Principles of Voice Production, is taught entirely by Dr. Ingo Titze who coined the term “vocology”. Moreover, parts of the Voice Habilitation course were taught by Dr. Katherine Verdoloni Abbott, one of University of Delaware’s own professors, who also worked to build the foundations of vocology. “Essentially, I was learning from the two pioneers among many other key contributors, a truly priceless experience.”
“It was an honor to be a part of the 2024 graduates of the Summer Vocology Institute, and it is with great appreciation that I thank the University of Delaware Honors College for helping in funding my dream. SVI was the beginning of the ambitious yet exhilarating journey I have ahead of me. This experience was like no other, and one that I will never forget. It has instilled more determination in me than I ever believed to be possible. I am officially an SVI trained Vocologist, but beyond that title, I am a changed person. And one day as a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice disorders, I will change the world.”
18th International Congress on Catalysis in Lyon, France – Peyton Swanson
This summer, Peyton attended the 18th International Congress on Catalysis in Lyon, France thanks to her Honors enrichment funds. “This is a field that I’m quite passionate about and heavily involved in, and it was incredible to see so many impressive people from all over the world that shared this interest with me.” There were over 2,000 attendees in total. The organizers of the ICC facilitated both large-scale talks in the auditoriums as well as small-scale, independent discussions during tea times and lunches. “I got to have some amazing conversations with authors of literature I had already read and admired, as well as many scientists I wasn’t previously familiar with. This was a great opportunity to ask questions and expand my scientific purview. Since conversations often progressed beyond just science, this also provided the opportunity to form valuable connections and broaden my cultural horizons.”
As luck would have it, Peyton ran into a number of colleagues she knew from local catalysis societies in the states. The first day of the conference fell on Bastille day, and they went down to the bank of the river Rhône to watch the fireworks after the ICC opening ceremonies. The convention center which hosted the ICC was located directly next to the Botanical Garden of Lyon, which they would often stroll through on their way to and from the Congress each day. The fourth day of the conference ended early to allow attendees to tour Lyon, and they explored the city center with a group of Italian researchers they had befriended. “We also visited some of the sights of Lyon, and took the funicular from the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste to the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière.” Towards the end of the week, the ICC organizing committee hosted a gala dinner, complete with a cocktail reception, French gastronomy, and live music and entertainment.
“Overall, my trip to the International Congress on Catalysis was an unforgettable experience. I got to see a lot of new innovations in areas I’m very familiar with, and learn about some fascinating work in niches I hadn’t previously had much exposure to. I got to try a great deal of French cuisine, and participate in a cultural exchange with individuals from all over the world. I made many new connections, from London to Tokyo and everywhere in between. This trip was an irreplaceable opportunity to strengthen my career and advance my global perspective. I am profoundly grateful to the UD Honors College and the Christine and David Schultz Honors Enrichment Fund for making it possible.”
Computer Science Research Internship at MIT in Cambridge, MA – Amani Kiruga
This summer, Amani used his enrichment funds towards a research internship at MIT. “My research involved generalizing inverse graphics machine learning models to out-of-distribution data. In simpler terms, I focused on creating techniques to allow machine learning models to work robustly on data they have never seen before.” These models were trained to take a single image and convert it into a 3D scene, but it turns out they are extremely sensitive to viewpoint changes and often fail catastrophically. “The method I developed together with an MIT postdoc allows the models to recover from such failures using two key ideas: a differentiable renderer and a Bayesian inference method.”
Amani spent most of his time either in the lab or in his basement apartment conducting research. “It was an intensive experience, and at times, it was hard to catch my breath. Thankfully, I was surrounded by brilliant coworkers, including MIT PhD students, undergraduates, and visiting scholars, who welcomed me into their tight-knit community.” Amani especially enjoyed the late-night brainstorming sessions with his research supervisor at the whiteboard. “Amid the uncertainty and risk that naturally arise from exploring new research ideas, I built a genuine camaraderie with my supervisor and coworkers.”
Overall, Amani’s experience at MIT was an invaluable opportunity to gain solid research experience in the field of computer vision. “From a technical standpoint, I learned a great deal about the fundamental unsolved problems in the field and had the chance to meet many of the pioneers leading the cutting-edge research to solve them. Additionally, I made lifelong friends, and I remain in touch with mentors who continue to provide immense encouragement and guidance as I apply for PhD programs this fall. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned with my community at the University of Delaware!”
NCHC’s Partners in the Parks at Glacier National Park in Montana – Abby Fowler
This summer, Abby used her Honors enrichment funds to travel to Glacier National Park with the National Collegiate Honors Council’s Partners in the Parks program. “It was an incredible experience, filled with breathtaking landscapes, new friendships, and a refreshing break from daily life. I had the unique opportunity to explore this national park alongside other Honors students.” Over five days, they hiked more than 30 miles across three trails: Grinnell Glacier, Bullhead Lake, and Oldman Lake. Each hike offered a different glimpse of the park’s beauty. Grinnell Glacier quickly became a favorite with its sweeping mountains and turquoise waters. Bullhead Lake, despite the rain, was stunning with its misty mountains. Finally, Oldman Lake provided the perfect end, with serene waters and abundant huckleberries.
“I’ve always enjoyed hiking and being outdoors, but this trip was about more than just the miles. Walking the trails in different directions often felt like seeing a whole new landscape. One of my favorite moments was jumping into the lake at Two Medicine Campgrounds. It was my first time swimming in a lake, and despite the freezing water, it was a freeing experience,” she said. Back at the campsite they cooked meals together, played games, and learned to two-step under the stars. “We sang, shared stories, created inside jokes, and made lots of mochas. Being out in nature, away from everything, made it easy to live in the moment and let go of daily worries.”
Abby also shared that what made this trip even more special were the two service projects they took on as part of “Partners in the Parks”. One was a huckleberry phenology survey, where they collected data on the growth stages of huckleberries. “It wasn’t just about picking berries (though they were delicious); it was an eye-opening lesson on how climate change affects the park’s ecosystem.” The second project involved removing invasive species near the trails. “Knowing that we were helping to preserve Glacier’s natural habitats gave us a deeper connection to the park.”
The park rangers passion for Glacier was “inspiring, and their dedication to preserving this stunning landscape made our journey even more meaningful.” She also had some amazing wildlife sightings, including mountain goats, elk, long-horned sheep, and even grizzly bears! “Seeing this wildlife made me feel small but in the best way possible, a reminder that we are part of something much larger.” But what truly made this trip unforgettable was the group of students Abby shared it with. “We bonded instantly, forming a little family by the end. We tackled every challenge with laughter and support, whether pushing through the last mile of a hike or huddling under our makeshift shelter after a rainy hike. The memories we made—hiking in the rain, singing on the trails, and sharing moments against Glacier’s mountains—are ones I’ll carry with me long after this adventure.”
Engineers Without Borders UD in Malawi – Logan Feiler
This summer, Logan used his Honors enrichment funds towards his work as a project manager for Engineers Without Borders – UD in Malawi. The trip marked the official end of the team’s 10-year long well building project, and at the same time, began a new phase of projects that is planned to continue for the next 5 years. Logan and the team conducted water tests on the 2 wells drilled last year to ensure the water is safe to drink and they also conducted resistivity testing in a new community to identify locations for future wells. “This was very exciting to be a part of and to see how our team has changed over time. This is a project that will outlast my time at UD so it is very important for us to create strong partnerships now to help the students who will be working on this years down the line,” he said.
The highlight of the trip for Logan was the community meal they had in Khanda Village. “Cooking is something that would normally only be done by women, as Malawi has very traditional gender roles, so I was not expecting to actually be able to help very much. This year, after talking with one of our translators and making a few jokes about men helping with cooking, all of the men on our team were able to join in and help with all stages of preparing the meal. I had a great time learning how to make nsima, the traditional food eaten in Malawi. I also attempted to carry a bucket of water on my head which ended up with me spilling water all over myself.”
Water access is an issue that impacts women the most in Malawi because women and children are the people who are typically collecting water. Logan explained that having these experiences of carrying a bucket of water, and cooking traditional food, let him better understand these impacts. “They make it seem easy, but this is only because they do it so often. This experience showed me how important our work is to improve clean water access. A new well being closer to their homes can mean the difference of hours spent collecting water each day. In Malawi they often say ‘Water is Life’ because it is so important!”
Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Learning Experience in Cape Town, South Africa – Gabriella Dunay, Emily Fitzgerald, and Ruth Wilhelm
This summer, Gabriella, Emily, and Ruth used their enrichment funds to travel with Dr. Julie Karand and six other UD Biomedical Engineering students to Cape Town, South Africa to learn about healthcare challenges in low-resource settings and to deliver their Senior Design Projects to their clinical sponsors. They had the opportunity to interface with physicians, patients, administrators, and biomedical engineers throughout their travels as they worked to understand the unique needs of the South African patient population. “We also completed needs-scoping for our future senior design projects for the Fall 2024 semester. This unique experience was extremely impactful and showed me the power of hands-on engineering education, which the University of Delaware Honors College encouraged me to seek and value,” said Ruth.
Throughout their time in Cape Town, they visited various hospitals and clinics and developed further relationships with the University of Cape Town Department of Biomedical Engineering (UCT BME). They spoke with faculty, staff, and graduate students who develop medical devices for the local community, visited the medical school’s cadaver lab and human development museum, and discussed the South African medical device development industry, regulatory processes, and career development opportunities. They also visited Imizamo Yethu, a township outside of Cape Town, where they got to see first-hand how wealth disparities impact the people of South Africa. “I heard incredibly surreal stories from a family of five sharing one toothbrush to individuals needing to travel over 1,000 kilometers to access free healthcare just to sit in a waiting room for over a day. Touring these townships and being able to speak with their people gave me incredible insight and understanding of how engineering can improve lives,” said Emily.
Their visit also included trips to the Tygerberg Dental Hospital where they discussed various medical devices that had been developed by their staff and they received a tour of the hospital, and to Gugulethu to visit the Amy Foundation which hosts afterschool programs for school-aged children. They also visited multiple hospitals and clinics. While at the Heiveld Clinic, Ruth said, “I spoke with physicians about their experiences providing oxygen services as a supplement my current research project on oxygen delivery devices in low-resource environments. We also met with their palliative care physicians who had worked with a UD BME senior design team to design an accessible drinking device in Fall 2023. Many of these students were on the trip, so they were able to deliver their prototypes to their clinical sponsor and see its impact on patients.”
“When starting this project, my team and I did extensive research on the patient population and designed our device based on this and information from our sponsors, but interacting with the community, healthcare facilities, and healthcare providers in Cape Town has provided a new outlook on how much the community could really benefit from a Senior Design project at the University of Delaware. This opportunity has taught me how to always consider the global aspect of engineering as I continue my career and has opened my eyes up to finding other opportunities to impact low-resource countries,” said Gabriella.
National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence in Washington, D.C. – Joseph Yarbrough
This summer, Joseph used his enrichment funds to present his research at the National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence in Washington, D.C. This was a culmination of work that began over the summer of 2023, when he worked at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute with Dr. John R. Jungck to develop several models to represent the expanding capabilities of viral capsids, the protein shells that protect viral genetic material. “I was given the opportunity to present this work at both UD’s Summer Symposium and Biology Research Day this past January. Our abstract was then accepted for a poster presentation at NISBRE 2024.”
The first day of Joseph’s experience included keynote presentations and attending all of the science highlights plenary, where one of the presenters was UD’s very own Dr. Gregory Hicks. “He gave a fascinating presentation about the interplay between hip conditions and chronic lower back pain in aging populations.” The rest of the day was spent attending other smaller presentations before it was time for his poster session, where a handful of interested attendees stopped by for a closer look at his eye-catching models. “During this session, I had the chance to meet many individuals involved with the UD, DE-INBRE, and ChristianaCare.” Day two included another keynote speech and plenary session, an insightful panel discussion about applying to graduate school and beyond, and there was another set of presentations detailing pioneering work in brain health and mental disorders. To end the day, he attended the second poster session where he spent most of his time with an interesting poster describing a prosthetic hand that used iron filings and electromagnets to grab items that “gave me a glimpse of simplistic and effective engineering.”
The last day of the conference featured a keynote presentation by UD’s Dr. Kelvin Lee. Joseph then attended a panel discussion that focused on scholarly writing, which he described as quite valuable as it is something he has had little exposure to. Lastly was the Awards Ceremony, where he got to see many deserving researchers win awards for their work and presentations. “Thanks to the funding from the Honors College I was able to register for the NISBRE conference and meet many inspiring researchers leading fascinating projects. I was introduced to unique projects that are happening here at UD that I may never have heard of otherwise. I will take away many lessons from this experience and be sure to apply them to my future career choices and endeavors. It was an honor to represent both the University of Delaware and the Honors College over these three days.”
Cell and Gene Therapy Summer Academy at Drexel University – Nya Wynn
This summer, Nya used her enrichment funds to attend the Cell and Gene Therapy Summer Academy. During this week-long program, they had multiple guest lecturers, a laboratory experience, and biopharmaceutical facility tours. “We received a crash course on CAR T-cell therapies with Dr. Xiao Huang, Assistant Professor in the Drexel University School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. He taught us about the intricate science behind genetically engineering a patient’s stem cells to fight off disease.” She also had the opportunity to speak with industry professionals working in manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory affairs which she described as the best part of experience. “They enlightened us about everything from the discovery of a molecule all the way to large scale manufacturing for a cell therapy to enter the market. They also offered advice on applying to graduate schools and careers, as well as offer insights into what their daily lives looked like working in cell and gene therapy.”
Nya then did her own CRISPR experiment in with the department’s lab manager. “Having never done CRISPR myself, this was a great chance to learn a new skill that I can now apply to my future career and bring back to my current lab here at the University of Delaware.” She was also given a tour of the Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing, where she got to see everything in the lectures come to life. “From cell culture to large-scale upstream and downstream production machinery, JIB had it all. We learned the sheer amount of work that goes into mass-producing cell and gene therapies and just how many people are needed to make the process go smoothly. Now I can confidently say that I know Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and understand why it’s necessary in cell and gene therapy production.”
At the end of the week, she was tasked to come up with a possible solution to a genetic disorder that has yet to be cured. At the start of the week, this seemed like a daunting task, but by the end of the week, she felt like she had learned everything she needed to create a new gene therapy from the ground up. “The final presentation was a great way to apply all the knowledge and skills we’d gained throughout the program and showcase how we could use them in the future.” Reflecting on this experience, Nya said, “I’m inspired by the impact cell and gene therapy has on patients with cancers and genetic disorders. I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned and hope to make a difference in this field one day.”
Precision Medicine: Tailored Treatment in Clinical Practice in Stockholm, Sweden – Gabriela Taveroni
This summer, Gabriela used her enrichment funds to take Precision Medicine: Tailored Treatment in Clinical Practice, a three-credit academic course based in Stockholm, Sweden. The class explored this rapidly progressing frontier in healthcare built upon personalizing treatment for each patient based on their specific biological profile. The curriculum established the similarities and differences between precision medicine and evidence-based medicine, the latter being the conventional approach that assumes a “one size fits all” diagnosis and treatment plan. To summarize, the patient’s molecular profile is charted through extensive data collection strategies and used to extract clinically significant information. The rest of the course covered current techniques in disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, with a special focus on molecular therapeutics in cancer and rare diseases.
Each class tackled a different topic, “To name a few, we discussed the application of precision medicine in breast and blood-cell cancers, cystic fibrosis, prenatal health, and cardiovascular disorders. Class sessions assumed a hybrid teaching style of professor-led lectures to peer-teaching activities, like presentations, interactive case studies, and even a debate.” Having no prior experience in debate, Gabriela found this project to be particularly challenging as two teams argued the pros and cons of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in the private clinic. Students were also assigned a survey project where they interviewed the Swedish and Irish public on their respective healthcare systems. “We gathered the interviews throughout the session and presented the results at the end in a poster project. This activity not only gave me an opportunity for meaningful conversations with locals but opened my eyes to how different institutional frameworks can have a profound effect on the individual.”
Gabriela also had the privilege of stepping outside the classroom to visit Karolinska, one of the largest university hospitals in Europe. “We met Dr. Benedek Bozoky, an attending oncologist who gave us an introduction to cancer treatments in the Swedish health care system, as well as a tour of the oncology department. I was shocked to see how advanced the hospital was: the targeted radiation tools, robots that deliver food to patients, and private rooms for each patient all made the difference between some US facilities I have visited blatantly clear.” Gabriela’s also visied Karolinska’s SciLife Lab where they met Dr. Weiyingqi Cui to learn about pharmacogenomic facility and discussed drug development before clinical trials, complete with a tour of one of their research laboratories.
The highlight of the trip for her was the “Study Tour” to Dublin where they attended various academic and cultural experiences. This included a tour of the Royal College of Surgeons to gain insight into medical school programs abroad and the Rotunda Hospital to meet a practicing midwife. “As for cultural experiences, we attended a High Tea luncheon, visited Trinity College, and saw Riverdance, a musical centered around traditional Irish dance and music.”
Touring Greece with the University of Delaware Symphony Orchestra – Connor Fone
This summer, Connor used enrichment funds to travel to Greece with the University of Delaware Symphony Orchestra. The tour began in the beautiful seaside city of Thessaloniki where Connor took the opportunity to bond with his orchestral colleagues and got some must needed rest after 27 hours of travel. On day two, the rehearsals began. “That morning we arrived at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, a gorgeous seaside venue right on the coast, where we met members of the University of Macedonia Symphony Orchestra, as well as members of the Crete youth orchestra. It was very warming to all come together from continents apart with shared interests and passions in mind, being a very horizon broadening experience for me.” Connor said that the first three-hour rehearsal went very well, and after a short lunch break, they returned to the stage for three more hours before dinner, this time in a local restaurant where they had the opportunity to fraternize with the Greek students and sample the local cuisine.
“After another day of rehearsals, it was concert day. Upon walking out on stage, I was sure we were performing for a larger audience than we ever have before, an audience that seemed very enthusiastic to see us. All three pieces we played sounded fantastic in the hall, and we received quite the long applause for our hard work. It was very gratifying to feel such enthusiasm for our music.” The morning after they made their way back to Athens for concert number two, this time in the even larger Athens Concert Hall. “This concert was perhaps the best we have every played this program, in no small part due to the quality of the concert hall. There we received a standing ovation for our performance, before promptly retiring to our hotel rooms to rest our legs and minds enough to scale the Acropolis the next day. Our tour guide was spectacular, and we learned much about the culture and history of Athens and its architecture first hand by exploring a multitude of archaeological sites upon the Acropolis.”
The last city visited was Herakleion, where they played an outdoor concert at the Nikos Kazantzakis Open Theatre. “We all met many new friends and connected with old peers alike, and immersed ourselves in the unique and rich culture of another nation to share together in a musical cultural exchange. It is certainly an experience I would recommend and I am forever grateful for having such a beautiful opportunity in my life.”
Working with Project Recover in Chuuk, Micronesia – Chloe Del Signore
This summer, Chloe used her enrichment funds to travel to Chuuk, Micronesia to work with a non-profit organization called Project Recover. The project’s mission is to find M.I.A (missing in action) soldiers from WWII with the goal of repatriating them with their families. “In order to locate these soldiers we first had to find their missing planes by sending out AUV’s to scan the bottom of the ocean floor. I learned how to program, launch, track, and care for the AUVs which is amazing because there are not many opportunities to learn about these machines.” Her group would then review the data collected by the AUV every night where they learned how to identify a debris field a plane would create, and look for features distinct to a plane crash.
Chloe also had the opportunity to work with an archaeology team. “This was my first time doing anything archaeology related. Although it was hard work, I had so much fun. Working with a team of experts and being able to learn from them felt very fulfilling.” Chloe also noted that the Chuukese living on the island in which the dig took place were amazing to work with. “Even though we did not share the same culture or language we shared a common goal, and we worked as a team to achieve that goal. I learned some of the language which harbored better relationships with the Chuukese people. Friendships started to form between our group and the locals. It was rewarding to create positive connections with a country that is all the way across the world.”
Competing in the 2024 Econ Games at the University of Kentucky – AJ Nehru, Zach Seymour, & David Undus
Over spring break, AJ Nehru, Zachary Seymour, and David Undus used their enrichment funds to travel to the University of Kentucky to compete in the 2024 Econ Games. The Econ Games are a 24-hour case competition focusing on data analysis and presentation. This year’s competition had the students analyzing housing demand and supply in Kentucky and proposing policy measures to address housing challenges. “This provided valuable insights into the complexities of the housing market and the role of economic policy in addressing these issues,” said AJ.
The day the competition started the organizers brought in industry professionals from different organizations including Pearson, Stata, MiddleGround Capital, and Banner Management Consulting. “This networking event was incredibly useful as it allowed for opportunities to talk to employers who were much more focused to the business analysis field than any broader career fair that I have attended,” said Zachary. “One of the most meaningful interactions I had was with one of the representatives from MiddleGround Capital who were the data sponsor for the first year that I attended the competition in 2023. This interaction led me to finding someone who had followed the same path as me to land in a position that I have been interested in breaking into and gave me insight into how to leverage experiences like these in getting there.”
Over the next 24 hours, the team did research and analyzed data to forecast how they thought the Kentucky housing market would evolve over the next five to ten years and presented their findings to the judges. “The issue facing the housing market in Kentucky is the same as the issue facing every housing market: there is not enough housing that is affordable for those who need it. The question posed to us was how can we forecast and address the demand for housing in the future,” said David. “Along with this, research was done into policy positions concerning the issue that home prices have been dramatically rising and leaving the median real income level in the dust.”
Despite not winning the competition, AJ wanted to leave future students with these insights about the experience: “Embrace an interdisciplinary approach by integrating knowledge from various fields. Leverage diverse perspectives and expertise to tackle complex problems effectively. Emphasize collaboration and teamwork by actively engaging with teammates and leveraging each other’s strengths. Foster a supportive and inclusive team environment conducive to innovation and creativity. Ensure accuracy and rigor in your methods and findings to build credibility and trust. Be adaptable and flexible in your approach, particularly when faced with unexpected challenges. Demonstrate resilience and problem-solving ability in navigating uncertainties. Seek feedback from mentors, peers, and experts throughout the preparation process and network with judges after the competition to improve the project the next year. And embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and improvement.”
Competing in the VoiceJam A Capella Festival in Little Rock, AR – Nicholas Quintana & Jennifer Tang
This spring break, Nicholas Quintana and Jennifer Tang used their enrichment funds towards competing in the VoiceJam A Capella Festival with their a capella group, Vocal Point. The festival included workshops with industry professionals, live concerts, and a competition against groups from across the country.
“One workshop I attended was Arrangement 101 hosted by two members of Take 6! Having seen them perform the night before as the headliners of the festival, it was incredible to get to work hands-on with them,” Nicholas said. Jennifer commented, “I received feedback from Grammy Award-winning artists and learned so much about how to succeed in the music world and we got to connect with many different groups from around the country.”
As for the competition, Vocal Point worked hard to create an impactful message through their 10-minute set by incorporating choreography and music that told the true story of Medusa. Nicholas said, “I had a hand in both arranging and choreographing the set, so it held a special place in my heart. Being able to share this message with an audience halfway across the country was incredibly special and something I will never forget. We left it all on the stage and were incredibly proud of the work we did!”. Nicholas went on to win an individual award for “Best Arrangement”, Vocal Point’s fifth time winning the award in 25 years as a group!
American Society of Neurorehabilitation Research Conference in San Antonio, TX – Klaury Youchom-Taghue
Klaury used her enrichment funds towards attending the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Neurorehabilitation (ASNR) in San Antonio, TX. During her 2023 summer research fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Klaury participated in clinical research with the Movement and Plasticity Lab under Dr. Ania Busza, where she worked on a project investigating grip strength in patients recovering from a stroke affecting their arm. Working alongside her lab members, she continued her research and submitted an abstract that was accepted as a poster presentation at the 2024 ASNR research conference.
During the two days she attended the conference, Klaury was able to participate in many different professional development and educational discussions. On the first day, she attended round table discussions on data science to help with reproducibility in subject research results, and a symposium talk discussing assessment and treatment for upper extremity recovery for patients with stroke. Reflecting on these discussions, Klaury found them invaluable as they directly related to her research and found the information she learned to be especially informative as she continues to move her project forward. Later on, she was able to present her poster during the first poster reception during the conference. This was her first time presenting her research in an official conference setting and she found that other individuals who came to ask about her project were very receptive and gave constructive and insightful feedback. On day two of the conference, Klaury was able to sit in on more presentations and walked around the second poster reception where she learned about a variety of projects and research from other researchers.
As Klaury reflects on how this experience has impacted her, she says: “The opportunity to present at and attend the ASNR conference has been incredible towards advancing my career in research. I have developed my presentation experience, networked with other researchers, and had an incredibly formative experience that has given me knowledge I will carry into my future research pursuits.”
Fall 2023
Cultural and Language Immersion Trip to Japan – Penny Romanelli
Thanks to her Honors enrichment funds, Penny traveled to Japan for a three-week cultural and language immersion trip during the summer of 2024. She began by staying with a Japanese family on the outskirts of Tokyo. Penny had previously met one of the daughters, Mirina, when she was studying abroad here at UD. During her homestay, she enjoyed homemade Japanese food, went to temples, and learned how to navigate the Japanese train systems. They also visited a traditional Japanese restaurant with private rooms and a tatami mat floor. Penny said she had ample opportunities to practice her Japanese while staying with her host family, “especially with their son, Toki, who despite not speaking English was very excited about me staying with them.” Penny then moved on to stay with another former UD student in a hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, where she visited national monuments such as the Imperial Palace and participated in cultural activities such as a summer fireworks festival.
After leaving Tokyo she left to stay with a friend and her grandparents in Shizuoka, near the base of Mount Fuji, which they climbed together to see the sunrise. “In Japan, the idea of seeing the sunrise at the top of Mount Fuji is so culturally significant that there is an entire word dedicated to it in Japanese, go-raiko.” After an exhausting two days on Mount Fuji, Penny and her friend went to an onsen to relax. An onsen is a shared bath that originated over a thousand years ago in Japan and were originally all naturally heated hot springs that had therapeutic properties.
During Penny’s last week in Japan, she went to Kyoto where she was able to enjoy a geisha show. During the show, the geisha performed a traditional dance and served matcha. Geisha’s portrait rights are protected, so their faces cannot be shared, but Penny could take pictures when her face was not visible. “The geisha at the show was technically a maiko. This can be identified by the long sash around her waist called an obi. Geishas also wear an obi, but theirs is not long and trailing. Maikos, while not officially geishas, still need to pass an exam to become a maiko.”
While in Kyoto, Penny also took a day trip to Hiroshima and visited the memorial dedicated to the Hiroshima bombing. “It was incredibly moving and nothing like I had ever seen before. It was especially difficult to see because of how well-documented the tragedy was, giving an incredibly personal insight into how many people were affected by the bombing.” This was followed by another day trip to Nara Park where the deer are known for bowing as a way to beg for food. After the park, Penny visited the Nara National Museum which focused on the history of kimonos. “During this trip, I learned a lot about Japanese culture through food, dress, art, and history. Being able to practice the language was enjoyable, and the people there were encouraging.”
Interning at the Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) in Germany – Luke Coster
Over the winter and spring, Luke Coster used his enrichment funds towards an internship at the Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) in Hamburg, Germany. “My research at CSSB was amazing. The purpose of my research was to determine which structural characteristic of NanoRNases determine substrate specifity. NanoRNases are protein that degrade short strands of nucleic acids. The two proteins we focused on are species variants of NanoRNase A (NrnA) and NanaRNase B (NrnB), NrnB being able to bind to short and long RNA stands and NrnA being able to bind just short RNA strands.”
To determine which structural elements cause this difference in substrate preference, Luke decided to try to recombinantly express the proteins in E. coli then purify them and send them for crystallization. “It gave me the opportunity to use a synchrotron particle accelerator to do X-ray crystallography.” Luke was able to use the synchrotron twice, one instance of which resulted in well-diffracted data which he used to build a model of his proteins targets. “The best part of this was that this is my own project. Therefore, it reflects well on my ability to plan research trajectories. This project let me dive in and learn the new technique of crystallography.”
Luke also shared that this experience travelling to Germany was his first time living in a city and learning how to use public transportation, and his favorite areas to visit were St. Pauli and Eppendorf. “Overall, this has been an amazing experience and am so thankful for the Honors College and the Honors enrichment funds.”
Attending the American Chemical Society Conference in New Orleans, LA – Jasmin Bioteau
Over spring break, Jasmin Bioteau used her enrichment funds to attend the American Chemical Society conference in New Orleans, Louisiana where she presented her summer research project on the synthesis of chiral [7]-helicene N-heterocyclic carbene based gold complexes. “Not only did I gain presentation and dissemination skills, but I also gained confidence in my knowledge of the research I conducted and in myself. I used this amazing opportunity as a chance to help me narrow down my future career options.” These experiences included attending three different workshops: one about opportunities for chemists in the federal government, one about opportunities for chemists in industry, and one about opportunities for chemists in academia. “These workshops provided me with a much more in depth understanding of my future career possibilities and gave me the chance to begin networking. I also attended many networking events and met a professor from a university that I am interested in applying to for graduate school!”
While in New Orleans, Jasmin also had the chance to explore the city. “I made sure to try all of the local cuisine: beignets, red beans and rice, shrimp étouffée, gumbo, and much more. However, what struck me the most was the amazing mixture of creole, french, spanish, cajun, and more cultures. Everywhere I went there was jazz music playing and so much rich history to learn about.” She even had the chance to visit a pharmacy museum, “which I felt was a very full circle moment because I was in New Orleans to present modern research and learn from other modern chemists, yet, this museum let me take a step into the past and see how much medicine and chemistry has progressed.”
A truly pivotal moment for her was when she saw the Toulouse street sign in the French quarter. “It reminded me of how far I’ve come, both literally and figuratively. I conducted the research that I presented in a coordination chemistry laboratory in Toulouse, France. When I first started in that laboratory, I did not have a good understanding of what coordination chemistry was. Over the course of the summer, I learned so much and eventually built up my skills to the point that I could present my research to a room full of people in New Orleans. It was a wholesome reflection moment and gives me hope on how far I know I can go in the future.”
Take the Field Program at MLB’s Winter Meetings in Nashville, TN – Shannon Conway
Thanks to her enrichment funds, Shannon had the privilege of participating in the Take the Field program hosted by Major League Baseball during this year’s Winter Meetings in Nashville, TN. The weekend provided an immersive experience in the baseball industry, with a focus on analytics, operations, and player development. Reflecting on the experience, Shannon remarked, “The program opened my eyes to the intricate world of baseball operations and the crucial role of data analytics in contract negotiations. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about understanding the game beyond the field.”
One notable area of exploration during the program was the Salary Arbitration Process. Shannon gained a comprehensive understanding of the negotiation dynamics between agents and operations personnel. The significance of data analytics in shaping contract negotiations was a key takeaway, expanding her perspective on data utilization beyond player statistics for coaches. Furthermore, she learned about the subtleties in contract wording, exemplified by the preference for a 5-year deal with a 2-year opt-out over a 3-year deal with a 2-year opt-in, showcasing the impact of perception in negotiations. “Both of these contracts have 3 years guaranteed and 2 extra years at the players discretion, but the 5 year contract makes the player feel as if the agent got them a better deal.”
The program not only exposed Shannon to previously undiscovered career opportunities within baseball but also presented a spectrum of roles, from operational positions involving extensive travel to analytical roles with more of a local focus. Shannon also noted that the networking opportunities with accomplished women already working in the industry provided inspiration and have led to valuable connections for potential future collaborations. “Overall, this is an experience that I will never forget and I learned things that I will carry with me throughout my professional career and personal life.”
Developing Experiential Study Abroad Programs in Paris – Michael Eckerle
This winter, Michael used his enrichment funds to accompany Prof. Ryan Sander’s Paris Study Abroad program to promote the “reimagining of study abroad” and to advocate for global partnerships that support student experiential learning rather than the traditional study abroad experience. Michael describes his vision as, “Embracing change, innovating globally, and actively forging prosperous global partnerships to work towards the realization of shaping tomorrow”. His trip to Paris provided him an opportunity to work towards those goals. “In Paris, I was able to establish partnerships providing strategic innovation that allows us to embrace changes in the world we live in, shaping tomorrow as we know it through educational experiences we have never had before.”
Drawing from three years of international experience across 15 countries, Michael sought to contribute to the enhancement of the program by providing students like him with hands-on opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. The efforts included engaging with over 15 partners, establishing a 3-step approach for involvement ranging from site visits and case studies to short-term projects and international internships. He collaborated with experts like Zach Bastick, a professor at Sorbonne Nouvelle who specializes in globalization and AI which opened avenues for research, curriculum enhancement, and international opportunities for students.
Michael noted how he had to leverage his international experience with the professional skills he has gained throughout his life. “The reason I have vouched for experiential learning is for opportunities like this, an opportunity to be fully immersed in culture through meetings, work, etc. Culture and traditions are different all around the world, and even more different in a professional setting than in a casual setting.” He also emphasized how he wasn’t just doing outreach for partners; he was instilling the knowledge he has gained to his fellow students abroad by helping them adapt to the local culture and navigate an unknown foreign environment . “Becoming a mentor and ‘expert’ in these things was not something I had envisioned when coming to UD but am so appreciative to have had the opportunity to become one.”
Annual Smithsonian Staff Picnic in Washington, D.C. – Nadya Ellerhorst
This summer, Nadya was in Washington, D.C. interning for the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage where she helped film the annual Folklife Festival on the National Mall, edited videos, and worked on written content for the Center’s Festival Blog and digital Folklife Magazine. Expecting the internship to end in August, she was fortunate to have the internship extended and was therefore eligible to attend the annual staff picnic with the help of her enrichment funds.
Nadya enjoyed picnic festivities, including lunch, a free book room, panel discussions, and a reenactor impersonating Joseph Henry, the Smithsonian’s first Secretary. The picnic proved to be a valuable networking opportunity and she noted how remarkable it was to see so many individuals from the institution come together. “I met other interns and reconnected with numerous Smithsonian-affiliated individuals, both from the Center and those I was able to connect with through UD’s Museum Studies program.” Nadya also attended a panel regarding the “Entertainment Nation” exhibition at the National Museum of American History featuring Dr. Ken Cohen, former Museum Studies Program Director and current Chair of Military History and Curator of Early American History at the Smithsonian.
Nadya was even able to connect with a Center member who has experience in documentary work and will be speaking with her in the near future to gain career insight. “I was also able to spend some time speaking with my supervisor (an experienced media professional) regarding graduate school and career advice, which was incredibly helpful as I go about charting my post-graduation plan.” Nadya concluded, stating, “My months at the Smithsonian have been invaluable to me and have helped me discover and solidify my professional passions. It was wonderful to return to D.C. and be reminded of everything I love about the Institution and the dedicated, brilliant individuals who sustain it. I cannot thank the Honors College and the donors who supported this experience enough.”
Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica – Sathiya Kannan
This winter, Sathiya used her enrichment funds to travel to Playa Ostional in Costa Rica to participate in sea turtle research and conservation with the Bioma Travel Research Expedition. Her goal was to sharpen her field research skills while exploring the subject of conservation ecology. Due to sea turtles’ nocturnal nesting activities, the majority of the field work was done at night. The night patrols on the beach provided a hands-on opportunity to measure nesting mothers’ shells, count eggs, and witness the birthing process while daytime activities involved contributing to the release of green turtle clutches and dissecting unhatched eggs to understand factors influencing hatching success.
Educational lessons included a comprehensive exploration of sea turtles, covering evolution, anatomy, physiology, ecological roles, and species identification. “Given the unique location of our research as the only Costa Rican beach to have legal sea turtle egg harvests, a significant portion of our education was focused on the context and significance of Playa Ostional. We read scientific papers on community-based, sustainable conservation and mass nesting behaviors, received a lecture from the refuge’s volunteer coordinator, and watched a BBC documentary on the community.” Beyond the classroom, Sathiya’s cultural immersion experience extended to traditional Costa Rican food, stays in local homes, and exploring the rich natural landscapes.
As Sathiya reflects on her experience, she emphasized the multifaceted impact it has had: “My experience with Bioma exceeded my expectations in terms of hands-on education, cultural immersion, social connections, high adventure, and more.” The memories and connections forged during this once-in-a-lifetime journey will undoubtedly shape Sathiya’s future endeavors in conservation.
Academy Health Dissemination and Implementation Conference in Arlington, VA – Elena Lynn
Elena used her enrichment funds to attend the Academy Health Dissemination and Implementation Conference in Arlington, VA this winter. At the conference, Elena attended information sessions, networked with other researchers and got to present her own project from the summer. “My research was on how storytelling can be used as a method of intervention to reduce hypertension in black americans. This conference helped me affirm the route I plan to pursue for my career. I really enjoyed getting to learn about the field of implementation science and the major topics they are currently addressing.” Some of the things she learned were how technology is being used to enhance this field, the gap in research that is currently dividing researchers from the communities they are impacting and how to address this gap, as well as current topics of interest.
Elena was also able to network and meet some well-known researchers in the field. “One person I met was Dr. Kathryn Schmitz who has done a lot of work in cancer research and physical activity. I had the opportunity to speak to her and I learned about why she chose to go the route of academia. This is something I’ve been considering recently and what path I want to follow for my future.” This conference also allowed her to speak with a variety of influential people such as representatives from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “In the future, I plan to become a chronic disease epidemiologist. This was my first professional conference and has taught me a lot, and I plan to continue doing research and presenting in the future.”
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