Major: Political Science, Biology
Hometown: Wallingford, PA

How did you learn about this opportunity?

I was informed of this opportunity through the professor that I am doing my research with. He was accepting applications for this program when I first approached him about research opportunities and asked if I would like to apply.

Tell us a little bit about your experience.

It was an absolutely incredible experience. I had the opportunity to work with graduate students, post-docs, professors, and researchers in the fields of political science, psychology, microbiology, genetics, and sociology. I learned path modeling, twin modeling, matrix algebra, coding, research design, and field theory. Additionally, it was a fantastic networking opportunity for graduate school and potential partnerships for my thesis research. Being an international workshop, I also was able to meet people from all over the world who were working on the same kinds of things.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This was an extremely positive academic experience. I had been reading papers written by some of the top researchers in this area, so to get to meet them and discuss their work and any questions I had was a truly remarkable experience. Additionally, I got to speak with a host of individuals in different fields who were all focused on understanding the link between genetics and behavior. As a liberal arts major that also studies the natural sciences, I don't get to apply my skills in tandem that often. This conference really challenged me in all aspects of my education and let me explore academically stimulating questions that I've never been able to deal with before.

This conference really challenged me in all aspects of my education and let me explore academically stimulating questions that I've never been able to deal with before.

What are your career goals and plans?  How did this experience impact them?

I would love to work in non profits or market research, both of which have a strong need for computer skills, research ability, and understanding of behavior. While I am not sure if I will yet be attending graduate school in this field, this workshop really inspired my thesis research and has opened me up to the possibility of studying this further after undergrad. The field brings together my two areas of study, which I have never been able to combine before, so it has been an extremely rewarding experience.

Would you recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students?

Absolutely. It was a very technically oriented workshop but the most I've ever learned in a week and the best opportunity I've been given.