For engineering students interested in research, there are many opportunities to get involved, both on and off campus! In fact, nearly 25% of engineering students at Grove City College are involved in some type of research or independent study. Many of these students work in ‘Anderson Lab’ with Dr. Anderson, one of Grove City College’s mechanical engineering professors. Every school year, he has 10-15 students doing research for him for 1-3 credits. He also has students working with him at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in Massachusetts each summer. This semester, Dr. Anderson has 12 students working in his lab on seven different projects.
Below is an interview with one of the female mechanical engineering students currently doing research with Dr. Anderson. She shares more information on her research project and some benefits of doing research. For another interview with a student doing research with Dr. Anderson, check out this post.
Noll at work in Anderson Lab
Abby Noll – Mechanical Engineering ‘18
What’s your project?
My project is researching the fluid dynamics of biomimetic propulsors and swimming squid. The research involves analyzing sequences of images of objects in a flow tank to determine the behavior of the water over various parts of the object. I have worked with flapping plastic strips (simulating a fish tail) and swimming squid.
What skills (technical or non-technical) have you used the most during your research experience?
Research has strengthened my problem-solving skills. The classes that I have been taking for mechanical engineering have given me a set of tools, and research is where I get to figure out how they all work and actually use them in a practical setting.
What are some benefits of doing research?
Working in the lab has given me a tangible way to apply the things I have been learning in my classes. It helps the material to stick better, and extends it far beyond a classroom setting. It has been a wonderful preparation for future internships and jobs, and I believe that getting this kind of experience early on will open up future opportunities in the research field.
Have you done research off-campus, like at a summer internship?
This past summer, I continued work on the boundary layer project, again analyzing data. I also took some new data at Harvard University.
How has doing research shaped your plans for after graduation?
I can see myself working in an area of research and development, as I have been enjoying work in the lab and would like to continue along a similar path. I love learning, and research is where new discoveries are made.
To learn more about Grove City College’s Mechanical Engineering program, visit the department page!
For engineering students interested in research, there are many opportunities to get involved, both on and off campus! In fact, nearly 25% of engineering students at Grove City College are involved in some type of research or independent study. Many of these students work in ‘Anderson Lab’ with Dr. Anderson, one of Grove City College’s mechanical engineering professors. Every school year, he has between 10-15 students doing research for him for 1-3 credits. He also has students working with him at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in Massachusetts each summer. This semester, Dr. Anderson has 12 students working in his lab on 7 different project.
Below is an interview with one of the female engineering students who has done research with Dr. Anderson. She shares more information on her research project and some benefits of doing research. For another interview with a student doing research with Dr. Anderson, check out this post.
Kimberly Schlabach – Electrical Engineering and Mathematics ‘16
Kimberly Schlabach – Senior Electrical Engineering and Mathematics Major
What’s your project?
Spring semester of 2015, I was involved in the ant research project – automatic tracking and monitoring ant behavior through video. My job has been to improve the particle identification portion of the ant tracking code. In other words, I have written filters to help distinguish ants from other moving particles, such as grass.
How did you get involved in this research?
In the fall, I was looking for a one credit engineering elective. I received an email from Dr. Anderson that had been sent to all the engineering students. The email was looking for students who wanted to investigate biology through engineering-based research. I thought independent research would be a fascinating way to earn a one-credit engineering elective, so I responded to the email. After the interview process, Dr. Anderson found a good fit for me in the image processing side of ant research project.
What skills (technical or non-technical) have you used the most during your research experience?
I had a basic knowledge of image analysis and programming which both served me well in my research. However, Dr. Anderson was extremely helpful and patient in teaching me the additional information I needed to know for the first part of the semester. He was also very accessible throughout the semester if I ever had questions or problems.
What are some benefits of doing research?
Before joining the Anderson Lab, I had no serious interest in research. However, working on a project that other scientists are also investigating has inspired me, and I could see myself doing research after graduation.
My favorite part of working in the lab has been brainstorming with Dr. Anderson and Dr. Mohr. Working in the lab has been very beneficial because it has helped me think outside the box, build my self-confidence and open my mind to the idea of research as a future job interest.
How has doing research shaped your plans for after graduation?
I have already accepted a non-research related job when I graduate in May. However, my research at Grove City was great experience. In just one semester, we had very positive results. I was inspired by how simple and prevalent it was to apply my engineering skills to study God’s creation. If I have the opportunity to do research in the future, I will seriously consider it.
Research screenshots, from left to right: Without the filter, every object is identified; with the filter, two ants correctly identified; comparison with and without the filter
To learn more about Grove City College’s Mechanical Engineering program, visit the department page!
Anna Grassel is a senior Marketing Management major at Grove City College. Recently, Anna landed a highly-sought after position working in sales at Federated Investors in Pittsburgh, PA.
Federated is a massive financial services company with its headquarters located in Pittsburgh. The company was founded in 1957, and manages about $364.1 billion of customer assets. Grassel is this financial powerhouse’s latest hire.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Grassel to talk with her about the process of landing the job, and the role the GCC Career Services Office played in the process.
The interview is below:
(Nathan) When were you first interested in working in Sales, and how did you know this was the career path you wanted to pursue?
(Anna) Two words: Professor Kocur. I took his upper level business sales class. Initially I thought it would be an “easy A.” However, I was naive into all that goes into being a successful sales associate. His passion for sales was contagious. His passion for sales couples with his experience working for GlaskoSmithKline translated into a valuable sales class.
I knew sales was for me because I love working with people! The psychology behind sales is fascinating. Beyond that, I work well against a set of goals – and that is a crucial aspect of sales. The results in sales are tangible. That is very motivating for me.
How, or where did you hear about Federated?
Federated Investors has an amazing reputation in Pittsburgh. Being a Pittsburgh native, I was familiar with them because of their involvement in the community. I have always been intrigued by the financial industry and Federated Investor’s reputation precedes itself. So they were at the top of my list when looking at companies in Pittsburgh.
Did you intern with them? Did you think that hurt/helped your chances of getting in, or just motivated you more?
This is a funny story. I applied for a marketing internship with them my junior year. Unfortunately, I got turned down for the position. It was very motivating. From that point forward, I was determined to get more experience in the financial industry and refine my skill set to be a stellar applicant for them in the future. At the end of the day it was a blessing in disguise because I got connected with the right department within Federated.
What were the initial steps you took to break into to the Federated team?
Before I began I direct dialogue with the company personnel, I utilized Grove City College’s alumni network to connect with alums who worked in the company. Everyone I was in contact with was very encouraging and had nothing but positive things to say about Federated. This really confirmed my interest.
Next, they were coming to the Career Fair. I went and bought a rocking black suit, personalized my resume – stating a firm interest in the company, and I researched the company and opening they had listed on there website. They were the first and only company I spoke with at the Career Fair. I went in with a reasonable next step in mind. By that I mean, I asked her about open positions and expressed an interest in job shadowing. She connected me with the director of sales at Federated. And Grove City, being the amazing college it is, actually was hosting Federated for an informational meeting in a few weeks. I made sure I went to that, went there early to get face-to-face time with the Sales representatives present. After that I went to Pittsburgh the following week to job shadow. After talking to the people and seeing the work environment I fell in love with the company. However, at that time they were not hiring, but they were encouraging about keeping the dialogue open. A few months later they contacted me for an interview for an internal sales position. The rest is history!
How did the CSO office or connections from Grove City assist you in creating a relationship with the Federated team?
The Career Service Office at Grove City College rocks my socks off! Mrs. Vago, Career Service Counselor, was a professional and emotional support during this entire process. She helped me prepare an elevator pitch and was always willing to review my resume. The most important career advice she gave me was always having a reasonable next step in mind. By that she meant going to the Career Fair and have in mind job shadowing. I think this was important because it is hard to have realistic expectations. I would not have my job if it were not for her!
It seems like you really fostered a frequent flow of communication with the Federated team during this process. Practically, (maybe give an example of how you kept up communication) what did that look like?
I am surprised they did not file a restraining order against me 🙂 There definitely is a fine line between being pushy vs. persistent. Every time I could reaffirm my interest and give tangible examples of how I could provide value to the company was essential. In my communication my goal was to be personable. Every person I came in touch with I followed up with an email thank you note, as well as a handwritten thank you note. I was intentional to say what they had taught me and why I thought I would be a good fit.
When do you think was the real breakthrough moment that got your “foot in the door”?
Going down and job shadowing definitely put me on the map. It showed I was serious about the company. Really, it allowed me to look at the people who worked there. After meeting my potential future colleagues I could see how they were driven (and fashionable) people. They were happy and the security guards were friendly. It was evident that people had an enjoyable working environment and took ownership of their work.
Contrasting this to other places I interviewed at was night and day. Federated has a corporate environment, but is intentionally personable. It really is the best of both worlds.
When did the interview process start for you?
I interviewed on Christmas break in December.
Any advice for someone hoping to land a job like yours?
Take Professor Kocur’s sales class and start the job hunt fall semester of your senior year! Many companies hire early. Also, build a strong relationship with the Career Service Office at Grove City.
To follow Anna on LinkedIn, find her profile here:
For engineering students interested in research, there are many opportunities to get involved, both on and off campus! In fact, nearly 25% of engineering students at Grove City College are involved in some type of research or independent study. Many of these students work in ‘Anderson Lab’ with Dr. Anderson, one of Grove City College’s mechanical engineering professors. Every school year, he has approximately 10-15 students doing research for him for 1-3 credits. He also has students working with him at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in Massachusetts each summer. This year, there are 12 students working in Anderson Lab on seven different projects.
Below is an interview with one of the female mechanical engineering students currently doing research with Dr. Anderson. She shares more information on her research project and some benefits of doing research. For another interview with a student doing research with Dr. Anderson, check out this post.
Ellen Turner – Mechanical Engineering ‘17
What’s your project?
Turner at the lab at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) next to the high speed flume used to swim the bluefish.
In the Anderson Lab, I am working on resonance in the swimming of striped bass, largemouth bass, and bluefish. I process data representing the motion of the fish’s tail while it was swimming at different speeds and record the amplitude and frequency of the tail beat as well as speed and acceleration of the fish. All the processed data is then plotted to show trends in the relationships between amplitude, frequency and speed.
How did you get involved in this research?
I was invited to join the lab by Dr. Anderson when I applied to work with him over the summer doing similar research.
What skills (technical or non-technical) have you used the most during your research experience?
The ability and willingness to learn a lot of new things is a huge part of it. I knew how to code in MATLAB (a computing language mechanical engineering students learn) from my classes, but the other programs used in the lab I had to learn, but it’s not difficult. Dr. Anderson and all the other students in the lab are willing to help out anyone who has questions. My presentation skills have also improved dramatically from presenting my work done in the lab.
What are some benefits of doing research?
Anderson Lab has been an amazing opportunity for me and has opened my eyes to other paths I can take with a mechanical engineering degree beyond manufacturing. I’ve reevaluated my plan for the future to include the potential of further schooling because of how much I have enjoyed conducting research in my short time with the lab.
Still image from a video of swimming bluefish at 1.2 m/s used in Turner’s research.
Have you done research off-campus, like at a summer internship?
Last summer, I continued doing research with Dr. Anderson at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). I worked on trailing edge analysis and fish frequency while also assisting with other research projects. This coming summer, I’ll be doing research at Vanderbilt University as part of an REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program.
How has doing research shaped your plans for after graduation?
In the future I could see myself continuing with research of any kind either working for an institution or moving on to grad school and conducting research there. Working in Anderson Lab has shown me that I really enjoy putting my efforts into research.
To learn more about Grove City College’s Mechanical Engineering program, visit the department page!
Can you do research at a small, undergraduate, liberal arts college? Yes! Grove City College has a flourishing research program spread among various programs in both technical and non-technical majors. Dr. William Birmingham, the department chair of Computer Science, is one of many professors at GCC passionate about engaging undergraduate students in research. Using distributed artificial intelligent, Dr. Birmingham creates next generation computer games for mobile platforms. Sophia Gebert, a senior Computer Science student, is one of four students working in Dr. Birmingham’s lab.
How did you become involved in research at Grove City College?
Last year while studying, one of my computer science friends began talking about the research project he had just become involved in with Dr. Birmingham. I was intrigued by the work he was describing, which led me to talk to Dr. Birmingham about joining the project. A team of four students, including myself, was formed to develop a mobile game. At the end of last year, we completed the game and have moved forward to begin working on this current project.
What is the research you are conducting?
Our project is to explore the types of games that fit naturally on an Apple TV. We believe that “ported” smartphone, console or PC/Mac games to the Apple TV do not provide an engaging game experience. We are currently developing “Screamin’ Tators,” which is the game of hot potato adapted to a video game. The game involves players connected to each other via the Internet trying to keep potatoes—Screamin’ Tators—off their screen. The game uses simple swipe gestures to move the potato and asks the player or the audience to shout phrases during the game.
My role in the project right now is to develop in-app purchases for the game. Specifically, I am designing power-ups which players can use to sabotage other players, such as adding fog to the opponents screen, as well as defensive power-ups, such as adding grease to the screen to assist the player to move the potato faster.
A screenshot of the “Screamin’ Taters” game.
Do you receive any form of compensation for your work, such as class credit or monetary compensation?
Grove City College awards computer science elective credit by considering the class as an independent study. Generally, research counts as one to two credits per semester. In order to receive class credit, you are required to develop a syllabus with your professor outlining what your goals are for the semester. Additionally, you must give an end of the year presentation to faculty and students to communicate your results.
Grove City College also allows students to obtain the IP rights to their game, which they can then use to further develop or sell their game.
What has been the hardest part of your research?
The hardest part of my research was learning how to program on a new platform. It is especially hard because the platform is relatively new, so there has been little previous programming done on it. I was also unfamiliar with the programming language that we are using prior to beginning the project, so there was a large learning curve initially.
What has been the most rewarding part of your research?
The most rewarding part of my research is working with the team to develop a vision for the game and discuss design ideas, then see them come together each week. Being able to transform a creative idea into an actual product makes the work worth it.
What non-technical skill have you found yourself using frequently?
The non-technical skill that I have used frequently is communication. I have learned how to express my ideas effectively and share my opinions with my team members. Communication has been a key component of working as a successful, efficient team.
Since you and two of your team members are all graduating this year, what is the future of this research project?
As I mentioned earlier, the school allows you to obtain the IP rights to any games that you have developed while working as a student researcher at Grove City College. Our team hopes to get the rights to this game so we can continue to work on it, and hopefully sell it, after we graduate. If that doesn’t happen, this project will be handed off to underclassmen to continue to develop it.
Has your research experience shaped your plans for graduation?
My research experience has had a tremendous impact in shaping my plans for after graduation. The project confirmed my interest in mobile development, and led me to pursue a career with a company working in their mobile development sector.
Do you have any final thoughts?
Do an independent study. It is a relaxing learning environment that allows you to work closely with faculty members and build professional relationships. It also looks good on resumes and gives you something to talk about on job interviews. I was able to find my passion through undergraduate research, and all student at Grove City College have that opportunity as well.
For many high school students interested in majoring in chemistry, they enjoy doing experiments and have probably successfully blown something up in their chemistry lab. However, they often have no idea what being a chemistry major really entails. Below is an interview with Lauren Hake, a senior chemistry major with an emphasis in biochemistry at Grove City College. She discusses Grove City College’s Chemistry Department and some of the unique opportunities she has been given during her time here. In the interview, Hake also provides an inside look at the life of a chemistry major to help students who are considering majoring in chemistry.
Why did you decide to major in chemistry?
I decided to major in chemistry because I was good at it in high school and really enjoy hands-on learning – something that chemistry labs require.
You have an emphasis in biochemistry. How did you pick that emphasis and what does it entail?
During my junior year, I chose to take a biochemistry class as one of my electives. I really enjoyed it and kept taking more of the biochemistry courses that were required to get a concentration. It required two biochemistry courses, plus some additional chemistry electives. You can pick from three different concentrations – biochemistry, physical and synthetic.
What do you want to do with your chemistry degree?
I would like to go into quality control for a pharmaceutical company, ideally. I really enjoy working with instrumentation and running the tests required in quality control. I also like the fine detail that goes into different testing methods and that is required for quality control work. Most of the work I’ve done at Grove City has been with instrumentation and that’s really been my focus here.
Have you had any chemistry-related internships? How did you get it?
Yes, I was a Chemical Processing Engineer for Armstrong World Industries in Lancaster, PA. I worked there previously as a product line worker. They needed a chemical engineering intern, so they asked me if I would like to work for them because of my degree in chemistry. I worked to test and maintain their water testing facility, trained operators and wrote a manual for their gas chromatography machine (GC). I also created a trouble shooting guide and designed and ran quality tests to make sure the ceiling board tiles, Armstrong’s product, were in spec.
How many hours a week do you spend in lab?
It varies by year. By your junior year, you’re probably in lab about 20 hours a week. It varies on how many electives you take, and if you chose to be a teaching assistant. Most of those hours are outside your designated lab time, so there is flexibility on how much time you’re in the lab. If you get all your lab stuff done in lab, good for you! But normally you have to come into the lab at extra times to finish labs or for other things you’re doing.
What does a typical lab look like for you?
It depends on the class you’re taking. Freshmen labs teach you how to run instruments and how to do things in lab, like how to properly titrate using a burette. So then, you are prepared for your upper level labs where you are doing a lot of the work on your own and designing portions of the lab yourself. You have enough experience then to confidently work in the lab on your own.
In my personal opinion, the hardest lab you have to do at Grove City is your organic major lab. For a normal week for that lab, you would come in on Tuesday afternoon and you get a vial with only a number on it. You have to first determine the type of compound, and then create a derivative and run an IR (Infrared spectroscopy). This normally takes at least eight hours and often requires that you come in at other times. But it’s a great real-world experience because planning the tests and making the derivative is all up to you. Plus, there is a high probability you will have to identify an unknown at some point in your professional career.
Taking a selfie in the Laser Lab
How long did it take for you to feel comfortable in lab?
I’ve always liked lab, so I’ve always been comfortable in lab. However, I finally felt like I could come into a lab and do it all myself with confidence by the start of my junior lab. Freshman and sophomore year is when I learned all of the necessary lab techniques and how to use all of the equipment. But, junior year is when you start doing it without a lot of aid or supervision. The professors are there if you need them, but you’re able to do it on your own.
Are you involved in any research?
I just completed a three semester research project. Basically, without getting into too many technical details, the Instrumental Analysis class was trying to create polymethylmethacrylate, a type of polymer, using a raft agent. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get a steady molecular weight and steady chain length, so it was my job to use the Differential Scanning Calorimetry Instrument to figure out whether we could get a steady glass transition state, and if not, to figure out what methods were needed to fix that issue. In terms of research, the instrument that I was using was relatively new and no one had really used it yet, so I spent a lot of time working on the instrument to see how it worked and running tests to get consistent responses from the samples.
I got involved in this research by working as a teaching assistant (TA) for the professor, Dr. Falcetta, involved in the research. He liked my work as a TA, so he asked if I would be interested in doing some research for him. It was only supposed to be a short period, but ended up being three semesters worth of work. I got three credits for my research with him. There are a lot of different research opportunities like this for Grove City students and I highly recommend starting research as early as freshman year.
What do you think makes Grove City’s Chemistry Department unique?
Grove City’s department is unique because they allow freshmen students to get hands-on experience with the instruments in the instrument lab. This is very different from other schools, because there, a lab tech would run all of the experiments. Those students don’t get any experience using the instruments. I believe that I am more hirable because I know how to use and operate these instruments. I have found that lots of companies are looking for people who know how to run these instruments well. In fact, that’s one of the reasons I was hired as an intern for Armstrong. They got really excited when they found out I knew how to use a GC.
What’s your favorite experiment/lab that you’ve ever done?
That’s a tough question. I’ve done a lot of great labs here. I’ve extracted DNA from a strawberry using a blender, alcohol and detergent. Another cool lab I’ve done was testing the amount of iron in calf serum, a derivative of blood, using the atomic absorption spectrometer. I liked the DNA lab because it was really cool to physically see the DNA and the sequence coming out. You could see it – it was like clear jelly that floated to the top of the vial. It was really cool to think we extracted it from something as simple as a strawberry. I also just really liked doing the calf serum – it involved fire and who doesn’t like fire! Both of these experiments were very applicable, real-world experiences. I liked how they were done using common items.
Do you have any advice for students interested in majoring in chemistry?
I think the biggest complaint I hear from students who come into the major is that they expect it to be like Breaking Bad, when really it is a lot of theory and mathematics. It’s important that coming into the major, you realize it’s going to be really difficult because you’re learning a lot of information in a short period of time. However, if you talk to upperclassmen, they have valuable advice to give and can help you with some of your classes. It’s also important to know that chemistry isn’t all just playing with fire or extracting DNA from things. There’s a lot of paperwork and boring labs, but it’s all worth it when you get to create new chemicals and make new discoveries.
For more information on Grove City College’s Chemistry Department, click here!
Can you do research at a small, undergraduate, liberal arts college? Yes! Grove City College has a flourishing research program spread among various programs in both technical and non-technical majors. Dr. Erik Anderson, a professor of Mechanical Engineering, is one of many professors at GCC passionate about engaging undergraduate students in research. Intrigued by the mechanisms by which fish move and the factors that drive ants to move in perfect harmony, Dr. Anderson’s research lab is focused on looking at living systems to motivate new technology. Alex Voris, a senior Mechanical Engineering student, is one of over a dozen students working in Dr. Anderson’s biomechanical lab.
Alex Voris, Mechanical Engineer ’16
How were you able to become involved in research at Grove City College?
The summer after my sophomore year I was hired as an intern at a manufacturing plant. The experience, while valuable, was not what I was looking for and I decided that I wanted to explore the research side of mechanical engineering. Upon returning to school at the beginning of my junior year I talked to various mechanical engineering faculty about potential research opportunities, and after an informal interview process, I was offered a position in Dr. Erik Anderson’s lab.
What is the research you are conducting?
I work in Dr. Anderson’s biofluids lab conducting research on remora fish in collaboration with Dr. Brooke Flammang from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Our research is focused on the adhesion mechanisms of remora fish, which use a suction disk to attach to other fish in turbulent conditions. Using videos to analyze the attachment and detachment of a remora fish, we hope to be able to understand the mechanisms used by remora fish in order to create a better method of suction for whale tags. The research we are conducting is novel, as this is the first time that there has been a concerted effort from an engineering group looking at the suction disks of remora fish. A video that I took of the remora attaching and detaching to a surface is shown below.
Do you receive any form of compensation for your work, such as class credit or monetary compensation?
Grove City College awards mechanical engineering elective credit by considering the class as an independent study. Generally, research counts as one to two credits per semester. In order to receive class credit, you are required to develop a syllabus with your professor outlining what your goals are for the semester. Additionally, you must give an end of the year presentation to faculty and students to communicate your results.
What has been the hardest part of your research?
The hardest part of my research was the process of getting started, particularly learning to work and communicate with new people, as well as learning new software programs.
What has been the most rewarding part of your research?
The most rewarding part of my research was breaking new ground. It is exciting to see results, which I could then show to Dr. Flammang and together we would come up with a conjecture as to what was occurring and why. It makes the work I am doing in the lab applicable to real world problems.
What technical skill have you used most during your research experience? What non-technical skill have you found yourself using frequently?
The technical skill I have used the most is developing an understanding of the mechanics of how a fluid interacts with a surface and developing a logical process describing what is occurring. Specifically, I have had to learn how to write code in MatLab to analyze the movement of animals, the corresponding fluid reaction and to predict what would happen when similar events occur in the ocean.
The non-technical skill that I have used frequently is communication. I have learned more about public speaking and writing throughout my research experience than I have learned in any of my classes as a result of practice and experience through presentations and conferences.
Have you had the opportunity to present your research?
In addition to presenting my research at Grove City College I was selected to present my research at a biology and biomechanics conference in the fall of 2015. Using the communication skills I developed through this research experience, I was able to tailor my presentation to a biology focused audience and make it less technical. In doing so, I won the undergraduate presentation award.
My research has also been mentioned in numerous other conferences, and it is in the process of being published.
How does your research align with your classes?
Conducting research has allowed me to apply my knowledge that I have gained in the classroom to real world examples and problems. My classes helped me develop logic skills to think through problems and develop solutions. For example, I have learned how to apply the scientific method to a research question, I have learned how to determine and test different variables, hypothesize potential solutions and analyze variables.
Has your research experience shaped your plans for graduation?
My research experience assisted me to get a position at one of the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) program at the University of Alabama the summer after my junior year. Moreover, it persuaded me to attend graduate school to pursue my Ph.D., which I will begin in the fall of 2016 at the University of Alabama. This research experience has opened many doors for me. And similar experiences are possible for any student at Grove City College.
To learn more about Grove City College’s Mechanical Engineering program, visit the department page!
Senior Communication Studies major Adrienne Scrima is currently studying abroad at the King’s College in New York City. This past summer Adrienne was one of the students accepted into Grove City College’s unique Redbox Missions program, where accepted students are granted funds to complete mission work of their choosing throughout the summer.
Why did you decide to pursue the redbox program and what did that process look like?
I applied my sophomore year and was rejected, but encouraged to apply again my junior year. I applied because it was a great opportunity to do any kind of mission work on scholarship. I applied my junior year after Dr. Graham stopped me in the hallway to follow up and encourage me again. That happened the day after I asked friends to pray for my summer plans. I applied, interviewed (funnily enough my interview sophomore year went far better), went to the theology/missions training sessions, met for meals with the Red Box students, and spent months and months researching, consulting, and praying about my missions decision.
Can you describe your program and the calling you felt towards that area?
I applied to Athletes in Action after a speaker at Fellowship of Christian Athletes spoke about how he was impacted by his experience at an AIA camp. I definitely didn’t feel called. It was the last thing I wanted to do. I thought God had better plans for me, ones that would be more sacrificial and less fun. However, God’s plan was easy to see when every other option for the summer fell through.
What were some favorite moments from the summer?
I began to see that God has gifted me in ways that are advantageous as a journalist. I started to see journalism as ministry. It actually prepped me for my King’s College study abroad journalism program. By far, the best part was the community. Everyone was extremely intentional on being open, vulnerable, and gritty about personal issues. Interns for example, initiated group discussions on homosexuality, beauty, and diversity.
How your experience affected you and impacted those around you, relationally and in your faith?
Relationally, I get to live the rest of my life miserable that I may never experience community like that again. But actually, it just showed me how valuable intentional Christian community is. And how fun it is. I entered the program with the goal to get to know myself better. I felt as though I had a ton of blind spots and wasn’t sure of how I came across. I made sure to ask people why they complimented me or get feedback, criticism on my actions. And my faith is always on a high when I can dialog with others freely and openly about God.
What would you say to a student considering applying for the redbox program? Is it worth it?
Yes. You can do whatever you want. Red Box isn’t for a specific kind of person, Its perfect for any Christian, regardless of calling, with a willingness to serve. Also, learn from my mistakes and don’t think too hard about it. I tried to be the best steward of the scholarship I could be, thus indecisively passing decision deadlines.
Anything else you might like to add that isn’t covered above?
Would you believe me if I told you that Grove City College hosted an opportunity for students to work at a real economic think tank while still on campus, gaining invaluable relational and professional experience while learning about and dealing with complex political and economic issues? Well, you should. The Center for Vision and Values at Grove City College was founded in 2005 through funding from the Koch Foundation. The center’s website tells us, “The Center for Vision & Values provides a valuable opportunity for engaging in political advocacy.” It does this, by example, through dual student fellows programs (research and marketing), educational lectures and programs on the Grove City Campus, countless research projects and op-eds, as well as a conference every spring.
The on-campus lectures cover a wide array of topics from effective poverty alleviation, to income inequality in the 2016 election, to problems with federal economic regulation. Not only do these events provide invaluable opportunities for students on campus to learn more about the world, but they offer the student fellows a great amount of experience through running them. Brianna Buczkowski a senior marketing fellow with the center expressed great appreciation at being able to work in a professional environment while still on campus, and stressed how much help that will be, regardless of where she ends up after graduation.
The spring conference regularly brings in several thousand attendees, including junior marketing fellow Brooke Dymski’s parents. Her parent’s attendance is how Brooke knew of the center before ever arriving at Grove City College as a student, and how she knew she wanted to be a part of the fellows program. The conference deals with timely cultural issues, such as 2015’s theme of ‘The Family’ and brings in a diverse array of speakers including the lawyers who argued before the Supreme Court on behalf of Hobby Lobby during the 2014 conference on religious liberty.
The Center for Vision and Values is just one example of the culture that is fostered at Grove City College promoting critical thought about issues vital to the shaping of our society. All the opportunities and organizations work together to prepare students to enter the world well-rounded in their education and readiness to make a difference for God’s kingdom.
You can visit the website here to learn more about the center and its work.
At Grove City College there are many unique opportunities, not the least of which are the inner-city-outreach trips which are planned, led and manned by students. These trips are an incredible opportunity to take the Christian truth and grace taught and fostered at the college out into the world to serve. ICO trips take place during Thanksgiving and Spring breaks, and both intercession sessions, and range in location from the Dominican Republic to Guatemala to Canton Ohio. This year saw the second Thanksgiving trip to New York City with a team of 12 students, including the three leaders James Leach, Kira Hellwig and Aurthur LaMotta.
Team members in Times Square
When asked about what differentiated the NYC ICO Leach responded that, “ICO NYC is special in that we don’t have as many clear deliverables as other trips. NYC has better facilities then a team of 12 could ever build in 4 days. This lack of deliverables really focuses the trip on human on human interaction: the stories, emotions, philosophies, mindsets, religions, prejudices, ect. That focus makes this trip something special to me.” With a relational focus there were many unique ministerial opportunities including reaching out to the homeless of NYC which number over 60,000. The ICO NYC team also worked with the Christian Youth Theater, the New York Rescue Mission and conducted street surveys to start conversations about thankfulness with city residents.
The experiences were varied and exciting, from jumping through closing subway doors to rescue a team member stranded on the platform, to worshiping with fellow believers at the Big Apple Chapel on Sunday morning, to debriefing at the end of each day by sharing highs and lows. The team had grown close throughout the semester leading up to the trip by weekly meetings and bonding activities, but came together more than they could have predicted as they worked closely to bless the people of New York. As Leach put it, “I would totally recommend the experience! It has definitely opened my eyes to a depraved humanity in our own backyard. Along with that, how good it is to have the Hope which has the answers for that depravity.
Team member Elaina Kimpel with pigeons while surveying in Central Park.
The team kept a daily blog here, where you can read stories and see pictures from their ministry.
