Saint Joseph
While most college students have traded rigorous academic work for relaxing on the beach, local residents will give up summer vacation to remain on campus at Saint Joseph University, Philadelphia, as a member of the Summer Scholars Program.
The following local students are conducting faculty-mentored research and creative projects at the university this summer:
Katie Daubert, Pine Grove, will work with Peter Norberg, Ph.D., on their topic, “An Analysis of Melville’s Marginalia Online and Additional Digital Archives.”
Rachel Troxell, Pine Grove, will work with Mark Forman, Ph.D., on their topic, “The Synthesis of Highly Strained Organic Molecules.”
The program runs for 11 weeks from May until August. Students work exclusively with a faculty member to produce a written description of their research that will be published by the university, and will present their findings next spring during the Celebration of Student Achievement. The students receive a stipend, on-campus housing and the opportunity to participate in social and educational programs.
Alvernia
The following local students volunteered for Alvernia University’s “Alvernia READS” program last semester. The program is dedicated to promoting childhood literacy and improving academic achievement for underprivileged children.
Robert Kelly, Tamaqua, a mathematics major, and Megan Wensel, Orwigsburg, a nursing major, each volunteered three hours in the program. Kyrsten Runkle, Ashland, an occupational therapy major, volunteered six hours.
Alvernia students volunteered to help local middle school students navigate the world of science exploration during a week-long camp at the university in Reading.
Amanda Chappell, Wiconisco, a sophomore forensic science and psychology major; Kristen Cunningham, Orwigsburg, a sophomore forensic science major; Casey Green, Ashland, a junior forensic science and criminal justice major; and Wensel participated.
DeSales
Rachel Eckert, Minersville, a sophomore sport and exercise science major at DeSales University, Center Valley, received a Good Citizen Scholarship from The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania for her commitment to education and community service.
She is one of nine students from AICUP-member colleges and universities to earn the award for 2014-15 academic year.