clark university fellows guide

P R O J E C T P I O N E E R SA P I O N E E R I N G M O D E L

R w h at i s ?LEEP (Liberal Education and Effective Practice) is Clark University’s pioneering

model of education that gives students the full range of skills they need to thrive

in today’s competitive, interconnected and ever-changing world. Every Clark

student benefits from this comprehensive liberal arts curriculum infused with

life-changing world, work and personal experiences.

R O b u s t s k I L L s f O R A D y N A M I c w O R L D

Through LEEP, you’ll develop skills sought by top employers—abilities that include creativity and imagination, self-directedness, resilience and persistence — which Clark refers to as capacities of effective practice.

LEEP also ensures that you graduate prepared to address 21st-century challenges with passion, confidence, and integrity.

s u P P O R t A t E v E R y s t E P

LEEP is an integrated learning continuum that begins as you transition from high school to college, and extends throughout your time at —and after—Clark. It will help you adapt to new experiences and connect to the classes, people, places, and opportunities that will change your life—so that you can change the world.

• your first-year Intensive, a small, seminar- style class with an academic focus — taught by your pre-major faculty adviser — will introduce you to college-level work in a safe, supportive setting.

P E R s O N A L A N D P R O f E s s I O N A L c O N N E c t I O N s

The best way to explore your interests is by learning firsthand from world-class professors — as well as from alumni, business leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, researchers and scientists with relevant careers and expertise. LEEP is designed to help you do just that.

• At the LEEP center, you’ll work closely with LEEP Center advisers to explore your interests and gain relevant experience through volunteering, internships, research projects, study abroad, extracurricular activities and more.

• the LEEP Project is one of the most ambitious and exciting experiences you’ll have at Clark. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to explore your interests in-depth alongside professors and industry leaders and prove to yourself, the Clark community and potential employers that you’ve built the foundations to make immediate contributions to your field.

y O u ’ R E N O t j u s t R E A D y t O L E E P — y O u ’ v E A L R E A D y b E G u N

As you read about the diverse projects our students have completed, we hope you’re inspired to contemplate the topics you’re most passionate about, the places in the world you want to experience, and the complex global issues you hope to solve. Your LEEP Center adviser is ready to discuss all of your options with you. the next move is yours.

It’s much more than an education!

LEEP is a lifelong journey of

professional achievement,

global citizenship, and nonstop

personal growth and exploration.

And for members of the

Clark University Class of 2020,

that journey begins today.

at Clark, all students experience LEEP: inside and outside of the classroom, in a lab, participating in a sport or club, studying abroad or volunteering in the community. students are invited to:

• O r i e n t to new courses and activities that will inspire and challenge them;

• explOre talents and life goals through research, networking, work and play — on and off campus; and

• Act on what they learn by integrating their knowledge, skills, and community interactions, and putting them to use.

Students become LEEP Fellows to enhance their learning through LEEP Projects. Faculty mentors, Clark alumni and organizational partners work with the Fellows on research that spans the breadth of Clark’s academic areas, from the social sciences to business, from the humanities to the sciences.

The following students’ LEEP Projects have provided opportunities for them to connect their academic learning with professional development. They have explored, in depth, topics about which they are passionate, and have demonstrated mastery of the five LEEP Learning Outcomes, including the ability to integrate skills and knowledge and to solve complex problems through creative thinking, collaboration and persistence.

The 2015 LEEP Fellows hail from places like Texas and Oregon, as well as South Korea, Jamaica and the Czech Republic. And they traveled to places like Tibet, Mexico, and the Appalachian Trail (all of it). They interviewed and befriended fascinating people, observed and researched exotic environments, and obtained new knowledge and skills that will prepare them for meaningful careers and lives.

HAPPENSWI TH

FELLOWS

t h e s O c i A l s c i e n c e s p r O j e c t s

“ MY L E E P P ROJ ECT P ROv I d E d M E w I T h T h E P E R F ECT

P L AT FO R M to a P P Ly t h E t h E o r i E s T h AT I ’ v E L E A R n E d

I n T h E C L A SS RO O M to r E a L-wo r L d E x P E r i E n C E s .

I L E A R n E d T h AT yo u n g P E o P L E h av E a Pa s s i o n

fo r L E a r n i n g , A n d t h E y h av E g r E at i d E a s

A b O U T T h E I R CO M M U n I T I E S A n d T h E I R CO U n T RY,

b U T t h E y j u st a r E n ’ t g i v E n t h E s PaC E to d i s C u s s

t h o s E t h o u g h ts w i t h ot h E r s .”

jheanell Lumsden ’16 From: Kingston, Jamaica Major: PsychologyProject Mentor: Assistant Professor Eric deMeulenaereLEEP Project Sponsor: Planning Institute of JamaicaNurturing the Future: Youth Empowerment through Creativity and Dialogue

t h e A r t s p r O j e c t s

Jeppsen Idea Lab: Statuette of an Olmec Leader

Elizabeth worked on a worcester Art Museum exhibit, “The Jeppson Idea Lab: Olmec Incised Standing Figure,” in a section of the museum dedicated to showcasing single objects from the permanent collection. She helped generate ideas and formulate content for the iPad display for the exhibit, researched the museum’s Pre-Colombian collection, and wrote the copy for the instructional guide to the collection, ensuring it conformed to Massachusetts’ state curriculum frameworks.

Telsey Advisory Group Research Analyst Internship

Rahul interned at the Telsey Advisory Group, a small equity research firm in new York City. The internship lasted 10 weeks between June 1 and August 7. he assisted the senior research analysts in gathering and processing information, writing research reports and notes, and giving presentations to clients on the future stock price and quality of the companies that they own.

Rahul Dutt ’16 From: new York, n.Y.Major: EconomicsProject Mentor: Assistant Professor Chang hongLEEP Project Sponsor: Telsey Advisory Group

Elisabeth spak ’16 From: Storrs, Conn.Majors: Cultural Studies and Communication; Studio ArtProject Mentor: Associate Professor John Garton

b u s i n e s s d e v e l O p m e n t p r O j e c t s

Internship at vision Advertising in worcester, Mass.

Ethan interned with vision Advertising, a company in worcester that provides search, social, email and public relations marketing as well as website design and development. Throughout the summer Ethan interned full time and he completed tasks like posting to Facebook, search engine optimization and writing press releases. he worked with Cynthia Conti, professor of cultural studies and communication, and learned advertising theories and read selected passages on guerilla marketing, branding, product placement, buzz talk, and consumer profiling.

An Inter-generational Study of the Adams Men: deacon John, Founder John Adams, and John Quincy Adams

Gretta engaged in historical research on the prominent and historically presidential Adams family. She researched father-son family dynamics, with a special focus on career choices, among John Adams Sr., John Adams Jr., and John Quincy Adams.

The Role of Language in a Technologically Saturated world

Jandi worked for Language Connections, a brighton-based translation and interpretation company. She completed a writing-intensive marketing internship where she performed tasks ranging from creating newsletters conveying the advantages of overcoming language barriers, to translating documents for clients.

jandi keum ’16 From: Seoul, South Korea and San José, Costa RicaMajor: Political ScienceProject Mentor: Shari worthingtonLEEP Project Sponsor: Language Connections

Gretta cox-Gorton ‘16 From: Francestown, n.h.Major: history Project Mentor: Professor drew McCoy

Ethan Giles ’17 From: Merion, Pa. Major: EconomicsProject Mentor: Professor Cynthia ContiLEEP Project Sponsor: vision Advertising

h u m A n i t i e s p r O j e c t s

h u m A n i t i e s p r O j e c t s

The women who Challenged Convention and Changed Clark’s world

hannah interviewed some of the Clark alumnae who were the first women to attend the University in the 1940s. She also performed research in the Clark Archives and at outside resources like the worcester historical Society to create a living document about the women who broke down the University’s gender wall.

Concentration Camp Money and the holocaust

Marisa researched a collection of money donated to the Strassler Center for holocaust and Genocide Studies by alumnus Robert Messing ’59. This money was in circulation in European concentration camps during the holocaust, but little else was known about it. She researched the background of concentration camp money in a general sense, such as how it was acquired and what it was used for. She also catalogued the money and considered how the donation could benefit Clark students in other scholarly disciplines including history, economics, and art history.

Stress Reduction with Tibetan Meditations

Jules spent six weeks in India, learning from and speaking with Tibetan monks — and his holiness the dalai Lama. he had the opportunity to have deep, meaningful, and intellectually stimulating conversations with others. At Clark’s Fall Fest, Jules gave a talk on how Tibetan buddhism can benefit western science (and vice versa) and shared how the principles of forgiveness can relieve stress in everyday life.

Hannah kogut ‘17 From: Ellington, Conn.Majors: Screen Studies, history Project Mentor: Professor Marianne SarkisLEEP Project Sponsor: 75 Years of women at Clark Committee

Marisa Natale ’17 From: Cumberland, R.I. Major: historyProject Mentor: Professor Thomas Kuehne

jules Ochoa ’16 From: Austin, TexasMajor: PhilosophyProject Mentor: wes deMarco

t h e s c i e n c e s p r O j e c t s

“ d o i n g r E s E a r C h i n a g r a d uat E L a b

O n h U M A n - CO M P U T E R I n T E R ACT I O n wA S

A T R U LY G R E AT E x P E R I E n C E . h E L P i n g P E o P L E

w I T h d I S A b I L I T I E S A n d at t h E s a m E t i m E

d o i n g s o m E t h i n g i a m Pa s s i o n at E a b o u t

b r oa d E n E d my P E r s P E C t i v E , A n d G R E AT LY

I M P ROv E d MY g r a d uat E

s C h o o L P r o s P E C ts .”

jiri Roznovjak ’18From: vsetin, Czech Republic Majors: Computer Science; MathematicsProject Mentor: Assistant Professor John MageeResearch for People with Severe Motion Disabilities


Antony Gruness ’17 From: Esch-sur-Alzette, LuxembourgMajor: biochemistryFaculty mentor: Professor Sergio Granados-Focil LEEP Project Sponsor: boston Children’s hospital

developing new Molecules to Fight drug-Resistant bacteria

danielle and other Clark students are working with Professor Jakobsche to use organic chemistry to make new molecules that can combat MRSA infections. MRSA and other drug-resistant bacteria, which cannot be treated by most currently available antibiotics, have become a significant human health concern, and the problem is projected to increase as more and more strains develop resistance.

designing Molecules to block Misfolded Proteins from Promoting diseases

devon and other Clark students are working with Professors Jakobsche and Lazo to develop new chemical molecules that can modify amyloid fibrils. when normal human proteins fold incorrectly, they can accidently create amyloid structures, many of which are associated with human diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and even hIv infection. This collaborative research at Clark aims to better understand the amyloid structures and to develop new strategies for preventing the associated diseases.

Anesthesiology research internship in boston, Mass.

Antony did an internship in anesthesiology at boston Children’s hospital. Along with other interns, he was involved in a research project with one of the attending anesthesiologists at bCh. Furthermore, he had the opportunity to get training as an anesthesia technician and help the anesthesiologists during their operating room work.

Danielle Augur ’16 From: wallingford, Conn.Majors: Chemistry; International development and Social ChangeProject Mentor: Assistant Professor Charles Jakobsche

Devon fontaine ’17 From: Monson, Mass.Major: ChemistryProject Mentor: Assistant Professor Charles Jakobsche

Examining the role of cis-regulatory modules in the regulation of the gene twin of eyeless in d. melanogaster

Luke is working to identify cis-regulatory elements that control expression of the eye development gene twin of eyeless in drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). Using computational methods he identified a set of dnA sequences in the fruit fly that are similar in other species of flies, and then predicted the ability of a selected group of proteins to bind to these dnA sequences. Currently he is evaluating how these dnA sequences interact with selected proteins to affect the ability of fruit flies to properly develop eyes.

Assessing Potential Contributors to Coes Pond Pollution Using Multi-Criteria Evaluation

Zachary’s project focused on the construction of GIS-based maps and was part of the Coes Pond Restoration Initiative cluster led by Associate Professor Timothy downs. Zachary produced GIS maps for use within the cluster, the 2016 Environmental Science and Justice Practicum class, and community partners. The project aids decision-makers and stakeholders in how best to deal with pollution in the reservoir, the pollution’s means of entry into the reservoir, and the variety of topographical traits of the reservoir and surrounding areas.

Research for People with Severe Motion disabilities

Jiri conducted computer vision research on helping people with severe motion disabilities to interact with the computer. Jiri’s team collaborated to improve a video-based computer mouse that allows severely disabled people to control their computers without having to directly manipulate the mouse. The majority of the research took place at boston University under Professor John Magee.

Luke Nourie ’17 From: Milton, Mass. Major: biochemistry and Molecular biologyProject Mentor: Associate Professor Robert drewell

Zachary Peloquin ’16 From: Sutton, Mass.Major: EnvironmentalScience (EnvironmentalConservation and biology track)Project Mentor: Professor Florencia Sangermano

jiri Roznovjak ’18 From: vsetin, Czech Republic Majors: ComputerScience; MathematicsProject Mentor: Assistant Professor John Magee


Creating Molecular Tools to Analyze Cancer Inhibitors

Maria and previous LEEP Fellow Ashley burke are working with Professor Jakobsche to develop a new analytical method based on a molecular probe that the Jakobsche group designed and synthesized. This probe molecule analyzes how well different chemical molecules can inhibit specific enzymes, and the group is especially interested in using this method to identify molecules that can potently and selectively block the enzymes that cause human cancers to become aggressive, metastatic, and most deadly.

Granular Materials Research

nuzhat studied the behavior of different granular particles, such as hydrogels, at different states and temperatures. She observed and analyzed the properties granular materials show in solid, liquid and gas forms and the patterns created when they are stimulated. high-resolution imaging was used to capture all the movements of the granular fluids when they were disturbed. This allowed nuzhat and her fellow researchers to view how the material behaves even between milliseconds.

Maria solares ’17 From: Guatemala City, GuatemalaMajor: biochemistry and Molecular biology Project Mentor: Assistant Professor Charles Jakobsche

Nuzhat tabassum tani ’17 From: dhaka, bangladeshMajor: PhysicsProject Mentor: Professor Arshad Kudrolli

“ L E E P t u r n E d o u t to b E v E ry s u P P o rt i v E O F R E S E A RC h

wO R K w i t h i n t h E P h ys i C a L s C i E n C E s . bY P ROv I d I n G

st u d E n ts w i t h t h E o P P o rt u n i t y TO TA K E T h E I R I d E A S

A n d d R I v E S I n TO T h E I R Ow n h A n dS , L E E P P ROJ ECTS

a L Low st u d E n ts L i k E m E to s E E t h E o r E t i C a L C L a s s

work ComE to L ifE . ThE TEChnICAL And PRObLEM-SOLvInG

skiLLs i ’vE bEEn abLE to dEv ELoP dURInG MY LEEP PROJECT

A R E S U R E TO a s s i st m E i n my f u t u r E C a r E E r s .”

Danielle Augur ’16From: wallingford, Conn.Majors: Chemistry; International development and Social ChangeProject Mentor: Assistant Professor Charles JakobscheDeveloping New Molecules to Fight Drug-Resistant Bacteria


water Monitoring in new Mexico’s Four Corners: hydraulic Fracturing and the diné navajo Community

Chyna interned at the western Environmental Law Center in Taos from May through July 2015. She worked with navajo communities negatively impacted by hydraulic fracturing pollution in the Four Corners region. The Law Center has partnered with navajo community coalitions to track water pollution.

Research on LbG health data Inequities and the Impact of Racism on Racial Minorities

Themal served as an intern in the department of Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, under the purview of vickie M. Mays, Ph.d., MSPh. during his eight-week internship, he explored the negative impact of the absence of data on sexual orientation in health & human Services statistical datasets, and the need to adopt an integrative scientific approach in support of the racial justice movement and the prevention of racism.

“Our Kids Are being Killed”: Media Representations of Constance Malcolm, Lesley McSpadden and Samaria Rice

danika’s project looked at how the mothers of police brutality victims were portrayed in the media in conjunction with stereotypes regarding motherhood, political legitimacy and race. her project sought to paint a picture of what it is like to be a mother activist in America.

chyna Dixon ’16 From Taos, n.M.Major: Political ScienceProject Mentor: Professor Cynthia CaronLEEP Project Sponsor: The western Environmental Law Center

Danika Gloege ’16 From: Salem, Ore. Major: PsychologyProject Mentor: Assistant Professor nicola Curtin

themal Ellawala ’17 From: Colombo, Sri LankaMajor: Psychology Project Mentor: Associate Professor Estaban CardemilLEEP Project Sponsor: UCLA department of Psychology/UCLA Center of Minority health disparities

Community based Management of village Poultry Systems in Communities around Puebla, Mexico

John’s LEEP project utilized community-based management (CbM) of village poultry systems in communities around Puebla, Mexico. The goal of the project was to empower and unite communities by raising chickens to alleviate poverty. he developed this project as an extension of the humanitarian work of the mission organization International Ministries, with whom he partnered to conduct interviews and collect data on the success of the project.

Romanticized Psychological Abuse in Georgian Relationships

Keke completed a two-part research project to show how psychological abuse in romantic relationships is normalized in Georgian society. The data was collected in Georgia through surveys and interviews.

nurturing the Future: Youth Empowerment through Creativity and dialogue

Jheanell performed a critical dialogue project implemented with a group of 22 unattached youth in Majesty Gardens, an urban community in Kingston. The program used a liberatory education model through the creation of a trust-filled and open environment for problem-posing and discussion, combined with creative activities to appeal to these youths so as to offer them an enjoyable means of critically thinking about their experiences in society.

john Hite ’17 From: Royersford, Pa. Majors: Geography; SpanishProject Mentor: Associate Professor James MurphyLEEP Project Sponsor: American baptist International Ministries

jheanell Lumsden ’16 From: Kingston, Jamaica Major: PsychologyProject Mentor: Assistant Professor Eric deMeulenaere LEEP Project Sponsor: Planning Institute of Jamaica

keke kaikhosroshvili ’16 From: Tbilisi, GeorgiaMajor: Psychology Minor: women’s and Gender Studies Project Mentor: Assistant Professor Andrew Stewart

U.S. department of State, diplomatic Security Internship

nathalie interned with the U.S. department of State, diplomatic Security Service in boston, Mass. In addition to the internship, she conducted research on females in the federal government, and how their presence or lack thereof contributes to the overall social dynamics in the field. her project aimed to develop an understanding of the demographics in federal agencies, the prospect of women’s advancement within this field, the ways in which the federal government promotes their success, and how their integration plays a role in day-to-day functions.

building Community Assistance of Refugee Resettlement

nikala assisted the Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC) in worcester to document their process of assisting refugees to become integrated United States citizens. This documentation included the basic steps of refugee resettlement and RIACs process specifically. The information was then used to help write training materials for new interns, write grants to expand the organization’s capacity to teach ESL, and inform local citizens of the struggles refugees go through and how RIAC helps.

Nathalie Notarianni ’16 From: Kwajalein, Marshall IslandsMajor: Political ScienceProject Mentor: Professor Kristen williamsLEEP Project Sponsor: U.S. department of State

Nikala Pieroni ’16 From: Olympia, wash.Major: International development and Social ChangeProject Mentor: Associate Professor Anita FabosLEEP Project Sponsor: Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center


Moriah Day ’15 From: Exeter, MaineMajor: Environmental ScienceProject Mentor: dominik Kulakowski

Exploring Perceptions of Space on the Appalachian Trail and beyond

Ted spent five months hiking the Appalachian Trail between March and August of this year. Upon return he began work on the second part of his LEEP Project for Fall Fest: he used the blog posts he logged during his 2,189-mile trek to conduct dialogue sessions about space.

Immersion into Israeli Culture through Finance

Jacob travelled to Jerusalem, Israel where he interned at the prestigious venture capital firm OurCrowd. he worked five days a week at OurCrowd in its Investment department to gain deeper understanding of the intellectual and classroom theory of economics and the application of economics in the work environment. Reiner also volunteered with Israel Lacrosse and played in the Israel Premier Lacrosse League while in Israel.

Forest Regeneration after Spruce beetle Outbreaks under Future Climate Scenarios

Moriah did graduate research for her accelerated master’s degree in geographic information sciences. She collected field data relating to seedling abundance in varying topographical locations during the summer of 2015 to supplement her current data. Moriah used empirical modeling techniques in a geographic information system to model suitability for forest regeneration in the years 2050, 2100, and 2150 across the study area of Colorado.

theodore Randich ’16 From: newington, Conn. Major: GeographyProject Mentor: Associate Professor Mark davidsonLEEP Project Sponsor: Greater worcester Land Trust

jacob Reiner ’17 From: Farmington, Conn. Majors: Economics; GeographyProject Mentor: President david AngelLEEP Project Sponsor: OurCrowd

s u s tA i n A b i l i t y p r O j e c t s

Field Research on Spruce beetle and Fire Interactions in Colorado high-Elevation Forests

digby conducted field research on the possible feedback and relationships between wildfire, spruce beetle outbreaks, and climate change in subalpine forests in Colorado. The research focused on how climate change is affecting the occurrence, extent, and severity of disturbances such as spruce beetle outbreaks and wildfires.

Greening Transportation at Clark University

hannah worked with Sustainable Clark to assess Clark’s transportation situation in relation to the Climate Action Plan and Climate Commitment. This project involved inventorying and assessing the current commuting situation of Clark faculty and staff as well as that of similar institutions, surveying the faculty and staff population, and analyzing the potential for adoption of alternative methods of transportation.

Renewable Energy

Zach’s project comprised three parts: implementing a USb charging station in the Clark bistro, outfitting classrooms in the Sackler Science building, and constructing a wind turbine microgrid to be used at a location on campus. This project required a lot of hands-on work to assemble and maintain the circuitry used in research. It also included the use of computer software that controled the systems and recorded data.

Hannah Rosenblum ’16 From: San Jose, Calif. Majors: Geography, Cultural Studies and CommunicationProject Mentor: director of Sustainability Jenny Isler

Digby kalert ’17 From: Fort Collins, Colo.Majors: Spanish, GeographyProject Mentor: Associate Professor dominik Kulakowski

Zachary weller ’16 From: Kingston, JamaicaMajor: PhysicsProject Mentor: Professor Charles Agosta

s u s tA i n A b i l i t y p r O j e c t s

Zachary weller ’16 From: Kingston, JamaicaMajor: PhysicsProject Mentor: Professor Charles Agosta Renewable Energy

“ wO R K I n G w I T h s o L a r m i C r o g r i d t E C h n o Lo gy

CO n T I n U E S TO P ROv I d E M E w I T h I n vA LUA b L E E x P E R I E n C E .

T h E wO R K w E A R E d O I n G n Ow I S j u st t h E b E g i n n i n g ;

f u t u r E C L a r k i E s w i L L L E a r n F RO M T h E E x A M P L E S

w E ’ v E S E T A n d A P P LY T h E t E C h n o Lo gy to b E n E f i t

t h E w i d E r Co m m u n i t y. A S O L A R C h A RG I n G STAT I O n

h A S T h E P OT E n T I A L TO b LO SS O M I n TO a f u L Ly

f u n C t i o n i n g syst E m t h at C a n P ow E r C L a s s r o o m s ,

E v E n E n T I R E b U I L d I n G S

O n CA M P U S .”

w H E N w I L L yO u H Av E

yO u R c L A R k M O M E N t ?

Greg french ’18 Majors: biology; Premed

clarku.edu/visit

“ I wA s E N j Oy I N G Lu N c H I N t H E c A f E t E R I A a n d t h E n

wa L k E d i n to t h E u .C . to s E E s o m a n y st u d E n t C Lu b s

r E P r E s E n t E d. I R E A L I Z E D A L L t H E Ot H E R s c H O O L s i wa s

Lo o k i n g at D I D N ’ t H Av E t H I s E N E R Gy A N D D I v E R s I t y.

t H At ’ s w H E N I k N E w C L a r k wa s w h E r E i wa n t E d to b E .”

clark university fellows guide

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