Lindsay Wargelin ’13
olars mix of students, alumni and faculty from all different areas.” Sherman Heckler added, “I think the students benefitted from meeting with alumni at lunch. I heard the students comparing notes to what was available on campus to alumni versus what is available today. I heard them listen to alumni talking about their career paths — how an internship led to a job, et cetera. It’s always helpful to hear stories from successful predecessors.” One alumnus, Joshua Grimm ’03, gave a spirited keynote address on studying race issues in the media and how analyzing racial media representations could help us understand their origins, theoretical implications and real world consequences.
Grimm, assistant professor at the Manship School of Communication at Louisiana State University, received his master’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas and doctorate degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. Grimm’s presentation entertained and informed, and weaved his own personal experiences and perceptions with his research. In conclusion, he expressed his gratitude to Otterbein and the support he received, particularly from some of his professors including Paul Eisenstein, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. He advised Otterbein students to “do what you love and love what you do.” Topics for the poster and slide presentations were widely varied, ranging from the very technical and esoteric to the simple and straightforward. Curtis Baker ’13 titled his poster presentation Streptomyces Diguanylate Cyclase Mutant Exhibits Early Mycelium Formation and Sporulation in Comparison to Wild Type, while Cara Hardy ’16 presented Investigating Cytosolic Perilipin 5 Translocation to the Peri-Nuclear Storage Droplet. Courtney Kast ’13 presented Research on the Genetics of Endangered Penguins, while Brianna Burke ’12 shared her fitness program simply titled Steps to a Healthier You. Julianne D’Errico ’13 displayed her costume designs for Otterbein’s theatre production of Spring Awakening, designs that “show the beauty, depth and pain of adolescents and adults alike struggling to find their truth in 1891 Germany,” she said. Wargelin found the whole process very rewarding. “Getting to plan an experiment, going through the steps to set it up and see it play out, and to see the results unfold in front of your eyes is so gratifying.” After graduating this past May, she is taking a year off to study for admission to medical school. “Otterbein is unique, in that you can make your Otterbein experience whatever you want. No two people here are going to have the same experience. To me, I was really interested in research. If you put in the effort, the opportunities are up to you
and your interests. It’s so easy to find the faculty to support you and the professors who are going to be there for you. Otterbein is full of opportunity and all you have to do is look around.” •
Top: Josh Grimm ’03 gives the keynote address in Riley Auditorium. Middle: Ikponmwosa Agho ’13 discusses his project with Michael Huston ’86. Bottom: Alumni and students at the Colloquium luncheon. From left, Harrison Ralph ’14, Kendra Schwarz ’14, Rich Klempay ’86, Susan Gaskell Merryman ’88 and Alison Ernest ’13. O tte r b e in To w e r s | Fall 2013 |
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