Graduate Profiles Grand Valley State University Class of Fall 2012
Congratulations Graduates! The Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships commends you on the completion of your undergraduate studies at Grand Valley State University and reminds you that we also serve alumnae. We know you have a bright future ahead and will look forward to the many great things you will accomplish in the years to come. Nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships are highly selective funding opportunities to pursue study, public service, foreign service, research opportunities, and more at both the undergraduate and graduate level in the U.S. and abroad. They are an award for past performance, recognition of your future promise, and are often springboards to greater opportunities. A non-exhaustive list of award opportunities can be found under the Award Opportunities tab at www.gvsu.edu/fellowships. If you have interest in applying for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships in the future, please call (616) 331-3219 or e-mail fellowships@gvsu.edu. We look forward to working with you! Wishing you continued success,
Amanda Cuevas Director
Katherine Anoyiannakis: Psychology Senior Project: Progression of Supports for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities Through the Use of Technology: A Review of the Literature Summary: Review of the literature on the use of technology, such as iPads and tablets, with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) and other developmental disabilities. New technology applications may allow professionals to expand the use of a number of different visual systems, including picture communication systems, self-management programs, and reward systems that can benefit these students. Activities/Awards: Member of Psi Chi, the psychology honor society Study Abroad experience: Journey to Greece through the America Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and the University of Indianapolis. I volunteered at the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2011 in Athens, Greece with other students of Greek-American decent. Internship/Practicum experience: Huntington Woods Early Childhood Center, working under school psychology Dr. Lillian Cummings assisting in the special education classrooms. Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Succeeding in my major and graduating early. Plans after graduation: Attend graduate school for a specialist degree in school psychology. Jacob Blossfeld: Accounting and Finance Senior Project: Inside Internships Summary: A website aimed towards helping GVSU students attain internships with local companies. Research and presentations: Back to Basics: the Biomechanics of Barefoot Running (Student Scholars Day 2011) Leaderships Activities: Treasurer of Seidman IPO. Activities/Awards: GV rowing team/ Seidman College of Business Study Abroad Scholarship/ 2x Intramural Sports Champion Study Abroad experience: Summer School in Shanghai Internship/Practicum experience: Finance Intern at Haworth Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Accepting a position at Rehmann for after graduation. Plans after graduation: Work in public accounting and earn my CPA
Grace Bommarito: Cell & Molecular Biology Senior Project: “Revealing Expression of cAR1 protein in Dictyostelium discoideum” Summary: The central focus of this project will be to “clean up” an anti-receptor antibody batch and ultimately present the data at Student Scholar Day 2013. These antibodies were used in a BIO 406 lab during the summer 2012 semester and did not produce the desired results, but instead had a lot of non-specific background. My project for this semester was to use two different techniques to attempt to purify the batch so that it may be utilized in BIO 406 in the future. Research and presentations: “Defining the Basal Phylogenetic Relationships of Commelinaceae” worked under Dr. Tim Evans. Attempted to clarify the phylogeny for the plant family Commelinaceae through the analysis of the chloroplast gene ndhF Leaderships Activities: Helped organize Soccer for Sudan and Freedom Formal to raise awareness and donations for Sudanese refugees and women involved in sex trafficking here in West Michigan as part of my honors junior seminar with Prof. Kravitz. Activities/Awards: I am Grand Valley Award, 2010 Internship/Practicum experience: Currently interning at the Michigan State Police Grand Rapids Crime Laboratory validating the Spermfinder microscope. Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Finally being able to intern at the MSP Grand Rapids crime lab after applying 3 years in a row. Plans after graduation: Find a forensic biologist position, ideally with the MSP, and eventually go back to earn my Master’s degree in Forensic Biology.
Katelyn Buchholz: Psychology Senior Project: Psychotherapy as Treatment for Depression in Aging Populations Summary: Comprehensive literature review of psychotherapy as treatment for depression in aging populations. Research on various therapy modalities including, but not limited to; interpersonal, mindfulness, solution focused, rational emotive behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Outcomes related to aging populations will be specifically targeted, and an integrative multi-modal treatment model will be conceptualized. My research will culminate in an approximately twenty to twenty-five page paper, and a poster presentation at the eighth annual Art and Science of Aging Conference hosted by Grand Valley State University. Research and presentations: Research assistant for both Mary Bower Russa, Ph.D. and Tara Cornelius Ph.D. Projects for Dr. Bower Russa focused on predictors of punitive parenting, and those for Dr. Cornelius involved a campus wide assessment of interpersonal violence within dating relationships. Activities/Awards: GV Students for Fair Trade, jobs at Hope Network Behavioral Health Services & Pine Rest Center for Psychiatric Residential Services. 2009-2012: Dean’s List, 2009-2012: Faculty Scholarship Award of Distinction Study Abroad experience: Psychology of Social Inequality, Nicaragua, Summer 2011 Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Being approached to co-author a book chapter with Dr. Ellen Shupe. The Effects of Not Working: A Psychological Framework for Understanding the Experience of Job Loss, was accepted into The Psychology of the Recession on the Workplace, currently in press. Plans after graduation: Currently applying for Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology. I would like to research efficacious treatments for mood and anxiety disorders in adults. Career goals include becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, and working within academia at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Megan Drahos: Psychology and Spanish Senior Project: Emotion Socialization Strategies in Spanish Mothers Summary: Over 30 interviews from Spanish mothers from Spain on emotion socialization strategies were collected, transcribed, translated, and then coded. The purpose of the project was to explore the differences of emotion socialization strategies among cultures. Research and presentations: Terror Management Theory Laboratory, SelfAdministration with Ethanol in Male Wistar Rats, Emotion Socialization Strategies in European-American and Hispanic-American Women, Perceived Exertion Studies Comparing Dancing and Stationary Cycling. Activities/Awards: Psi Chi Member, Women’s Rugby Athlete, Intramural Athlete, Backpacking Club. Study Abroad experience: Studied abroad in Madrid, Spain. While studying abroad I traveled to Ireland, Portugal, Hungary, Poland, England, Majorca and the Aran Islands. Internship/Practicum experience: While studying abroad in Spain I interned at Hospital Niño Jesus – a children’s hospital. I worked in the newborn ward. Also I worked with hospitalized patients with eating disorders. Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Graduating early with a double major and completing the Honors program. Plans after graduation: I plan to stay in the Grand Rapids area working as a sales representative, and to continue lab work at Grand Valley.
Ashlee Forde: Integrated Science (Elementary Education) Senior Project: ‘Earth, Moon & Sun: A Fourth Grade Unit Plan’ Summary: My senior project, ‘Earth, Moon & Sun: A Fourth Grade Unit Plan’, serves as a culmination of my Integrated Science and Elementary Education studies. The unit combines my personal learning philosophy with the current research in education to produce an original, effective piece of curriculum. The lessons are comprehensive and inquiry-based, taking a hands-on/minds-on approach to learning about our planet and its place in the solar system. Included within the unit are the research, pedagogy, and materials necessary for the lessons to be implemented successfully as well as ample opportunities for differentiation in order to address the specific needs of students in a variety of settings. Leaderships Activities: GVSU Student Council for Exceptional Children, Trio M-Power Tutor, Honors Freshman Mentor Activities/Awards: Dean’s List all semesters Internship/Practicum experience: 1st grade Teacher Assistant at Knapp Forest Elementary (Forest Hills Public Schools) in Grand Rapids, MI (January – April 2012), 3rd grade Student Teacher at Godfrey Elementary (GodfreeLee Public Schools) in Wyoming , MI (September – December 2012) Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: I co-presented at the 2011 GVSU Fall Science Update with Dr. Doug Furton. Our presentation was titled ‘Construct and Use a Moon-Phase Manipulative’ and included and expanded on pieces of my Honors Senior Project. Plans after graduation: In January 2013 I am moving Philadelphia, PA to start my teaching career!
Elizabeth Kuchenmeister: Behavioral Science, with minors in Middle East Studies and International Relations Senior Project: “Palestinian Society and How it is Perceived” Leaderships Activities: President of Peace Means 2011-2012 Activities/Awards: I Am Grand Valley 2010, 2011. Study Abroad experience: Arabic language and culture in Amman, Jordan Internship/Practicum experience: Taught English at Paidia International Development’s summer camp in the West Bank, 2012; Applied for grants for GoodTemps Temporary Staffing Services, Fall 2012. Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: I am proud to have played an integral role in bringing in guest speaker Dr. Norman Finkelstein in Winter 2012.
Carla Landhuis: English Language and Literature and Spanish Language and Literature Senior Project: Could Our Culture Be Killing Us? An Observational and Intellectual Review of U.S. and Spanish Food Cultures Summary: In the spring of 2011, I studied abroad in Bilbao, Spain. During my five-month stay, I noticed fewer obese and overweight citizens than in the United States and wondered why. I was compelled to examine the discrepancy when I felt I was eating more in Spain yet not gaining weight. My aim in this project was to explore the differences between the food cultures in the U.S. and Spain to discover if our weight and health issues are affected by our cultures, if it is our culture that is “killing” us and if we could escape from it. I determined that our culture does make it difficult for us to be healthy, but it is the individual’s choice to strive for a health life. Research and presentations: “Enchanted by Fairy Tale Retellings”-English capstone thesis Leaderships Activities: Honors mentor from 2010 to 2011, Co-led a spring break team to Alabama in 2012, Campus Ministry leader since 2011 Activities/Awards: Worked various campus jobs, including the writing center from 2010-present, Dean’s List every year, volunteered at the Conference for the Asociación Internacional de Literatura y Cultura Femenina Hispánica Study Abroad experience: Bilbao, Spain, January to May 2011 Internship/Practicum experience: Student researcher and transcriber for the Young Lords of Lincoln Park Project, Intern with Campus Ministries @ GVSU Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: As nerdy as it sounds, I have not missed a class for any reason. My college education has a monetary value fixed to it but I also value the valuable knowledge that can only be learned during each class, and so I made it a priority to be present for every class. Plans after graduation: Travel to Guatemala for five months to work with a local church outside of Guatemala City to lead after-school programs.
Danielle Marie Lucksted: Psychology, with a minor in English Senior Project: “Comparative Social Policy: Women in the U.S. and Ireland, through the lens of the Catholic Church” (Advisor: Dr. Joan Borst of the Social Work department). Summary: Tied in with a two-week study abroad program on Social Work in urban and rural Ireland, this comparative social policy paper involved extensive research on contraceptive and abortion legislation, employment laws, female poverty, childcare, social expectations, and the role of religion on attitudes, perceptions, and legislation of women in the United States and Ireland. Research and presentations: Undergraduate Social Psychology Research Assistant to Dr. Todd Williams and Dr. Kristy Dean in the Psychology department for one year each. (Areas: Terror Management Theory, Ego depletion, Embodied cognition). Student Scholar’s Day Poster Presentation 2012 with advisor Dr. Kristy Dean: “Ignored, Vulnerable, and Invisible: Evidence for an Embodied Social Metaphor” (Social Psychology) Leaderships Activities: Psi Chi (Psychology Honors Society) President Activities/Awards: Organizations: Psi Chi, Women’s Center internship. Scholarships: Award for Excellence, Faculty Scholarship, State Competitive Scholarship, Study Abroad Grant through Padnos International Center Study Abroad experience: Academic Year 2010/2011 in Kingston, England (Kingston University). Faculty-led Social Work summer trip to Ireland. Internship/Practicum experience: Undergraduate VAWA Grant Intern to Theresa Rowland in the GVSU Women’s Center, on-call Shelter Assistant at Safe Haven Ministries (Domestic Violence shelter) Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Studying abroad twice (which included article publications for Grand Valley and my hometown newspaper on the Royal Wedding while in England), and organizing the various events and programs associated with Domestic Violence Awareness Month for October 2012 through the Women’s Center. Plans after graduation: Education: Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Human Rights in the UK and/or an MSW in the United States. Career plans: Direct a university Women’s Center or work for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Kathryn McEachin: Accounting Senior Project: The Business of Wedded Bliss Summary: The Business of Wedded Bliss examines the cost of marriage today and in 1962 (exactly 50 years ago). This research has determined if the average price of a wedding in 2012 is greater than the cost in 1962, with adjustments for inflation, or if the cost has risen parallel to inflation, and no change has occurred. The Business of Wedded Bliss also examines the society influence that marriage holds, specifically from a religious, legal, and generation perspective, and the changes that have occurred in society in the last half-century. Leaderships Activities: Resident Assistant – Ravines Apartments & Winter Secchia Downtown Apartments, Beta Alpha Psi Member, Honors Community Council Service Chair Activities/Awards: Dean’s List, I Am Grand Valley Internship/Practicum experience: Tax Internship with Deloitte Tax LLP, Winter 2012 Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Graduation with Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting in 6 semesters Plans after graduation: Tax Internship with BDO USA LLP, Winter 2013 & Graduate School at Walsh College for Masters of Science in Taxation
Aubrey McMahan: International Relations, with minors in German Language & Literature and Middle Eastern Studies Senior Project: “Coping with a War Never Seen: How the Youth Are Rising Out of the Lebanese Civil War’s Aftermath” Summary: This project is a combination of an academic research paper, multiple in-class presentations, and an online blog. Based on a Lebanon in-country study visit fellowship with the National Council on US-Arab Relations, this project provides a historical analysis and an overview of the daily culture and lifestyle of the people of the region with an emphasis on Lebanon’s youth. Research and presentations: Independent Project: “Austrian Youth Involvement Trends: An Analysis”; Facilitator of “Show & Tell: Combining the Beauty of Cultures to Create and Interfaith World”; Facilitator of “The Immigration Issue”; Facilitator of “Exploring the US Foreign Service and State Department”; Speaker of “From Satisfactory to Superb: Writing Good Personal Statements” workshop at the Michigan Writers Center Association Conference (2011); article publication “Why Chinese Neo-Confucian Women Made a Fetish of Small Feet” in the Grand Valley Journal of History (December 2012) Leaderships Activities: Chief Justice and Head of State, National Council on US-Arab Relations Model Arab League Summits (2011-2012); President, GVSU Arab Culture Club (2011-2012); Resident Assistant (2010-2012); Member, Delta Phi Alpha German Honor Society (2011-Present); Writing Consultant, GVSU Writing Center (2011-Present); Lead Peer Research Consultant, GVSU Libraries (2012-Present) Activities/Awards: Award of Appreciation from US Ambassador to Austria William Eacho III (2010); Truman Scholar Finalist (2011); Delta Tau Delta “Committed to Lives of Excellence” Scholarship (2011); 2nd Runner Up, Miss Grand Valley State University, part of the Miss America Scholarship Program (2011); “I Am Grand Valley” Exceptional Leader Awards (2012); Scholar, “Ibn Battuta Merit Scholarship for Peace & Diplomacy” to study the Arabic language in Rabat, Morocco (one of five recipients worldwide for Summer 2012); Fellow, National Council on US-Arab Relations Fellowship to study Lebanon (one of ten recipients nationally for Summer 2012) Study Abroad experience: Graz, Austria; Ottawa, Canada; Vienna, Austria; Rabat, Morocco; Beirut, Lebanon Internship/Practicum experience: Parliamentary Intern on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada; Economic/Political Analyst for the US Embassy in Vienna, Austria Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: immersing myself in so many opportunities and resources at Grand Valley and abroad Plans after graduation: serving as a change agent in international affairs for a US agency before returning to school for a Master’s degree in international diplomacy and human rights
Brittney Mohnke: Mathematics, Secondary Education Senior Project: An Exploration of the Maasai People Summary: During the month of May 2011, Stephanie Petersen and I travelled to Arusha, Tanzania on a faculty-led Study Abroad program. While there, we spent one weekend in Monduli, a Maasai village. We experienced the Maasai culture and way of life firsthand. We camped at the base of Mount Terosero with a Maasai family, ate traditional Maasai food for the entire weekend, and hiked through the village with a Maasai guide. Our Maasai guide shared with us his knowledge about the plants and livestock while on our hike. Later that weekend, we listened to stories and legends about who the Maasai people are and where they come from. Also, we went to the Maasai market multiple times where we interacted and bartered to buy handmade Maasai products. Through these experiences, we became interested in the Maasai people and we began conducting interviews and holding conversations with Maasai people who we saw on a daily basis which we then used to compose a comprehensive research paper. Research and presentations: Student Scholars Day Leaderships Activities: Executive Board for Grand Valley Pompon Activities/Awards: Pompon team, Volunteer Tutor, Mathematics Department Scholarship Study Abroad experience: Taught Mathematics in Tanzania Internship/Practicum experience: Teacher Assistant at Central High School, Student Teacher at Portland High School Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Positive experiences and success I found teaching abroad as well as at my two placements Plans after graduation: Substitute teaching while looking for a mathematics teacher position for Fall 2013
Megan Motz: English (Secondary Education Emphasis) Senior Project: “European Language Instruction: Why the United States Needs to Catch Up” Summary: What steps the U.S. needs to take to better incorporate English language learners into curriculum. Research and presentations: Various psychology and English education research Leaderships Activities: Honors College Student Ambassador, coaching, tutoring Activities/Awards: Coaching Volleyball, tutoring, GVSU Best Buddies, student ambassador, study abroad, Dean’s List every semester here, Award of Excellence Study Abroad experience: Maastricht, Netherlands English education program, Summer 2011 Internship/Practicum experience: Teacher assisting in the Netherlands and in the U.S., and student teaching Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: meeting unforgettable people (students and teachers alike) Plans after graduation: Get a teaching job (preferably out West).
Melissa Perla: Biomedical Sciences Senior Project: Rehabilitation and the Struggles of Holocaust Survivors after the War Summary: For my senior project I chose to expand on a topic that I explored during my junior seminar. The body of the paper was composed during that class. In the body of the paper I discuss the entire rehabilitation process for Holocaust survivors; from the initial medical problems they had to resolve to the far-reaching psychological issues. For my senior project specifically, I compiled three case studies of Holocaust survivors to add as an appendix to this paper. Each person represents a very different perspective of life after the Holocaust. I used these case studies as small examples within the paper in addition to including a full case study of each story in the appendix at the end of the paper. Research and presentations: Presenter at the Grand Rapids Honors Conference Winter 2010 Leaderships Activities: Treasurer of the Pre-Physical Therapy Club Activities/Awards: Dean’s list, teaching assistant for anatomy and physiology labs, rock climbing club Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: My greatest accomplish would probably be getting invited to present at the Grand Rapids Honors Conference when I was a freshman. Plans after graduation: Hopefully attending physical therapy school in the fall Stephanie Petersen: Mathematics Senior Project: An Exploration of the Maasai People Summary: During the month of May 2011, we traveled to Arusha, Tanzania on a faculty-led Study Abroad program. While there, we spent one weekend in Monduli, a Maasai village. We experienced the Maasai culture and way of life firsthand. We camped at the base of Mount Terosero with a Maasai family, ate traditional Maasai food for the entire weekend, and hiked through the village with a Maasai guide. Our Maasai guide shared with us his knowledge about the plants and livestock while on our hike. Later that weekend, we listened to stories and legends about who the Maasai people are and where they come from. Also, we went to the Maasai market multiple times where we interacted and bartered to buy handmade Maasai products. Through these experiences, we became interested in the Maasai people and we began conducting interviews and holding conversations with Maasai people who we saw on a daily basis which we then used to compose a comprehensive research paper. Research and presentations: For my Mathematics Capstone Project, I was able to compare and contrast the American Educational system with that of the Tanzanian Educational system through primary experience teaching in both locations as well as secondary research. I had the honor of presenting my Capstone along with my Honor’s Senior Project to the Grand Valley Department Heads Leaderships Activities: Student Scholars Day 2012 Activities/Awards: Dean’s List every semester, Mathematics Scholarship—Grand Valley State University, Pi Mu Epsilon—Grand Valley State University, GVSU Dance Troupe—2009 through 2012 Study Abroad experience: Tanzania, Summer 2011 Internship/Practicum experience: Teacher Assisting—West Ottawa High School, Student Teaching—Spring Lake Middle School Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: My greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley was my Study Abroad experience. I entered Grand Valley as a timid individual, comfortable with my steady routine. Being pushed by my advisor and friends to travel to Tanzania had a great impact on my life. Teaching in a foreign country has augmented my passion for equity in the classroom. It has also forever shaped my personality, making me a well-rounded, worldly individual. Plans after graduation: After graduation, I plan to seek employment in Mathematics Education. Once I have completed a few years of field experience, I will return for my Master’s Degree as well as my PhD in Mathematics Education.
Hanna Poole: Nursing Senior Project: Diseases of Poverty in America Over the Last Century: Implications for Pediatric Nurses Summary: My essay examines current evidence that American children who grow up in poverty are at greater risk for developing several long-term poor health outcomes. From the end of World War I onward, historical perspectives on this phenomenon are discussed, in detail. The project includes a theoretical case study component, in which I demonstrate appropriate nursing interventions and resource utilization for an adolescent suffering from Reactive Airway Disease and Conduct Disorder. I expand on this theme by reflecting on the government and nursing roles in protecting the welfare of vulnerable children. My goals in writing this are two-fold: I intend to spark discussion about ways to move our society away from the current milieu of health disparities, and I aim to reestablish the need for widespread, evidence-based interventions targeted at children in poverty. Research and presentations: Eroica and 1812 Overture in the Context of Romantic Europe, Colonial Attitudes and Haiti, Public Health Nursing Considerations for American Adults with Comorbid Nicotine Addiction and Depression, Life in the Desert: Research on the Development and Response to Food Shortages in Urban Areas, Evolving Perspectives Ethical Decision-Making Model and Adolescent Development Leaderships Activities: Student Nurses’ Association Delegate and Nursing in the News Committee Member, Volunteer for Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids, Making Smiles for Hope, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Relay for Life, local flu shot clinics, Renucci Hospitality House, Oasis of Hope Center, and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Activities/Awards: Ballroom Dancing Club (Personal Relations Chair and Regional Competitor), Swing Dancing Club, Capoeira Mandinga/Brazilian Martial Arts Internship/Practicum experience: Helen Devos Children’s Hospital, Spectrum Health Butterworth Neuro/Spine, Labor and Delivery, and Mother/Baby floors, Grand Valley Family Health Clinic, Spectrum Health Blodgett Digestive Disease/Colorectal Surgery floor, and The Other Way Ministries Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: I will always fondly remember my immersion in various communities at Grand Valley. I was fortunate enough to find peers and mentors within the Honors College and Kirkhof College of Nursing who inspired me and helped me grow as a person. Plans after graduation: I would like to direct my nursing career towards pediatric acute care; I am fascinated with the wide range of developmental stages encountered in this setting, and I find great satisfaction in helping children and adolescents reach their physical and psychosocial potentials.
Katie Redes: International Business and Marketing Senior Project: Action Water Sports Brand Extension Summary: Marketing plan for a water sports retail location in Cadillac, MI. Leaderships Activities: President of the GVSU water ski team Activities/Awards: Club sports female athlete of the year 2011-2012, water ski team, LINK, students for a peaceful Africa Study Abroad experience: Winter Semester 2011 – Buenos Aires, Argentina Internship/Practicum experience: Financial Planning and Analysis internship at Stryker Corporation Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: My study abroad experience Plans after graduation: Exploring options and hoping for adventure
Stephanie Rupinski: Accounting & Finance Senior Project: The Financial Crisis of 2008: The Key Events & Players Summary: I looked at what led to the failure and bailout of several of the investment banks on Wall Street, and who the key players were that played roles in the financial crisis. I concentrated on the chain of events that began with lax requirements for mortgages, bundling mortgage backed securities, taking on too much risk, and not being able value these complex assets on their balance sheets- which eventually led to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, as well as the merger of several investment banks now leaving them with the title of being “too big to fail.” I also examined the decision to bail out the banks and the controversies with that decision, as well as developing a supplemental PowerPoint that gives an easy-to-understand presentation of the chain of events that resulted in this crisis we are still feeling the effects of today. Leaderships Activities: Represented Grand Valley at the Deloitte Diverse Leaders Program (Detroit, MI), the Ernst & Young Emerging Leaders Program (Grand Rapids, MI), and the BDO Pathway to Success program (Chicago, IL) Activities/Awards: Member of Phi Mu sorority; served as Treasurer of Phi Mu- Rho Eta’s Executive Board, as well as serving on the Discipline, Housing, Social and Finance committees; Member of Beta Alpha Psi (professional Accounting fraternity); Member of Beta Gamma Sigma (professional Business fraternity); Received School of Accounting Alumni Scholarship Internship/Practicum experience: Worked as the Student Assistant for the School of Accounting at Grand Valley since Winter 2010; Worked as a Summer Assurance Intern at Plante Moran in Auburn Hills (Summer 2012) Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Being elected Treasurer of Phi Mu and being able to work with the rest of the Executive Board and our members to have a successful and fun school year. Also being able to work for the School of Accounting and to represent Grand Valley at some wonderful accounting leadership programs where I was able to meet everyone from the CEO of a Big Four public accounting firm to other accounting students from around the country. Plans after graduation: I will be completing a second internship with Plante Moran in Auburn Hills this upcoming busy tax season from January-April. I then plan to go to graduate school to obtain my Master’s in Accounting and 150 credits in order to sit for the CPA exam. I will then start full time as an Assurance staff at Plante Moran in Auburn Hills in August 2014.
Jeannie Schott: Criminal Justice Senior Project: The World’s Great Flaw; Glitches in Humanity, The Story of Thomas Summary: It is a fictional short story about a young man who is an unfortunate victim of homophobic hate violence. The piece chronicles his life, beginning at the point of assault and works its way back to his early years. The project ends tying in the realities of hate violence with official statistics and accounts from victims. Leaderships Activities: Helped to found S.A.F.E. (Students Advocating Freedom & Equality), a student organization at GVSU. Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Completing my degree a semester early after having changed my major twice and working nearly full time. Plans after graduation: I plan to obtain a career within the government, hopefully with the Department of Homeland Security to start.
Rebecca Schymanski; Mathematics, with a minor in German Senior Project: A Career in Epidemiology Summary: For my senior thesis, I interned for an Epidemiologist at the Ottawa County Health Department. While there, I gained an insight into the field, as well as completed a project for the Health Department. I tested electronic methods of data collection that can be used during an outbreak. I also developed my own outbreak and data set to use to test my data collection methods. I then analyzed each test to determine what methods I felt worked best in order to give the Health Department insight into the pros and cons of each method of data collection and what methods might prove most useful to them in future outbreaks. Research and presentations: The Effects of China’s One-Child Policy Leaderships Activities: Dance Troupe Choreographer, ODK, Dance Troupe Treasurer’s Committee Activities/Awards: Dance Troupe, Dean’s List, German Honor Society, Math Honor Society, ODK Study Abroad experience: Schwäbisch-Gmünd, Germany, Summer 2012 Internship/Practicum experience: Ottawa County Health Department, Fall 2012, Shadowed in the Spectrum Health Cytogenetic Laboratory, Fall 2012 Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: My greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley was making the Dean’s List every semester. Plans after graduation: After graduation I plan to continue to investigate my career opportunities. I hope to eventually attend Graduate School to obtain a Master’s Degree and a PhD, and to continue on in a career that allows me to combine my love of math and genetics.
Olvi Tole: Information Systems (Emphasis Application Development) and Finance Senior Project: An empirical investigation of the factors affecting Web 2.0 adoption Summary: This project is a research paper that examined the motivations that led users to adopt Web 2.0. The data used comes from student perceptions of Web 2.0 expressed in an E-commerce class. A total of 1483 responses were collected and analyzed in SAS. In conclusion, four were the factors that influence user adoption of Web 2.0: its ability to provide ‘Business improvement’ and ‘Workplace collaboration’, the Innovation they offer as well as their ability to be used in personal life. Research and presentations: Poster Presentation: MIE 24th International Conference of the European Federation for Medical Informatics “Translational Meta-Analysis Tool for Temporal Gene Expression Profiles”. Guenter Tusch, Olvi Tole. Pisa Palazzo dei Congressi. Pisa, IT. August 29th, 2012. Poster Presentation: Great Lakes Bioinformatics Conference (GLBIO) “A Web Interface to Search for Similar Temporal Gene Expression Profiles”. Olvi Tole. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI. April 9th, 2012. Software Demo Presentation: MIE 23rd International Conference of the European Federation for Medical Informatics “Translational Meta-Analysis Tool for Temporal Gene Expression Profiles”. Guenter Tusch, Olvi Tole. Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel. Oslo, NO. August 29th, 2011. Poster Presentation: Great Lakes Bioinformatics Conference (GLBIO) “Towards Searching for Temporal Patterns in Gene Expression Profiles”. Olvi Tole. Ohio University. Athene, OH. May 3rd, 2011. Poster Presentation: Student Scholars Day (SSD) 2011 “Searching for Temporal Patterns in Gene Expression Profiles”. Olvi Tole, Guenter Tusch. Grand Valley State University. Allendale, MI. April 13th, 2011 Leaderships Activities: Albanian America Student Organization: Treasurer 2010 – 2011, Chess Club: Officer 2009 – 2011 Activities/Awards: Academic Conference Fund 2011, 2012; School of CIS - IS Scholarship 2010; GVSU International Merit Award 2008 – Present; Outstanding International Student Scholarship 2009. Study Abroad experience: International student from Albania in the United States Internship/Practicum experience: Amway – Enterprise Application Developer 2010 – Present; Grand Valley State University – Tutor 2008 -2010; Design Dreams Studio – Web Developer Summer 08 & 09; Bethany Christian Services (Albania) - IT Summer 07. Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Firstly are the publications where I participated at, thanks to Dr. Parag Kosalge, Dr. Guenter Tusch and Prof. Maris Stella Swift. Second would be the great level of education achieved at Grand Valley State University by pursuing a double degree in Science and Business Administration. Third would be the publication of a fully functional application into Google Play. Plans after graduation: After graduation I am going to start working right away as a Software Engineer at Amway. At the same time I am going to pursue a full time Master degree in Information Systems. After gaining some valuable experience at work I am planning to pursue an MBA in one of the top schools in the country which I hope will help me participate in the leadership of Global IT projects. In addition to my career goals that I plan to accomplish, after graduation, I also want that to constantly contribute with any way I can to the developing countries.
Kyle Wassink: Computer Science Senior Project: Correlations between Radical Islam and Right-wing extremist attack methodologies. Summary: A research paper comparing the attack characteristics of Radical Islamic terrorists and Right-wing extremists. Should substantial correlations in how these two entities plan and execute terrorist attacks be found, it could aid in effectively identifying and preventing Right-wing extremist attacks. Leaderships Activities: Youth Leader at a local church for 2 years. Internship/Practicum experience: Web Developer Intern at Meijer Corporate Headquarters (May 2012 – Current). Greatest accomplishment while at Grand Valley: Graduating a semester early and having a full time position secured prior to graduation. Plans after graduation: I will be working at Blue Medora as a Software Developer beginning this December. I plan on staying in the West Michigan area and hope to start my own business someday.
Olivia White: Chemistry Senior Project: Synthesis of a TAAR Regulator Summary: Certain small molecules produced by the thyroid gland have a balancing effect on the functioning of many normal body systems. Their imbalance can produce hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, the latter of which has proven particularly difficult to treat. Studies have suggested that a small molecule with structures similar to one studied in the Hart lab could provide a balancing mechanism to treat this disease. This senior project aimed at the organic synthesis and purification of a derivative of this molecule. This research was formally presented to both the Grand Valley Chemistry Department staff and students and at the San Diego ACS National Conference. Research and presentations: NSF-REU funded summer of research at the University of Toledo working on synthesizing and incorporating a specially altered DNA base-pair into a DNA sequence, where it was then characterized and the alterations to the structure of the DNA sequence were analyzed. This research was presented to the REU staff and students at the University of Toledo. Leaderships Activities: Small group leader in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for several years. Mentor for incoming Honors students. Activities/Awards: General chemistry facilitator for the GVSU Structured Learning Assistance program. Ballroom and social dance. Internship/Practicum experience: Research with Dr. Hart. REU research at the University of Toledo. Student teaching at Union High School. Plans after graduation: I will be teaching chemistry and physics at a small high school briefly after graduation, and then going on to graduate school to continue chemistry studies.