Thank you for picking up this semester’s issue of “Sharpur Edge!”
This edition’s theme is “Mentor Magic,” allowing individuals to unlock their passions or advance through their chosen career path. Through professional guidance, mentors serve as inspiration for their mentees, providing them with the skills and resources to promote development in all aspects of their lives.
SPRING 2025 CONTENTS
In this edition, we discuss ways in which mentors encourage growth, including planning for the future, building a network, and gaining crucial experience. The goal of this issue is to motivate students to seek out inspiration through connection.
Thank you to our advisors, Erin Cody, and Megan Konstantakos, for their continuous support and encouragement throughout this process. This magazine wouldn’t be possible without them and our generous University partners! Happy reading!
All the best, Grace and Rayaan
Your relationships are an invaluable resource for cultivating your unique competitive edge from landing internships to building your character. Not sure how you can maintain and strengthen your relationships? Here are three tips!
1.
Take their advice and let them know it! The best thing a colleague or mentor can hear is that you implemented their advice into your life and benefited from it. This shows your respect for their insights, thereby strengthening your relationship with them. For example, after implementing their advice, reach out with a specific update, such as, “I tried your suggestion on X, and it really made a difference in my project/approach! Here’s what happened...” This type of feedback helps build trust and shows you’re committed to growth.
2.
Make your relationship more personal! Reconnect when having read a book/article you both are interested in, learning/attending a lecture about a subject they might have more to add to, or when they’ve achieved something significant. Use different tools to stay in touch (phone calls, emails, coffee chats, social gatherings, social media, or letters). Periodically update your LinkedIn profile so your entire network will be notified about your achievements. This way, if/when you do ask for guidance, you will already be adding value to your relationship.
3.
Keep them posted, but don’t brag! Notify your connection of professional initiatives you’ve taken or recent successes as a way of sharing previously unknown information about yourself. Convey how your accomplishments relate to their work. For instance, if you’ve just published research exploring more effective therapeutic strategies for anxiety and depressive disorders using an animal model, use it as an opportunity to mention your shared interests. The more you share, the more likely your connection will be able to help you!
Take these tips and grow your network through Binghamton’s Mentor Match program! Alumni from Binghamton’s global community have signed up to volunteer to mentor you for free- they await you online now!
SCAN HERE
DEPARTMENTS & DEGREES
If you are exploring your options for what to study in Harpur College, this list may help you track your exploration. CRoSS out the majors you have ruled out. CIRCLE the ones you are leaning toward and STAR those you need to learn more about.
School of the Arts
• Art & Design
• Art History
• Cinema
• Music
• Theatre
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
• Biological Science
• Chemistry
• Evolutionary Studies
• Earth Sciences
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Physics
• Psychology
• Integrative Neuroscience
Interdisciplinary Programs
• Biochemistry
• Digital & Data Studies
• Environmental Studies
• Global Public Health
• Human Rights
• Latin American & Caribbean Area Studies (LACAS)
• Linguistics
Social Sciences
• Anthropology
• Economics
• Geography
• History
• Political Science
• Sociology
Humanities
• Africana Studies
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Medieval & Early Modern Studies
• Philosophy, Politics, & Law
• Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
• Writing Studies
• Asian & Asian American Studies
• Comparative Literature
• English, General Literature & Rhetoric
• German & Russian Studies
• Judaic Studies
• Middle Eastern & Ancient Mediterranean Studies (MEAMS)
• Center for Middle East & North Africa Studies (CMENAS)
• Philosophy
• Romance Languages & Literatures
• Translation, Research & Instruction Program (TRIP)
Majors & Minors rEsoUrCEs
Harpur College offers over 60 degree programs in the arts and sciences, along with a range of interdisciplinary programs across health, politics, data analytics, and more!
Want to Explore these Majors and Minors Further? Make an appointment with Harpur Academic Advising: Your Pathway to Success!
Harpur College’s Academic Advising team supports you with personalized guidance, from course planning to specialized Pre-Health and Pre-Law advising. Working with both general advisors and faculty in your major, you’ll make informed decisions, navigate academic policies, and prepare for a bright future after graduation. Start your journey with them today!
Make an Appointment with Harpur Edge and build your relationships with our alumni mentors.
At Harpur Edge, we’re here to empower you—both graduate and undergraduate students—as you prioritize your professional, intellectual, and personal growth. With one-on-one, tailored goal-setting support, you can dive into topics that matter most to you, whether it’s maximizing your Harpur College experience or exploring exciting ways to build your edge with skills and experience. Schedule an appointment and discover what’s possible!
Rianna Garlic discovered her passion through connecting with alumni on Mentor Match, and you can, too! Rianna is a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience and minoring in forensic health. Below, she shares how Mentor Match connected her to alumni in genetic counseling, and now she plans to pursue a graduate degree and this profession.
Initially, Rianna knew she wanted to follow a pre-health track, but she was unsure about her options beyond medical or PA school. Her strong skills in math and science, along with her volunteer work with Big Brother Big Sister and at the VA Hospital with her grandfather,
fEATuRINGR I ANN A GAR
deepened her interest in careers that blend scientific knowledge with compassionate, human-centered care.
“I first learned about Mentor Match during a meeting with Erin Cody at Harpur Edge in my freshman year. I was trying to explore career paths, and Erin suggested that Mentor Match would be a valuable resource for connecting with Binghamton alumni who had followed similar academic majors.”
At first, she connected with a clinical psychologist, and after receiving a firsthand account of daily life on the job she realized that it was not the choice for her. She then connected with a genetic counselor, whose personal insights into the career resonated with her values.
“TALkING To PRofESSIoNALS IN boTH fIELDS GAvE ME THE CLARITy I wouLDN’T HAvE HAD oTHERwISE.”
Her mentor not only introduced her to genetic counseling but also gave her advice on how she could pursue this career. “She suggested a range of activities and resources to help me deepen my interest, such as volunteering at a crisis hotline and joining campus organizations that work with children with disabilities. She also shared video resources that demonstrated what a genetic counseling session is like giving me a firsthand look into patient interactions. After our meeting, she sent me a detailed list of resources, including websites to connect with genetic counselors for shadowing opportunities.”
What Do You Like Most About Mentor Match?
What I appreciate most about Mentor Match is the opportunity to see what Binghamton alumni with similar academic backgrounds have accomplished in their careers. The platform made it easy to connect directly with them, allowing me to arrange meetings with professionals who genuinely wanted to share their experiences and advice. This access to mentors who understand my academic background has been incredibly valuable for building connections and clarifying my career goals.
How Do You Think Mentor Match Can Help Other Students?
Mentor Match is a fantastic resource for students looking to network and explore potential career paths. It provides an easy way to connect with alumni specifically interested in helping current students succeed. The mentors are Binghamton graduates who share a sense of pride and community, making them even more supportive and invested in our growth. The program allows us to connect with alumni who not only understand our academic journey but can also recommend
classes, campus resources, and clubs that are specific to Binghamton and beneficial for career preparation. These mentors are eager to share their experiences and give advice tailored to Binghamton students, making it a valuable tool for anyone exploring potential career paths.
“wHETHER STuDENTS ARE CERTAIN AbouT THEIR PLANS oR STILL ExPLoRING oPTIoNS, MENToR MATCH offERS A wAy To LEARN fRoM THoSE wITH REAL-woRLD ExPERIENCE AND To GAIN ADvICE THAT CAN HELP SHAPE boTH IMMEDIATE AND LoNG-TERM CAREER DECISIoNS.”
IS FOR ME?
Interested in gaining research experience during your undergrad at Binghamton? Take a look at what one of our alumni thought about their involvement with an on-campus research lab!
Anta Noor graduated from Binghamton in May 2023 as a Biology major with a double minor in Sociology and French. She went on to work in Clinical Research at Mount Sinai. Below is an interview with her exploring how her time at the Human Sexualities Lab (aka the Sex Lab) has led her to continue to pursue research.
How did you find the opportunity to participate in research at the Human Sexualities Lab?
As a sophomore, I took PSYCH111 with Professor Merriweather, who is one of the professors at the Sex Lab. After doing well in the class, I reached out to her and she sent me the application. It was a little hard in the beginning because it was completely online due to COVID. However, I reapplied for the following year and it was incredible.
What motivated you to get involved in research? What drew you to this lab?
I looked into research because it was something that I was always interested in. The Sex Lab was one of the labs I found that was patient-facing which was a priority for me. I also wanted to have a mentor during this experience and I loved how each professor acts as a mentor for the group.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing research?
Most of the science professors are involved in some type of research, so if there is a professor that you like, I highly recommend emailing them. It is an awesome experience and you can also get undergraduate credit which is great. It is also important to keep an open mind. There are a lot of different types of research out there so it is okay to not like what you’re doing at the moment. Research is definitely super versatile.
Can you describe your overall experience with the research project you worked on?
The Sex Lab is run by four professors who are a part of the psychology, human development, and gender studies departments. Based on your interests and availability, they assign you to a group. For my junior year, I was put in the alcohol and consent group and I loved that study. We didn’t do a lot of hands-on research but we performed background research on emotions, alcohol, and consent in college populations. During my senior year, I researched sexuality and disability, focusing on people with intellectual disorders and disabilities and how they’re typically excluded from sex discussions. Here, we were able to go to the Springbrook Community Home and talk to people with these disabilities which was an incredible experience. Overall, it was amazing, especially for someone who has never done research before. The professors were great and it was also a perfect way to meet people with similar interests. In terms of how it impacted my career, I realized the direction I wanted to go in. It solidified that I wanted to do something with human interaction so that drives what I see in my future.
If you’re looking for more direction, the External Scholarships and Undergraduate Research Center (ESURC) serves as an inclusive and convenient resource for undergraduate students seeking research experience. The center provides support, guidance, and workshops to promote a space of research among undergraduate students, encouraging them to engage in fulfilling projects while collaborating with faculty.
To ensure your success in interviews for Binghamton University labs or other research positions, consider getting CITI-certified! Offering online courses focused on research ethics, compliance, and the protection of human subjects in research, many institutions require their faculty to receive this training prior to beginning their research.
CONSIDERING 4+1?
5 YEARS. 2 DEGREES.
Binghamton University offers a variety of 4+1 programs, allowing students to earn an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree from a department of their choosing in just five years! These programs are designed to accelerate the path to advanced degrees, reducing both the time and cost of traditional graduate plans. Through Harpur College
TREVOR MILLIES
Undergraduate Major: English
of Arts and Sciences, Community and Public Affairs, and School of Management, to name a few, Harpur College students have a broad range of opportunities to fulfill their interests. We asked some of our fellow undergraduate and graduate students what 4+1 paths they have/are applying to here at Binghamton.
Considering Graduate Program: 4+1 Harpur MBA
Trevor is just a sophomore, but with being on the track to graduate early, he loves the idea of getting his Master’s degree while staying another year at Binghamton! He sees himself becoming a news anchor or working in journalism, striving to perform in this kind of corporate environment. Applying for the MBA program through the School of Management, he aspires to develop business skills that he can utilize in his prospective career. Furthermore, Trevor is writing for Pipe Dream this semester and has become an active member of BEAM (Business, Entertainment, Advertising, and Media) in hopes of strengthening his future path!
ACCELERATE YOUR EDUCATION!
MATTHEW DELGAUDIO
Undergraduate Major: Art History Graduate Program: 4+1 Masters in Art History
Beginning the first semester in his graduate program, Matthew shared with us his appreciation for the Art History department here at Binghamton. As he plans to work as either a curator for an art museum or in academia, this program also allows him to further develop his passions and research. He also intends to continue his education and this 4+1 program allows him to get two degrees in a more efficient way. To accompany these interests, Matthew has also worked as a curatorial intern for the Binghamton University Art Museum, where he had a great experience.
JILLIAN SAMPSON
Undergraduate Major: Philosophy, Politics, and Law Graduate Program: 4+1 Master of Public Administration
Jillian shared with us how she has gravitated towards this 4+1 program after hearing wonderful things about the faculty and graduate students involved. Upon completing her master’s degree, she intends to have a managerial position as she is interested in local government, higher education, and women’s health policies. In addition, she loves how getting an MPA provides her with more career opportunities than she would have had with just her Bachelor’s degree. Outside of academics, she is in Phi Alpha Delta, the co-ed pre-law fraternity on campus, where they learn about the law school application process and engage in networking with law school graduate students.
MAX BOUCHIER
Undergraduate Major: Economics Graduate Program: 4+1 Harpur MBA
As he begins to navigate his 4+1 experience here at Binghamton, Max described how he has gravitated towards this specific program because he enjoys the ability to gain access to the School of Management’s advising and events. Although he is not entirely sure what career he wants to pursue, he is interested in the financial business path, and the School of Management provides him with a way to continue to expand his knowledge in a more precise manner.
4+1 DEGREE PROGRAMS
Take this quiz to see which areas of your overall success Harpur Edge could help with!
I struggle most with…
a) Networking and forming connections
b) Deciding on a major
c) Getting involved on campus
In between classes, I find myself needing to…
a) Go to career fairs
b) Build relationships with faculty to serve as recommendation writers
c) Work on developing a club
A goal I have for this semester is to…
a) Build my resume
b) Discover where I want to study abroad
c) Take part in community service
In the future, I need to concentrate mostly on…
a) Applying for internships
b) Meeting with mentors
c) Making more time for myself
I need help finding more resources focused on…
a) Gaining skills and experience
b) Locating research opportunities
c) Developing as a leader
I would define success as…
a) Accomplishing goals and ambitions
b) Continuous learning
c) Feeling fulfilled and content
Mostly A’s:
Consider Harpur Edge’s PROFESSIONAL Support!
Whether that be gaining networking opportunities or applying for internships, Harpur Edge can guide you through your professional experiences. Consider reaching out and making an appointment if you find yourself seeking to take charge of your career.
2 3 4 5 6 12
Mostly B’s:
Consider Harpur Edge’s INTELLECTUAL Support
Whether that be exploring study abroad options or how to talk about your liberal arts or sciences major in the context of your future plans, Harpur Edge can guide you through your intellectual experiences. Consider reaching out and making an appointment if you find yourself seeking to take charge of your education.
Mostly C’s:
Consider Harpur Edge’s PERSONAL Support
Whether that be striving to access campus recreation or navigating Binghamton’s 500+ organization options, Harpur Edge can guide you through your individual experiences. Consider reaching out and making an appointment if you find yourself seeking to take charge of yourself.
PUBLIC INTEREST & PRIVATE SECTOR LAW INTERNSHIP SUMMER PROGRAMS
The Summer 2025 Harpur Law Council Public Interest Law and Private Sector Law Internship Programs provide juniors and seniors with an opportunity to experience the practice of law in the public and private sector for 8 to 10 weeks over the summer.
These paid internships and placements range from non-profit law agencies, the NY Supreme Court, law firms, companies and more throughout New York, D.C. and Broome County.
Public Interest Application Deadline: February 5, 2025
Private Sector Application Deadline: March 19, 2025
