Psychology major becomes an advocate for human trafficking victims After securing a Magellan Project award for the summer of 2015, Washington & Jefferson College student Katey Wilson ’18 headed to sunny Florida to study a darker side of society. Wilson, from Monroeville, Pa., is a psychology major with a minor in forensic science. She Psychology major Katey Wilson worked for a human focused her Magellan trafficking help hotline for her Magellan Project. Project on human trafficking—the illegal movement of people for the purpose of forced labor or sexual exploitation—to learn the mental effects it has on both the victims and on those who provide them with professional help and support. After learning about human trafficking in the United States from a relative who had volunteered with an organization that helped victims, Wilson decided to spend the summer of 2015 in Florida learning more about the topic. Wilson spent time with victims and worked for a human trafficking help hotline, where she listened to victims’ stories and helped connect them with the services and organizations that could help them. She also attended conferences and said she quickly realized that this crime is not only devastating, but often is not accurately portrayed in the media. “A lot of what people read online or in magazines is not accurate,” Wilson said. “Trafficking is usually portrayed in the media as young adolescent girls being sexually exploited. The majority of human trafficking victims are victims of labor trafficking. I learned about the real-life dark and twisted sufferings these young men and women go through every day.” Wilson learned how to identify victims in everyday situations, by looking for behaviors that victims display, and how to lead them to the resources they need. She also learned how to specialize in helping LGBTQ and male victims, who she said are often overlooked because of a tendency for media organizations to focus on female victims. Wilson received calls from throughout the state of Florida while staffing a help hotline for victims. She said she talked to many people who felt they had lost their faith after all they had been through, which she said was challenging to handle given her own strong faith. “It was hard to break down what was being said to me because I couldn’t relate at all. I really had to put all that I know and believe aside to comprehend where they were coming from,” Wilson said. Wilson hopes to work for a government agency after she graduates. In the meantime, she plans on remaining an advocate for victims of human trafficking and partaking in anti-domestic violence events around campus. “This experience has touched my heart in a way no other subject matter has before, and I know that if this anti-human trafficking movement continues to progress, we can stop this horrible crime,” Wilson said.
Senior earns spot in highly competitive program Chemistry major Wes Pein ’16 won a highly competitive spot in the Michigan Chemistry Opportunities for Research & Education (M|CORE) weekend at the University of Michigan. Pein, a natural leader on campus who acts as a W&J Gateway adviser and a resident assistant for the Office of Student Life, was chosen nationally Wes Pein was chosen nationally as one of the top 10 as one of the top 10 qualified prospective chemistry graduate students qualified prospective for the Michigan Chemistry Opportunities for chemistry graduate Research & Education weekend. students. As part of the program, he has an incredible opportunity to further his knowledge and experience in the chemistry field. “This is exciting because I will be able to tour the facilities, meet graduate students and faculty members, sit in on lectures and participate in workshops,” Pein said. “All of the expenses are covered by the University of Michigan.” W&J faculty members nominated Pein to apply to the program, and after he was chosen to apply, they worked closely with him to complete the application. His hard work and dedication were evident to many both before and during the process. “Wes is an exceedingly motivated and talented student who is extremely involved in the chemistry department. He has distinguished himself through his coursework, as well as his service as a laboratory assistant and a Peer Assisted Learning tutor,” said Mike Leonard, Ph.D., associate professor and department chair of chemistry, as well as Pein’s adviser. “There’s no doubt that he has a bright future in chemistry, and the M|CORE Preview Weekend will give him a head start on selecting the graduate program that he will attend.” After this experience, Pein will be better prepared for his future in chemistry. Pein hopes to earn his doctorate in chemistry to either work in the pharmaceutical field or the green energy field or to become a professor. Whatever path Pein decides to take, he would like to acknowledge the people who made it possible for him to get this far. “I owe all of my success to my friends, family, alumni, staff and faculty who have helped me along the way. I would not be able to perform on this high of a level without the help and support of all of you,” Pein said. “In particular, I would give special thanks to Dr. Leonard, for playing an instrumental role in my education and in (my) life. He has provided me with the tools and inspiration for me to accomplish all that I have and will do. For that, I am truly grateful.” – CAROLYN WILSON ’16
– MADISON LOVRIC ’16
WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE
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