Where Professors Are Research Partners
By Perrie Cole '07
As a physics and math double major with my eyes set on graduate school, I'm getting valuable hands-on research experience. Last summer I did research in Concordia's laser lab with a team of students, Dr. Darin Ulness, chemistry associate professor; and Dr. Mark Gealy, physics professor. I became more engaged in the academic community here, publicly presenting my research and getting to better know professors. This summer I'm researching with physics chair Dr. Bryan Luther.
I was recently one of Concordia's nominees for the Goldwater Scholarship. Even though I was named an honorable mention, the most important part of the experience for me was learning how much the faculty trusted and respected me as a student. It was truly an honor to be recognized in this way by a group of faculty members for whom I have the utmost respect.
In addition to all my work in the physics department, I'm very active on the college's speech team and next year will be the forensics team president. I recently qualified five events for the national tournament and love the competitive aspect of the program. In fact, Concordia's strong speech team was one of the drawing factors when I was choosing a college.
I'm very grateful to have gone to a liberal arts college because I feel that the diversity of my learning experience is something that will serve me all of my life. I know I can cross apply lessons in different disciplines in many areas of my life and will leave Concordia with a well-rounded education.
