CMSV Honors Program Newsletter Spring 2018 by University of Mount Saint Vincent

NEWSLETTER SPRING 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR...................................1

-Maya Angelou

Dr. Stevenson, Amanda Arteaga ’18, Dr. Villagómez, Christian Macahilig ’18, and Dr. Opler at the 2017 Humanities Undergraduate Research Symposium.

MEET THE PROFESSOR............................................ 2-3

“Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability” is not only the title of the new spring 2018 interdisciplinary Freshman Honors course, but describes the College of Mount Saint Vincent’s Honors Program. Students in the Honors Program are stellar students that have a strong sense of social responsibility.

STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS.......................... 4-13 OXLEY INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.................14

In this new course freshmen will examine the differences between social entrepreneurship from traditional business entrepreneurships in today’s society. From the moment the freshmen arrive on campus, they are challenged to grow as scholars and global citizens. Honor students are encouraged to explore in depth issues in literature, politics, history, theology, and ethics. In small seminars designed specifically for the Honors Program, two experts in their field engage students in debates and discussion to strengthen their analytical and critical thinking skills. The Honors Program culminates with an independent work of scholarship led by a faculty mentor in their major or minor.

STUDENT INTERNS......................................................... 15 STUDY ABROAD.........................................................16-17 GRADUATION AWARDS...............................................18

Honor students in all major are outstanding scholars. They presented at the Undergraduate Research and Service Symposium, U.N. Internship Colloquium, at national conferences, and the Humanities Undergraduate Research Symposium. They are members of countless national honor societies and, at Honors Night, many Honors students were recognized for their academic achievements and were recipients of medals. However, they do not excel only in academics.

ALUMNAE/I SPOTLIGHT..............................................19 HONORS THESES...........................................................20

In the spirit of Vincent de Paul and Elizabeth Ann Seton, Honors students embrace their commitment to human dignity and obligations to each other. Their sense of community is visible in their extracurricular activities and community service. A great number of the Honors students have leadership roles in athletic teams and positions in Student Government. Honors students value mentoring so they were FYE Peer Leaders, Orientation Leaders, and Trio Peer Leaders. Off campus, they volunteered in women’s shelters, taught dance for special needs children, tutored for Project LIGHT, helped families in New Orleans to rebuild the homes, and volunteered at the Mathew Sapolin Memorial Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.

MEET THE EDITORS.......................................................21

As Director of the Honors Program, it is a true privilege to know them. Their intellectual inquisitiveness and true dedication to service is a bright light that can never be dimmed.

Sincerely, Dr. Rosita E. Villagómez

CONNECT WITH US AT: @CMSVhonors

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MEET THE PROFESSORS By Katherine Perez

DR. DAVID GALLO

DR. EDWARD ZUKOWSKI

Degrees: B.A. Assumption College M.Div. Weston Jesuit School of Theology Th.M. (Cum Laude) Harvard University M.A. Boston College Ph.D. Boston College Dr. Gallo is an Associate Professor of History at the College of Mount Saint Vincent and one of the professors teaching the Sophomore Honors Seminar titled “The Tudor Reformation.” He was recently appointed Director of the First Year Experience Program at the College of Mount Saint Vincent which is dedicated to assist first year students in seamlessly transitioning from high school to college. Dr. Gallo first started teaching in 1908 at Tampa Catholic High School. He then went on to teach at his Alma Mater, Assumption College. He started as an instructor and then became an Assistant

Professor of History in the Fall of 1991, and continued to teach for 10 years. In 2001, he joined the faculty at the Mount and has been teaching here ever since. He describes his experience with teaching Honor students as, “a real privilege.” Dr. Gallo explains that he appreciates “the fact that our students are bright, engaged, intellectually active, and hard-working. For me, it feels much more like we are ALL learning together about this fascinating period with really powerful personalities like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.”

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Dr. Gallo explains his favorite moment from the seminar to be, “the enthusiasm my Honors students brought to the course, especially the experiences we had in the Trial re-enactments. Everyone was into it, and the discussions in the Jury Room were really serious and thoughtful. It doesn’t get much better than that!” Outside the classroom, Dr. Gallo enjoys biking all over NYC, weight training, and attending events in the city. He also loves anything related to Louis XIV and travelling to France, which he considers to be his “spiritual home.”

Degrees: B.A. Saint Mary Michigan M.Div. St. Cyril Seminary M.A. University of Detroit Ph.D. Fordham University

Dr. Zukowski is a Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the College of Mount Saint Vincent with specialties in the topics of death and ethical questions, as well as science and religion. Dr. Zukowski and Dr. Gallo have been team teaching the Sophomore Honors Seminar for the three years. He has been a professor at the Mount for 30 years.

Prior to teaching at the College, he spent 11 years as a religion teacher at St. Catharine Academy High School. He enjoys teaching in the Honors Program because he is “able to go into more depth on the material at hand.” Dr. Zukowski recounts his favorite aspect of teaching the seminar to be, “sharing the classroom with Dr. Gallo and enjoying time with the students.”

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He also describes Honors Program students as, “more engaged, inquisitive, and eager to grapple with complex concepts.” During his free time, Dr. Zukowski loves collecting clocks— he currently has approximately 28 clocks in his living room alone. He also enjoys reading books and magazines that oppose his beliefs because, “I figure you have to know what the people who disagree with you have to say.”

STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Kristen Morgan Macatangay

Marielle Villanobos

Mackenzie Heizer

Richard Diodati

Class of 2017

Class of 2018

• T he Underground - President/ Editor-in-Chief. Led to the creation of four literary magazines incorporating work from the Mount, USA and international (including California, Ukraine, and the UK) artists.

• Treasurer of Mount MDs and Senior Representative of SAMAHAN.

• College of Mount Saint Vincent Softball Team, Captain.

• Men’s Soccer Team at the Mount.

• Presented research at the 58th Annual Drosophila Research Conference in San Diego. Poster entitled “Characterization and rescue of muleta mutation that disrupts spermatid individualization in Drosophila melanogaster” along with three other research students from Dr. James Fabrizio’s lab. Spent 6 weeks in the summer before senior year conducting research in the lab to contribute to the poster.

• Volunteered at the Mathew Sapolin Memorial Wheelchair Basketball Tournament for the last four years.

• Helped create music festivals for the College. • Philippines Medical Mission - Assessed impoverished patients with hypertension and diabetes for free. • Guatemala Service Trip - Gave medical care to mothers and children. • ARC tutor for 2.5 years for nursing sciences, math modeling, statistics, English, and all Filipino classes. • Sigma Theta Tau and Delta Epsilon Sigma Honors society member.

• Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society.

• Spring 2017 began taking classes at St. John’s (enrolled in the 5 year program for Graduate and Undergraduate degrees in Criminology). • Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society.

• Recipient of the Nursing Leadership Award.

• Contributed to a research poster presented at the Sigma Xi National Conference in Atlanta, GA last semester entitled “The Socioeconomic Determinants of Health” from Dr. Ioanna Visviki’s research. • Inducted into four Honor Societies: Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research society, Tri-Beta, the Biology Honor Society, Kappa Gamma Pi, the Catholic Honor Society, and Delta Epsilon Sigma, the National Honor Society. • Recipient of the Cardinal Cooke Memorial Award for the highest GPA and The Sister Doris Smith Award for the highest GPA in the Core Curriculum.

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STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Kelli Gibison

Nicole Quaranto

Laurén Tate

Class of 2018

• Appointed to the Board of Senior Tour Guides at the College. As Head of Continuing Education, responsible for updating guides with policies, programs, news, and achievements. Also, coordinates training sessions throughout the year.

• Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society (Kappa Eta Chapter) – President.

• Member of theater group, CMSV Players.

• Works as a Clerical Aide in the Village Clerk’s Office at the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream on Long Island (2016-present). Also a licensed Notary Public of the State of New York. Assists village constituents on obtaining a number of permits and licenses, as well as answer questions regarding Village policies and events.

• Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society (Alpha Beta Chapter).

• T reasurer of the Honors Club (2016-present). •E ditor-in-Chief of The Mount Times (2015-present). • R ecipient of the Seton Service and Leadership Scholarship (2014-present). •C MSV Sunday Night Mass and Community Night Coordinator (2015-present). • T raveled to New Orleans and served with members of the greater Sisters of Charity Federation. While in NOLA, partnered with the St. Bernard Project to help rebuild the homes of families still struggling after Hurricane Katrina. •P resented at the Mid-Hudson Valley Medieval and Early Modern Undergraduate Symposium. The original research was titled “Lions and Tigers and Bear Baiting? Deadly Pastimes and Recreations of Tudor England.” •W orked the summer with Dr. Michelle Scollo, Assistant Professor of Communication, on a cultural discourse analysis study on personality traits and culture. •A ccepted into Master’s in Multicultural and Urban Education at the College.

• Delta Epsilon Sigma National Catholic Schools Honor Society (2016-present). • Sigma Tau Delta National English Honor Society (2017-present). • Kappa Delta Pi National Education Honor Society (2017-present). • Awarded from the Sisters of Charity to travel to New Orleans. • Awarded the Louise de Marillac Award through the College’s Division of Student Affairs.

• Delta Epsilon Sigma National Scholastic Honor Society (Alpha Tau Chapter).

• Iota Sigma Pi National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry (Vanadium Chapter). • NSF-Stem Scholar. • Women’s Soccer Team: Second-Team All-Conference Defender (Skyline Conference).

• Music Ministry. • V ice President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. • Four year member of the Women’s Soccer Team. • Awarded All Conference Sportsmanship Award for 2015-2016 Season. • Awarded First Team All-Conference Award for 20162017 Season. • Volunteered at Hebrew Home and Midnight Runs. • Orientation Peer Leader.

• Athletic Director Honor Roll. • Women’s Lacrosse Team. • Worked with Dr. Minei during the spring semester and traveled to Wesleyan University to collect data on perfluorodecanonitrile. Completed lab initio calculations and a cylinder model calculation to calculate the length and radius of perfluorodecanonitrile.

• Worked as Dolphin Dialer, Events Staff, Student Assistant, Student Events Security, and Athletic Contracts. • Internship at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.

• Worked as a tutor in both the Fall ’16 and Spring ’17 semesters. • Received Dean’s List honors in Fall ’16 and Spring ’17.

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STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

José Mendoza

Mikaela-Rose Blanchard

Leslie Peralta

Danielle Carlin

Class of 2019

•V P of the Honors Club.

• Honors Club – Secretary.

• T RiO Academic Excellence Award.

•M en’s Varsity Soccer Team.

• The Underground literary journal – Secretary.

•H omeless Outreach: POTS (Part of the Solution).

• Women’s Studies Club – President.

• Inducted into Psi Chi and Alpha Mu Gamma (Modern Languages).

• F iliment Dance Troupe – Treasurer (2016-2017) and Secretary (2017-2018).

•E nglish Tutor for Project LIGHT held by the Sisters of Charity.

• Presented ministry work with Susan’s Place at the Undergraduate Research and Service Symposium.

• Presented ministry work with POTS at the Undergraduate Research and Service Symposium.

• Travelers Insurance Company Summer Internship (2017).

• Presented research at Fordham University: “The Encapsulation of Tetra Total Porphyrin Molecules into Membranous Vesicles.”

• Was an intern at the Civic Ballet of Connecticut, a newly formed non-profit that visits elementary schools (usually with limited arts funding) to teach and perform Classical Ballet.

• Shadowed a Pediatrician: Dr. Irving Williams at Watoto Pediatrics in Haymarket, VA. • Awarded the Athletic Honor Roll for obtaining a GPA of 3.5 and higher.

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• Clubs: Psych Club and Mount MDs. • Completed 60 observation hours in occupational therapy at the Hebrew Home. • Recipient of Gilman Scholarship. Spent Fall ’17 in Peru.

• Catholic National Honors Society, Spring ‘17. • Words Dance Company – Secretary and dance captain (2017-2018). • A Moment of Magic – Treasurer (2015-2016). • Glamour Girls – PR (2016- 2018). • Seton Service Leadership Program, volunteered with Dance for PD and a Moment of Magic Foundation. • Volunteered with TJE Dance Force as a dance teacher for the special needs class. Worked one on one with children with autism, down syndrome, and other physically disabled children. Also volunteered at the Miracle League, a special needs baseball league and ran bases with the children.

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STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Mary Heaney

Katherine Perez

Sarah Newgarden

Caitlin Kessel

Class of 2019

Class of 2020

• Honors Club – President.

• Co-founder and Vice President Through the Lens, the first photography club on campus.

• T he Underground literary magazine – President (2017-2018).

• Women’s Volleyball Team.

• Women’s Cross Country Team.

• Senator of the Class of 2019 in the Student Government Association.

• Delivered food to the homeless with the Grand Central Outreach Program.

•A ll Conference Sportsmanship Award (for cross country).

• Ambassador and Mentor for TRiO Support Services.

• Participated in the Research Symposium for a research paper on Jane Austen Mansfield Park written for Dr. Jacklowsky’s course.

• SAAC member.

• Athletic Director Honor Roll. • Dean’s List. • Inducted into Psi Chi (Psychology Honors Society). •P repared Midnight Run bags and went on Midnight Runs with Campus Ministry. • Tutor at the ARC. • Dr. Vuotto’s research assistant, Fall ‘17.

• 1st Place Winner of 2nd Annual CMSV Photography Contest – winning photos have been framed around the campus dining hall.

• Received the Athletic Director Honor Roll certificate and was a member of the NCAA Skyline conference honor roll. • Participated in the Yards for Yeardley fundraiser to raise awareness for domestic and sexual violence. • Accepted into the College’s Education Program.

• T RiO Academic Excellence Award for having a GPA of 3.5 and higher. • T RiO Community Builder Award: presented to students who have committed themselves to creating a sense of community within or outside of the Mount community. • Co-host of the college talk show called No Filter. • Released a viral video on Facebook that currently has over 800k views. She produced the show with support provided by Mound Media.

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OXLEY INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

By Alyssa Pipitone

INTERVIEW with Cheretta Robson Oxley Career Education Program Are these internships paid? Internships vary from paid to unpaid depending on the program. The Oxley Career Education Program prepares all students to get the best possible opportunities during their collegiate career, in order to help students launch successful careers upon graduation.

Danielle Quaranto

Caroline Bandigan

Class of 2020

• Honors Club.

• SAMAHAN – Freshmen Representative (2016-2017).

•M ember of the Seton Service and Leadership Program.

• SAMAHAN – Treasurer (2017-2018).

•P resented ministry work with Susan’s Place at the Research and Service Symposium. •E very Wednesday went to the women’s shelter called Susan’s Place. Served dinner to nearly 200 women.

• Filiment member. • Participated in the Out of Darkness Walk during the Fall semester which shed light on suicide prevention. • Recipient of the Corazon Aquino Scholarship and finished this year with a 4.0 GPA.

• Recipient of Westchester Chemical Society’s award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement in First Year Chemistry. Nominated by Dr. Minei.

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Can students earn credits for having an internship at the College of Mount Saint Vincent?

MOUNT INTERNSHIP SITES Fox News Bronx Zoo Brooklyn Cyclones Daily News Centro de la Salud - Office of Physical Therapy Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center Stadium Capital Financing Group UBS Financial Services United States District Court - Office of Clerk of Court (Southern District)

The Oxley Career Education Program shares all internships with Honors students first. We want to encourage more Honors students to gain practical experience to prepare themselves with the skills needed in the workplace.

Yes, students can take an Oxley internship for 1 (60 hours), 2 (90 hours), or 3 (120 hours) credits. This is an elective course where students at the Mount can explore internships in any area of interest. For example, if you like fashion, but you are an English major, you can still explore an internship in that area. Students can also do academic internships for 3 credits through their academic department.

What skills and experiences make the Honors students good candidates for internships?

Are internships just for upperclassmen or can freshman and sophomores acquire one as well?

Dr. Oz Show

Many employers are seeking top talent, which usually are the most competitive students. Honors students have the drive and ability to excel academically, but also can perform extremely well—they are willing to be challenged. In addition, these students apply themselves in curricular and co-curricular experiences outside the classroom, further enhancing their leadership skills.

No, internships are open to all students beyond their second semester of their freshman year.

New York Presbyterian Hospital

Do Honors students get “first dibs” on the available internships? What is the benefit of being an Honors student here?

Where are such internships located? And with whom are they affiliated? Internships are all over New York City and beyond. Students are placed at top businesses, entertainment companies, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, and more.

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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage The Riverdale Press Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Atlas Media Corp. News 12 Lehman College Art Gallery The Bill Cunningham Show Cosmopolitan Magazine Sirius XM Satellite Radio The Rachael Ray Show Congressman Eliot Engel’s Office FEGS Health and Human Services Lutheran Medical Center UNANIMA International - United Nations CWOP - Child Welfare Organizing Project Southern District of New York - Pretrial Services Office The United Nations District Attorney’s Office (Bronx/ Westchester Counties)

STUDY ABROAD

HONORS INTERNS

By Katherine Perez

By Alyssa Pipitone

KYLEE MCGRANE StylingOn Showroom

Micheal A. Stephens-Emerson Class of 2018

KELLY GIBSON The Hebrew Home By RiverSpring Health, Physical Therapy

LESLIE PERALTA The Hebrew Home By RiverSpring Health, Physical Therapy

Majors: Philosophy and French Minor: English Studied at the Institute of American Universities in Aix-en-Provence, France during the Fall 2016 semester

KRISHNA MAGALONA The United Nations, Non-Governmental Organizations

STEPHANIE RODWAY Think Physio, Physiotherapy

MIKAELA BLANCHARD Civic Ballet of Connecticut

CLASS OF 2021 Andrew Sorenson Cristal Ottenwalder Jeffrey Twumasi Isabel Peňa Xena Llamas Jose Estrella IV Vittoria Novello Paola Váldez Angela Umana Matthew Stern Michael Stern Jennifer Puac Mia Peters Renato Pangan Conn O’Rourke

What was challenging about studying abroad? While adjusting to a new culture and learning a new language is intellectually difficult, the most challenging aspects of studying abroad were personal. Being abroad for the first time was an emotional experience. I naturally wanted to seize every moment, but if I focused too much on the swift passing of time, I could have easily developed a misplaced fear of “missing out.” I also had to navigate feelings of homesickness as I attempted to maintain my relationships back home. Of course, the emotions were not all bad! The friendships that I formed while in France remain significant, and I anticipate that I will remain in touch with many of my fellow expatriates for year to come. What did you enjoy? I enjoyed my time in France immensely. I love studying foreign languages, and my semester in Aix was my first immersion experience. Speaking French and noting my improvement on a weekly basis was a constant thrill for me. My host mother was a delight, and her cooking was phenomenal. Our discussions of French culture and politics over dinner from a large part of my memories.

Erich Naumann Alicia Murray Thomas McKay Ruby LÓpez Natalie Jara Erin Hughes Amanda Gomes Joanna Gjeka

Danielle Giocondo Nica Garana Danielle Braham Damani Boyd Emily Batac Grace Barry Kimberlee Acosta

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This page, from top: 1: Michael in France 2: Bridge over the River Liffey, in Dublin City Center 3: Baux de Provence Next page, from top: 1: [Emilie], Katia (from California, USA), and Deborah (From Aix-enProvence, France) at the Women’s Gaielic Football Finals at Croke Park Stadium 2: Top of the Roman Amphitheater, in Arles, France 3: Volcanic (black sand) Beach in Nice, France

How did it affect your perspective on traveling and the world as a whole? Being abroad at the time of the presidential election was edifying. I was able to gain an appreciation for just how significant our republic is on the global stage. The United States exerts a tremendous influence upon the world, and I feel--now more than ever--the weight of the responsibility than comes with such power.

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STUDY ABROAD

GRADUATION AWARDS

By Katherine Perez

Emilie Claire Swartvagher Class of 2018

What was challenging about studying abroad? I was away for two semesters, (a summer in France and Ireland during the semester). It was challenging being away from home for so long. I felt disconnected from home, but living with a host family helped alleviate that. In both locations I had host-siblings, and pets too. I became very close with my host father from France, Jacques, and I always made time for my mom back home, sending her pictures and updates whenever I had WiFi. Another challenge was obviously the language barrier. I went to France with no formal lessons in the

The class of 2017 ended their career at the Mount with a number of important awards and distinctions.

Major: English Minors: History and Women’s Studies Studied in Montpellier, France during the Summer of 2016 and studied in Dublin, Ireland during the Fall 2016 semester

DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS AND MEDALS HOODING CEREMONY

language, just simple knowledge of what was spoken at home. Being in France, and needing to speak the language every day made it a lot easier to pick up the language, and now everyone tells me I have “a real” French accent. I’m sure my friends Aksel and Lydia disagree.

residential care system in Dublin. I spent the majority of my time with Cross-Care, and was able to go to Glasgow and Edinburgh Scotland, and meet with the After Care service workers at Who Cares? Scotland and youth homeless shelter workers at Rocktrust.

Marjorie Walsh, S.C. Memorial Award: Krishna Magalona English

Additionally, through IPSL, students are required to do a certain number of service hours a week. The commitment was similar to having an off-campus job, but even though there were times where it seemed my days could not be more packed, there was always time to watch a B-list horror flick with my host sister Katie, or go to a traditional music session at a bar in Dublin city center.

How did it affect your perspective on traveling and the world as a whole? I have always been someone who wanted to travel. In five months I visited France, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Norway. While I missed home, I knew home was always waiting for me but the big wide world was out there.

What did you enjoy? In France, my favorite part of being abroad were the Saturday excursions with my program. We visited all the neighboring cities, and I got to meet many other students who were studying abroad. I have photos from the top of the Roman Amphitheater in Arles, and atop the Beaux de Provence. I had Lavender honey ice cream and candies, and visited the volcanic beaches in Nice. In Ireland, my favorite part of being abroad was my service placement. I worked with the Dorset Street Homework Club with children ages 5-11 and CrossCare Aftercare Services, with teens 18+ who have left the foster and HONORS NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2018

I rationed my time for travel, and balanced study, service, and cultural emersion. Time was of the essence—I knew that I had a little time to do so much. My future plans are without borders. Grad school overseas seems much more viable after having lived that way for half a year. I have made connections with people—I now have close friends in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Malaysia, Japan, China, Ireland, and all over the United States. The world is big, but it becomes so small when you throw yourself out of your comfort zone and establish yourself as a member of the global community.

Susanne Breckel, R.S.M. Memorial Award and Kathryn Magaziner Award: Kylee McGrane Communication

Mathematics Award Medal: Katelyn Anna Haggerty Mathematics Solange Bruneau Mally Memorial Award: Amanda Arteaga Modern Languages and Literatures Biochemistry Medal: Elisa Nicole Ferrara Biochemistry

SETON SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAM MEDALS HOODING CEREMONY Tianna Cassano Kylee McGrane Stephanie Rodway Katelyn Wentworth COMMENCEMENT AWARDS Cardinal Cooke Memorial and Sister Doris Smith Award: Marielle Villanobos Margaret Catterson McKee Award: Katelyn Wentworth GRADUATION WITH HONORS

Joseph McGoldrick Memorial Award: Marielle Villanobos Biology Sr. Kathleen Tracey, S.C. Medal for Leadership and Service: Gabriela Mendoza Biology Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society Award of Recognition: Shadi Khayyo Biochemistry Margaret Broderick Memorial Award: Amanda Arteaga Psychology

Cum Laude 3.5 to 3.69 Yra Franchesca Gabas Shadi Khayyo Christian Macahilig Kristen Morgan Macatangay Gabriela Mendoza Nicholas Meusburger Katelyn Katelyn Magna Cum Laude 3.7 to 3.89 Amanda Arteaga Elisa Ferrara Katelyn Haggerty Nicholas Malizia Kylee McGrane Summa Cum Laude 3.9 or higher Krishna Magalona Marielle Villanobos

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ALUMNAE/I SPOTLIGHT

HONORS THESES

By Katherine Perez

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Amanda Arteaga “Precursor to the Spanish Picaresque Novel” Favorite aspect about being in the Honors Program: I would have to say my favorite aspect about being in the Honors Program was the fact that you are together with the same small group of like-minded students throughout your time at the Mount. Despite having different majors, we were always able to come together for our honors seminar classes and form great relationships with one another; I met some of my best friends through the Honors Program. As a graduate from the Honors Program, what advice would you give current students in the Program, as well as prospective students? My advice to current and prospective Honors Program students is to be open-minded and listen to what others have to say, especially during your seminar discussions.

DIANA LULGJURAJ Graduating Class: 2016 Major/Minor(s): Nursing Current Job: Registered Nurse, College of Mount Saint Vincent How did the Honors Program prepare you for your current post-graduation success? As an Honors Program student, you are responsible for writing your own thesis. Writing an honors thesis is not an easy task; it requires you manage your time, prioritize your responsibilities, work hard, be resourceful, work together with your advisor, think critically, be self-directed, and never give up. Skills are not only needed to be successful with an honors thesis, but also to be a successful nurse. I believe being a part of the Honors Program has equipped me with the skills necessary to thrive in my role as an RN.

“As an Honors student, you take integrated classes with like-minded students, who have backgrounds and majors different than your own, and who look at the readings or discussion questions through a different lens than you do. So, be mindful and engage in what others are saying.”

Tianna Cassano “The Rise of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections in the Older Adult Population and Possible Interventions” Elisa Ferrara “The Detrimental Effects of Zinc and Cadmium in Flora: A Consequence of Pollution” Katelyn Haggerty “A Case Study on Linear Regression Techniques: Least Squares and Beyond” Krishna Magalona “Apathy as a Defense Mechanism, Love as the Answer” Kylee McGrane “A Moment of Magic’s Business Plan” Gabriela Mendoza “Forms of Scrapie Propagation” Mackenzie Heizer “The State of the Literature on Return to Play (RTP) for High School Athletes After Concussion/TBI” Kristen Macatangay “The Effect of the Flipped Classroom Method on the Retention of Information in Nursing Students” Nicholas Meusburger “The Demise of the Wehrmacht and the Rise of the Red Army: The Battle of Stalingrand” Christian Macahilig “Improvised Exchanges: Jazz Music and American You Culture in the 1930s” Shadi Khayyo “The Analysis of Porphyrin Molecules for Photodynamic Research”

Everyone sees things differently and it’s always interesting to hear different perspectives. The ability to be open and listen to the views of others truly allows you to learn from your peers and to grow as an individual.

Shannon Reilly “The Impact of Hourly Rounding Upon Patient Outcomes and Patient and Nurse Satisfaction”

Advice from Alumnae/i:

Marielle Villanobos “Vertebrate Limb Development: Specifying the Anterior-Posterior Axis”

The Mount offers so much to its students, so engage in all that you can. Whether it’s going to a professor’s office hours, the ARC, the Oxley Career Education Program, joining a club or sports team, or going to campus events, take advantage of all of it!

Stephanie Rodway “Restoration of Function in Cases of Paralysis through the Application of Brain Machine Interfaces”

Katelyn Wentworth | “Reactions of Nursing Students when Faced with Violations of the ANA Code of Ethics at the Hands of Nurse Educators” Yra Franchesca Gabas | “Benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care and Barriers to Adopting Kangaroo Mother Care in the Nursing Point of View” Alvin Santiago “When Caretakers Stop Caring: A Look at Compassion Fatigue and Nurses”

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MEET THE EDITORS

Katherine Perez is a junior with a major in Visual Arts & Experimental Media and minor in Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Studies. She has been working in the Honors Department since her freshman year, being one of the few editors of the first Honors Newsletter in the Spring of 2016. She hopes to continue working as an editor on the upcoming newsletters, improving the aesthetic and content of the newsletter with each edition. Katherine is also President of the WERise Network, an organization focused on mentoring middle school girls from under resourced areas. On her free time she loves to vlog, take photos and travel.

Alyssa Pipitone is a sophomore with a major in Psychology with an Occupational Therapy track. She graduated from Mater Dei Prep in Middletown, NJ and is excited to embark on a new journey here at the Mount. She is very excited to be working on the Honors Newsletter and enjoys reading, writing, watching horror movies, and taking adventures in New York City.

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