Miami University

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College of Arts & Science

College of Arts & Science at Miami University

Student Profiles

Read what current and former students had to say about their Miami and other experiences.

Rachel Skipper (Class of 2013)

At Miami, I found a new direction in selecting my field of interest, chose from many opportunities for personal and academic growth, and have accomplished my goals at a school with a long-standing, solid academic reputation and tradition.

Rachel is a major in psychology with a minor in neuroscience. Her thesis work deals with childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rachel is an ambassador for the College of Arts and Science. She received the 2013 President's Distinguished Service Award.

[Read what Rachel had to say about her research at Miami.]

Charlie Ebersole (Class of 2012)

I was accepted to present the findings of [my] study at a conference in New Orleans in January. This conference, in particular, is the largest national conference for social psychology, so I'm beyond stoked to go to that because every researcher I've read, that's still active in the field, will probably be there.

Charlie is a major in psychology with a minor in political science. One of the main areas of his undergraduate research is non-conscious mimicry. Charlie is an ambassador for the College of Arts and Science.

[Read what Charlie had to say about his research at Miami.]

Lisa Werwinski (Class of 2013)

I just love this community ... I coach the Oxford diving teams in the summer and last year, my first year, summer of 2011, I had about 20 kids and this year I had about 40.

Lisa is a double major in statistics and integrated mathematics education; she is also working toward her MS in statistics. She is on the varsity swimming and diving team and is also an ambassador for the College of Arts and Science.

[Read what Lisa had to say about her experiences at Miami.]

Erica Fox (Class of 2013)

Choosing to attend Miami is the best decision I've made in my adult life thus far ... Classes, professors, friendships, relationships, travel, fun, organizations, honor societies, internships, and social events are just a few words to sum up my years at Miami—so far!

Erica is majoring in anthropology with an environmental principles and practice co-major and a minor in global perspectives on sustainability. In the fall of 2011, she studied in Dharamsala, India. She received the 2012 Provost's Academic Achievement Award and the 2013 President's Distinguished Service Award.

[Read what Erica had to say about her experiences at Miami.]

Ankur Patel (Class of 2012)

My experience at Miami has been about seizing numerous and diverse opportunities to follow my passions and learn more about myself. That said, my four years have been extremely busy, yet fun and rewarding. From late nights studying to traveling the globe, I've become a more knowledgeable and cultured world citizen.

Ankur is majoring in biochemistry, economics, and zoology. He also serves on the Honors Student Advisory Board.

[Read what Ankur had to say about his experiences at Miami.]

Nkechi Iloka (Class of 2013)

I'm very appreciative of the American Politics and Diversity (POL 142) course I took my freshman year. My professor's enthusiasm and his use of the Socratic method kept me engaged during class and fervent to learn more about law, history, and the legal system.

Nkechi is the first student to major in social justice studies at Miami. She serves on the Pre-Law Student Advisory Committee.

[Read what Nkechi had to say about her experiences at Miami.]

Aaron Coey (Class of 2011)

I chose Miami because of its strong ties to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and because of the dual admissions program, which guarantees early acceptance to medical school.

Aaron is a senior double major in biochemistry and microbiology. He has a minor in molecular biology. He was selected as a 2010-2011 Beckman Scholar.

[Read what Aaron had to say about his research and other experiences at Miami.]

Christina Zielke (Class of 2011)

I chose Miami because of its excellent academic reputation, strong study abroad programs, field courses and international education programs. I was most certainly not let down. My time at Miami has taken me around the world, and helped me to find my place in it.

Christina is a senior double major in international studies and geography. She has minors in Chinese, German, and Global Perspectives on Sustainability. She is completing her senior year in China.

[Read what Christina had to say about her various study abroad experiences.]

Evan Hayes (Class of 2011)

Miami has a great liberal education plan that encourages students to take classes outside of their major, to gain experience in other disciplines or just because they sound cool. In my case, this really helped me decide where I belong.

Evan is a senior classics and philosophy double major, with a minor in medieval studies. He has been active in research throughout his undergraduate career. Evan was the recipient of the Joanna Jackson Goldman Memorial Prize in 2011.

[Read what Evan had to say about his various research projects and his Miami experiences.]

Christina Kazanjian (Class of 2011)

I learned from many of my mentors at Miami to have the confidence to fearlessly utilize my connections. Nothing is as valuable as getting your foot in the door and I learned that priceless lesson (and gained the confidence to do it) during my time in Oxford.

Christina is a senior journalism and American studies double major. She has interned at Channel 9 in Cincinnati and Bravo/NBC in New York.

[Read what Christina had to say about her internships and plans for the future.]

Zoë Hesp (Class of 2012)

I chose Miami because during one particular visit to the campus, the chair of the Zoology department took an hour and a half of his time to personally give me a tour and explain all of the opportunities Miami provided.

Zoë is a junior zoology & French double major, with a minor in neuroscience. She is secretary for Miami's Neuroscience Club, Nu Rho Psi, and studied abroad in Dijon France during Summer 2010. As the recipient of a 2011 Astronaut Scholarship, Zoë was an invited speaker at the Kennedy Space Center in November 2011.

[Read what Zoë had to say about her research and diverse experiences while at Miami.]

Bethany Bowyer (Class of 2010)

I chose Miami because I knew of its strong reputation for producing successful undergraduates … a student can take anything they are interested in and find a way to apply it through a class, research, studying abroad, or becoming involved on campus and within the community.

Bethany is a senior public administration & urban and regional planning double major. She is a student senator and former secretary for academic affairs in Associated Student Government. She is a recipient of the 2010 President's Distinguished Service Award.

[Read what Bethany had to say about her research and public service while at Miami.]

Zack Hausrath (Class of 2009)

That truly is the nice thing about Miami. My expressed interest in pursuing knowledge outside of class was met with open arms and open minds by my professors, who soon after became my mentors and my friends. They were able to show me outlets for research and scholarship that best matched my experiences as a person and ambitions as a researcher.

Zack was a senior anthropology major. He was a field coordinator/teacher's assistant for the Miami University Tibetan Studies Program and conducted research in Brazil as Undergraduate Summer Scholar.

[Read what Zack had to say about his international experiences and research opportunities at Miami.]

Iordan Ganev (Class of 2010)

[Working on research projects at Miami University] felt like the fulfillment of a childhood dream: I was unraveling some of nature's deepest mysteries. At the same time, such interdisciplinary endeavors allowed me to combine my passion for mathematics with an interest in ecology.

Iordan is a senior mathematics and statistics major with a co-major in environemental science. He was a 2009 recipient of the Astronaut Foundation Scholarship. Iordan is a member of the Astronomy Club and Pi Mu Epsilon.

[Read what Iordan had to say about his international experiences and research opportunities at Miami.]

Lindsey Bullinger (Class of 2011)

I love Miami University. Whether it is the extra-curricular activities, inspiring professors, strong sense of community or beautiful campus, Miami students have it all.

Lindsey is a junior public administration major with minors in management & organizations, economics. She serves as a student trustee on the Miami University Board of Trustees, is a member of the Miami Dance Team, and is Assistant Chairperson of the NCAA Re-certification Steering Committee. She is a recipient of the 2011 President's Distinguished Service Award.

[Read what Lindsey had to say about her Miami experience.]

Cooper Smiley (Class of 2010)

I heard about Miami through my mother's best friend's son … After checking out the campus on a tour, I knew it was the place for me.

Cooper is a senior with a major in East Asian Languages and Cultures and a concentration in Japanese. He is currently studying in Japan.

[Read what Cooper had to say about his Miami experience.]

Carrie Gomez (Class of 2010)

I came to Miami University because I hoped to find an environment with the benefits of a large university with the personal attention of a small school. I wanted to find a place where I could pursue my academic interests but not get lost in the crowd. I don't think I could have made a better choice!

Carrie is a senior with a triple major in zoology, Spanish, and Latin American Studies. While at Miami she has worked in Venezuela, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.

[Read what Carrie had to say about her Miami experience.]

Nick Mafi (Class of 2009)

I cannot attribute my success at Miami entirely to myself … Meeting and regularly conversing with my academic counselor and many of my literature professors provided me with much needed guidance, structure and confidence. Through them I found both mentors and close friends and because of them, I found my home to be Miami.

Nick graduated with a major in English (literature). He is currently teaching English in Singburi, Thailand.

[Read what Nick had to say about his Miami experience.]

Brittany Jones (Class of 2010)

When it came time to choose a college, I knew that I belonged at Miami, and with every semester that passes I become more and more grateful that I did … Miami offers numerous opportunities to learn outside of the classroom: in different cities, states, even countries, which provide students with unique, prestigious, hands-on opportunities.

Brittany is a senior English major with a minor in political science and is a recipient of the 2010 President's Distinguished Service Award. She has interned with United States Supreme Court in Washington, DC, and plans to attend law school.

[Read what Brittany had to say about her Miami experience.]

Brendan Naples (Class of 2003)

I chose Miami because it was the best bang for the buck in Ohio … Miami will offer you the resources and opportunities to help you make anything happen. You just need to seek out those opportunities; they're there for you.

Brendan graduated from Miami with a double major in zoology and geography. He earned his MS degree from Appalachian State University. Brendan currently is an environmental scientist for a company in North Carolina that designs and manufactures clean air and clean water technologies.

[Read what Brendan had to say about his Miami experience.]

Peter Harnish (Class of 2010)

As well as finding what you want to do, college allows you to discover what you don't want to do with the rest of your life … you don't need to come to college knowing what you'll be doing when you leave.

Peter Harnish is a junior with a double major in chemistry and physics. Peter takes advantage of some of the "alternative[s] to normal college fare" that Miami has to offer. He plans to continue physics research in graduate school.

[Read what Peter had to say about his Miami experience.]

Tim Webster (Class of 2008)

My advice to students? Ask as many questions as you can and find professors that you want to work with. My professors pushed me when I needed to be pushed and they stepped back when I needed to be independent. Either way, their doors were always open.

Tim Webster graduated from Miami with a double major in anthropology and zoology. He will be starting a Ph.D. in anthropology at Yale University in fall 2009. He hopes to study chimpanzee feeding and nutritional ecology in Kibale National Park, Uganda.

[Read what Tim had to say about his Miami experience.]

Rebekah Farrar (Class of 2009)

My advice to students? Get out of your bubble. By that I mean get out of your comfort zone and find new passions.

Rebekah Farrar is a senior from Columbus, Ohio. She is majoring in mathematics. She recently won a Fulbright scholarship and will teach English to Taiwanese middle school students.

[Read what Rebekah had to say about her Miami experience.]

Maura Reilly (Class of 2009)

I wanted a school where students cared primarily about academics. I also wanted to be in an open learning environment. I found both of those at Miami.

Maura has studied primate biology and behavior at a field school in Costa Rica and researched ape play at the Toledo Zoo. This semester she is studying primate genetics, ancient DNA, and human evolution at the University of Cambridge, England. She is past president of Miami's Primatology Club. She will be conducting research on squirrel monkeys in Ecuador as part of her Undergraduate Summer Scholars award (2009).

[Read our recent conversation with Maura.]

Josh McIntire (Class of 2010)

In high school, history was memorizing dates and facts. In college, history is more analytical.

Josh McIntire is a junior from New Concord, Ohio. He is majoring in history and has a minor in political science. Josh won the prestigious Beinecke Scholarship, a $34,000 award that will enable him to pursue graduate studies in history. Josh hopes to earn a PhD and to become a university professor. When Josh arrived at Miami he wanted to be a lawyer. After completing Miami Plan foundation courses in history, he realized that he wanted to study the history of early modern Italy. He fulfilled his language requirement by taking Italian and plans to study in Italy his senior year, either in Rome, Milan or Siena. Josh is a 2009 Undergraduate Summer Scholar and will conduct research at Miami this summer. He will expand his summer scholar's research for his departmental honors thesis in history. Josh is a resident assistant in Anderson Hall and participates in volunteer activities such as raking leaves for elderly residents of Oxford and working at the Hamilton Animal Shelter.

Richard Wagner (Class of 2009)

Miami has given me a distinct advantage. I already know things that I would usually learn in graduate school. As an undergraduate, I think that such early exposure to real world methodology is critical.

Richard Wagner is a senior physics major from Canton, Ohio. Richard was awarded a 2008-09 scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.

[Read what Richard had to say about his Miami experience.]

Nidhi Subbaraman (Class of 2009)

Miami had the right student-faculty ratio I was looking for in my college classes and a reasonably large graduate program as well. It had the right mix.

Nidhi is a Benjamin Harrison Scholar and the recipient of the Beckman's and the Dean's scholarships for 2008-9. Nidhi's undergraduate research project is developing structural models of the characteristics of the acetylcholine protein. Nidhi is a co-author on the cover article of the May 2009 issue of Journal of Magnetic Resonance. She will attend graduate school at MIT in fall 2009.

[Read our recent conversation with Nidhi.]

Jason Connel Young (Class of 2009)

I found that Miami put a lot of effort into their students' education and gave them a chance to study abroad … it made it to the top of my list.

Jason was selected to USA Today's 2009 All-USA College Academic Second Team. He also has been the recipient of a number of prizes and grants while at Miami, such as the Provost's Academic Achievement Award, a few scholarships from the Honors program and even a Rufford Small Grant for Nature Conservation. Jason's independent research project involved creating and using maps of indigenous traditional sites along the Amazon River in Peru.

[Read our recent conversation with Jason.]

Miami University
College of Arts & Science

Office of the Dean
143 Upham Hall
Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-1234
cas@MiamiOH.edu

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