Eight new student-scientists have joined Eastern Mennonite University’s National Science Foundation-funded STEM Scholars Engaging in Local Problems (SSELP) program. They come from six different states and plan careers in engineering, robotics, spaceflight, astrophysics and environmental sustainability.
The program, which began last year with $600,000 in funding, totals 14 students. The first cohort are now sophomores and beginning a specialized local research project together under the supervision of engineering director, Esther Tian. The grant includes scholarship monies, as well as funds for support services, and special activities for students and peer mentors.
Program participants are paired with mentoring juniors and seniors majoring in the same areas, said Dean Tara Kishbaugh, a chemistry professor who co-wrote the grant and teaches in the program. “The combination of intentional community and informally shared insights, such as into the policies and culture of the STEM departments, often helps students engage more fully in the first year of college,” she said.
2019 recipients
Rebekah Amstutz (Dalton, Ohio) also wants to do her part to help preserve “the immense beauty in Creation,” which she has experienced from childhood. She is thinking about outdoor or environmental education, at summer camps or as a park ranger.
Micah Buckwalter (Fulks Run, Virginia) says he’s always been excited about environmental sustainability, but a summer road trip with friends to five National Parks “deepened my love for nature and enjoying God’s creation.” At Glacier, he says, “we learned that if nothing is done to stop climate change, the glaciers inside the park could all be melted by 2030” — knowledge which has galvanized him towards action. At EMU, he has appreciated the “deep Mennonite background here at EMU that still shows itself today, especially in the emphasis of community with those around you, as well as being stewards of the earth.”
Ethan Ball (Poland, Ohio) is an engineering major, “something to do with the fact that I like how there are usually step-by-step process in math science.” He’s ready for the experience of “finding out who I am while at EMU.”
Ben Bontrager-Singer (Goshen, Indiana) is a mechanical engineering major. His interest in rockets was sparked by a visit to the SpaceX factory in California; since then he’d followed every launch and the progress of SpaceX and other rocket companies, and hopes to work in that particular industry. The flexibility of the engineering major at EMU attracted him: “If there is something you want to do and you think it would be cool the faculty will support you,” he says. “I have already started working towards creating a new project to create an ultra efficient car and participate in the Shell Eco-Marathon competition.” And beyond that, he also has an interest in other objects in flight: “Also,” he says, “Ultimate frisbee has been really fun!”
Jaden Jones (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) is “eager for the chance to help shape the world as I grow up.” An early interest in space flight has led to her mechanical engineering major; she plans to earn a PhD in astrophysics or aerospace engineering, and is not sure whether she’s more interested in research or teaching. Jones spent a year in Switzerland with AFS and is fluent in German. She’s considering returning to Europe after graduation.
“One thing that I find extremely exciting about EMU is the knowledge that I’ll be able to grow as a person here, not only academically and mentally, but also professionally,” she said. “I already love my professors and I’m eager to see where I’ll end up at the end of these four short years.”
Morgan Pletch (Warrenton, Virginia) is a biology major who hopes to conduct neuroscience research after graduation. A memorable experience was visiting Andros Island in the Bahamas to work with marine researchers. In her first few weeks of college, she is grateful for EMU’s “close-knit community.”
Zavion Taylor (Hampton, Virginia) is a double major in computer science and mechanical engineering — fields he has been involved in since age 9 with “different courses, competitions and programs.” At Phoebus High School, he was a member of competitive robotics Team 2028 The Phantoms Mentalist (check out their competitions here.). Robotics is definitely in his future; he’d like to pursue a career and live in Japan “for a while.” At EMU, he’s enjoying the novelty of the nearby mountains and the “change of pace” from urban life.
Luke Wheeler (Hudson, Michigan) is interested in developing alternative energies. An engineering major, he traces his interest back to playing with Legoes and watching space-oriented movies, including Interstellar, as well as the knowledge that the field is “vital to our society.” So far at EMU, he’s enjoyed meeting and spending time with new friends.