Dean's Scholars

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars 12 13 College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholars Eric Fischer Major: Physics - Astronomy Minor: Mathematics Year: Junior KU BEARS Summer 2019 Eric is an excellent student whose name has appeared regularly on the Dean’s List. Eric chose Kutztown for its astronomy program and has made the most of oppor- tunities offered here. He has been conducting research with Dr. Reed for several semesters and received a KU BEARS grant to study binary stars. Eric also became a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success. In the future, Eric hopes to participate in a Research Experience for Undergraduates and go to gradu- ate school to study the theoretical aspects of astrophysics. “For any student here, my biggest recommendation is to look for opportunities that you can grab. Grab them and then hold on tight because those opportunities are what is going to take you places.” Madalynne Forster Major: Physics - Engineering Year: Sophomore Madalynne (Maddy) is a hard-working student who became involved in a research project as a first-year student. She is a member of a research group that is conducting research on the efficiency of solar cells and was accepted into The National Physics Conference, March 2020. Maddy has taken a leadership role in her research group and she plans to study for a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering. She was also a speaker at the STEM Open House this past fall. Outside of the classroom, Maddy is a member of KU’s women’s rugby team and plays on the back line. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new. With your professors, you can do the same thing. Don’t be scared of them because they’re there to help you.” Erin Fortney Major: Biology - Allied Health Year: Graduated in Fall 2019 Erin earned Dean’s List recognition every semester after transferring to KU in 2017 and is also a student athlete. Erin was also invited to be the lab assistant for Anatomy and Physiology. Under the supervision of Dr. Rosch, Erin engaged in a research project in which she looked at how blocking the absorption of calcium affected optic development in chicks. After graduation from KU, Erin plans to gain more experience in developmental biology by securing a position as a lab technician or assistant, after which she hopes to attend optometry school. “I’m interested in both research and optometry. I was looking for something where I could focus on the development of eyes because developmental biolo- gy has always been a particular interest of mine.” “I have learned a lot of little things about myself. Through my journey, I discovered that I’m stronger than I thought I was. I can achieve any- thing I put my mind to.” Majors: Criminal Justice & Spanish Year: Senior Amanda is a hard-working student that transferred to KU in the spring of 2019. In the summer of 2019, she traveled to Valladolid, Spain as part of KU’s study abroad program. Amanda has impressed her professors with her ded- ication to her studies as well as her willingness to participate in department activities. She volunteers at events hosted by the Modern Languages Depart- ment that provide bilingual learning to schoolchildren and assists the SALSA club with fundraising events. After graduation, Amanda hopes to use her skills to obtain a job in either homeland security or translation. Raymond Felins Anna Faretty Amanda Filpo “Completing a double major was my most rewarding academic achievement. In addition to studying for my psychology classes, I put incredible amounts of work into my Spanish major. This has already paid off and I expect it to pay off even more in the future.” Raymond is an excellent student, regularly earning Dean’s List recognition. Ray- mond’s sense of curiosity, his interest in traveling, and desire to keep learning led him to sign up for the Spanish Study Abroad Program in Spain at Universidad de Valladolid. As committed as he was to his studies, he was equally committed to community life; he was a member of two national honorary societies, a member of the KU Marching Band, and a member of the St. Christopher Catholic Newman Council. Raymond hopes to eventually become a child psychologist and plans to pursue a master’s degree and a Ph.D. Majors: Psychology & Spanish Year: Graduated in Fall 2019 “After coming to Kutztown, I was able to realize my potential. If I work hard, I can accomplish my goals.” Anna is an excellent student whose name has regularly appeared on the Dean’s List. Anna is a first-generation college student who discovered a love for physics. She is motivated and hard-working both in the classroom and in research projects. She has been involved in NSF-funded research with Dr. Das and last summer was selected to participate in a Research Experience for Un- dergraduates at Cornell University. Anna is additionally an engaged member of the KU community; she is a member of the Honors Program as well as the Physics Club. Anna is also a member of the Society of Physics Students. Major: Physics Minors: Mathematics & Spanish Year: Senior