Tag: undergraduate students

North Parker Noor Alyasiry Studies Abroad on Two Prestigious Scholarships

North Park senior Noor Alyasiry received two prestigious scholarships to study abroad this past summer: the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and the Fund for Education Abroad.

North Park senior Noor Alyasiry received two prestigious scholarships to study abroad this past summer: the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and the Fund for Education Abroad. As Noor prepared her applications for study abroad, she wasn’t sure how she would source the travel funds. Study Abroad Advisor Tessa Zanoni stepped in to help Noor identify and secure the scholarships she needed.

Tessa knew that as a commuter student, Muslim American woman, and pre-med biology major, Noor would be a strong applicant for the prestigious Gilman International Scholarship — a US Department of State grant with a focus on supporting students who have been historically underrepresented in education abroad. Similarly, the Fund for Education Abroad, while selecting from a competitive application pool, was a strong match for Noor’s qualifications and needs.

Tessa was also able to assist Noor in choosing the best study abroad program for her. Noor was set to graduate in December 2019, so her study abroad courses needed to match her final credit requirements. “Tessa gave me hope and reassurance about the applications and essays.” said Noor. “She always had time to see me and was with me throughout the entire process, checking classes to ensure they met my requirements.”

Noor chose to study at the American College of Greece, one of few schools that she found to offer upper level biology courses during the summer term. Noor would attend the college along with a group of students from across the globe, experiencing Greece and its culture together. “It was a big culture shock when I first arrived there. Not everyone spoke English, so it was a bit of a roadblock. We were able to communicate with locals through hand gestures, so it worked out in the end.”

Along with the culture shock came Noor’s first truly independent experience. Traveling on her weekends breaks, Noor visited Rome, Paris, Vienna, Cairo, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Barcelona, and more. “My favorite place was Amsterdam. Although we walked 12 miles that day, it was amazing.” It was travelling from city to city, country to country that helped Noor become more independent quickly. “I benefited a lot from the trips because we had to control it ourselves. Being on my own made me more independent.”

Noor attributes much of her decision to study abroad to the support she received from NPU’s Office of International affairs. “Tessa was a big part of it all. If it wasn’t for her support, the scholarships would have seemed out of reach.” The support didn’t stop after Noor began her journey to Greece, as Tessa continued to check in with her throughout the summer.

Noor is now busy in her last semester and getting ready to take the next steps towards becoming a physician: studying for the MCAT and applying to medical school. Looking back at her time at North Park, Noor is grateful for the experiences that have prepared her for what’s next. “I came to NPU last minute, and when I got here it felt like the best decision of my life.”

You can read more about Noor’s summer travels on her FEA blog.

Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories Profile, StoriesTags , , , ,

Undergrad-led Research Findings Span Academic Majors

Organized by the Undergraduate Research Committee, 25 students present original research at North Park’s 12th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.

North Park students, faculty, advisors, and family gathered May 2 at the Johnson Center for the 12th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Organized by the Undergraduate Research Committee, the 25 student presenters first submitted an abstract to the committee for entrance into the symposium.

“Most of these student scholars conduct their research in their Directed Research course throughout the academic year,” said Dr. Yoojin Choi, chair of the committee. “Students really learn best when doing authentic inquiry,” added Dr. Choi.

As part of the Directed Research course and/or independent studies coursework, the research topics represented students majoring in biology, psychology, exercise science, physics and engineering, nursing, philosophy, environmental science, English, chemistry, and biochemistry.

Eleanor Manning

“This is the best learning experience I’ve had at North Park because we can apply what we’ve learned,” said Eleanor Manning, a physics and engineering major. She credits her understanding of the mechanics of prosthetics to participating in undergraduate Directed Research coursework.

“Conducting research projects is the best way to learn research and it allows our top students to shine,” said Provost Michael O. Emerson.

Exercise science major Victoria Pudussery expressed her gratitude for her learning experience.

“I now have perspective on how large research is and am fortunate to learn the research process as an undergrad,” said Pudussery. Post-graduation, Pudussery will pursue a degree in physical therapy at Northwestern University.

Victoria Pudusserey

Students displayed the practical, career-building skills they acquired at North Park via media such as charts and graphs. Physics and engineering senior Kristina Lundeen illustrated an analysis of wind in her presentation of Improving a Pedestrian Comfort Model for Arbitrary Geometries. Nursing student Aisha Badla presented statistical reporting and data analysis that answered Does Breastfeeding a Neonate Improve Oxygen Saturation Levels Without Any Other Intervention?

Spending hours in North Park’s Brandel Library conducting in-depth research, the participants further developed their critical thinking, case study reading, oral presentation, and confidence in fielding questions from the audience.

“The Undergraduate Research Symposium is a magnificent spotlight on what is great about a North Park education,” said Provost Emerson.

“Most grad schools require research experience in the undergrad years and having the Research Symposium on your CV is very good,” said Dr. Choi. The CV credential is a bonus—but even more, these students displayed true to North Park form their appreciation for research, gratitude to their mentors, and exceptional work ethic.

Acknowledgments

The Undergraduate Research Symposium wishes to thank the students and faculty mentors for their efforts at creating original works of knowledge. This year’s Undergraduate Research Committee consisted of Professors Yoojin Choi, Gianfranco Farruggia, You-Seong Kim, Suzen Moeller, Rachel Schmale, Sarah Thorngate, and Joel Willitts. Special thanks to Brandel Library, Provost Emerson, and Interim President Balsam for their support and for underwriting the cost of the symposium.

Author onlinemediaPosted on Categories News, StoriesTags , , , , ,