Student Testimonials

Maryam Esmat '20

Astrophysics and Creative Writing Majors

Space Telescope Science Institute, Operated by AURA for NASA

“I'm ecstatic! I've been fascinated with JWST since junior year of high school when it was supposed to launch.”

Maryam completed a summer research program at the Space Telescope Science Institute, operated by AURA for NASA. Her research, "Simulating NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Observations for Transiting Exoplanets," is in the computational astrophysics field. Time Series Observations monitor the brightness of a source to search for variations in its intensity/flux. For these bright sources - in this case, stars - the kind of variations Maryam was simulating are the ones that result from exoplanet transits. Simulations are needed for the JWST, successor of the Hubble Space Telescope, to aid astronomers in their research and scientific proposals. Maryam has presented her research at three conferences, translated the JWST key facts to Arabic on NASA's website, and served as a NASA outreach staff member at Apollo 11's 50th Anniversary Festival in Washington, D.C.

Maryam states, “I'm ecstatic! I've been fascinated with JWST since junior year of high school when it was supposed to launch. Dreams do come true! I'd like to thank my professors, mentors, and advisors.”

Marc Morales '21

Biology (Anatomy, Physiology) and Neuroscience Majors

NeuroSURF Translational Neurobiology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Virginia Tech

“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Virginia Tech's summer research program because I was able to obtain results by applying the scientific method.”

Marc participated in the Summer 2019 NeuroSURF program at Virginia Tech Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. At the institute, he worked in the Sheng Lab where he conducted research different glioblastoma cell lines. In particular, his specific project dealt with treating these different cell lines with a specific drug combination at different concentrations. In order to measure cell viability after drug treatments, an MTS assay was completed in order to accurately analyze how effective the treatment was against the cancer cells. Additionally, he conducted an in vivo experiment using mice models of glioblastoma to determine the effectiveness of the drugs in GBM xenograft tumors. His results indicated that a specific combination of drugs circumvents chemoresistance in these glioblastoma cancer cells.

Marc notes, “Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Virginia Tech's summer research program because I was able to obtain results by applying the scientific method. This experience was rather rewarding because the results suggest a clinical relevance where this specific combination of drugs can be used to overcome chemoresistance in glioblastoma patients.”

Sohini Mukherjee '22

Biology (Cell and Molecular) Major

Clean Water Institute

“CWI played a key role in helping me increase my self-confidence as I tried my hands at various things that I had never done before and succeeded at them.”

Sohini's summer project with the Clean Water Institute was the assessment of the Urban Streams, specifically Miller's Run, a tributary to West Branch Susquehanna River. At the different locations along the run, such as Short Park and Bruce Henry Park, she evaluated general water chemistry to test the alkalinity, conductivity, and pH of water. Sohini did membrane filtration of the water samples that were collected and plated colonies of coliform bacteria. After counting the colonies after twenty-four hours, she performed mathematical calculations to find the standard deviation. This helped determine if E. coli or any other strain of bacteria was dominant. In addition to this, Sohini assisted in counting and identifying the zooplanktons for the Rose Valley Project, sorting aquatic macroinvertebrates for the Wolf Run Project, electrofishing in the streams as a part of Unassessed Waters, and running tree surveys.

Sohini states, “From learning how to walk in streams against the current to wielding the net in a specific way to catch fish, CWI has brought me a plethora of new experiences. It has expanded the periphery of my knowledge about field work and Ecology. I enjoyed the combination of doing hands-on research work and learning skills like data collection. CWI played a key role in helping me increase my self-confidence, as I tried my hand at various things that I had never done before and succeeded at them.”

Marshall Stoner ’25

Biochemistry Major, French Minor

Lycoming College Chemistry Research Fellow

“Working with Dr. Saunders alongside my lab mates has taught me how to problem solve and think critically when developing experiments and combing through scientific literature.”

Marshall Stoner ’25 completed a Lycoming College Chemistry Research Fellowship working in the lab of Dr. Allison Saunders. He studied five different genes of interest; three of the genes were proposed to encode beta-glucosidases, while the other two were proposed to encode nitrate reductases. Using bioinformatics, Marshall analyzed the sequences of the genes to predict their specific function and what biological pathways they were involved in. The goal was to purify the proteins encoded by the genes so their structure and function could be studied.

Marshall also continued research he started the previous year for the Manufacturing PA Innovation program alongside Dr. Saunders and in collaboration alumnus-owned Four Birds Distilling Co. He developed a method to accelerate bourbon aging using sonication and then studied the total phenolic content to estimate its effective “age”.

Sarah Lanphear ’25

Biology: Ecology and Creative Writing Majors

NSF REU: Washington State University – Crop Resiliency in a Changing Climate REEU Program

“Given my diverse interests in agriculture, sustainability, and ecology, this experience combined my passions while developing my research and communication skills.”

Sarah Lanphear ’25 worked as a researcher at Washington State University as a part of their Crop Resiliency in a Changing Climate REEU program. There, she worked in Dr. Tarah Sullivan's soil science lab under the mentorship of two graduate students and a postdoctoral researcher to look for growth-promoting microbes in the rhizosphere of pennycress, a potential oilseed crop. Sarah participated in soil sampling, DNA extractions, and fungal and bacterial culturing for laboratory analysis. She also learned how to use QIIME2, a bioinformatics program to classify identified fungi and bacteria and determine their significance relative to pennycress growth and yield.

The program also included extension activities like a farm tour led by a transitioning no till and organic farmer, soil sampling and pH analysis at a local farm, and a tour of a local mill working with alternative agricultural products.

At the conclusion of the program, Sarah presented her research, entitled "Methods Comparison: What Do Different Techniques Tell Us about the Microbiome of Pennycress?" WSU's summer Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Samantha Adamski ’25

Biology: Cell and Molecular Major, Astronomy Minor

Astrophysics and Planetary Science Research Experience for Undergraduates at Cornell University

“This internship has deepened my enthusiasm for the astrobiology field, proving that even a brief experience can solidify a lifelong commitment to uncovering the potential for extraterrestrial life.”

Samantha Adamski ’25 conducted research at Cornell University’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering as part of the Astrophysics and Planetary Science REU. She worked in the Advanced Space Transportation and Architecture (ASTRA) laboratory, focusing on research related to the novel vacuum Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometer (vESI-MS) as part of the Organic Analysis System utilizing Ion Sprays (OASIS) project. The vESI-MS is based on existing electric propulsion designs using vacuum-stable solvents and identified protonated or deprotonated species. She presented her findings at Cornell’s REU symposium and will be a coauthor of a future technical paper.

“This internship has deepened my enthusiasm for the astrobiology field, proving that even a brief experience can solidify a lifelong commitment to uncovering the potential for extraterrestrial life.”

Jazmin Jones '20

Archaeology Major, Anthropology and Painting Minors

SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

“The Smithsonian internship has allowed me to apply my passion for the past in a hands-on environment.”

Do prey increase their body size over time to avoid predation? Through the study of 20-million-year-old shark bitten bones, Jazmin assisted her research mentor to address this question by cataloging nearly 100 bones showing traces of shark bites from the Smithsonian's Paleobiology collection. Upon documenting the geographic location in which the animal bone was found, identifying the animal type, and then measuring and photographing the bone, Jazmin noticed that there were different types of bites and created a key to help distinguish the varieties of markings. She presented her research findings, "Jaws: Ancient Bites," to the museum's visitors as part of the Museum of Natural History's Q?rius public lecture series.

Reflecting on the internships, Jazmin said, “It was extremely exciting to be able to work in an environment that allowed me to grow as a researcher. In addition, I was surrounded by encouraging and helpful academic researchers! Not only did I learn more about the research I conducted, but I also learned about other researchers' work and was able to see collections from other Smithsonian departments. This internship meant a great deal to me... and made me realize what I wish to pursue further in my career.”

Daniel DeLucas ’26

Economics: Managerial Major, Business Administration Minor

Paradigm

“The fast-paced environment has helped me develop stronger organizational skills, adapt quickly to new challenges, and communicate effectively in a professional setting.”

Daniel DeLucas ’26 completed an internship with Paradigm Companies, a real estate development, construction, and management firm in Washington, D.C. The opportunity allowed him to grow both professionally and personally while gaining hands-on exposure to the leasing process, tenant relations, and day-to-day operations in the commercial real-estate industry.

“The fast-paced environment has helped me develop stronger organizational skills, adapt quickly to new challenges, and communicate effectively in a professional setting. I am sincerely grateful to Paradigm for the opportunity to learn from such a talented team and for preparing me for the next steps in my career.”

Francine Bacon ’25

Criminal Justice Major, Psychology and Sociology Minors

Lycoming County Public Defender’s Office

“This internship has solidified my passion for furthering my education at law school and encouraged my goal to create change within this field.”

Francine Bacon ’25 landed an internship in the local public defender’s office through Lycoming’s Williamsport Internship Summer Experience (WISE) program. She spent her summer interviewing clients, attending trials, conducting research, and assisting jury selection.

“Working with the Lycoming County Public Defender’s Office has broadened my knowledge about the government and its laws. This internship has solidified my passion for furthering my education at law school and encouraged my goal to create change within this field.”

Morgan Mullins ’27

Political Science and Spanish Majors, Sociology Minor

Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter’s Office

“I have gained valuable insights into how a city functions to operate efficiently and effectively. I also got to meet Governor Shapiro!”

Morgan Mullins ’27 completed an internship with Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, observing and participating in various functions within municipal operations. She worked alongside the Mayor, Human Resources Director, Recreational Department, Streets and Parks staff, and even the Chief of Police.

“I have gained valuable insights into how a city functions to operate efficiently and effectively. I have contributed to research efforts and have been involved in numerous activities, which also allowed me to develop a better understanding of and connection to the community. I also got to meet Governor Shapiro!”

Nickolas Arnold ’26

History and Archaeology (Classical Mediterranean) Majors

Thomas Taber Museum

“The WISE internship helped me gain the necessary skills that a curator requires to thrive in a museum career. I am confident I can display these skills in the future.”

Nickolas Arnold ’26 completed an internship at the Thomas Taber Museum lab as part of the Williamsport Internship Summer Experience (WISE) program. By learning how to catalogue, inventory, and examine pieces of history, he’s been able to build upon his appreciation for museums and the preservation process.

“The WISE internship helped me gain the necessary skills that a curator requires to thrive in a museum career. I am confident I can display these skills in the future.”

Carter Lilley ’26

Biochemistry Major

Valley Farms

“This experience has strengthened my understanding of what goes on behind the scenes in food processing and reinforced my interest in food science and quality control.”

Carter Lilley ’26 completed an internship with Valley Farms in the quality assurance lab as part of the Williamsport Internship Summer Experience (WISE) program. He learned how to apply lab techniques in a real-world setting. He tested for bacterial numbers, butterfat percentages, and total solids to ensure that the milk products met quality standards.

“This experience has strengthened my understanding of what goes on behind the scenes in food processing and reinforced my interest in food science and quality control.”

Kelsey Schaub ’26

Biology and Criminal Justice Majors

Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland

“My internship at Reptiland was an incredible experience that broadened my understanding of biology and deepened my passion for the field…”

Kelsey Schaub ’26 completed an internship with Reptiland as part of the Williamsport Internship Summer Experience (WISE) program. She assisted zookeepers in animal care and enrichment, and gained valuable insight into exhibit maintenance and species-specific needs.

“My internship at Reptiland was an incredible experience that broadened my understanding of biology. This experience deepened my passion for the field and I hope to continue a similar path in the future.”

Addison Angstadt ’24

Corporate Communication and Psychology Majors, French Minor

UNIVERSITÉ DE FRANCHE-COMTÉ CENTRE DE LINGUISTIQUE APPLIQUÉE, BESANÇON, FRANCE

“Having to navigate and study in a foreign country by myself has given me the confidence to say that I can do whatever I want.”

Addison Angstadt ’24 immersed herself in French language and culture through an intensive study abroad experience in Besançon, France. A corporate communication and psychology double major with a minor in French, Angstadt chose to study at the Université de Franche-Comté’s Centre de Linguistique Appliquée, where she strengthened her language skills while fully embracing life abroad.

Supported by Lycoming’s Wertz Scholars Program, Angstadt was able to pursue a global education opportunity she once thought was out of reach. As the daughter of a single mother and a student paying for college independently, traveling abroad had always felt like a distant dream. “I could not have traveled out of the country without the Wertz scholarship,” she said. “This trip was the first time I traveled away from the East Coast and only the second time I’d been on a plane.”

Living and studying independently in France pushed Angstadt well beyond her comfort zone, helping her grow academically and personally. Navigating a new country on her own gave her a renewed sense of confidence — one that has already shaped her future goals.