We are living in an era defined by advances in knowledge and know-how in the biological sciences. Understanding how life works is a critical step toward making life work better. And that's just waht many CBS students hope to do. For many students, studying biology is part of a broad engagement with the world around them.
“Our students are exceptional on so many levels, but one thing that is obvious when you spend time with them is their drive to make a difference,” says CBS Dean Valery Forbes. “They are incredibly engaged in service and leadership. The world needs leaders and engaged community members who are trained to base decisions on evidence as well as empathy. Our students are positioned to play that vital role.”
In an effort to further these experiences for CBS students, the College has worked to support undergraduates advancing their skills and knowledge both inside the classroom and out. The CBS Student Services office has multiple staff members focused on helping students find groups or volunteer opportunities, and the College provides support to groups like the CBS Student Board, which advocates for groups on campus.
“Through engagement experiences they have an opportunity to further develop their skills to be effective leaders and change makers, and apply these skills within the community,” says Aryn Lipnicki, assistant director of student engagement for the College. “By developing these skills to complement their study of the life sciences, students are prepared to engage in scientific endeavors in ways that are collaborative with the community.”
Along with engaging in hands-on research, spending countless hours studying in the library and furthering their knowledge through coursework, many of our undergraduates volunteer, do research in faculty labs, lead student organizations and nonprofits, and take part in student government. Here are just a few examples of students in CBS making an impact on campus and beyond.
- Precious Kennedy: A community connector
- Chen Chen: A critical thinker
- Kashif Qureshi: A network builder
- Bill Keute: An engaged advocate
- Abygail Andebrhan: A social scientist
- Hossam Halaweish: A purposeful photographer
-Lance Janssen
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2021 edition of BIO, a magazine for College of Biological Sciences alumni, donors and friends.