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How do some Reed students spend their summers?
Summer internships and grants provide opportunities
- Jeff Schroeder '05 studied Buddhism in Taiwan, distilling hours of interviews into a paper and presentation.
- Jessica Hoel '05 collaborated with a faculty member to study the effects of a student's peers on his/her education, presenting her findings at a researchers' conference.
- Joey Rubin '04 studied poetry, while working daily toward the creation of a
collection of his own poems. - Colin Mieling '05 traveled to Ireland to research the patterns of Chinese migration to Ireland and its effects on the country's economy.
These students are among the many who have spent their summers exploring artistic or academic interests as part of Reed's robust program of summer internships, grants, and fellowships.
The Corbett and Goldhammer
Research Grants, the Kaspar
T. Locher Summer Creative Scholarship,
the Luce Foundation Grants, and the National Academy of
Sciences Summer Research Award are just a few of the resources available today to Reed students.
Only This My father sits in his briefs,
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Joey Rubin ’04 studied and wrote poetry as part of his Kaspar T. Locher Summer Creative
Scholarship last summer.There are opportunities for nearly any discipline or interest, from the arts to the sciences to volunteering in the public or non-profit sectors. Some provide a stipend to finance the project, others provide lump-sum support. Some focus on individual independent study, while others allow students to work collaboratively with faculty.
"I think the most valuable part of my Goldhammer experience has been the opportunity to
work closely with a faculty member on a project that was ours," said Hoel, a senior math-
economics major.
As part of his Kaspar T. Locher Summer Creative Scholarship that he devoted to creating a collection of original poetry, English major Joey Rubin '04 met weekly with an adviser but designed the summer syllabus himself and learned to establish and meet self-imposed deadlines.
"Not only did I learn about the kind of dedication it takes to really be a self-motivated creative writer," Rubin said, "but I was able to then take what I learned—my improved, self-directed work ethic—and use it in my academic studies at Reed in the fall."
Mieling, a Chinese literature major, agreed. "Through the research, I gained a great deal of faith in my abilities as an independent researcher," he said.
Schroeder, who is majoring in religion, appreciated the control he had over his project. "I received some guidance from Reed teachers and contacts I made in Taipei, but the Luce scholarship gave me the independence to create and execute the project as I thought best," he said.
Hoel, Mieling, Schroeder, and Rubin each pursued their summer project for different reasons. But all agree that the experience has or will benefit them in the completion of their studies at Reed and in their lives after college.
"Jeff [Professor Jeff Parker, Hoel's advisor and collaborator] taught me how to approach a large project in a systematic way. These techniques have proven to be invaluable in my thesis work," said Hoel.
Schroeder also cites the experience as good training for his thesis. "The project has fleshed out my Buddhist studies at Reed and has prepared me well for writing the dreaded senior thesis," he said.
Mieling believes himself more prepared for his eventual working life as a result of his summer project. "From the experiences last summer, I have bolstered my commitment to the academic process and my future as an educator."
All would enthusiastically recommend the experience to fellow students.
"I frankly don't understand why more people don't apply," said Schroeder, summing up the feelings of the others. "It's such a fabulous opportunity. Last summer was the most wonderful and fulfilling summer I've ever had."
To learn more about the summer grant, fellowship, and scholarship opportunities at Reed, visit web.reed.edu/academic/studentgrants/.
