Features

Casey Cross

Major: Actuarial Science

"I went on a mission trip through the St. Thomas More Newman Center to New Orleans and worked with Catholic Charities' Operation Helping Hands. We worked on a house next to a levee on the Mississippi River, scraping off lead paint, priming, and caulking so that Miss Sarah's house would be able to be painted flamingo pink. Getting to meet Miss Sarah was one of the most amazing parts of the trip. She fled New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina hit, came back about a year later, and completely fixed the entire inside of her house. She told me that she prayed and prayed for someone to help her with the outside, and shortly thereafter Catholic Charities agreed to assist her."

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Evan Davis

Major: International Studies and Political Science; International Affairs Scholar

"I traveled throughout Brazil with the Honors and Scholars Center. This trip exposed me to both modern and historic Brazilian society. While in Salvador, we learned about the Brazilian slave trade and how it shaped modern Brazilian society and about Condomble, a traditional Afro-Brazilian religion. Next we traveled to Rio where we toured the world-famous Mangueira Samba School, visited Copacabana Beach, and toured a favela. The most memorable part of the experience was climbing to the top of Corcovado Mountain in the center of the city and standing next to the statue of Christ the Redeemer."

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David Dybowski

Major: History

"I traveled across the pond to London as part of my English 595: Literary London class. We traversed the city from dawn till dusk, seeing London sights such as Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, and Big Ben. For all the sightseeing, the most interesting part of the trip was getting to learn the ins and outs of London, not just the touristy side of it. The best part was traveling around the cities finding unique food and riding the tube. It felt like the British honored us when the Buckingham Palace guards played "Les Regiments" as they were changing their guards–the same song as Script Ohio."

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Kathryn Everson

Major: Evolution and Ecology

"I studied plant-mating systems on San Salvador Island Bahamas. I hand-pollinated plants in two coastal plant communities with the help of Dr. Carol Landry (Ohio State, EEOB), Dr. Nancy Elliott (Siena College), and Erin Richardson (Ohio State undergraduate). Most of our research was right on the beach! We will return to San Salvador in June to collect fruit from these plants and to set up seed germination experiments. In my free time, I snorkeled and explored the island—I even walked on a fossilized coral reef!"

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Daniel Fuchik

Major: Risk Management

"I was fortunate to go on a Buck-I-Serv trip. A group of 50 of us worked with Habitat for Humanity in Birmingham, Alabama. Although it was hard work that none of us had done before, we all got the hang of roofing pretty quickly and it was very rewarding to see our results by the end of the week. We worked long days in the heat, but we also had time to build relationships with our fellow Buckeyes, share some laughs, and really experience the Birmingham area. It was the best experience I've had so far as an Ohio State student!"

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Holly Haynes

Major: MBA

"I traveled to Brazil on an Emerging Markets Field Study program through Fisher College of Business. Taking in the cultural diversity of the area and the people, incorporating learning from my courses, gaining work experience, and completing a consulting project led to an amazing experience. I had never been outside of North America before traveling to Brazil, and I can apply the relationships, business, and networking skills right away. Working in an emerging economy truly helps you understand how important international experience is. Even if you work in the U.S., the experience gives you a competitive advantage."

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Gabirose Keeton

Major: Microbiology, Biological Sciences Scholar

"I traveled with 50 Ohio State students to Miami, Florida, as a part of the Buck-I-Serv program, where we participated in the Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge. It was a humbling experience to see that Miami is not just South Beach. We worked in an area called Liberty City, where the poverty level and crime are serious, but the people embraced the progress we were making. We worked at several house sites, where we set up drywall, primed, painted, and roofed. Nothing was more fulfilling than meeting and working alongside some of the homeowners. The drive each of them had to better their lives and the gratefulness they felt were inspiring."

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Kamilah King

Major: Strategic Communication

"My study abroad trip to London, England, was life changing. London is fast-paced, culturally diverse, and one of the most beautiful places in the world. I had the opportunity to visit Bath, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, and even Stonehenge. While overseas, I did sightsee, but I also got to do community service at North London Action for the Homeless. My group and I helped landscape and clean up the grounds of the church. My trip was phenomenal; I got to see amazing historical locations, but I also got to help people in need."

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Allison Lawrence

Major: French (Pre-Education)

"I traveled to London, England, with some of my fellow English 595 classmates. I ran through Hyde Park, saw the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, ate classic fish and chips at a pub, and even went to the Westminster Abbey. I enjoyed seeing the literary aspects of London because seeing Shakespeare's grave only gives you chills if you have read and appreciate his work. It would not have been complete without a walk across the Millennium Bridge to the Globe Theatre and several trips in the London Underground. I also went to Platform 9 3/4 from the infamous Harry Potter world."

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Alyssa LeRose

Major: Dance

"I participated in a 10-day study abroad program in Costa Rica through the dance department. I went with 11 other dance majors and we each stayed with a host family in San Jose. We took contemporary technique and composition classes with choreographer Jimmy Ortiz at Conservatorio El Barco. We collaborated with dancers and showcased our work in a performance at the end of our stay. We learned a lot from one another, despite the language barrier. Aside from dancing and sightseeing, we also spent a weekend on the beach at Manuel Antonio. It was an unforgettable spring break filled with new friendships, great food, and wonderful dancing."

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Adam McKibben

Major: Sociology, Business Scholar

"A group of nine students traveled to Belize City, Belize, and partnered with an organization called One World Running. We distributed over 1,000 pairs of shoes to children and members of the community in Belize City. We also traveled to schools in Corozal and Orange Walk to distribute shoes. The shoes were used during a 5K race that we organized in Belize City to promote good health practices. We also visited cultural sites such as the Mayan ruins at Altun Ha and Cahal Pech and also a local market in the hills of San Ignacio."

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Tyler Merz

Major: Engineering Physics, Honors

"Over spring break, I traveled to the Guizhou Province in China, doing a sustainable architectural study. The goal of the project was to visit three villages and the sites that would be available for use with a tourist industry and attempt to understand the intricate interplay between the environment (mountains and rivers in the area) and the culture of the largest minority in China (the Miao people)."

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Eric Moyer

Major: Chemical Engineering

"While traveling with the Haiti Empowerment Project, four engineering students and members of Solar Education and Outreach—John Hnilo, Trace Searles, Ben Aring, and myself—successfully installed solar-powered lights and fans in a local Haitian primary school of over 250 students. We worked together with the Haitians to implement this technology in what will become the nighttime community center in an area where electricity is extremely rare."

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Son Ngo

Major: Mechanical Engineering

"I traveled with a team of engineering students and advisers to Choluteca, Honduras, and built a replicable and sustainable aquaponics system that ran on solar power at a vocational school. The goal was to provide a supplemental food source for a typical single-family Honduran household. My team and I also traveled to Catacamas, Honduras, where we assessed future projects at other vocational schools that catered toward the less fortunate students. This project was done through the student organization Engineers for Community Service."

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Garrett Nunn

Majors: Spanish, International Affairs Scholar

"Ten (delayed) flights in 10 days led to the trip of a lifetime in one of the most diverse countries in the world: Bolivia. Going with 50 other International Affairs Scholars to the three major cities, La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba, I saw a unique culture in each place. Whether indigenous or modern, I was submersed in each culture, practicing my Spanish in a different way each time. I saw poverty, especially in La Paz, in ways unfamiliar to me. Packs of dogs roamed the streets, two-year-olds begged for money, and these things were part of everyday life for the Bolivians. The trip increased my love for the Spanish language and changed my life for the better."

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Hongyang Pi

Major: Chemical Engineering and Mathematics

"I went to Cameroon with Professors Mark Moritz (Anthropology) and Ian Hamilton (EEOB/Mathematics) as an Undergraduate Research Fellow. I used agent-based modeling to understand how mobile pastoralists in the Far North Region manage common-pool resources. We stayed with different pastoral groups and asked questions about how they decide to move, trying to get a glimpse of their lives. Pastoralists are famous for their hospitality. Though we showed up unannounced, they always were very welcoming and shared food. At night the kids would sing and dance for us."

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Erin Richardson

Major: Crop Science

"I worked with Dr. Carol Landry (OSU-EEOB), Dr. Nancy Elliott (Siena College), and Katie Everson (Ohio State student) on San Salvador Island Bahamas, researching pollination networks in four coastal plant communities. During the day I collected insects that visited several plant species and observed and recorded their behaviors. At night we identified, pinned, and catalogued the specimens at the Gerace Research Centre's insect repository. I was also able to snorkel and see the amazing coral reefs! Learning to identify multiple native plants and insects and their importance to coastal communities was an incredible learning experience!"

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Kate Scherer

Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering, English Minor

"I studied abroad in London, England, with a group of 11 Ohio State students. After taking the class "Literary Locations: London" during winter quarter, we left for England. We had a packed itinerary that included visits to Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and Westminster Abbey. Celebrating my birthday in England was a highlight. After six days in London we traveled to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see William Shakespeare's birthplace and grave. The trip was a fantastic immersion in British culture. This visit to England will always be remembered as a high point of my undergraduate experience. O-H-I-O!"

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Erica Schmenk

Major: Biomedical Science

"Monica Lachey and I traveled to Panama through an organization called Medlife. Every day we traveled with a large group to a new rural community in Panama. We helped take vitals of residents, helped the local doctors see the patients and the pharmacist distribute medicine, assisted the dentist in her duties, and handed out toothbrushes to the children while demonstrating to them how to use them. Every day was a new adventure, with new people to meet and new challenges to overcome. Lifelong friendships were made, and I'll never forget getting to meet all of the wonderful children and families while I was there."

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Christopher Schwartz

Major: Communication Technologies

"I took my first trip overseas. I traveled to Germany and England for 18 days to explore the rich history and culture. I stayed with a friend in Mainz, which is along the Rhein River. The city was clean and beautiful, full of modern architecture dabbled around old structures, and Roman ruins that have been uncovered while building new structures. The most powerful site we visited was in Berlin–the memorial monument for the Jews and the often forgotten group of gays and lesbians that were persecuted during the war was breath-taking."

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Alyssa Swisher

Major: Architecture

"I was fortunate to go to Ghana on a study abroad trip. We traveled to the rural area of the Offinso North District to work on several projects to assist the area. As a part of the agricultural group I was able to survey farmers and test their soil. Hopefully, our recommendations will lead to an increase in soil fertility and a soil map of the region. I now feel personally invested in helping the people of that area, so I currently am doing an independent study to work on an unfinished architecture project there."

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Taryn Weiss

Major: Sociology

"Over spring break I volunteered with seven other Ohio State students at Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa, as part of the Buck-I-Serv program. This camp works with individuals of all ages with disabilities. We were given the opportunity to work directly with the campers participating in programs like rock climbing, swimming, and arts and crafts. During the time we were not with the campers, we painted and cleaned up the landscaping around camp in order to help the camp expand. This experience was truly life-changing and I look forward to going on another alternative break soon!"

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Adam Windnagel

Major: Finance

"I toured Costa Rica with Fisher's new green business class. Each day we visited at least one company and learned about its commitments to the environment. A constant theme seemed to run throughout each company tour: In order to achieve sustainability, a company must redefine profit to include social well being. The Costa Ricans say Pura Vida, which means Pure Life. As one of the world leaders in sustainability, they are on their way to Pura Vida. Through the green business program, Fisher students can lead the way to Pura Vida in the United States."

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Elizabeth Zebrowski

Major: Biology; Biological Sciences Scholar

"I visited cities and sites important to the history of biology and to the English culture. I started in London, visiting the Tower of London, the Darwin Museum and Gardens, Westminster Abbey, and the British Museum. I stopped at Kew Gardens and Stonehenge before arriving in Lyme Regis where I went fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast. I went to Oxford, stopping in Bath and at Blenheim Palace on the way. In Oxford, I toured the university and visited the Museum of the History of Science and the Ashmolean Museum before heading back to the states."