1780 – The Official Blog of Transylvania University

1780 | The Official Blog of Transylvania University

Academics

Worldwide adventures await Transy students taking May term travel courses

Posted on by John Friedlein

Transylvania University students are getting ready to embark on May term journeys that will take them to far-flung locales across the globe—from China to the Netherlands. During the four-week term, students concentrate on just one class, which is often interdisciplinary and taught by more than one professor. More than 100 students will participate in this year’s travel courses, which include China’s Capitals: Exploring the Bases of Power through Politics and Art, Cultures of Southern Spain – Medieval and Contemporary Convivencia, Journey Through the Bible, and Public Policy and the Culture of Health in the Netherlands. Additionally, 12 students will take part in the Transylvania in Ireland summer program, while 14 will study abroad through outside programs. Every student is encouraged to take at least one May term travel course during their time at Transy. (Some May classes are taught on campus.) The term begins next week.

Transylvania senior offers advice to females considering STEM degrees

Posted on by John Friedlein

Transylvania senior Sydney Ellen Gooding, a biology major and chemistry minor, encourages other females to pursue degrees in the traditionally male-dominated subjects of science, technology, engineering and math. She said self-confidence will help them succeed in STEM fields. “You really just have to be assertive and be comfortable and confident in your own self—or you’re going to get passed by,” she said. “Believe in your own ideas as much as your male lab mates would believe in their own.” During an internship at a large research university, she worked with a lot of men in a lab and felt she had to come out and say what she wanted—not just expect to be handed something. At Transylvania labs, however, she feels like males and females are treated equally. “I’ve never felt like more opportunities were given to the male students.” Gooding’s opportunities to excel extend beyond the laboratory. She and about a dozen other Transy students this week showcased their research at the American Chemical Society meeting in Orlando, Florida. Her organic chemistry poster featured research she conducted with Professor of Chemistry Bob Rosenberg on carbon and hydrogen bonding in the presence of fluorines. The meeting included a variety of talks and demonstrations—and it was a chance to meet thousands of chemistry students from across the country—from undergraduates to postdocs. “It was neat to be in that type of environment,” she said.

Transylvania Juried Student Art Exhibition to open May 3

Posted on by Office of Marketing and Communications

The artistic talents of Transylvania University students will be spotlighted in a Morlan Gallery exhibition from May 3-17. The annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, which is free and open to the public, will feature more than 100 pieces—from paintings to fiber to digital media. The show opens on Friday, May 3, with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Awards will be presented at 6 p.m. The Lexington Gallery Hop closes the exhibition on Friday, May 17, from 5-8 p.m. Art faculty and the gallery director will award prizes for creative, exceptional work in “best of” categories. Honors also include the Dean’s Purchase Award, which recognizes superior student artists by installing their works in a permanent collection on campus. Michael Cairo, interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university, continues the tradition this year. The Nana Lampton Prize, named in honor of the visual artist, poet, philanthropist and business leader, is given to seniors in recognition of their creative vision, strong work ethic and natural leadership. Additionally, the Abbott Scholarship will go to a rising junior or senior who has demonstrated studio and scholarly excellence. The scholarship honors the memory of Mildred and Harold Abbott, both patrons and practitioners in the visual and performing arts. Morlan Gallery, which is on the main level of Transylvania’s Mitchell Fine Arts Center, is open weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. and by special appointment. Free, nearby parking is available. For an appointment, call

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