Category: Students

Inside a Neuroscience Lab: A Summer at Washington University

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Supported by a CCPD Summer Internship Stipend, this student spent the summer working in a neuroscience lab at Washington University in St. Louis, conducting behavioral assays on mouse pups to study genetic and neurodevelopmental disorders. Through hands-on research, data analysis, and collaboration within a lab setting, the experience offered insight into both the realities of scientific research and the kind of work environment they hope to pursue in the future.

Carter Haley and Washington University staff

“Hi, my name is Carter Haley (far right), and this Summer I worked at Washington University in St. Louis in the lab of Joe Dougherty (middle). I was under the supervision of Susan “Suz” Maloney (not pictured) and Joshua Thope (not pictured), and I was primarily doing behavioral assays on mouse pups to study the effects of genetic and neurodevelopmental disorders.

I ran two studies. In the first study, I studied the neonatal communication alterations in mouse pups caused by Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). We recorded the ultrasonic sounds, aka ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), in order to look at an Autism Spectrum Disorder phenotype found in humans with NF1. The second study focused on the neonatal motor assessment of mice with MYT1L syndrome. I performed a battery of tests on pups that were less than 1-2 weeks old to study a hypotonia phenotype, which is common in human patients with MYT1L syndrome. I was also responsible for genotyping, husbandry (taking care of mice), data analysis, reading papers, and presenting research findings, both mine and others.

During my time in the lab, I learned a lot about the pressures and responsibilities of working in a lab. I also learned a lot about myself and what my ideal work environment looks like. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and the community that I built with the members of the lab.  I look forward to utilizing the skills I learned in this experience to inform the future lab I work in. I will never forget this experience.” – Carter Haley ’28

Connecting Food Systems and Public Health in Northern Michigan

Posted on by Rachel Wood

This summer, with support from a CCPD Internship Stipend, a K student joined the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities in Traverse City to work at the intersection of food systems and public health. From assisting with culinary medicine classes for cancer patients to promoting local food access initiatives, the internship provided hands-on experience in community-based health work and reinforced a growing interest in equity-driven public health careers.

“This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities in Traverse City, Michigan, where I worked closely with the organization’s Food and Farming team. Groundwork focuses on creating healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities, and my work centered around the intersection of food systems, health, and community engagement. 

Amelie Sack - internship photo

One of the most meaningful parts of my internship was assisting in culinary medicine classes at the Esperance Teaching Kitchen in partnership with Munson’s Cowell Family Cancer Center. These classes introduced cancer patients and survivors to practical, plant-forward cooking skills as a tool for healing and well-being. In addition, I helped with community outreach projects like promoting local farmers markets, supporting programs such as Senior Project Fresh, and writing articles for the Traverse City Record-Eagle to highlight food access initiatives across northern Michigan. 

Through these experiences, I gained invaluable skills in public health communication, community engagement, and program development. I learned how to adapt nutrition education to different audiences, how partnerships strengthen public health initiatives, and how storytelling can inspire community change. Perhaps most importantly, I grew more confident in my ability to bridge my academic background in community and global health with real-world applications. 

This internship affirmed my passion for pursuing a career that combines public health, food systems, and social equity. It also deepened my commitment to working alongside communities to address barriers to health and well-being through collaborative and creative solutions. 

I am especially grateful for the support I received from Kalamazoo College’s CCPD and the internship stipend, which made it possible for me to fully immerse myself in this experience. Looking back, I can see how much this summer shaped my professional goals and helped me imagine new pathways forward in health and equity work.” – Amelie Sack ’27

Learning the Law from the Bench

Posted on by Rachel Wood

With support from the CCPD Summer Internship Stipend, this student interned under Judge Curtis Bell in the 9th District Court. The internship combined legal research, writing, and courtroom observation, building confidence and confirming a growing interest in pursuing a legal career.

Eleanor Bernas '26 internship photo

“This summer, I worked as a judicial intern under Judge Curtis Bell in the 9th District Court civil trial division. Over the course of my internship, I handled a wide variety of projects and responsibilities. Most of them involved legal research on the elements of the cases at hand, and finding relevant information for Judge Bell. This necessitated gaining familiarity with the Westlaw database, which is needed during law school and beyond. These research projects also included writing memos outlining the answers from the research. This type of writing was new to me, but under the mentorship and feedback of Judge Bell, I not only gained confidence in this skill, but enjoyed the process. I also used my research to create presentations and other relevant writing projects. Another important piece of this internship was observation of courtroom proceedings. This helped me gaine valuable insights on the day-to-day life in the legal field. I learned a lot through this observation and especially the opportunity to ask questions after. By practicing legal research and writing, observing courtroom proceedings, and asking questions to Judge Bell, I grew my overall knowledge of the law and the legal profession. This experience strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in law, and has given me connections, resources, and skills that will be invaluable in this process. The skills I’ve gained have also given me confidence to take on new experiences, even if I don’t feel prepared at first.  

Without receiving a stipend from the CCPD, I would not have been able to experience this internship and all of the benefits that it’s provided me. Importantly, I was able to work 40 hours a week which allowed me to be entrusted with long-term projects and see them though until completion. I am also grateful for the opportunity to provide reflection essays to the CCPD, as these assignments let me reflect on the positive impact that this experience has had on me.” Eleanor Bernas ’26

An ongoing partnership growing in a new direction 

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Over the last several years, the CCPD has built a strong partnership with the men’s football program, thanks in large part to the leadership and support of then Head Football Coach Jamie Zorbo. During that time, we collaborated on a range of workshops, everything from resume writing to job and internship searching, networking, and more. Since Coach Zorbo’s transition into the role of Athletics Director, that partnership has only continued to grow. 

This fall, the CCPD expanded our work with Athletics by launching a new workshop series called “The Athlete Advantage.” These sessions had two simple goals: to help student-athletes see the career value of skills they build every day in their sport (discipline, teamwork, resilience, leadership) and teach them how to communicate those strengths clearly on a resume. During the sessions, the athletes viewed a presentation explaining the link between their athletic skills and career readiness skills, then were given the opportunity to apply what they just learned by completing the new Basic Resume Module in our Career Connection Toolkit and practice translating their athletic experience into employer-ready language.  

Athletic skills are career readiness skills 

In 2014, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) conducted a large national study across industries and employer types to identify the most important career readiness competencies for early-career professionals. The result was a framework of eight competencies: career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology. 

These competencies map closely to the skills athletes develop over years of practices, competitions, and team leadership roles. Discipline and resilience align with professionalism. Teamwork and leadership match two of the competencies outright. And qualities like adaptability, time management, and the ability to perform under pressure appear across multiple competency areas. 

Simply put: the skills that make strong athletes are the same skills employers are actively seeking. Our goal is to help students recognize that connection and feel confident about naming and demonstrating those strengths. 

Progress so far and where we’re headed 

This fall, the CCPD led three Athlete Advantage workshops, reaching 234 student-athletes across multiple teams. Our goal is to reach every student-athlete by the end of this academic year. 

Looking ahead, we will continue offering these workshops to incoming first-year athletes and expanding the resources available to teams and coaches. The focus remains the same: helping students understand the real-world value of their athletic experience and teaching them how to showcase those skills effectively on their resumes and in conversations with employers. 

100+ Conversations – “Not as intimidating as I thought”

Posted on by Rachel Wood

During KConnect Week, more than 100 career conversations unfolded between Kalamazoo College students and alumni. In all, 106 meetings connected 59 students with 38 alumni across the country. For many students, these short, 20 minute Hornet Huddles offered something essential in the career development process: direct, candid access to someone who once sat exactly where they are now. Students described the experience as energizing and humanizing, noting that the conversations felt more like genuine mentorship than formal interviews. What surprised them most was how approachable the alumni were. One student summed it up simply: “Made me realize alumni are not that intimidating to talk to.”

For alumni, the impact went both ways. Many enjoyed hearing what current students are curious about, what challenges they are thinking through, and how their own career paths with all their pivots and surprises could offer reassurance. Several mentioned that the small group format allowed space for real conversation, even within a single 20 minute session. The topics covered a wide landscape: scientific research, law, public policy, marketing, finance, technology, education, communications, nonprofit leadership, and more. Alumni shared insights from government agencies, startup environments, hospitals, laboratories, courtrooms, schools, and global companies. Students used the time to explore majors, test assumptions, and ask practical questions about internships, first roles, identity in the workplace, and how to get started.

Many conversations also sparked a next step, whether that was an invitation to connect again on LinkedIn, an offer to review a resume, or a suggestion to reach out to someone else in the alum’s network. The ripple effects of a single meeting will continue long after KConnect Week. Hornet Huddles continue to show the strength of a career community built on real people and real conversations. Students benefit from seeing firsthand how K alumni build lives and careers after graduation. Alumni benefit from reconnecting with the campus community and supporting emerging professionals in fields they care deeply about.

As KConnect grows, so will the opportunities to make these conversations easy and accessible. The goal remains the same: to help students try things and talk to people, and to ensure that every Hornet has access to the guidance, perspective, and encouragement that comes from another Hornet saying, “I have been there. Let’s talk.”

For students and alumni alike, joining KConnect is an easy way to stay connected to this community year-round. You don’t need to participate in Hornet Huddles to take part. Students can explore alumni profiles and reach out for advice whenever they’re ready, and alumni can make themselves available for future conversations in whatever way fits their schedules. Anyone can get started at kzoo.alumnifire.com.

A modern solution to a legacy challenge – Career Connection Toolkit

Posted on by Rachel Wood

During summer 2025, the CCPD kicked off a new project we’re genuinely excited about: the Career Connection Toolkit. It grew out of two big questions we’ve been wrestling with for a long time.

First: How do we help students keep building career development skills when none of our services are required? We know these skills matter, a lot, for launching confidently into life after K, but it’s easy for students to miss them simply because they never cross paths with us.

Second: How do we teach these skills when every student starts from a different place? Some arrive having never created a resume, while others grew up around professionals who had them networking in high school. Most sit somewhere in between.

The Career Connection Toolkit is our response to both challenges. It’s flexible, it’s accessible, and it moves us closer to our long-term goal of embedding career everywhere.

Built for real student lives

The Career Connection Toolkit is a collection of self-paced, asynchronous modules that teach core career skills. Everything is on Moodle and is available 24/7. No appointments, no waitlists, and no hoping a CCPD workshop happens to be offered in the right class at the right time.

You can jump into the Toolkit directly through the CCPD website, and it will keep growing over time. Each module focuses on one key skill and is broken into short, digestible lessons. A typical lesson includes:

  • a short written overview to explain the concept
  • an interactive activity to apply the skill in real time
  • a reflection checklist to help you lock in what you learned

Most lessons take about 7–12 minutes, and a full module can be completed in under an hour.

This structure helps in a lot of ways:

  • It’s flexible. Students can spend 10 minutes learning something useful and come back later without losing momentum.
  • It works in classrooms. Faculty can pair a full module with a single class session without reworking an entire syllabus.
  • It supports different learning styles. Written content, examples, and hands-on activities give students multiple ways to engage.

Right now, the Toolkit includes three modules; a basic resume module, an advanced resume module, and a Career Conversations (informational interviews) module. They’re live for students now, and we’re actively collecting feedback as we continue improving and planning the next round of modules.

If you’d like to explore, assign, or share your thoughts on the Toolkit, you can find everything at career.kzoo.edu/cctoolkit.

Moving forward

The Toolkit is one more way we’re working to make career learning a shared responsibility across campus. We’re grateful for partners like Athletics who have jumped in early, and we’re eager to collaborate with anyone who sees value in helping students connect their experiences to their futures. If you’d like to explore the modules or offer input as we develop new ones, we’d love to hear from you.

Finding My Path Through Creativity: My Summer at Bay View Music Festival 

Posted on by Rachel Wood

The CCPD Summer Internship Stipend helps make hands-on, career-shaping experiences like this possible. In this post, a student reflects on capturing and producing content that connected audiences to live performances. The experience strengthened the students’ creative and professional skills while offering important clarity about the kind of work environment they hope to pursue after college.

“This summer, I had the opportunity to work as a Social Media Ambassador for the Bay View Music Festival in northern Michigan, a unique performing arts community that combines high-level music performance with a tight-knit, supportive culture. 

Internship photo - Anastasia Okromchedlishvili

In this role, I was responsible for capturing photo and video content at concerts, masterclasses, and events, then editing and publishing them to our social media platforms. I also created promotional content, developed ideas for TikToks and Instagram Reels, and wrote captions tailored to our audience. Every day brought a new performance, a new challenge, and a chance to grow creatively. 

One of the most exciting parts was seeing the impact of my work in real time, watching our engagement grow and knowing that my content helped connect audiences to the festival’s mission. I also learned the less glamorous side of social media work: digging through hours of footage to find the perfect clip, managing time under pressure, and working without a rigid schedule. These experiences helped me realize that while I love creative work, I thrive best with more structure and flexibility, ideally in an office setting. 

This internship confirmed my passion for media and content creation and gave me valuable insights into what I want (and need) in a future workplace: a collaborative environment, space for creativity, and clear communication. 

I’m grateful to Bay View and Kalamazoo College’s CCPD for making this experience possible, it helped grow my creativity, professionalism and me as a person.” – Anastasia Okromchedlishvili ’28

Building First-Year Confidence: Career Advisors Visit 15 Seminars This Fall

Posted on by Rachel Wood

This fall, our Career Advisors brought resume fundamentals directly into the classroom, visiting fifteen First-Year Seminars to deliver a short, practical presentation called “Building Your First College Resume: The Basics Every College Student Needs to Know.”

The advisors walked students through why resumes matter early, what counts as experience (far more than most first-years expect), and where to find step-by-step guidance in our Career Connection Toolkit. The toolkit’s Basic Resume module (complete in under an hour) helps students build a polished college-level resume from scratch, with templates and practice activities built in.

Career Advisor Eric shared that the visits made an impact:
“It was a super engaging way for first years to become familiar with the CCPD! I wish that I had been introduced to the CCPD my freshman year. My presentations were a great way to spark awareness for how a resume can be built using CCPD resources.”

We’re grateful to our Career Advisors for helping new students take their first steps toward exploring opportunities at K. And, we’re grateful to our First Year Seminar Instructors for welcoming our staff in! Students can find the resume module and more at career.kzoo.edu/CCToolkit.

Learning Global Health Firsthand: A Summer with the Institute for Family Health

Posted on by Rachel Wood
Madeline Hanulcik and her coworder Rania

Supported by the CCPD Summer Internship Stipend, this student spent the summer in Amman, Jordan, working with the Institute for Family Health to strengthen healthcare access for vulnerable communities. From identifying service gaps to supporting inclusive education initiatives, their work offered a powerful glimpse into the impact of global public health collaboration.

“This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the Institute for Family Health (IFH) in Amman, Jordan. IFH is a regional model for comprehensive, accessible, and integrated healthcare and social services. Established in 1986, IFH provides high-quality primary health care, mental health and psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and protection services to vulnerable populations, including refugees, women, children, and persons with disabilities. With a network of clinics across Jordan, IFH combines direct service delivery with training, research, and advocacy to strengthen health systems and promote the well-being and dignity of individuals and communities.

Throughout the summer at IFH, I supported efforts to strengthen healthcare access in Jordan by identifying service gaps in Amman and other vulnerable cities. I collaborated with key partners, including the Ministry of Health and other local organizations, to align responses with national priorities. Additionally, I contributed to grant applications focused on expanding inclusive education and support for students with disabilities across Jordan.

From this opportunity, I gained practical skills in cross-sector collaboration by working closely with government and organizational partners. I developed the ability to identify and analyze service gaps in the health sector, particularly in vulnerable communities. I also strengthened my adaptability and communication skills by navigating a professional workplace in my second language.

I feel so thankful to the CCPD for providing me with the Summer Internship Stipend because without it, it would have been impossible for me to travel back to Jordan and study public health in the country I have so much love for. In addition to working with my incredible coworkers and learning how to work in the public health sector, I had the unique opportunity to practice my Arabic, travel, and make new friends from Jordan. The Summer Internship Stipend is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I encourage all K students who are interested to apply!” – Madeline Hanulcik ’26

Students Lead Civic Government Panel on Careers in Public Service

Posted on by Valerie Miller
Moderator, other panelists, and student attendees listening to panelist, Christina Anderson '98.

Political Science DSA Hollis Masterson ’26 and student leader Libby McFarlen ’26 partnered with Dr. Justin Berry, the Center for Civic Engagement, KVotes and the CCPD to host a dynamic conversation on civic careers last Tuesday with three Kalamazoo city leaders who also have strong ties to the K community.

The panel featured Vice Mayor Jeanne Hess, Chief Operating Officer Laura Lam ’99, and City Planner and Deputy Director of Community Planning and Economic Development Christina Anderson ’98. Each shared personal stories and insights about discovering purpose through public service.

Masterson, who moderated the discussion, asked how each panelist found their way into city government. Anderson described starting as a volunteer on the zoning board before joining the City of Kalamazoo staff. Lam applied for a role with the City, hoping to return to her hometown and contribute to its growth. Hess spoke about her deep ties to Kalamazoo and how the former mayor encouraged her to run for City Commission after retiring from teaching and coaching at K.

As the discussion shifted to building skills and managing challenging work environments, the panelists offered advice rooted in lived experience. “Even a bad internship or job gets you closer to what you want,” Anderson told students. She went on to add that “any job has a learning curve… you need to be in it long enough to see if it’s going to work for you.” Hess added, “I always said as a coach, ‘you either win or you learn.’”

When asked what cities look for in candidates, the panelists emphasized the mindsets and habits that define effective public service. They spoke about listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging with community members in ways that build trust. Strong civic leaders, they noted, show up, collaborate well, follow through, and stay grounded in purpose. As Lam put it, “If you go into government, you need to be crystal clear about your ‘why.’”

The event captured the best of K’s collaborative spirit. Students, alumni, faculty, and community partners came together to explore how liberal arts learning can lead to real-world impact. By organizing and leading the panel, Masterson and McFarlen created space for real conversation and connection, encouraging students to imagine careers in public service, or, if not, how to stay involved through continued civic engagement. As Anderson noted, “Wherever you go, you are a member of that community. And it is your duty to be an active member of your community…to bring your light to that space.”