Making Their Mark in the Universe: Meet the Class of 2024

A total solar eclipse took place over campus in April, and as a result, we'll remember this class like we remember the cosmic spectacle that brought us together—as bold and once-in-a-lifetime.  

In honor of their upcoming Commencement, we asked some of our soon-to-be-grads to reflect on their St. Lawrence experiences, including their favorite classes and proudest achievements. Now that they’ve left their mark on campus, read on to see what their next adventures have in store.   

Tyler Karasinski ’24 

Major: Physics 
Minor: Mathematics
Hometown: North Haven, Connecticut 

What is one class that positively impacted you? I really loved art and art history professor Melissa Schulenberg's printmaking class. Printmaking is such a meditative and interesting creative outlet, and as a bonus I now have plenty of wall art to decorate with! 

What accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of how the administration and community assembled for the total solar eclipse in April. It required an intense, months-long effort from everyone involved, including myself, the administration, the physics department, and Nature Up North. Not a single thing went haywire. It was a perfect day. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? My advisor, physics professor Aileen O'Donoghue. She is an amazing individual who has provided me with incredible opportunities including traveling to national conferences, visits to observatories, and two summers' worth of research. My favorite things about her are her motivational speeches and her wholesome connection with the Earth and our place in the universe. 

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? Not a single day goes by that I don't wish I could relive my time in New Zealand during my semester abroad. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future? I'm heading off to Tempe, Arizona to pursue my astrophysics Ph.D. at Arizona State University! 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? The Arts Annex has been my home since sophomore year. On campus, they are my family through-and-through. The theme community here is easily my favorite tradition unique to St. Lawrence. I'm really going to miss it. 

Aberlyn Doin ’24 

Majors: English and Performance and Communication Arts
Hometown: Queensbury, New York 

What is one class that positively impacted you? "Feature Writing" with English professor Juraj Kittler was a class that not only forced me to grow as a writer but allowed me to make connections with faculty I would have never gotten the chance to meet otherwise. Juraj not only pushed me to write some of my best work but would always take the time to go over it with me, allowing me to learn some of my most valuable lessons! 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? English professor Caroline Breashears. Not only has she provided me with guidance as my advisor—helping me plan out my St. Lawrence career and get into grad school—but she always showed care and gave a helping hand whenever I needed it. Her classes inspired me to work harder, think outside of the box, and desire something more than just a good grade. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future? Starting in July, I will be continuing my education at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications pursuing a master's degree in advertising. 

Valeria Obregon Diaz ’24 

Major: Environmental Studies
Minor: Gender and Sexuality Studies
Hometown: Tijuana, Mexico 

What is one class that positively impacted you? "Once and Future Forest." It changed my perspective on environmental conservation efforts to mitigate climate change. I grew up hearing about tree planting campaigns as a solution, but I never thought about what happened to those trees once they were planted. This class helped me think critically about environmental efforts and the importance of focusing on existing efforts instead of starting new projects.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Starting a campus organization and watching it grow. In my sophomore year, I started Close the Loop, a campus organization dedicated to reducing textile waste on campus. It started with me asking a couple of friends to help me carry clothes to the Student Center for a clothing swap. Two years later, Close the Loop has more than 10 active members, manages the thrift store on campus, and has hosted multiple clothing swaps as well as sowing and mending workshops. This year, we were named "Rookie of the Year" at the Thelmo Awards Banquet.

Who are your most influential Laurentian mentors? Environmental studies professor Sara Ashpole inspired me to think of solutions to environmental problems on campus and was key to starting Close the Loop. Catherine Tedford, the director of the Brush Art Gallery, inspired me to pursue a travel enrichment grant during my time abroad, and I had the opportunity to explore street art in different parts of the world. My senior year, environmental studies and public health professor Lori Clark and I connected over our shared interest in waste management. Lori was my Senior Year Experience advisor and is now the Close the Loop club advisor. She’s helped me connect my academic passions with my interests outside the classroom.

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? I feel like I’ve done it all at St Lawrence—from living on campus during my summer internship for Admissions, to being part of the Sustainability Program and living on a farm five minutes from campus, to spending my whole junior year off campus in New York City and Sorrento, Italy. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future? I will be pursuing a master's in international development at Clark University. I was offered one of five research fellowships for the project: "Co-creating Research and Education Capacities to Understand, Visualize and Mitigate Climate-Change Impact Cascades and Inequities in Central Mexico." I will start my master’s this fall in Worcester, Massachusetts and then head to Mexico City for the spring and summer to conduct research. 

How did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey? During my semester in New York City, I got to work with Beth Dixon in Laurentian Engagement on my resume and cover letters. I was also part of the LINC Mentor Program during my sophomore year and received an internship fellowship that made it possible for me to pursue an unpaid internship during the summer of 2022. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? Folk Fest, an event organized by the Greenhouse every spring. It means that winter is finally over, and I love seeing student vendors sharing their arts and crafts. Plus, the music and vibes are always amazing. 

Edward Habeck ’24 

Majors: Biology and Anthropology 
Hometown: Morrisville, Vermont 

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Transforming the challenges I faced throughout my first few semesters of college into resilience and success. I had a difficult time adjusting during my first year, and my grades were certainly not where I wanted them to be. I took a gap year and a half to prioritize my health and well-being and change my mindset. Since my return, I've made the Dean's List every semester, completed a fellowship research project, and have been inducted into both the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and the Lambda Alpha Anthropology Honor Society. 

Who are your most influential Laurentian mentors? Biology professor Lorraine Olendzenski and anthropology professor Mindy Pitre have helped me to identify my interests and maximize my potential. I worked closely with Dr. Pitre while developing my summer fellowship project and both of my Senior Year Experience (SYE) projects. Dr. Pitre creates one of the most engaging learning environments at St. Lawrence, and she has been an integral supportive figure throughout my time in college.

Dr. Olendzenski and I have worked closely throughout my fellowship, biology SYE, and several courses I’ve taken and TA’d for. I've identified my favorite aspects of scientific research through Dr. Olendzenski’s course content, and she’s provided a space in her lab for me to explore my greatest scientific fascinations. 

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? My summer fellowship, where I sought to extract ancient bacterial DNA from the dental calculus of Bronze Age Mesopotamian skeletal remains. My longtime fascination with genetics combined with my background in anthropology made ancient DNA a perfect research focus. I learned many new relevant research techniques and had the chance to immerse myself in my greatest interests. The sheer number of research opportunities at St. Lawrence is astounding, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities I've had to gain experience in the lab.

What do you plan to pursue in the future? I've recently accepted an offer for a postgraduate associate position in the Department of Genetics at the Yale School of Medicine. I'll be working in the Massilani Lab, which investigates human evolution, adaptation, and diversification through ancient DNA (aDNA) from sediments and bone. This position is an absolute dream come true, and I hope to work towards my Ph.D. in a discipline related to aDNA afterwards. 

How did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey? The Center for Career Excellence has been an incredible resource while searching for opportunities following graduation. I've had help reviewing applications, searching for positions, and learning how to best prepare for my primary career goals. The staff I've worked with have been extraordinarily supportive of my interests, and I've left every meeting feeling far more confident.

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? Live music at Java. I've developed wonderful friendships throughout these last few years at the Java Barn, and it's been a great incentive to finish my work before a fun night out. Java hosts artists of many genres and styles, so every week is something completely new!

Adarra Roxane Smith ’24 

Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Potsdam, New York 

What is one class that positively impacted you? “Drugs and the Brain” with biology and psychology professor Ana Estevez blew my mind. Just the word "drug" has a different meaning to me now after studying the complex effects that even socially accepted daily substances like caffeine have on our brains. I gained experience doing model organism research and uncovered a passion for studying early-phase clinical therapies designed to address addiction and psychiatric disorders. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? Biology professor Joe Erlichman. He made my hardest classes fun by teaching complex and detailed biology with creative metaphors and humor. I went to him often for guidance and always left our conversations feeling reassured and inspired to pave my own path.

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? I went on an alternative spring break trip with Campus Kitchens to Phoenix, Arizona, where we prepared meals for members of the city’s unhoused population. Connecting with fellow Americans whose lived experiences differ from my own in a part of the country that was unfamiliar to me gave me a new perspective on our country and helped me better understand the challenges that we face. We ended our week of volunteering with a road trip through Sedona to the Grand Canyon. One minute our car was surrounded by cactuses and the next we were in a snow flurry. I feel so lucky for both the personal growth and adventure I experienced on that trip. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future? I'll spend most of this summer in the vibrant city of Oaxaca, Mexico as a public health intern. I’ll be immersed in the systems providing care to the most ethnically and linguistically diverse region of the country, and I hope to develop a more holistic view of global health while I embrace life in this culturally rich city. 

How did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey? I still talk about my SLU Connect trip to Boston as it truly defined my understanding of networking and career planning. I learned how to initiate professional relationships, explored the awesome city of Boston, and returned with a summer internship and new insights to apply to my own career journey. 

Robertson Ramos Flores '24

Major: Environmental Studies and Biology combined 
Minors: Outdoor Studies and Performance and Communication Arts 
Hometown: Bronx, New York 

What is one class that positively impacted you? “Plant Biology!” When I signed up, I thought it would just be another credit toward my major. Little did I know that I would tend to a garden of my own, develop connections with my peers, and realize that plants are way cooler than people! The class also inspired me to develop a green thumb and take a class on aquatic plants while studying abroad in New Zealand. We also got a chance to do some apple tree grafts, and I hope someday I’ll get to eat the apples—fingers crossed! 

What accomplishment are you most proud of? I was accepted to Fordham University to pursue a master’s degree on a full ride! This accomplishment showed me that my stress, experiences, and tears were all worth it—whether I was taking on the challenge of adding a biology major, training to become an Outdoor Program guide, or participating in University Theatre. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and took many leaps of faith that all worked out in the end. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? Choosing a singular mentor is not an easy task. In my academic record, it looks like I've been collecting advisors like Pokémon cards. I feel grateful and fortunate that so many Laurentians have offered guidance throughout my college journey. I’d like to shoutout the biology department, environmental studies department, Outdoor Program, performance and communication arts, HEOP, and the McNair program—just to name a few. 

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? Hands down the Adirondack Semester! As a born and raised New Yorker, I am a city kid at heart. I had only gone camping once before and it was more of a “glamping” experience. After that semester, I was no longer intimidated by the outdoors. In fact, I went on to become an Outdoor Program guide to help more people get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. Living in a yurt village with no technology was just the beginning of my granola transformation here at St. Lawrence. I would do it again in a heartbeat 

What do you plan to pursue in the future? After I graduate, I will be traveling solo to Costa Rica for a few days, where I plan to meet up with a fellow Laurentian currently studying abroad there. When I return, I’ll start a summer internship at the Billion Oyster Project in New York City doing restoration work with oysters in city harbors. In the fall, I’ll begin the next chapter of my life as I pursue a Master of Science in Biological Sciences at Fordham University. 

Johanna Sherman ’24 

Major: Government
Minor: Philosophy
Hometown: Barneveld, New York 

What is one class that positively impacted you? “Latin American Philosophy” with philosophy professor Katharine Wolfe opened my eyes to the limitations of knowledge and its acquisition in our society. Learning about the indigenous philosophies of Latin America challenged my own binary thinking and changed my perspective on life.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? My time as the Vice President of the Advocates organization. As VP, I was able to interact with so many students and connect with administrators in ways that will impact me for years to come. My dream is to go into criminal law and work as a prosecutor, seeking justice for survivors and their families. My time as VP is not just a steppingstone towards this goal, but I hope it has made St. Lawrence a little bit better, too. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? Ashlee Downing-Duke in Student Life. Between my semesters in student government and time working at the Student Info Desk, Ashlee has always been there to share a word of advice or a joke. I've been so lucky to connect with professors and administrators across campus, but it's my daily interactions with Ashlee that I will miss the most next year.

What do you plan to pursue in the future? Over the summer, I will continue to work as an intern for the New York State Office of the Attorney General, and I am being hired as a paralegal at a private firm in New York City. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? The Route 11 Rivalry, not only on campus but at home as well (Pub Cookies are less of a tradition and more of an everyday occurrence). My dad graduated from Clarkson, and while I was never a hockey fan before St. Lawrence, I really got into watching games once I was a student. I love to text my dad during games knowing he's watching them at home. I know this is a tradition I will continue to enjoy. 

Sajida Jan ’24 

Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Statistics
Hometown: Yasin, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

What is one class that positively impacted you? “Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB)” lab with psychology professor Adam Fox. I enrolled in the lab during my sophomore spring and never left. I started as one of the two sophomores, and after one week, I didn’t think I wanted to do it anymore. I told Dr. Fox that I felt like it was too challenging for me, but he explained how everything worked and told me I was going to be fine. He was right. I was not just fine, I ended up doing research in the lab for the next four semesters. That lab, the instructor, and my peers have played a huge role in shaping my graduate school path.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Being an international student comes with many challenges, especially regarding research opportunities and summer internships because of our visa status. Despite those challenges, I secured a research grant almost every summer. I was awarded a research fellowship for my project in the EAB about early life adversity and social anxiety-like behavior, received a full scholarship for my study abroad program in Denmark, and was awarded the Public Health Endowed Internship Fellowship. I'll continue to conduct research in the EAB lab this summer before starting grad school in the fall.  

I am also proud of the Cycle Care Campaign, a social organization that I founded during my time at St. Lawrence concerning menstrual hygiene management for girls in North Pakistan. My peers on campus have been so supportive in helping me grow and promote this initiative.

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? Dr. Fox is my academic advisor, research mentor, and professor. He has guided me through all the research grant applications and motivated me to study abroad when I was a little hesitant. This year, he supported me throughout my graduate school application process.

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? My experience studying abroad in Denmark. I was there in the spring of 2023, and I stayed with an amazing host family. The research group I was part of and the field trip to Florence were the biggest highlights. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future? I am starting my Ph.D. at the Ryan Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Rhode Island.

How did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey? I visited the Center for Career Excellence almost every semester for help identifying and applying for research opportunities.

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? I just love Kaleidoscope. It’s an amazing tradition where we get to experiences performances from all cultures and languages.  

Bobby Tremont ’24 

Major: Chemistry
Minor: Government
Hometown: Easton, Connecticut 

What is one class that positively impacted you? “International Relations” with government professor Mert Kartal is one of the reasons that I pursued a minor in government. Mert taught us about the complexities of international governance and cooperation in a way that did not feel like learning. I liked the class so much that I ended up taking another class with Mert and going on the summer program that he led. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? Chemistry professor Samuel Tartakoff.  He was super willing to help me with my Senior Year Experience, which combined my interests in chemistry and finance. We met up regularly to talk about my project throughout my senior year, sometimes for more than an hour. His door was always open for me. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future? Starting this summer, I'll be working as a commercial banking analyst for Citibank in New York City. I'll be a part of the healthcare and non-profit team. I am very excited to return after my great internship last summer with the team.

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? My favorite tradition is the ringing of the Victory Bell. I was a member of the tennis team, and one of my favorite moments at St. Lawrence was ringing the bell with my teammates after an upset win over Skidmore. 

Alli Sibold ’24 

Major: Mathematics
Minor: Sports Studies and Exercise Science
Hometown: Wellesley, Massachusetts 

What is one class that positively impacted you? "The Power and Influence of Sport in Society” taught by women’s hockey coach Mare MacDougall Bari. We discussed influential athletes and coaches and the ways they challenged racism and social stigmas. This course challenged my own ideas about sports. As an athlete myself, it can be easy to forget that the goal of sport is not just about physically pushing yourself, it is about pushing past societal barriers as well.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Graduating with a degree in mathematics. The process was far from easy, and I questioned my decision to be a math major quite a bit. With the help of my professors, I was able to understand challenging concepts and successfully complete math courses that I never thought I’d be capable of. Walking across the graduation stage knowing I pushed myself outside my academic comfort zone is an accomplishment I will forever be proud of.

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? Mary Kate Howard, the head women’s cross-country and track and field coach has not only guided me through my athletic journey and the many ups and downs of being a student athlete but has also taught me countless lessons about leadership and perseverance. I know I’ll look up to her for the rest of my life.

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? Being a member of the Kappa Delta Sigma sorority. Before college, I didn’t expect to be a part of Greek life. After my first year, I felt the urge to explore extracurriculars beyond athletics. Because of KDS, I have been able to connect with members of the Canton community through our philanthropic partnership with GardenShare. The adventures I’ve had at 53 Park Street will always be some of my most memorable!

What do you plan to pursue in the future? I just committed to Michigan State University to run cross country and track for a fifth year and will be pursuing a master's degree in sports leadership and administration!

How did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey? I did the LINC Mentor Program. My mentor was a cross-country and track alum and not only helped me connect with other alumni in the field I was interested in, but also gave me reassurance when it came to my non-linear process of choosing a career path.

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? Every year, the cross-country team runs our first 6k on the Ronald C. Hoffman course right here on campus. I love the feeling of arriving at the finish line under the wooden arch (made from old Appleton Arena wood).  The "Hoff" invite is truly a special experience that I will be marking on my calendar for years to come, whether I am cheering from the sidelines or watching a livestream. Bonus—the top 10 finishers receive a delicious pie! 

Penda Sarr ’24 

Major: Anthropology
Minor: Performance and Communication Arts
Hometown: New York City

What is one class that positively impacted you? "Approaches to Sustainability.” As a New York City native, I am accustomed to being surrounded by buildings and feeling suffocated.  During this course, I had the opportunity to be at the Sustainability Farm three days a week and immerse myself in nature. I learned so much about the food we eat and the process it takes to reach us. I never used to like mushrooms, but I admire them now that I’ve learned how essential they are to human life. Ultimately, our environment is sacred, and we should all work towards improving and appreciating it. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Being a part of the group that spearheaded the process of changing the University’s diversity requirement to encompass anti-racist curriculum. St. Lawrence is a predominantly white institution, and being at college for four years should transform you and equip you with the skills you need to go out into the world and make a difference. Racism permeates every sector of our society, and if you never talk about it while you’re here, then your education is doing you a disservice. Ignorance is not bliss; only our innate will to change our mindset and disposition can make a difference.

Who are your most influential Laurentian mentors? It truly does take a village to raise someone, and I was lucky to be a part of the HEOP program at St Lawrence. HEOP, thank you for making my wildest dream come true by even daring me to dream and prove to myself I can attain higher education. You've provided me with the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am forever grateful.  

I’m also proud to be an alumnus of Harlem Lacrosse. Harlem Lacrosse has been in my corner since high school. It’s about more than just sports—the people at Harlem Lacrosse cultivate young minds and believe in their potential. This organization has helped me secure internships throughout college, and I am blessed to have its enduring support.

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? Rekindling my passion for acting. I had been an athlete my whole life, but I didn't have the opportunity to play in my final season of lacrosse after the COVID-19 pandemic transformed my senior year. I decided I didn't want to play in college, but I still needed an outlet while in school. I am grateful to have been a part of four University Theatre productions at St. Lawrence.

What do you plan to pursue in the future? With all glory to Allah, I am blessed to have accepted a full-time position with CISCO as an Associate Virtual Sales Specialist and will begin working out of the New York office in June. I have been part of the CISCO family since my first year in college and am happy to have the opportunity to work for them full time. 

Jax Lubkowitz ’24 

Majors: Biology and Computer Science
Hometown: Richmond, Vermont 

What is one class that positively impacted you? “Database Systems" with math, computer science, and statistics professor Ed Harcourt was one of my most valuable classes. The understanding and implementation of databases is extremely relevant across so many analytical jobs such as data science and computer science.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? My Senior Year Experience (SYE) project where I combined aspects of both my majors to build a pipeline software for hybrid genome assembly. I loved working on this project because of the computational applications to biology and its potential to advance the research of others in the field. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? Ed Harcourt. I have taken a handful of classes with and learned so much from Ed. As my advisor, he helped me debug code and develop my SYE, but he’s also given me advice on applying to grad school and navigating post-college life.

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? I have had so many adventures with the ski team exploring new trails and cool places from Salt Lake City to Mont-Sainte-Anne!

What do you plan to pursue in the future? Next year I am going to the University of Utah to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical informatics, which will allow me to combine aspects of both my majors into one field.

How did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey? I went to the Center for Career Excellence for a couple workshops, resume reviews, and career panels. This helped me navigate all the tools and resources available to St. Lawrence students.

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? Titus is always a blast! This was the first year we were able to go back to the mountain since the COVID-19 pandemic and it was so much fun! 

Miso Wilson ’24 

Majors: Biology and Multi-Language (Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish)
Minor: Arabic Studies
Hometown: Black Hawk, Colorado 

What accomplishment are you most proud of? My work with SLU EMS. During my time at St. Lawrence, I became an emergency medical technician. I also worked on 911 ambulances in the Albany area during school breaks and I know I’ve found my calling in life. While many people think my job is nothing but stress, most don't understand how rewarding it is. Yes, there are nights when I don't sleep until the sun is rising or I see things that are hard to process. But every day I go to work, I know that I have made a difference, however small, when people are in their lowest moments. Knowing that I can hold someone's hand and show them that they are not alone means the world to me. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? My sophomore year, I took “Beginning Arabic” with Gisele El Khoury, the director of the Language Resource Center, and I can't imagine my St Lawrence experience without her. She sparked my lifelong love of the Arabic language and has been the best advisor and teacher I have ever had. She is kind, patient, and always makes me laugh, even on my worst days. She challenged me to do my best, believe in myself, and make each day count. While I'm sure I have given her one too many headaches while sitting in her office, she has made more of a difference in my life than she will ever know. 

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? During the summer between my junior and senior years, I was awarded the Critical Language Scholarship to study Arabic in Nizwa, Oman for two months. During this time, I dramatically improved my confidence in Arabic, while simultaneously learning how to live independently in a new country. Every day was a new challenge and a new adventure!  

What do you plan to pursue in the future? I am thrilled to be attending the University of Colorado Health’s paramedic program in June. While in school, I will continue to work with various ambulances and hospitals across Denver. By this time next year, I hope to have my paramedic license and start applying to physician’s assistant programs. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? Dana Brunch! No matter what, I could always count on sitting with my friends every weekend and enjoying our food together in the busy dining hall. We would sit in one of the booths eating, laughing, and trying not to think about all the work we had to do before Monday. Even though we'll still have brunch together after we graduate, it'll never be the same as our weekly Dana brunches! 

Jada Masiclat ’24 

Majors: Biology and History
Hometown: Cazenovia, New York 

What is one class that positively impacted you? “Ornithology” with biology professor Sue Wilson! I learned so much through the fieldwork we did. The ability to identify birds by their call is a life-long skill that I subconsciously use every day.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? I would say I'm proud of both of my Senior Year Experience projects! I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work with Newt, our resident turtle detection dog, and am proud of completing my history honors thesis on brutality and the prevalence of war atrocities during WWII.

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? History professor Liz Regosin. I have taken classes with her from the first day of my first year until the last class of senior year and she has always challenged me in the best way possible. I would not have picked up history as a second major without her support and encouragement!

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? Studying aboard in Kenya this past summer was a surreal experience that I will never forget. We traveled all around the country and embarked on numerous adventures. I rode a horse to see the last two remaining Northern White Rhinos and spent a week hiking Mount Kenya!

What do you plan to pursue in the future? After graduation, I’ll be studying abroad in Ecuador for the summer. Once I get back, I will be returning to my job as a head manager of the Wild Animal Park, a zoo located in Central New York.

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? As a member of the Saints volleyball team, the most cherished tradition we have is ringing the Victory Bell! I will never forget the moments after we won our final game, running outside—court shoes and all—and ringing the bell with all our parents cheering us on. 

John Reece ’24 

Major: Government
Minor: African Studies
Hometown: Sudbury, Massachusetts

What accomplishment are you most proud of? My seven months in D.C. interning for the U.S Marshals Service in their asset forfeiture division. I worked within my unit undertaking expansive auditing projects and seizure operations in close cooperation with the ATF, DEA, and FBI. I spent my first four months participating in the D.C. off-campus study program. The U.S Marshals Service invited me back for the summer, and an internship fellowship award allowed me to take advantage of the opportunity. I am incredibly grateful for that support.

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor? History professor Howard Eissenstat taught my First-Year Program and my “Middle East Politics” class. Both classes helped me develop my research, writing, and oral presentation skills and proved to be incredible learning experiences. More importantly, Professor Eissenstat has helped to stoke my academic passions and provided me with fantastic guidance on future career paths.

What do you plan to pursue in the future? This summer I will be interning for the Brookings Institute in D.C with their African Security Initiative, where I will be conducting policy research and writing. After, I hope to build off this experience and remain in the city.

Amy Francesconi ’24 

Majors: English and Economics 
Hometown: Syracuse, New York 

Which classes positively impacted you? Two classes that really changed my perspective about literature were “British Literature II” and “American Romanticism.” In my “British Literature,” I learned about postcolonial analysis and how to unpack colonialism and its legacies in literature. My American Romanticism class focused on indigenous writing, which is often excluded from the canon of American literature. I loved how both classes made me think differently about what we consider "classic" literature and how it should be studied.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone and pursuing an independent project in English this semester! As an English and economics double major, I wanted to write a final paper that used what I've learned in both disciplines. In my project, I explored how the economics of colonialism can be seen in Jane Austen's novels.

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? I applied to study abroad in London in the fall of 2023. I went into it not knowing many people in my program and came out with new friends, new experiences, and new stories to tell! I gained so much self-confidence and had incredible opportunities to travel all over Europe. I also had the opportunity to complete a four-week internship with an ethical investing platform in the heart of London's financial district, which was amazing.

What do you plan to pursue in the future? Last year, I applied for and was accepted into an internship program with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. I am happy to say I received an offer to return and will be working with them full time after graduation as an assistant national bank examiner!

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? My favorite St. Lawrence tradition has to be the Adirondack dinner, which is a theme dinner that takes place in the fall. Dana provides local foods from all over the North Country. Everyone eats and hangs out outside and the atmosphere is always so much fun!