Scholars Dinner Celebrates Student-Faculty Research
The 2nd Annual Scholars Dinner on April 20 celebrated student and faculty research among former Vander Velde Scholars, Honors students, Founders Scholars, and faculty mentors. The keynote address “Blessed to Be a Blessing” was delivered by Dr. Nathan Bosch ’02, assistant professor of environmental science at Grace College.
During the welcome reception, guests viewed a gallery of current student/faculty research. Projects and student researchers included:
- Brooke Bozarth ’11 of Owensboro, Kentucky,“The MLA vs. the CMS in the Humanities: The Conflict that Resolves.” Faculty mentor: Dr. Karen Dieleman, assistant professor of English
- Alaina Vermeer ’13 of Leighton, Iowa, “Investigating the Effects of Environmental Conditions on MSC Differentiation.” Faculty mentor: Dr. Bob Boomsma ’77, professor of biology
- Brian Hofman ’13 of Waupun, Wisconsin, and Trevor Schaap ’13 of Lansing, Illinois, “The Black Chamber.” Faculty mentors: Dr. Sharon Robbert, professor of mathematics, and Dr. Mandi Maxwell, associate professor of mathematics
- Adam Perez ’12 of Racine, Wisconsin, “Music, Theology, and Christian Worship: A Study of Hillsong.” Faculty mentor: Dr. Mark Peters, associate professor of music
“This event is an opportunity to celebrate student and faculty scholarship together,” said Dr. Mackenzi Huyser ’97, dean for faculty development and academic programs.
Following a welcome by Dr. Craig Mattson, director of the Honors Program and professor of communication arts, Dr. Bosch took guests on a virtual journey, beginning with his research project at Argonne National Laboratory as a Trinity student and culminating with his current study of aquatic ecosystems.
Bosch earned a Ph.D. in resource ecology and management-aquatics at the University of Michigan. He has studied lakes and rivers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio to better understand how to take care of aquatic ecosystems. In addition to his role as professor, he serves as director of Kosciusko Lakes and Streams, a community water quality program.
Alumni and other guests were given an opportunity to help establish the Trinity Scholars Fund. The fund is dedicated to allocating resources for Honors and Vander Velde student researchers to present their research at professional conferences. Attendance at these conferences allows students to network with colleagues in their discipline and share the outstanding research they are doing through Trinity’s programs.
For more information about this fund, contact Dr. Huyser at mackenzi.huyser@trnty.edu.
The event was sponsored by the Honors Committee and the Alumni Office.