Student Scholars Recognized for Collaborative Research: Photogallery

Trinity’s Honors Society Committee recently hosted the 5th annual Trinity Scholars’ Dinner, celebrating the work of both Vander Velde Scholars and senior students in the Honors Program. The keynote address was presented by Trinity’s Samuel McCune ’06, collections manager and preparator for the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation.

The evening began with a gallery of scholarship showcasing student research projects for classmates, faculty and staff, and alumni to view.

The Outstanding Alumnus Research Award was presented to McCune and Professor John Bakker, professor of art and design. The award recognizes a Trinity graduate who demonstrates faithful service, outstanding scholarship, and successful research, as well as collaborative partnership between faculty and student.

During his presentation, McCune said that he came to Trinity knowing he wanted to focus on conceptual art. He showed some of the work he did during college, along with his VanderVelde Scholarship work with Bakker.

More about Samuel McCune ’06

McCune graduated from Trinity (Summa Cum Laude) with a double major in art studio and philosophy. Upon graduating, he had the opportunity to work with artist Sol Lewitt as a draftsman for one of his conceptual drawings – a highly competitive position.

While in New York, McCune met and married Karis Medina. Medina is an art historian and fiber artist.  Soon after they married, Sam was offered a job as the collections manager and preparator for the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation in Bethany, Connecticut. As such, he travels all over the world installing the works of Albers for various shows and exhibitions. The Foundation also offered his wife a position as a curatorial assistant.

McCune has also worked for Helly Nahmad Gallery in New York City, the studio of Spencer Finch, and the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

Gallery of Student Scholarship

Vander Velde Scholars

Susannah Strange
“Relationality and Reason in Reformed Philosophy”
Dr. Aron Reppman, mentor

Cassandra Nelson
“Chanting the Church Year: Theology and Practice”
Dr. Mark Peters, mentor

Joe Andringa
“The Effects of Vitamin D on Breast Cancer Cells”
Dr. Clay Carlson, mentor

Anna Bos and Jonathan Koonce
“Enhancing Lanthanide Binding Affinity and LRET of Proteins”
Dr. Michael Bosscher, mentor

Patrick Page
The Effects of Oxygen Levels, Serum Concentration, and Heat Inactivation on mRNA Expression of “Paracrine Factors in Mesenchymal Stem Cells”
Dr. Bob Boomsma, mentor

Honors Students

Molly Gobelli and Rebecca Vannette
“Effects of Perceived Stress & Coping Methods – A Study of of Trinity Christian College Nursing Majors”
Professor Tina Decker, mentor

Kaitlyn Claerbaut
“Depression in Cardiopulmonary Illness”
MaryAnn Colletti, mentor (adjunct professor of nursing)

Hannah Wasco
“1800 U.S. Presidential Election”
Dr. John Fry, mentor

Kerry Garrison
“Participating in Chicago Theatre through Directing”
Dr. John Sebestyen, mentor

Matthew Wydra
“Organizational Consulting Team Leadership”
Dr. Rick Hamilton, mentor

Michael Kunnen
“Christian Ethics on the Field of Metagenomics”
Dr. Clay Carlson, mentor

Taylor Boice
“Organizational Consulting: Learning & Leading”
Dr. Rick Hamilton, mentor

Logan Vos
“Organizational Consulting”
Dr. Rick Hamilton, mentor

Kathryn Woodside
“Gender Dominance in Student Choice Book Awards”
Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell, mentor

Adam Suwyn
“The Dilemma of Non-Profit Strategy”
Dr. Rick Hamilton, mentor

Jessica Jacobi
“DNA: The Code of Life”
Dr. Clay Carlson, mentor

Simona Sidaugaite
“Race Issues”
Samantha Schultz, mentor (adjunct professor of political science)

Kristen Blok
“Mindfulness & Food: A Calling to Intentional Living”
Dr. Mary Lynn Colosimo, mentor