Summer Research Opportunities at Trinity
By Mia Conte
Kevin Lyskawa
Name: Kevin Lyskawa
Major: Undecided, but leaning towards STEM
Researching with: Professor William Church, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Neuroscience
Kevin Lyskawa ’22, from Londonderry, New Hampshire, is a two-sport student-athlete at Trinity. Shortly after stepping on campus, Kevin created a relationship with his Introductory Honors Chemistry professor, who led him to his summer research position.
Kevin is studying neurodegenerative disorders to ultimately research a bio marker within the body that can help diagnose and determine the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease. So far, Kevin has learned laboratory and research skills such as reading medical journals, evaluating each detail piece by piece, and taking legible notes.
Q: What do you admire most in your professor?
A: His curiosity and passion for research and producing the next generation of scientists.
So maybe Professor Church is silently crafting Kevin to be the next neurodegenerative scientist to solve Parkinson’s disease…
Q: What drew you to this field of study?
A: From a very young age, I felt my calling was something science related. Although still undeclared at the moment, I may become a biochemistry major with a neuroscience concentration or become a double major in chemistry and neuroscience on a pre-med track.
Q: How do you prepare for the day?
A: My morning routine consists of waking up at 8:00 a.m. and either eating a cliff bar or yogurt and granola because us summer students are ‘ballin’ on a budget’.
Oh, and he only drinks his coffee black.
Q: What are your goals for the summer?
A: Focus on wrestling, lacrosse, and take time to relax and hang out with friends.
Kevin may be busy at the lab from 9 to 5 but is taking full advantage of his summer research opportunity and is hoping to explore different golf courses in Hartford.
Q: What is your biggest piece of advice for incoming first-year students?
A: Do what you love even if it’s hard.
Kieran Neith
Name: Kieran Neith
Major: Engineering
Researching with: Professor Clayton P. Byers, Assistant Professor of Engineering
Kieran Neith ’22, from Kingston, Jamaica, is an engineering major and also in the Interdisciplinary Science Program (ISP) here at Trinity. Engineering must run in the family with an older brother working as an engineer in New York City and a twin brother also studying engineering.
To begin the day for research, Kieran wakes up at 8:00 a.m., makes a protein shake, preps for a 10:00 a.m. scheduled meeting, and begin his research in the basement of Roy Nutt Mathematics, Engineering & Computer Science Center (MECC), which has been newly renovated with new monitors and equipment.
Kieran also cooks all of his meals ahead for the week; also known as “meal-prep”. So far, he has been able to cook salmon, potatoes, jerk chicken, asparagus, rice, and is looking forward to making beef patties.
So, let’s delve into his research….
Q: What type of research are you working on this summer?
A: I’m investigating the phenomenon of turbulence through computational analysis by creating an apparatus that produces a specific type of turbulence. I’m specifically focused on energetics and decay of isotropic turbulence from an oscillating grid.
Q: What qualities do you admire in your professor?
A: Professor Byers is open-minded and explores different routes to engineering.
Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
A: My favorite piece in my dorm room is a poster of the Caribbean Airlines that my mother works for.
Q: What are your goals while at Trinity?
A: Toward the end of my time here at Trinity, I hope to revamp and encourage students to join the National Society of Black Engineers.
Ultimately, Kieran hopes to gain experience in the United States and one day go back to Jamaica to work as an engineer full-time.
Sophia Lopez
Name: Sophia Lopez
Major: Engineering
Researching with: Professor Alexander D. Manevitz, Visiting Assistant Professor of History
Sophia Lopez ’22 is from Los Angeles, California and majoring in engineering.
Yes, Sophia is a boss being a female engineer. However, Sophia’s research this summer is not in engineering but in American Studies through the Public Humanities Collaborative, which is funded through the Mellon Foundation. Her research focuses on the greater cause of uncovering systematic racism and has created a new perspective for her in career possibilities.
Sophia represents the ideal liberal arts education by taking classes in a variety of subjects. In fact, her favorite class was Philosophy 101 with Dan Lloyd.
Q: What do you admire most in your professor?
A: I admire Professor Manevitz’s excellent communication, patience, and thoroughness in his research.
You’ll probably find Sophia using two monitors while working on Library Level A to evaluate documents.
Q: So how does Sophia begin her day?
A: I begin my day by waking up at 8:00 a.m., setting goals or tasks for the day, and running one mile each day!
Sophia’s schedule is very flexible which allows her to create her own hours and enjoy listening to music or and audio books to begin her day.
Q: What are your goals this summer?
A: Exploring Hartford is one of my top priorities this summer. I plan to attend the Know Good Market, visit a sunflower field, and multiple historical sites in the area. This summer, I hope to get faster at running longer distances, make veggie bowls, and accomplish at least one artsy task on campus, such as water coloring.
Shayna Thomas
Name: Shayna Thomas
Major: Anthropology and American studies
Researching with: Professor Abigail Fisher Williamson, Charles A. Dana Research Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy and Law
Shayna Thomas ’21 is from Brooklyn, NY and is a double major in American studies and anthropology. Shayna is working with Professor Abigail Williamson in the Public Policy & Law Department.
You’ll spot Shayna working on her research in cute, comfy clothes either in Peter B’s (on-campus café), her common room, or in the admissions building. While in Peter B’s, Shayna likes to order an iced coffee and begin all the little tasks she has planned for the day.
The course Body Politics, a medical anthropology course that explores how social inequality surrounding the body influences people’s everyday lives, inspired her to be an anthropology major. Her research project with ARCHES (AmeRicans’ Conceptions of Health Equity Study) aims to unravel what people think about the deservingness of healthcare.
Q: What do you admire most about your professor?
A: I admire how organized, analytical, well-versed, and passionate Professor Williamson is in her research.
Q: What are your goals for the summer?
A: I want to figure out where I would like to study abroad next year, and attend the Know Good Market.
Q: Fun things you have done so far in Hartford?
A: Hanging out with friends and attending the Puerto Rican Parade.
Q: Favorite piece in your dorm room?
A: The new plants and succulents I bought—hopefully they make the entire summer….
Q: What is your biggest piece of advice for incoming first-year students?
A: Focus on the little things.
Shayna is affecting Trinity in multiple ways on campus, whether as a tour guide or a P.R.I.D.E. leader, by helping other students transition to living on campus and improving their overall college experience. By the end of her senior year, Shayna hopes to impact younger students’ experiences on campus.
Mia Conte ’22 is from Worcester, Massachusetts and is currently undecided in regards to what she will choose for a major.
