News & Events Beyond the Limestone Graduate School 2012

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Graduate and Professional School 2012

How useful is a Dickinson education? Just ask our students and alums.

Dickinsonians regularly earn prestigious grants and scholarships, conduct research, work around the world and enter esteemed graduate programs. And, at a time of economic uncertainty, our seniors and alums are securing desirable positions on Wall Street, Main Street and beyond. They’re entering the growing fields of environmental science, finance, education, the arts, international business, peace advocacy and more.

Here are just a few of the accomplished Dickinsonians who plan to attend graduate or professional school.

Megan Alley '12

Hometown: Hazleton, Pa.

Major(s): Art & Art History

Graduate School: Gemological Institute of America

Megan Alley will move to New York to pursue her Graduate Gemologist diploma.

What were some of the defining moments of Megan’s Dickinson experience?

“Changing from a science major to art,” she says.

Elizabeth Barr '12

Hometown: Westlake Village, Calif.

Major(s): English

Graduate School: Loyola Marymount University

Elizabeth will pursue her master’s in English at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Calif., and will serve as a teaching fellow for freshman English classes.

What are you most anticipating about your post-graduation plans?

“I am unbelievably excited to be joining LMU's English department,” she says. “I look forward to returning to my home state with the perspective I've gained from my time in Pennsylvania and abroad in England.”

Rebecca Ben-Amou '12

Hometown: Oceanside, N.Y.

Major(s): International studies; political science (minor)

Graduate School: The Johns Hopkins University

Rebecca will pursue her master of arts in international relations from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), a two-year program at The Johns Hopkins University. She will spend her first year studying at the SAIS Bologna Center in Italy and her second year studying at the SAIS Washington, D.C., campus.

David Breen '12

Hometown: Alexandria, Va.

Major(s): Psychology

Graduate School: Loyola University Maryland

David will pursue his doctorate in clinical psychology at Loyola University Maryland.

Morgan Cheatham '12

Hometown: Reelsville, Ind.

Major(s): Physics and Mathematics

Graduate School: University of Michigan

Morgan will pursue her doctorate in applied physics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Morgan also has been selected as an alternate for a Fulbright fellowship in Germany to research gravitational wave physics.

What were some of the defining moments of Morgan’s Dickinson experience?

“Some of my greatest moments at Dickinson have been interning with the Semana Poética international poetry festival and conducting my senior research in physics,” she says. “I was able to be a part of something really special and unique.”

Hayley Cohen '12

Hometown: Cherry Hill, N.J.

Major(s): Religion

Graduate School: Princeton Theological Seminary

Prior to pursuing her Master of Divinity degree, Hayley Cohen will serve a year-long placement as an associate to the head minister at Balerno Parish Church in Edinburgh, Scotland. Cohen calls the opportunity to return to Edinburgh, where she spent junior year abroad, a dream come true. “Now, I get to go back to the city that gave me so much,” she says.

What is Hayley most anticipating about her post-graduation plans?

“The opportunity to experience life as a pastor before entering seminary will be incredibly challenging and exciting,” she says. “It’s been my goal for graduate school since the summer before my sophomore year. All of it is really unbelievably wonderful. I feel truly blessed.”

Katelyn Cohen '12

Hometown: Abbottstown, Pa.

Major(s): Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Chemistry

Graduate School: Jefferson Medical College

Katelyn will enter medical school at Thomas Jefferson University’s Jefferson Medical College.

What were some of the defining moments of Katelyn’s Dickinson experience?

“Conducting student-faculty research with Professor Sarah St. Angelo in the chemistry department,” she says. “Not only did I grow as a researcher but also as an individual. She challenged me every day in the lab and helped me to problem-solve.”

Brian Cook '12

Hometown: Burlington, N.J.

Major(s): Psychology

Graduate School: Pacific University

Brian will pursue his master of arts in counseling psychology from The School of Professional Psychology at Pacific University in Portland, Ore.

What is Brian most anticipating about his post-graduation plans?

“Exploring the United States and eventually the world and learning as much as possible about everything,” he says.

Anne Crowell '12

Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa

Major(s): International Studies

Graduate School: The George Washington University Law School

Anne will attend The George Washington University Law School and pursue a career in international human rights law, a decision she says was inspired by her study abroad experience in Bremen, Germany, and her semester at The Washington Center, Dickinson’s partner program in Washington, D.C.

What were some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?

“My study-abroad experiences were definitely defining parts of my time at Dickinson, but there were many defining experiences in everyday life here on campus—great classes with my favorite professors, rehearsals and performances in the music department, attending events like department dinners, lectures or senior club and just hanging out with my friends,” she says.

Julia Feerrar '12

Hometown: Bryn Athyn, Pa.

Major(s): English

Graduate School: University of North Carolina, School of Information and Library Science

Julia will pursue her master’s in library science at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

How has Dickinson prepared Julia for Life Beyond the Limestone?

“My English courses pushed me to sharpen the critical thinking and analytical-writing skills I will need in my graduate work and throughout my career,” she says. “My professors have encouraged me to develop original research questions and to strengthen my critical voice. I am so grateful for their guidance and enthusiasm. Dickinson has given me the tools to move forward with confidence.”

Stuart Flury '12

Hometown: Elizabethtown, Pa.

Major(s): Physics

Graduate School: Wesleyan University

Stuart will pursue his master of arts in astronomy at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., and continue his involvement in astronomical research.

How has Dickinson prepared Stuart for Life Beyond the Limestone?

“I learned a strong set of problem solving and critical-thinking skills,” he says. “I’ve grown to understand how I think and learn, which gives me the ability approach any situation from a well-educated and analytical perspective.”

Nina Geller '12

Hometown: Lakewood, Colo.

Major(s): East Asian Studies

Graduate School: Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS)

Nina will pursue her master’s in international environmental policy through the Monterey Institute of International Studies, a graduate school of Middlebury College, located in Monterey, Calif. She credits Dickinson for helping her find her love of the environment and a passion for language, which she says, “prepared me well for MIIS’s language-intensive master’s program.”

What were some of the defining moments of Nina’s Dickinson experience?

“Taking a biology course my first year, as well as Chinese 101, steered me in the direction that I am currently headed,” she says. “Also, another moment was taking an environmental internship while studying abroad in Beijing to really get invested in China's environmental issues.”

Matthew Guariglia '12

Hometown: Monroe, Conn.

Major(s): History

Graduate School: New York University

Matthew will pursue his master’s in history from The Graduate School of Arts and Science at New York University.

How has Dickinson prepared Matthew for Life Beyond the Limestone?

“By providing me the guidance and experience to become a better researcher, writer and historian,” he says. “I’ve learned valuable lessons about leadership while serving as the editor of Dickinson’s alternative newspaper the square and as the creative director of the Idea Fund.”

Nicholas Gubitosi '12

Hometown: Basking Ridge, N.J.

Major(s): Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Biology

Graduate School: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Nicholas will study medicine at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

How has Dickinson prepared Nicholas for Life Beyond the Limestone?

“Dickinson helped me to be a well-rounded person through the classes I took outside of the sciences,” he says. “I made close connections with professors and learned how I can work best in an academic environment. Dickinson also allowed me to become involved in many clubs and organizations, which added to my learning experience.”

Andrew Guy '12

Hometown: Morgantown, Pa.

Major(s): Economics

Graduate School: University of Michigan Law School

As a student project manager with The Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues Andrew has had the opportunity to interview former Pennsylvania Governor and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, and publicly introduce prominent leaders in business and government. Now, he is headed to Ann Arbor, Mich., to attend the University of Michigan Law School.

What were some of the defining moments of Andrew’s Dickinson experience?

“Just as I have been amazed at the chances to speak with today's leaders, I treasured the chance to learn from tomorrow's leaders,” he says. “Dickinson values different and passionate perspectives, attracting both engaging speakers and students. The discussions that arise are the most valuable part of my education. I am incredibly thankful for my Dickinson experience.”

Angela Guy '12

Hometown: Scarsdale, N.Y.

Major(s): Neuroscience and Health Studies

Graduate School: Boston University

Angela will pursue her master’s in medical science at the Boston University School of Medicine.

What is Angela most anticipating about her post-graduation plans?

“Living in Boston!” she says.

Anna Hansen '12

Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.

Major(s): International Studies; Chinese (minor)

Graduate School: Texas A&M University

Anna will pursue her master’s in international affairs focusing on national security and diplomacy from The Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Shelly Hwang '12

Hometown: North Potomac, Md.

Major(s): Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Graduate School: University of Maryland

Shelly will pursue a career in medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

What were some of the defining moments of Shelly’s Dickinson experience?

“Dickinson allowed me to discover and develop my interests in the sciences, humanities, music and service,” she says.

Molly Jerome '12

Hometown: Syracuse, N.Y.

Major(s): Economics; Security Studies

Graduate School: The George Washington University

Inspired by a semester at Dickinson’s Washington Center , Molly completed the Security Studies Certificate Program and will return to Washington, D.C., to pursue a master of arts in security policy studies from The Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University.

Jun Jiang '12

Hometown: Shanghai, China

Major(s): Chemistry

Graduate School: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Jun, who was accepted into seven of the nation’s top graduate programs in chemistry, including Stanford University, University of California-Berkeley and Los Angeles, The University of Texas at Austin, Rice University and Northwestern University, selected MIT, where he will pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry.

How has Dickinson prepared Jun for Life Beyond the Limestone?

“I most appreciate the fact that I learned to think critically and independently,” he says. “I would not have been exposed to such a way of thinking had I not chosen to come to Dickinson and had the chance to take courses from a variety of disciplines. I believe that the habit of critical thinking is even more important than knowing a specific chemical reaction, which I could have learned back in China. Critical thinking also helps me better understand and appreciate the science I am studying. I have a stronger tendency to think harder and deeper into the subject and to never be satisfied with what I already know. There is always something more out there for me to explore.”

Gabrielle Kushlan '12

Hometown: Harrisburg, Pa.

Major(s): French and Religion

Graduate School: St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

Gabrielle will pursue her master of divinity with a focus on Eastern Christian theology from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y.

How has Dickinson prepared Gabrielle for Life Beyond the Limestone?

“I’m leaving Dickinson with new tools and the ability to express myself clearly and analyze complex issues from multiple angles,” she says, “Perhaps even more importantly, my interactions with the Dickinson community have encouraged me to step forward and work respectfully with others to achieve desired goals.”

Brett Lerner '12

Hometown: West Hartford, Conn.

Major(s): Political Science; Security Studies

Graduate school: The University of Maine

Brett will study global policy focusing on international security and U.S. foreign policy at The University of Maine’s School of Policy and International Affairs in Orono, Maine.

What is Brett most anticipating about his post-graduation plans?

“Having the opportunity to intern abroad at the master’s level,” he says.

Charlie Lidard '12

Hometown: Timonium, Md.

Major(s): English

Graduate School: Towson University

Charlie will pursue his master of arts in teaching from Towson University in Maryland.

What were some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?

“My roles in various groups and activities have shaped my identity at Dickinson,” he says. “As a four-year member of [comedy group] Run With It!, I concluded my improvisation career as president of the troupe and by leading the gang through some of our most entertaining performances. As vice president of [queer-straight student alliance] Spectrum, I helped tackle issues facing the LGBTQ community. Finally, I managed one of the finest and most fun special-interest houses on campus—the Romance Languages House.”

Antonietta (Nina) Ligato '12

Hometown: Canton, Conn.

Major(s): Psychology

Graduate School: Boston College

Nina will pursue her master of social work focusing on children, youth and families at the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work.

What is Nina most anticipating about her post-graduation plans?

“Working with children on a clinical level within my field placement,” she says. “I’m eager to interact with individuals in therapeutic settings to help improve their well-being.”

Jenna Long '12

Hometown: Longmont, Colo.

Major(s): Law & Policy; Economics

Graduate School: Columbia Law School

Jenna Long will enter Columbia Law School’s Juris Doctorate program as a member of the class of 2015 and hopes to combine a self-described passion for trial advocacy with a desire to serve her community. “I am in awe of the necessity of law within society,” she says. “I hope to directly serve my community through the law by starting out working for the community as either a prosecutor or public defender. After that, I might transition to corporate law if I find that that is where my interest lies.”

What is Jenna most anticipating about her post-graduation plans?

“I'm excited to get one step closer to the career I've been working towards,” she says. “It'll be a great experience because I know that it’s offering me infinite opportunities. I can take the work I've done at Dickinson even farther.”

Jamie Lopez '12

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.

Major(s): Political Science

Graduate School: Loyola Law School

Jamie will pursue her juris doctorate from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, Calif.

What were some of the defining moments of Jamie’s Dickinson experience?

“By far my most meaningful experience at Dickinson has been my time abroad,” she says. “I was able to live in a community where I did not fit in visually and to a certain extent ideologically and was able to thrive and form friendships that will last a lifetime. If anything my experience in England and in Washington D.C., has taught me to have more confidence in my abilities and my potential.”

Colin Macfarlane '12

Hometown: West Chester, Pa.

Major(s): Sociology and History

Graduate School: University of Delaware

Colin will pursue his doctorate in sociology and at the University of Delaware, where he will explore how asset-based policies affect race, gender and class.

What were some of the defining moments of Colin’s Dickinson experience?

“For my senior thesis on racial wealth inequality, I created an 11-minute documentary in 10 days and premiered it to more than 300 people at the Carlisle Theatre and Performing Arts Center,” he says.

Hilary May '12

Hometown: Eldersburg, Md.

Major(s): Psychology

Graduate School: Towson University

Hilary will pursue her master’s in speech-language pathology from the College of Health Professions at Towson University.

How has Dickinson prepared Hilary for Life Beyond the Limestone?

“The psychology department has given me the experience I’ll need for this upcoming year as I conduct new research and work with patients in graduate school,” she says.

Stephenie McGucken '12

Hometown: Leesburg, Ga.

Major(s): Medieval & Early Modern Studies

Graduate School: University of East Anglia

Stephenie will pursue her master’s in history at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. She will focus on the history of medieval art and architecture.

What is Stephenie most anticipating about her post-graduation plans?

“I am eager to return to Norwich where I can explore objects in their original contexts and further the research I began as part of my senior thesis,” she says.

Jossie Muñoz '12

Hometown: Corona, Calif.

Major(s): American studies; Spanish

Graduate School: New York University

Jossie will pursue her master of arts in higher education and student affairs en route to a career in a college campus setting. “I find myself thriving in the college environment,” she says. “I can confidently say that I have embraced the opportunity to attend such a prestigious, liberal-arts school as Dickinson. Now, I am looking forward to new challenges once I graduate.”

What were some of the defining moments of Jossie’s Dickinson experience?

“While abroad, I realized the value of being globally conscious,” she says. “I learned and immersed myself in the Spanish culture and the experience offered a different way of thinking. The infamous phrase, ‘No pasa nada,’ reminded me to take the time to really enjoy life. Such an experience cultivated a better understanding of the person I am and who I like to be.”

Chip Murray '12

Hometown: New Canaan, Conn.

Major(s): Policy Management

Graduate School: The Ohio State University

Chip will pursue his master’s in public policy from the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University.

How has Dickinson prepared Chip for Life Beyond the Limestone?

“Dickinson prepared me for graduate school by helping me improve my reading, writing and analytical skills,” he says.

Kate Musgrave '12

Hometown: North East, Pa.

Major(s): English and Political Science

Graduate School: American University

Katie will pursue her master’s in international affairs focusing on comparative and regional studies at American University’s School of International Service. Katie, a February graduate, moved to Chennai, India, where she has been working with an educational nonprofit organization.

What were some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?

“Living and working in Washington, D.C., in the spring of my sophomore year really set things in motion,” she says. “Since then, my friends, phenomenal professors and my growing interests have motivated me as I continue to work, study and travel, from Ghana to Denmark and India and now ultimately, back to D.C.”

Maia Nguyen '12

Hometown: Wingdale, N.Y.

Major(s): Psychology

Graduate School: Colorado State University

Maia will attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., to pursue her doctorate in cognitive neuroscience.

What is Maia most anticipating about her post-graduation plans?

“I have the amazing opportunity to move to a wonderful new city, conduct my own research and learn from some of the brightest minds in the field of psychology,” she says. “I cannot imagine a better destination.”

Merit O'Hare '12

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Major(s): English

Graduate School: Columbia University Graduate School of Education

Merit, a nationally recognized student poet, will study secondary English at Columbia University’s Teachers College, the oldest and largest graduate school of education in the U.S.

How has Dickinson prepared Merit for Life Beyond the Limestone?

“By working as a peer tutor in the Norman H. Eberly Writing Center and the Multilingual Writing Center, I have worked with students in ways I’d like to transfer to my future classroom,” she says. “I’ve had the chance to conduct breakout sessions for composition students that have helped me begin to think like an educator.”

Jeremy Ollayos '12

Hometown: Rockville, Md.

Major(s): Economics

Graduate School: University of Maryland

Jeremy will pursue his master of science in business with a concentration in accounting from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland in College Park, Md.

What were some of the defining moments of Jeremy’s Dickinson experience?

“If I had to name the thing that had the biggest impact on my time here, it was my placement into Longsdorff Hall, the substance-free residence hall during my freshman year,” he says. “I made great friends that have stayed with me throughout my four years at Dickinson. Many of the moments we shared might be considered ‘mundane,’ but those were the ones that will linger the longest in my memory.”

Rebecca Payne '12

Rebecca Payne ’12

Hometown: South Hamilton, Mass.

Major(s): Intercultural Communication (self-developed)

Graduate School: Georgetown University

Rebecca will pursue her master of arts in German and European studies from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences in Washington, D.C. She has elected to defer enrollment for one year to, as she says, “do something completely new and different.”

What were some of the defining moments of Rebecca’s Dickinson experience?

“Meeting some of my best friends; having my self-developed major approved; falling in love; having dinner with other Dickinson students and the Durdens in Bremen, Germany; taking classes like Philosophy of Language, Introduction to French Sociolinguistics and Language and Power; and getting accepted to Georgetown for graduate school.”

Ilana Rainero-de Haan '12

Hometown: San Francisco, Calif.

Major(s): Music

Graduate School: University of Bologna

Ilana will return to Bologna, where she spent her junior year abroad, to pursue a master’s degree in innovation and organization of culture and the arts.

What is Ilana most anticipating about her post-graduation plans?

“I am thrilled to return to Bologna to learn more about the administrative side of the arts,” she says. “I plan to use my master’s degree as well as my Dickinson degree to ultimately pursue a career in music administration in Europe or the U.S.”

Kristen Ratner '12

Hometown: Broomall, Pa.

Major(s): Neuroscience

Graduate School: Drexel University

Kristen will enter medical school at Drexel University’s College of Medicine.

How has Dickinson prepared Kristen for Life Beyond the Limestone?

“Dickinson gave me a well-rounded education and I am fortunate to have had so many dedicated and inspiring professors in my science and humanities classes,” she says.

Garrett Shields '12

Hometown: Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

Major(s): Biology

Graduate School: The George Washington University

Garrett will pursue his master’s of public health in epidemiology at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services.

What is Garrett most anticipating about his post-graduation plans?

“Continuing my education and conducting my practicum experience abroad,” he says.

Mary Kate Skehan '12

Hometown: York, Pa.

Major(s): English

Post-Graduate Study: Denver Publishing Institute

Mary Kate, whose byline appears regularly in Dickinson Magazine and Extra Features, will attend the Denver Publishing Institute at the University of Denver. “I've gotten a great deal of guidance from my professors to help me figure out what I want to do and how I should get there,” she says. “So far, that's meant applying to the Denver program and getting in touch with some alumni and contacts who currently work in publishing. I expect my professors to continue to be a source of direction and support through the next few years.”

What were some of the defining moments of Mary Kate’s Dickinson experience?

“My time on the mock-trial team, without question,” she says. “That team and my coaches have been so supportive and engaged in my life, and some of the most important skills I've developed at college— public speaking, organized writing, clear and concise communication of all kinds—come straight from that team.” Read about Mary Kate’s successes on Dickinson’s mock-trial team.

Holleh Tajalli '12

Hometown: Ellicott City, Md.

Major(s): Biology and International Business & Management

Graduate School: University of Maryland School of Dentistry

Holleh will study dentistry at the University Of Maryland School Of Dentistry in Baltimore.

Mauricio Torres '12

Hometown: New York, NY

Major(s): Sociology and Africana Studies

Graduate School: Syracuse University

Mauricio will pursue his Ph.D. in sociology from Syracuse University. He credits Dickinson with polishing his “hunger to learn and use knowledge in service of others.” “I think these qualities and values will make for an amazing graduate experience,” he says.

What were some of the defining moments of Mauricio’s Dickinson experience?
“The three most important factors in my Dickinson Experience have been Men Overcoming Restrictive Expectations (MORE), MANdatory and my academic advisers,” he says. “Through these groups, I have learned to listen, learn and love better. I want to be like them when I grow up.”

Deana Vitrano '12

Hometown: Hicksville, N.Y.

Major(s): Neuroscience and Psychology

Graduate School: St. Joseph’s University

Deana will pursue her master’s in experimental psychology from the Graduate Studies College of Arts and Sciences at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pa.

Courtney Weatherby '12

Hometown: Hampstead, N.H.

Major(s): International Studies and East Asian Studies

Graduate School: Georgetown University

Courtney has been accepted to Georgetown University’s Master of Arts in Asian Studies program, which is housed at the National Resource Center for East Asia in Washington, D.C. She also will travel to China on a Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), which provides a fully funded group-based intensive Chinese language instruction and cultural-enrichment program. CLS is part of a U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical-need foreign languages.

What is Courtney most anticipating about her post-graduation plans?

“I am truly looking forward to taking the interdisciplinary knowledge and experiences from Dickinson and applying them both to intensive graduate studies and an internship in the Washington, D.C., area,” she says.