2011-Ashley Juavinett

 

Ashley Juavinett

Major:  Neuroscience

Thesis: The Physiological and Cognitive Components of Race Perception in a Crime Scene

 

After my first devastating soccer loss, my Mom reassured me, “it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” Well, my little-league soccer team was not habitually victorious, so this was a message that I quickly internalized. Looking back on the past four years, I can honestly say that each activity I have committed to, any award I have received, and every grade that I have earned was never about keeping score. For me, college is about the journey.

            My time at Lafayette has been a whirlwind of personal growth, leading me from the bayous of Louisiana, to the shores of California, to the countryside of Tuscany, and back to the bustling streets of New York City. I discovered my passions in mundane and sometimes unusual places: at a lab bench, on stage, in a gelato shop, and even in jail. Along the way, I was incredibly fortunate to benefit from countless individuals and an array of resources that have inspired and guided these passions. With opportunity knocking, I put myself on the line for several prestigious awards and multiple controversial topics. These efforts were met by success and sometimes disappointment, but ultimately I benefited immensely. My life motto? Life is a box of chocolates – try every single one.

            On May 21st, I will be leaving Lafayette with a deep sense of peace in knowing that I pursued each opportunity with audacity and heart. When I introduce myself as a Lafayette grad, I will not be handing over my resumé – I will be sharing my stories about the multitude of challenging experiences and remarkable people that have prepared me for the next match.

Academic Activities and Total Years Involved

●     Honors Thesis in Neuroscience   (1)
My thesis project is titled ‘The Physiological and Cognitive Components of Race Perception in a Crime Scene’ and uses an interdisciplinary framework provided by sociology and psychology to inform a novel neuroscience approach to studying racial biases in the justice system. I recently presented the project at the Lehigh Valley Society for Neuroscience Conference at Lafayette and the Student Research in Social Justice Conference at Muhlenberg.

●     Columbia University Research Intern (1)
Last summer, I conducted research at the Columbia University Motor Neuron Center on the genetic basis of facial motor neuron development. The results of this study were compiled in a research report and presented at Columbia University in August 2010.

●     LEARN (Lafayette Alumni Research Network) at LSU    (1)
In the summer of 2008, I worked with Dr. Lisa Schrott ’87 in the Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience Department at Louisiana State University as part of the LEARN program. With this project, I studied the antinociceptive properties of hydrocodone.

●     William C. Rappolt ’67 and Walter Oechsle ’57 Neuroscience Prize (1)

Awarded to an outstanding senior based on scholarship in the classroom and laboratory and service to the major, college or community.

●     Marshall Scholarship Finalist    (1)
In November 2010, I was announced a Marshall Scholarship finalist, just a couple spots away from receiving a scholarship to study in the United Kingdom for two years. My project proposal focused on drug addiction and the justice system.

●     Goldwater Scholarship Finalist for Lafayette    (1)
In January 2010, I was selected as a Goldwater Scholarship Finalist for Lafayette.

●     Truman Scholarship Finalist for Lafayette   (1)
In January 2010, I was selected as a Truman Scholarship Finalist for Lafayette.

●     Psi Chi    (3)
Since sophomore year, I have been a member of Psi Chi, the Honor Society in Psychology.

●     Coluccio Salutati Award    (1)
This award is granted by Syracuse University Florence for Academic Excellence Abroad (April 2010).

●     Marquis Scholar    (4)
Highest academic scholarship at Lafayette.

●     Dean’s List (4)

Campus Activities and Total Years Involved

●     Head Resident/Resident Advisor    (3)
I am currently serving as the Head Resident of South & Marquis, leading a staff of 10 fantastic RAs. As a sophomore, I was an RA in Easton Hall, and subsequently in Soles Hall during my Junior year.

●     Student Government President   (2)
As a first-year student, I ran for Student Government and became Public Relations Chair. During my second year on SG, I served as President, implementing a variety of internal changes to SG structure, executing several large campus events, and speaking directly to administrators and the Board of Trustees. As President, I also gave the welcoming convocation speech to the class of 2013.

●     Working Group on Greek Life and Campus Community    (2)
During my time as SG President, I began speaking with President Weiss about Greek life on campus. Together, we organized this working group, which I have been an integral part of as co-chair for the past two years.

●     Lafayette Leadership Education Commitee    (2)
The LLE committee is responsible for organizing the annual Lafayette Leadership Institute. This event brings together alumni, faculty, and students in a campus-wide workshop about leadership. Last year, I led the session titled “Words of Wisdom” which featured several student leaders from the class of 2011.

●     Campus Climate Study Work Group    (2)
Since 2009, I have been working with this group to design and implement the Campus Climate Survey that was administered in the spring of 2010. Currently, the group is formulating action steps based on the results of the survey.

●     The Spot Advisory Committee    (1)
In an effort to organize events at The Spot and encourage attendance, I was a member of this committee for one year. In this role, I worked with Jessica Manjack to develop creative events and programming at The Spot.

●     Bias Response Team    (1)
The Bias Response Team is responsible for responding to campus incidents relating to any type of prejudice or bias. During my time as SG President, I was a member of this committee.

Community Service and Total Years Involved

●     Kathryn W. Davis Projects for Peace Grant    (1)
In 2009, Amanda Pisetzner ’10 and I designed a project titled ‘Reducing Recidivism’ to be completed with a $10,000 Kathryn W. Davis grant. For this project, we spent the summer working in at the Santa Cruz County Jail where we taught classes at the women’s jail facility, worked with local non-profits, and conducted a comprehensive needs assessment survey. The results of our survey were recently used to obtain more grant money for jail programming.

●     The Journey Home Prison Tutoring Program    (3)
Since 2009, I have been volunteering at Northampton County Prison. I began by teaching a writing class in my first semester, and later a book/film class in my second semester. I am currently running a self-designed music therapy class in the jail with several other volunteers.

●     Computer Literacy Class at ProJeCt Easton    (1)
During my sophomore year, I co-taught a computer skills class with Ray Van Cleve ‘11 at the ProJeCt Easton Literacy center.

●     Modes of Expression Arts Mentoring Organization    (1)
Led by Treyvon Jackson ’10, this organization worked to bring arts education to underprivileged kids. As the organizer of the a cappella program, I designed a curriculum and organized volunteers to go into the school every week.

●     UNICEF Florence    (1)
During my time abroad, I served as an intern for UNICEF. In this position, I organized a benefit event for UNICEF’s efforts in Haiti at a local venue in Florence.

●     Literacy Day    (1)
In 2009, I served as a volunteer at Landis’ Literacy Day.

Athletics and Total Years Involved

●     Women’s Club Soccer    (4)
Since my freshman year, I have been playing on Lafayette’s club soccer team. I served as captain for several semesters.

●     Intramurals    (4)
I lived on a very active floor my freshman year, and together we participated in a ton of intramurals (everything from billiards to touch football). Almost every semester, I have played a different intramural sport – most recently it was volleyball with my RA staff and President Weiss.

Special Interest and Total Years Involved

●     Cadence, All-Female A Cappella    (4)
Though I was never in a formal singing group in high school, I decided to try out for Cadence during my freshman year. Just one year later, I was Musical Director of the group. During my time in Cadence, I’ve arranged several pieces, held various solos, and done a lot of beat boxing. Most recently, I helped produce a CD of our recordings over the past three years, titled ‘Boots & Skirts.’ My involvement in Cadence will be one of my fondest memories of college.

●     Acoustic Singer-Songwriter    (4)
I have been playing music and performing since a very young age, and Lafayette has also provided spaces for me to grow as a musician. On campus, I have  played at a variety of venues and events, including The Spot, Gilbert’s, Family Weekend, WORDS Open Mic night, and more. Downtown, I have performed at Porter’s Grill as well as State Café and Grill. Last January, I released an album titled ‘Twenty Miles to Freedom,’ which can be found on iTunes.

●     Semester Abroad in Florence, Italy    (1)
In the spring of 2010, I spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy through Syracuse University. In Florence, I lived with a host family, interned with UNICEF, attempted to speak Italian with every given opportunity, and ate a lot of gelato.

●     Newman Assocation    (4)
I have been a member of Newman since my freshman year. In addition, I play with the band for masses. About once a month, I lead an acoustic guitar mass.

●     The Vagina Monologues (1)

As a freshman, I wore a short skirt and read a relatively inoffensive monologue titled “My Short Skirt” in this fun and provocative production.