2011-Stephen Gadomski
Stephen Gadomski
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Thesis: Effects of thiol precursors and transition metals on bacteria from Merril Creek Reservoir
Cur non. Why not? While so much can be said about this phrase, I use it here because I think it comes close to defining what the “Lafayette ideal” means to me. The concept of “cur non” is both a liberating and disconcerting one. On one hand there is nothing holding us back, on the other we feel that there must be limitations. What both Senator Pepper and Lafayette College have realized is that only through trial and error, through engagement in the world around us can we begin to understand who we are and what ignites our passions. In exploring my interests, I have realized that the lessons I have learned never resulted from my arrival at any destination. Instead, they were always a product of the journey. I don’t think that I have done anything exceptional here during my time at Lafayette. Instead, from joining the swim team to being an Orientation Leader to going to London, I have merely tried my hardest to take advantage of the tremendous resources around me. All of my experiences have taught me more about who I am. While I don’t think I can ever repay my debts to Lafayette, I hope that I have contributed at least a little to the community that has done so much for me. Perhaps in this way, I have begun to approach one version of the Lafayette ideal that Senator Pepper had in mind when he established this award.
Academic Activities and Total Years Involved
- Excel Scholar participant (1)
As an Excel scholar over the summer between my junior and senior years, I worked in Dr. Mylon’s lab on the beginnings of what would soon become my senior thesis project. In particular, this work revolved around learning how to identify and quantify low-molecular weight thiols, such as glutathione and (3)-mercaptopropionic acid, utilizing a specific reagent and HPLC-purification techniques. At the completion of the summer, I had begun to establish a calibration curve that I am using in my thesis work. - Senior Thesis (1)
My thesis revolves around determining the effects that certain thiol precursors (DL-homocysteine, dimethylsulfide, and methionine) as well as two transition metals (Zinc & Cadmium) have on bacteria that have been isolated from anoxic waters of Merril Creek Reservoir (MCR). My research started with an extensive literature search to elucidate the known function of thiols in freshwater environments and has evolved to collecting samples from MCR, implementing aspectic technique to culture the any organisms present in the sample, apply the experimental conditions, and analyze the data collected. - Peer Tutor (2)
I have served as a General Chemistry (121 & 122) tutor for three semesters. Each semester, I tutor three students which typically involves spending an hour with each individual every week. - Regional Microbiology Educators Research Symposium
Because of my Excel research, I submitted an abstract describing my progress and prepared a poster for the Regional Microbiology Educators’ Research Symposium at Haverford College. While there, I explained my findings and the future directions of the investigation to a variety of people including professors, undergraduates, and pre-first year students. I also answered questions and spent time reviewing the posters of other presenters. - Cognitive Psychology Internship (1)
During my trip to London, I was accepted to a cognitive psychology internship for six weeks. Because I lacked any psychology background, I spent the first few days of my six-week internship at the University of East London surrounded by psychology textbooks that spanned from introductory texts to graduate-level books. After my crash course in cognitive psychology, I began to work on compiling a database that contained important characteristics of common, English words such as number of syllables, length, and pronunciation. In addition I also conducted two experiments under the guidance of Dr. Thoma. The first was engineered to investigate the effects of haptic priming using simple, raised-felt drawings. The second experiment utilized E-Prime to explore the ratio-bias theory, in particular how humans perceive the difference between equivalent ratios containing either large or small numbers. - Teaching Assistant (1)
I have been the TA of Microbiology (Biol 225) for two semesters. As a TA, I am responsible for preparing the laboratory for my section of the class. This includes cleaning the lab, ensuring the availability of the required materials, and preparing the necessary media, cultures, and/or solutions required for each experiment. I also provide guidance and advice for the students as they performed their weekly experiments. Outside of my laboratory duties, I created and implemented a rubric designed to evaluate the students’ performance on their lab notebooks. Additionally, I serve as a resource for any questions they may have regarding the class. - James F. Bryant ’40 Excellence Award (1)
I was awarded the James F. Bryant ’40 Excellence Award during Lafayette’s 2010 Honors Convocation. As explained in the award’s title, it is presented to a junior student who has excelled both in his/her level of academic achievement, received a varsity letter in at least one sport, and demonstrated noticeable and noteworthy evidence of community service. - Dean’s List
Awarded to students with a GPA of at least 3.6.
Campus Activities and Total Years Involved
- Student Government (3)
During my first year on Student Government, I served as the Community Affairs chair where I worked with the Landis Community Outreach Center and the “No-Name Community,” a group of Eastonians dedicated to improving their community, to advance the town-gown relationship. During my second year, I served as the Student Organizations Chair where I managed over 100 clubs ensuring that they followed the appropriate regulations and exhibited acceptable performance. During these two terms I also served as a member of Budget Committee. In my third year on Student Government, I was elected as the President. The President is responsible for running the meetings, meeting with Pam Brewer, Associate Dean of Students, on a weekly basis and President Weiss on a monthly basis, planning open forums, and representing the students in front of the Board of Trustees. - Orientation Leader – Chair of 2014 Orientation (3)
I have served as an OL since my sophormore year. In my second year, I was selected to become part of the Orientation Steering Committee as the Spirit and Morale Co-Chair (the people responsible for the ‘Hit, Snap, Clap’ callouts). The following year, I was selected to be Chair of Orientation. Aside from providing endless enthusiasm, boundless energy, and serve as the backbone of the Orientation program, OLs are in charge of leading a group of fifteen or sixteen “First-Years” through the four-day orientation experience. As Chair, I was responsible for new leader selection and for planning certain events of orientation including the Leopard Olympiad. - Delta Upsilon Brother (3)
During the Spring 2009 semester, I became a brother of the Delta Upsilon fraternity whose four founding principles, the advancement of justice, promotion of friendship, diffusion of liberal culture, and development of character, have shaped my college career and provided me with guidance when making tough decisions. I attend weekly Brother’s Meetings, actively seek out potential new members, participate in our various community service programs such as grilling / setting up for DU Spinning, and provide guidance for the brothers on issues of concern. - Student Appeals Committee (3)
As one of three student members of the Student Appeals Committee, I am responsible for helping to determine whether the appellant was given an appropriate punishment based on the circumstances of her/his case. - Senior Class Council (1)
Responsible for planning and fundraising for the senior speaker as well as all of the senior week activities. - Senior Class Fund Drive Agent
Responsible for soliciting donations from my peers that will go towards the senior class gift. - Secretary of the TECH Floor (1)
As secretary of the TECH floor, I was responsible for keeping accurate minutes, monitoring attendance, and ensuring that the floor’s policies were being followed by all of our members.
Community Service and Total Years Involved
- Warren ARC Volunteer Coach (4)
Help coach mentally challenged members of the Lehigh Valley in preparation for their Special Olympic competitions at the national level. - Easton Area High School Tutoring (1)
Program where I would act as a role model as well as tutor for students that had disciplinary sanctions. - Healing the Children Trip to Guayaquil, Ecuador (1)
During this past spring break, I went with my father and an organization known as Healing the Children to Guayaquil, Ecuador where we spent 5 days operating on children with urological disorders. Our typical day would start at 8 and run until 7. I worked mostly as an administrator ensuring that all of our patients had charts and that the daily OR schedule was printed and available to all of the nurses and doctors. I was, however, lucky enough to observe and even participate in some of the surgeries. - Various Single Day Landis Programs (1)
I have participated in several of Landis’ single day service program including Lafapalooza, Make A Difference Day, and Literacy Day. - DU Spinning (3)
I have been an active participant in our ‘Spinning’ fund raising event where we open the first floor of our house to have a dance party and sell hot dogs, hamburgers, and water to collect money for our charity, Spring Garden. I am typically the grill master.
Athletics and Total Years Involved
- Men’s Varsity Swim Team (4)
Coaches Award (’08) – Presented to honor the dedication shown towards the team as well as in recognition of exceptionally hard work and positive attitude Academic Achievement Award (’09, ’10, ’11) – Presented to the swimmer with the highest GPA on the team - Athletic Department Gold Honor Roll (3)
Awarded to athletes who receive a varsity letter and have earned a GPA of at least a (3).8. - Patriot League Honor Roll (4)
Awarded to varsity athletes in the Patriot League who have a GPA of at least (3).(2). - Academic All-Patriot League Team (1)
One of ten people selected to be a member of the Academic All-Patriot League Team. To be selected, a student-athlete must have at least a (3).20 cumulative grade point average and be a starter or key player in his/her sport.
Special Interest and Total Years Involved
- ER Tech / Secretary (2)
As an ER technician, I was responsible for providing basic care for patients including transporting them, providing CPR, performing ECG and glucose tests, obtaining vitals, splinting, and basic wound care. Additionally, I was trained as the Unit Secretary where I managed the phones and charts of all the patients in the ER. - Search Committee for the Vice President of Student Life / Chief Diversity Officer (1)
As one of two students on the search committee, I am responsible for helping to ascertain the best candidate for this position. This includes attending our meetings, reviewing resumes, and interviewing the candidates. An essential part of my role is to ensure that the students’ concerns are kept in mind at all times.