2013-Kara Enz
Kara Enz
Major1: B.S. Psychology
Major2: A.B. Music
Thesis: Psychology : Forks in the Road: Autobiographical Memories of Turning Points and Transitions; Music: The Intimacy of Expression: Implications of Performance Indications in Federico Mompou’s Impresiones Íntimas for Guitar Arrangement and Performance
300 Word Statement
My accomplishments show that it is possible to achieve breadth and depth in all areas of life at Lafayette, which I believe is the ideal of this institution. As a dual-degree student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Music, I have not merely satisfied the requirements for my two majors, but I have attained the highest level of academic achievement in both disciplines: conducting honors theses, attending conferences, and receiving departmental awards in both Psychology and Music. My intellectual curiosity extends beyond the classroom to my various musical endeavors and my living community at McKelvy House, where I have had many an interesting discussion, jam session, and even hosted a karate seminar.
As involved as I am in the Lafayette community, I am also a testament that we do not live in a bubble here. Throughout my time at Lafayette, I have maintained active involvement in my karate dojo off-campus as well as a part-time job. As part of my Lafayette experience, I have seen many amazing sights in my travels both near and far: redevelopment on the South Side of Easton, new stars over the Indian Ocean in Madagascar, masterpieces of art in Italy, and concerts in the William Center. Lafayette is a place where you can do everything you want to do and do it well. Whether or not I receive this prize, I feel that I have lived the Lafayette ideal, and I thank the many people, places, and opportunities I have found both on and off this campus that have enabled me to pursue and conquer all of my interests.
Academic Activities and Total Years Involved
- Excel Scholar 4
In my sophomore and junior year, I worked on a research project examining emotional influences on bittersweet memories with Professor Jennifer Talarico. - National Conference on Undergraduate Research 2
I was selected by the Academic Research Committee to present a poster on my Excel research about bittersweet memories at NCUR 2012 in Ogden, Utah. This year, I was selected to present a talk on my music thesis research about Impresiones Intimas by Federico Mompou at NCUR 2013 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. - Conference Presentations and Awards 3
In addition to NCUR, I have also presented my research at several discipline-specific conferences both in psychology and music: LVAIC Undergraduate Psychology Conference (2) – In 2012, I received the 2nd Place Student Poster Award for my poster on bittersweet memories. Eastern Psychological Association Conference (2) College Music Society Northeast Conference (1) – In 2013, I received the Outstanding Student Paper Award for my lecture/recital about my research and guitar arrangements/performance of Impresiones Intimas by Federico Mompou. - Phi Beta Kappa 1
I was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most distinguished collegiate honorary society in the United States, for both breadth and depth of liberal learning and establishing an academic record of unquestioned excellence. - Psi Chi 3
I was elected to Psi Chi the International Honor Society in Psychology as a sophomore. In my senior year, I was elected to be treasurer of the society. - Ralph Scott Grover Music Scholar Award 1
I received this award in 2013 for achieving distinction in music scholarship. - Burton H. Cohen Memorial Prize 1
I received this award in 2013 as a senior psychology major who has demonstrated the necessary inclination, intellectual curiosity, determination, and potential to become a dedicated, creative, selfless teacher. - Herbert W. Rogers Psychology Prize 1
I received this award in 2013 as an outstanding senior psychology major who was judged by the department to be the most deserving. - Lafayette Alumni of the Lehigh Valley Scholarship Award 1
I received this award in 2013 as a Lafayette senior either residing in the greater Lehigh Valley, or who graduated from a greater Lehigh Valley High School, for demonstrating outstanding academic achievement. - Marquis Scholarship 4
As an incoming freshman, I was awarded the four-year Marquis Scholarship for demonstrating intellectual curiosity in addition to superior academic achievement.
Campus Activities and Total Years Involved
- ATTIC Individual Tutor 4
Since the second semester of my first year, I have been tutoring my peers in music theory and music history courses through the ATTIC. - Psychology Lab Assistant 2
Since my junior year, each semester I have been assisting a weekly section of Introduction to Psychology laboratory course. My responsibilities include: holding weekly office hours, preparing for lab each week, assisting students in lab, giving short in-class presentations, and attending meetings with professors and other lab assistants. - HOPE VI Research Assistant 1
During the summer of 2011 and into the 2012 academic year, I worked as a research assistant for the Lafayette College HOPE VI evaluation team. As part of an interdisciplinary group of professors and students, I conducted research for a report on the effectiveness of a housing redevelopment project on Easton’s South Side. As part of this project, I worked in conjunction with the Easton Housing Authority and interviewed residents of the housing development. Williams Center for the Arts Usher 3
As an usher, I take tickets, hand out programs, and assist patrons attending concerts and other events at the Williams Center. - Psychology Department External Review 1
In 2013, I was a student representative who met with external reviewers from other colleges who were on campus to evaluate the Psychology department. - Music Department External Review 1
In 2013, I was a student representative who met the music department and with external reviewers as part of an evaluation of the Music department. - Psychology Department Faculty Search 1
In 2011, I was a student representative who met with various candidates for a faculty position in the Psychology department.
Community Service and Total Years Involved
- Lafayette Initiative for Malagasy Education 2
LIME is a peer mentoring program that prepares Malagasy high school students to apply to U.S. colleges and universities. In January 2012, I was one of a select group of students that traveled to Madagascar to work with Malagasy high school students prepare for the SAT and the TOEFL, fill out admission forms, compose personal essays, and practice English. In preparation for the trip, I met with the team to compile lesson plans, and after the trip I kept in contact with the Malagasy students and initiated fundraising efforts on campus. - HOPE VI Research Assistant 1
During the summer of 2011 and into the 2012 academic year, I worked as a research assistant for the Lafayette College HOPE VI evaluation team. As part of an interdisciplinary group of professors and students, I conducted research for a report on the effectiveness of a housing redevelopment project on Easton’s South Side. For this project, I worked in conjunction with the Easton Housing Authority and interviewed residents of the housing development. - Art for the Young at Heart 2
I visited the Easton Nursing Center weekly through Landis to make crafts with senior citizens while sharing stories and getting to know one another. - Skills for Success 1
I mentored and tutored freshmen at Easton Area High School during a weekly study hall program. - Holiday Caroling 4
During the holiday season, I sing carols with elderly residents at assisted living apartments in Flemington, NJ and the Easton Nursing Center.
Athletics and Total Years Involved
- Women’s Club Soccer 3
I have played defense on the Women’s Club Soccer team since my sophomore year. - Isshinryu Karate 4
I instruct weekly karate classes off-campus at Greenwich Dojo in Greenwich Township, New Jersey. I received my black belt in Isshinryu karate in May of 2010 and my second-degree black belt in July of 2012. - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 3
Since my sophomore year, I have been studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Gracie New Jersey Academy in Lebanon, New Jersey.
Special Interest and Total Years Involved
- McKelvy House Scholar 2
I have been living in McKelvy House since my junior year. The McKelvy House Scholars Program at Lafayette College provides an alternative residential experience that fosters intellectual discourse, personal growth, and community engagement. I participate in and help organize weekly discussions and house activities. I have also been on the McKelvy House Recruitment Committee for two years. - Concert Choir 4
I have been in the Lafayette Concert Choir every semester, and I have been the alto section leader for three years. - Cadence 2
I was in Cadence the all-female a cappella group my freshman and sophomore years, and I was the musical director for three semesters. - Marquis Consort 1
I joined the Marquis Consort, Lafayette’s Early Music Ensemble, last semester. I play guitar and sing in the ensemble. - Interim Abroad: Italy 1
In May 2012, I traveled to Italy to study the art and thought of the Renaissance with Professor Ahl of the Art department and Professor Pribic in International Affairs. - Part-TimeTeller 4
Throughout my time at Lafayette, I have worked part-time as a bank teller off-campus approximately ten hours per week at Riegel Federal Credit Union in Milford, NJ. - Academic: Psychology Honors Thesis 1
For my thesis advised by Professor Jennifer Talarico, I compared the characteristics of adults’ personal memories for life transitions and turning points. I successfully defended my thesis in December 2012. - Academic: Music Honors Thesis 1
For my thesis advised by Professor Jorge Torres, I used primary document written by the composer Federico Mompou in Catalan to inform my arrangement and performance of his work Impresiones Intimas, originally for piano, on two guitars. I will defend my thesis in April 2013.