2014-Brent Horowitz
Brent Horowitz
Thesis: The role of Pectin methylesterase-encoding genes in Phytophthora sojae during infection of susceptible soybean plants
300 Word Statement
If there is one ideal which I believe Lafayette values, it is making the most out of a liberal arts education. My two majors, Biology and Theater, are a unique combination even for a liberal arts student; indeed, I am the first Lafayette student ever to complete both those majors. The two have taught me so much, and I know that my knowledge in each major has helped me in the other. The opportunity to study both was open to me, and I made it work.
One of my personal ideals is ‘paying it forward’, which was my impetus to provide more opportunities to future students, such as my role as co-founder of the theater honors society, Alpha Psi Omega, which will induct the first Lafayette students on April 17th. I take great pride in this, as I believe that it will serve the campus and the theater department long after I depart.
My greatest accomplishments at Lafayette come from my research in the Biology department. Through this research, I have discovered not only information about Phytophthora sojae but also myself. The research has given me both numerous opportunities, allowing me to present at three different conferences and a chance to write a thesis, as well as a future direction for a career. This may be my most valuable takeaway from Lafayette.
If the Lafayette ideal is to make the most out of the opportunities given to a student by the liberal arts education we are offered, then I believe that I may represent that ideal. Some of my accomplishments are listed here; they provide a partial picture of who I am. I hope my time at Lafayette has helped the College as much as Lafayette has aided and guided me.
Academic Activities/Awards – Total Years Involved
Alpha Psi Omega 2
APO is a national theater honors society which I and another student set up and founded at Lafayette College.
Honors Thesis 1
I am currently completing my thesis under the advisement of Dr. Ospina-Giraldo, titled “The role of pectin methylesterase-encoding genes in Phytophthora sojae during infection of susceptible soybean plants”.
Teaching Assistant 1
I am currently the teaching assistant for Bio 255: Molecular Genetics. I assist with the lab, grade, and occasionally teach a topic.
Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences 1
I presented my thesis research at the 2014 PAS meeting in Selinsgrove, PA.
Oomycete-Soybean USDA CAP Annual Meeting 1
I attended this CAP meeting in Dawsonville, Ga, met with experts in the field of Phytophthora sojae, and presented my thesis research to the group.
American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting 1
I presented research at the annual APS conference in Austin, TX.
I. Clinton Kline Prize 1
I received this prize as a senior. The description is: “Awarded to the senior who has demonstrated excellence in acting, directing, or technical theater”
EXCEL Scholar 1During the summer of 2013
I was an EXCEL student with the Department of Biology.
Campus Service/Activities and Awards – Total Years Involved
Hillel Society 4
I have been involved with Hillel since the first month I was at Lafayette, including have the privilege to serve three years as the Social Action Chair, managing community service for Hillel.
Theater LLC Resident 1
During my junior year, I lived both semesters in the Theater LLC, contributing to both traditional and non-traditional theater groups and events on campus.
Lafayette College Arts Society 2
I have been a member of Arts Society since my junior year, and as a senior was elected President. As President I have seen Arts Society reach an all-time high in membership, as well as overseeing a steering committee of 15 students.
Aaron O. Hoff Awards Selection Committee 1
During my junior year, I was on the selection committee for the annual Aaron O. Hoff campus awards.
Concert Choir/Chamber Singers 1
As a sophomore, I stage managed the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers winter concert.
Celebration of Weddings 1
As a junior, I painted and built the set for the Celebration of Weddings, as well as helping to plan the event.
Holocaust Remembrance Week 2
During Hillel’s Holocaust Remembrance Week, I served on the planning committee as well as serving as a tour guide through the exhibit in Farinon.
McKelvy Scholars 3
I have been a regular attendee for the weekly McKelvy discussions, including leading two discussions as a guest during my senior year.
Community Service – Total Years Involved
Marquis Players 4
I have worked on the Marquis Players shows each of my years at Lafayette. As a freshman, I was an electrician, as a sophomore, the spot operator and master electrician, as a junior, the technical director and deck chief, and the stage manager as a senior.
KIC 3
As Hillel Social Action Chair, I would lead guest visits with the Landis KIC program around Jewish holidays.
Miller Keystone Blood Drive 4
Every year I have donated at the blood drive during both semesters as well as regularly on my own, donating approximately fifteen times during my time at Lafayette.
Relay For Life 3
I was the captain of three Relay for Life teams on behalf of Hillel.
Lafayette Day of Service 2
Twice I was able to participate in Lafayette’s Day of Service.
Super Sunday 3
For three years, I made thank-you calls on behalf of the Jewish Federation for the Lehigh Valley, in order to thank that organization for their donations to Lafayette Hillel.
Athletics Activity/Award – Total Years Involved
Special Interest – Total Years Involved
College Theater 4
I have worked on fifteen College Theater shows: A Thousand Cranes, An Enemy of the People, Hear Me Roar, Ubu Roi, The Laramie Project, Rent, R.U.R., Speech and Debate, Dog Eat Dog, Noises Off, Arabian Nights, On Aging, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Penelopiad, and Triple Play.
Scene Shop Assistant 4
I worked as a scene shop assistant for College Theater during each academic year.
Technical Assistant 3
I have worked as a technical assistant for the Williams Center Cultural Programming.
Theater Underground 4
I have participated in numerous productions and events with Theater Underground, including serving a year as the Vice President.
Favorite Poem Reading 2
I have read my favorite poem, ‘On Work’ by Kahlil Gibran at the favorite poem reading during my junior and senior years.
Research Scholar 1
During the summer after my freshman year, I was a Research Scholar with the Lehigh Valley Health Network Infectious Diseases Department, where my project let to improved care for nursing home patients with certain types of complicated infections.