2015-Andrea Parish

Andrea Parish

First Major: Biology
Minor: Spanish

Personal Statement
If taken at face value, the term “ideal” seems to suggest a perfect individual, one who embodies a predetermined, specific mold. To me, the Lafayette ideal is just the opposite. This institution and the people who shape it have taught me how to create my own ideal, one that I can be proud of and that I simply hope that others can respect.

What I am most proud of is that my accomplishments over the past four years reflect the moral, academic and social standards that I strive to hold myself to. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to provide leadership to my peers, taking on roles such as a Teaching Assistant and Vice President of my sorority. It is a rewarding experience to know that I have become the type of person whom others choose to place their trust in. Most importantly, I know that Lafayette has played a part in this transformation—I learned from and looked up to the peers, friends and teammates who embodied their own unique and admirable Lafayette ideals.

I often reflect on my time here and on the person that I am today. One lesson that my coach has instilled in me over the past few years is that the journey is different for everyone. My journey was not perfect, but rather it was a unique composition of challenges, triumphs, and most importantly diverse and wonderful people who have all brought out something different in me. Separate from any athletic accomplishment, being chosen as a captain on the swim team was most rewarding to me because it meant that others could look to me to help bring out the best in them. To me, that is the Lafayette ideal that I am proud to represent. /

Academic Activities/Awards – Total Years Involved

Dean’s List 4
Excel Scholar Program 1
I participated in Excel research in Molecular Genetics Summer 2014 and the Fall Semester of 2014 under the guidance of Dr. Ospina-Giraldo. Responsibilities included genetic analysis of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and literature investigation of effector proteins present in a species of oomycete that was a main cause of the Irish Potato Famine.
Independent Research 2
I have also participated in three semesters of Independent Research in Molecular Genetics under Dr. Ospina-Giraldo for course credit, investigating gene expression in filamentous pathogens and the duckweed plant.
Travel Fellowship to attend the Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network Conference 1
Recipient of a monetary award through Virginia Tech to attend the Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network Annual Conference in Norwich City, UK. I was able to present a poster representation of my research to leaders in the field of oomycete molecular genetics. / Project title: Bioinformatic and expression analysis of glycoside hydrolase family 3 genes in Phytophthora sojae
Pennsylvania Academy of Science 1
Attended and presented research at the 2015 PAS conference in Annville, Pennsylvania /
Lafayette College Summer Research Poster Symposium 1
Research from Summer Excel work was presented to members of the Lafayette Community at the Lafayette College Summer Research Poster Symposium, September 2014.
Phi Beta Kappa Society 1
Member of the national Greek society for men and women, which advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences

Order of Omega National Greek Honor Society 2
Member of the Order of Omega Rho Tau chapter, an undergraduate Greek Honor Society recognizing men and women who have shown a high standard of leadership and scholarship

Patrick W. Halloran Scholarship 1
Recipient of the Patrick W. Halloran Scholarship by the National Order of Omega for commitment to work in the Greek community
Hunt Prize nominee 1
Nominated for the Willis Roberts Hunt Prize in Biology, awarded to a senior Biology major felt by the members of the department to be most deserving

Campus Service/Activities and Awards – Total Years Involved

Teaching Assistant for General Biology 2
As a Teaching Assistant for Biology 101, I was responsible for working alongside laboratory coordinator John Drummond to facilitate a weekly General Biology lab of 20-25 students, as well as meeting weekly with other teaching assistants in order to discuss ways to provide a beneficial lab experience. I was also responsible for correcting lab reports, papers, and various other assignments.
Teaching Assistant for Molecular Genetics 1
As a Molecular Genetics Teaching Assistant I am required to lead lab weekly alongside Dr. Ospina-Giraldo, set up the laboratory and perform outside tasks for the lab, and grade weekly assignments and lab updates.
Student Athlete Advisory Committee member 3
Representative of Varsity Swimming and Diving on SAAC, a committee of Lafayette College student-athletes selected from each team to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student athletes’ lives.
Alpha Phi Sorority 3
As a member for the past three years, I also held the position of Vice President of Chapter Operations for the Eta Sigma chapter. This entailed ensuring successful operation of the chapter by corresponding with the Lafayette College Office of Residential Life and contacting Plant Operations in regards to necessary improvements to the house. This also included holding a position on the chapter’s Executive Committee and Judiciary Board.
Tutor for the Academic Tutoring and Training Information Center (ATTIC) 1
Served as a tutor for the ATTIC in Organic Chemistry, providing a resource for assistance on homework assignments and test/quiz preparation on a weekly basis.

Community Service – Total Years Involved

Order of Omega Community Service Chairperson 1
As the first member to hold this newly established position, I have been responsible for organizing and leading a committee of 3 other members in establishing the chapter’s first fundraising event. Funds raised will be donated to support transportation for local elementary and middle school students to attend after school enrichment programs.
Warren ARC volunteer swim coach 4
Alongside other members of Lafayette Swimming and Diving, I coached athletes with special needs in preparation for Special Olympics competitions.
Volunteer at Lehigh Valley Hospital 1
Responsibilities include tasks as directed by nurses and nurse practitioner, including providing food and general assistance directly to patients as well as assisting nurses in communicating with other departments.
Make-a-Difference Day and Lafapalooza 3
I have participated for the past three years in these one-day events which provide services to the community such as tending to gardens.
Easton Area Animal Shelter 2
Volunteer at the local SPCA
Miller-Keystone Blood Drive 2

Athletics Activity/Award – Total Years Involved

Varsity Swimming 4
Member of the Lafayette College Women’s Swim Team for four years at Lafayette.
Varsity Swimming Captain 2014-15 season 1
Patriot League Academic Honor Roll 4
Presented to athletes in the Patriot League who maintain at least a 3.20 GPA during their athletic season.
Maroon Club Scholar-Athlete Nominee 1
Nominee for the award presented to the Lafayette athlete who exhibits exemplary effort both athletically and academically.

Special Interest – Total Years Involved

Medical Extern 1
I participated as an extern at the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, NY under the supervision of Director of Neuro-Oncology Dr. Susan Pannullo. With Dr. Pannullo’s guidance, I observed clinical and hospital patient consultations, learned how to interpret abnormalities in MRI scans of the brain and how to monitor the progression of brain tumors using MRI.
Medical Extern 1
Over the past six months I have participated in shadowing of Dr. Susan Cooley, Ophthalmologist at Coventry Optical in Phillisburg, NJ. I observed consultations with routine patients as well as those who have undergone cataract surgery, and learned how to interpret ophthalmic images showing internal structures of the eye.
Club Swim Coach 2
For the past two years, I have helped coach two local swim clubs, the Easton Aquatic Club and Penn Jersey Aquatic Club, during the summer and during my off season from swimming. This has been a rewarding experience for me as I have been able to share my knowledge of the sport I am passionate about and improve the abilities of young athletes.