Liza Makarova

Major: Biology

Minor: Religious Studies

 

During my time at Lafayette, I have tried to take advantage of the abundance this campus has to offer and fully immerse myself in the community. In respect to academics, I have made Dean’s List since my first semester at Lafayette and have gone beyond by cultivating curiosity and passion in my students during my five semesters as a Teaching Assistant for introductory biology courses. I spent two years as a Resident Advisor for first year women where I fostered community and provided mentorship to new Lafayette students. I have since been promoted to the role of Head Resident and continue supporting residents and now other RAs through this leadership role. Although I am not an athlete, my time as a Student Athletic Trainer has given me the opportunity to be directly involved with student athletes in a clinical setting.

Beyond our campus, I joined the Easton Hunger Coalition and volunteer at local food pantries. Through the America Reads program, I have spent time in local elementary schools as a classroom assistant and afterschool tutor. I have also researched with local health network, LVHN, in the field of gynecological oncology.

The Lafayette ideal is a member of the student body who takes part in and contributes positively to our community. There is no “right” way to fit this ideal as it allows infinite opportunities for each student to leave their mark. While at Lafayette, I have strived to take responsibility for my community and remain involved in all facets of campus life. Whether it is in the classroom as a TA, in the residence halls as an RA, or on the fields of Metzger as an AT, I always work towards making Lafayette inclusive, supportive, and a place of learning.

Academic Activity/Award 1:

Teaching Assistan-4-I assisted in teaching a three-hour biology laboratory class every week where I guided students through material, procedures, and analyzing results. My responsibilities included participating in weekly meetings with the laboratory coordinator and spending time outside of class preparing agar plates, allocating reagents, and autoclaving waste. In addition to grading student work and proctoring exams, I hosted review sessions and office hours to further assist students and foster a passion for biology and the scientific method.

Academic Activity/Award 2:

Dean’s List-4-Through continuous academic success I have been able to make Dean’s List every semester at Lafayette.

Academic Activity/Award 3:

Edith A. Gorsuch Scholarship-3-Awarded to a student preparing themselves for a profession in ministry, law, or medicine who demonstrates high personal character, academic ability, and achievement.

Academic Activity/Award 4:

Henriette S. Treen Scholarship-3-Awarded to a student who demonstrates high academic achievement and service oriented behaviors.

Academic Activity/Award 5:

Tri-Beta Biology Honor’s Society-2

Academic Activity/Award 6:

Eugene P. Chase Phi Beta Kappa Prize-1-Awarded to a sophomore who has demonstrated scholarship as a first-year student.

Academic Activity/Award 7:

Order of Omega-2-Member of Order of Omega (Greek Life Honor Society) and have gone on to serve as treasurer.

Academic Activity/Award 8:

Research at Lehigh Valley Health Network-2-Conducted research on improving surgical techniques in gynecologic oncology which culminated in a publication in JMIG.

Academic Activity/Award 9:

Genetic Research at Cornell AgriTech-1-Conducted laboratory work in the lab of Dr. Kenong Xu including isolating DNA, PCR, making agarose and polyacrylamide gels, and gel electrophoreses. Assisted in the visualization and analysis of gels. Cared for apple trees in orchard and greenhouse. Confirmed two loci to the genetic dwarf trait.

Campus Service Activity /Award 1:

Resident Advisor-2-As a resident advisor, I built community, enforced policy, and provided emotional support to twenty first year women. Through the creation of social and educational programming, I was able to foster a welcoming and supportive community that provided opportunities for my residents to meet new people that shared their interests. Monthly check-ins with each resident allowed me to facilitate conflict resolution between roommates and friends. My responsibilities included conducting weekly security rounds in two buildings and writing detailed information reports. I have received recognition for “Program of the Year” and awarded the title “Rookie of the Year”.

Campus Service Activity /Award 2:

Head Resident-1-After fulfilling my responsibilities as a Resident Advisor, I was promoted to the role of Head Resident of the South College staff. I supervised 10 RAs and provided active feedback and guidance on fulfilling the role. Responsible for managing facilities and keeping communication between Residence Life professional staff and student staff.

Campus Service Activity /Award 3:

America Reads Tutor-1-Worked with elementary school children on class work and homework. Assisted teachers in the classroom, led small group education, and proctored exams. Led small groups in after school education and assisted teachers in tutoring programs.

Campus Service Activity /Award 4:

Alpha Gamma Delta-3-Active chapter member and member of philanthropy committee. I secured sponsorships and donations for events and completed clerical work.

Community Service 1:

Easton Hunger Coalition-4-Donated time in numerous food banks and pantries in the city of Easton including St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Second Harvest Food Bank, Father’s House Food Pantry, and ProJeCt of Easton Food Pantry. Unloaded deliveries, facilitated distribution, prepared packages, assisted in personal shopping, and clerical work.

Community Service 2:

Emergency Room Volunteer-1-During the Fall and Winter of 2020 I volunteered in the Emergency Department at Doylestown Hospital. In cooperation with unit clerk, managed patient transportation. Assisted physicians, nurses, and patient care technicians in providing care for patients. Responsible for re-stocking supplies and taking inventory.

Athletic Activity /Award 1:

Student Athletic Trainer-4-Aid athletes in preparing for practice with stretching and joint wrapping. Prepare fields with equipment and water for practices and games. Utilize Medicat for bookkeeping and scheduling.