PLU course examining the COVID-19 pandemic open to students, alumni and the community
Earlier this month Pacific Lutheran University announced a timely new course titled “COVID 19: A Global Crisis Examined.” Open to PLU students, alumni, faculty, staff and the public, the one-credit/no-credit online course will lead students through a reflection of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Over the…
Ash Bechtel ’24 combines science and social work for holistic view of patient care; aims to serve Hispanic community
Ash Bechtel always wanted to be in healthcare, she just wasn’t sure which direction to take — nursing or medical school. So, Ash counseled with family and academic advisors before deciding to pursue a biology major that would put her en route to becoming a…
From Oxford, England to Oaxaca, Mexico, Jackie Lindstrom ’23 uses math to understand migration
Recently, chemistry major Jackie Lindstrom found herself in Oxford, England, conducting a series of informational interviews with public health representatives from Oxfam and the International Organization for Migration, a United Nations advisory agency that promotes international cooperation on migration. Traveling under a Wang Center Research…
Venice Jakowchuk ’23 travels through time, a dancer’s journey toward archaeology
For Venice Jakowchuk ’23, a single general education class sparked a passion that has since taken her—literally and/or metaphorically—from Herefordshire, England and Aberdeen, Scotland to the central highlands of Mexico and back to the lands of the Nisqually peoples. Originally from Arizona, Jakowchuk entered PLU…
Henri Coronado-Volta ’23 discusses his global studies major, studying away, and his plans to attend UW’s Public Health Epidemiology program
Henri Coronado-Volta grew up in Seattle, Washington, and chose PLU because the smaller school offered the opportunity to build community, a chance to continue swimming, and living close to home—but not too close. He double majored in global studies and Hispanic studies and minored in…
Emily Struck ’23 reflects on her time at PLU, captivated by chemistry and research
Emily Struck ’23 made the most of her chemistry major at PLU, conducting individualized research with professors and tutoring other students on campus. As she takes her next step in the fall pursuing a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at Purdue University, Struck reflects on her…
Uncomfortable Truths: Introduction to Holocaust and Genocide Studies class examines the past to change the future
“There is nothing comfortable about studying genocide,” Beth Griech-Polelle, a Pacific Lutheran University history professor and the Kurt Mayer Chair in Holocaust Studies, says. “It’s filthy, violent, degrading, and the worst of humanity.” Yet Griech-Polelle says the study and discussion of these atrocities are crucial…
Nursing major sees value in studying and investing in health services
Parker Simpson ’24 is spending his summer working at an assisted living facility in his hometown of Spokane, Washington. He comes from a family of healthcare professionals and has always wanted to help people. We sat down with him to discuss his experience taking classes…
After a pandemic hiatus, study away trips returned during J-Term
After a hiatus last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 65 undergraduate and 22 graduate students from Pacific Lutheran University were able to participate in January term study away trips this year. The program took PLU students all over the world, with courses designed and…
PLU professors and students dive deep into the psychology of the pandemic
As the world was beginning to realize the enormity of COVID-19, two Pacific Lutheran University professors seized the 2020 moment to do significant research into the psychology of the pandemic. PLU Department of Psychology Chair Jon Grahe and his Statistics 232 students conducted a U.S.…
The Room Where It Happens: PLU Nursing Majors Help Community Members Take Their Shot
On a chilly February morning, cars packed the parking lot of the Pacific Lutheran University Olson Fieldhouse. There was no basketball game or volleyball match enticing the visitors, but rather a historic event that brought visitors in that day. It was the first of many…
By the Numbers: PLU Professor Collaborates on a New Artwork Illuminating the Beauty of Math
PLU mathematics professor Jessica Sklar is one of 23 collaborators creating a notable work of art, soon touring the nation. Called Mathemalchemy, the installation celebrates the beauty and creativity of mathematics. The finished piece will be about 16 x 8 feet in area and 9…