Growing into her own: Sarah Davis ’23 discovers her passion for plant biology at PLU
Sarah Davis began her PLU journey with the idea that medicine and health care would be the ultimate goal, but then a couple of classes focused on plant development and global agriculture grew a new passion. “I have a family history of agriculture, my grandfather…
PLU senior Allison Sheflo discusses her triple major in geosciences, environmental studies and religion
Senior Allison Sheflo will graduate this spring with a triple major in geosciences , environmental studies and religion and a minor in mathematics . She forged her own trail at PLU, welcoming the adventures that piqued her curiosity and let that lead her way. “It’s…
Former military linguist Kara Atkinson ’23 discusses her service on campus, academic research, and graduate school plans
Kara Atkinson ’23 earned an associate degree while serving as an Arabic linguist in the United States Army prior to her arrival at PLU. A history major with minors in religion and Holocaust and genocide studies , Atkinson’s passion for research, academia, and higher education…
Social work major and working mom Teranejah Lucas ’23 explores the politics and power of Black hair in her capstone
Teranejah Lucas, 28, is now in her senior year at Pacific Lutheran University, and majoring in social work. She’s preparing to do great things—after already accomplishing significant wins—and wrapping up a fascinating capstone. “As a single parent, first-generation college student, I’m out here defying the…
A Trip to the Archives? Book It, PLU Librarian Says
Sometimes you’re drawn to a career path, and other times you discover it by serendipity, as Lauren Loftis, Archivist & Special Collections Librarian at Pacific Lutheran University, did. “I carelessly stumbled into it. In fact, the first time I entered an archive was when I…
Full Circle: Brandi Hilliard, Director of Career, Learning & Engagement
As a first-generation college student, Brandi Hilliard was nervous when she began her studies at Pacific Lutheran University. But those uncomfortable feelings soon diminished. “I found PLU to be a warm, supportive and an intimate community, which made it an easy place to fit in,”…
Theatre Professor Amanda Sweger Finds Family in the Theatre
Like it did for so many, the theatre called to Associate Professor Amanda Sweger when she was in those awkward teen years. “For the first time, I felt accepted,” she said. Yet she quickly realized she didn’t like acting or auditioning. So, she spent a…
Beautiful mutants: a PLU biology class harvests for the future
About two years ago, PLU professor Neva Laurie-Berry partnered with a world-class plant research center. The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Mo., sends Laurie-Berry’s BIOL 358 Plant Physiology class millet seeds with random mutations. Student teams study plants in PLU’s warm, sunny…
PLU’s new anatomy and physiology lab is the first in a series of science upgrades
When PLU science students returned to campus in fall 2022 they were in for a surprise. The previously outdated anatomy and physiology lab in the Rieke Science Center had been transformed into a cutting-edge learning facility, complete with best-of-its-kind educational technology, thanks to contributions from…
Campus Tour: PLU’s newly renovated anatomy and physiology lab
PLU Resident Instructor of Biology Michelle Crites gives a tour of the newly renovated anatomy and physiology lab in the Rieke Science Center. Learn more about the PLU Department of Biology.
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…
Saving the World with a Starship
On day one of PLU Professor of Mathematics Daniel Heath’s Designing a Starship class, students have no idea what they have signed up for — and that’s exactly how Heath wants it. The course is part of PLU’s International Honors Program (IHON), which means it…