Search

with family and academic advisors before deciding to pursue a biology major that would lead her to becoming a doctor. For Ash, this felt like the right fit. “I’ve always been attracted to the sciences – especially those that have to do with the human body,” she says. Because Pacific Lutheran University expands learning beyond concentrations, Ash enrolled in biology classes she normally wouldn’t take. She enrolled in Land Management and Conservation Biology, which she says broadened her view. “It

life.” For Bryson Baligad ‘18, who received a degree in physics during his three years at PLU and is now studying mechanical engineering at Columbia for his last two, the 3-2 program was a chance to get ahead of his peers. “I can definitely see that I’m more prepared than a lot of other students at Columbia because I have this strong foundation (in math and physics),” he said. “So a lot of the concepts that we’re learning right now actually don’t seem that unfamiliar.” Bryson Baligad ‘18 received a

the university, as well as experiential learning, like studying abroad or internships or even applied research,” Suzanne Crawford O’Brien, interim dean of interdisciplinary programs, said. “Some students opt for this because they have a dream job in mind — one that doesn’t fit in a more traditional major.” Every year, one to three PLU students graduate with an individualized major that they designed. Lindhartsen says he found the entire process fairly straightforward as his advisors were always on

courses in ecology and evolution, cell structure and function, and physiology have given me a broad foundation of understanding that I can carry forward with me into my future work.” – Daniel What skills are you learning? “There are tons of skills that I have been able to gain during my time at PLU, and there are so many opportunities to learn new ones too! Some very important skills I have gained are teamwork and leadership. Through my job working for the biology department, and other clubs and

alumni from PLU are willing to help them achieve their goals.” Whalen and her fellow Lutes spent the day learning from Sorensen and his guest speakers. She says she is grateful for the opportunity. “It was super helpful getting to talk to so many different people,” Whalen said. “We got to hear what they liked about the job and what they didn’t –it was a really helpful and a neat opportunity.” Read Previous Major Minute(ish): Environmental Studies Read Next Sarah Saavedra ’22 shares her experience as

, Gavidia’s career took another significant step forward when he joined Cannon as a full-stack software engineer, working on an open-source tool for managing smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. Gavidia’s internships allowed him to establish mentors, which was vital to his learning and something he recommends to other students. At PLU, his mentors were Professor Jeff Caley, an assistant professor of computer science, and Professor Justin Lytle, a professor of chemistry.Why Study Computer Science at

learning, the in-lab experience was invaluable. “I am more appreciative of all the hard work that goes into improving technologies such as batteries,” she says. “It was exciting to work on a project that could help to support the switch away from fossil fuels.” The students worked under PLU Chemistry professor Dean Waldow. For more than a decade, Waldow has been bringing students into his lab to help him build a better battery. Over the years, close to 30 students have been involved in the process

together to explore the theme of Re-forming, as we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation and honor the core tenets of Lutheran higher education – critical questioning, freedom for expression, foundation in the liberal arts, learning and research within community, intrinsic value of educating the whole person, discerning one’s vocation in the world, and service to the advancement of life, health, and wholeness. Read Previous PLU places in English and Spanish Worlds at Mark O. Hatfield

of what helped the production be strong was the limited scope of actors’ focus: not on memorization, blocking, or facial expressions, but on the soundscape of intonation, voice intensity, and diction. Nate Lovitt '22An English Writing major in a radio play? You bet! Nate has studied poetry with Professor Rick Barot and put those skills to work as The Poet reading “The Raven” for Twisted Tales of Poe. Nate noted that an interesting aspect of the show was learning to speak in meter. He said, “‘The

Social-Emotional Learning and incorporating executive functioning skills in dance curriculum. With this training, I started a dance class for children with special needs. From 2016-2018, I attended Smith College in Massachusetts and earned a Master of Fine Arts in dance choreography and performance. What made you choose PLU?One of the co-founders of Sapience Dance Collective held this position at PLU years ago–which is a fun full-circle. She had told me about the job and how much she loved working at