Chapman University - Schmid College

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a month since graduation. We miss you already, Class of 2024! 🎓💐😎

Throwback to our Schmid degree ceremony — we had a blast celebrating our Class of 2024 🎉 Congratulations, new graduates, and thank you to our extended Schmid family for coming from far and wide to celebrate with us. We are so proud of you, Schmidsters! 🎓

This is what finals week looks like in the Keck Center. 📚 Happy last day of school, Schmidsters! We’ll miss your beautiful notes on the walls this summer! ☀️

Here’s a glimpse into Friday’s Grand Challenge Initiative Showcase — the largest showcase in the history of the GCI program!
 
GCI is a unique program that & students take during their first two years. Through GCI, students built foundational skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Groups tackle society’s greatest challenges and come up with innovative solutions, using data science, chemistry, engineering — and everything in between.
 
Congratulations to the winning groups:
 
🏅DEI & Accessibility: “Addressing Disparities in Urban Green Space Accessibility”
 
🏅Environment: “Zeolite Filtration of Storm Water Runoff”
 
🏅Health & Wellness: “Al-Powered Medicine to Improve Rural Healthcare Accessibility and Physician Shortage”
 
🏅Education & Technology: “SPARC: A STEM Education App”
 
🏆 GRAND PRIZE: “AI Hand Washing Coach,” project sponsored by LayerJot
 
Please join us in congratulating our winners and all 54 student groups who presented their hard work! We are so proud of them! 👏

With Commencement right around the corner, May is an exciting month! Don’t forget about all the events leading up to graduation. These are some of the highlights — make sure to check the Schmid Weekly newsletter and our IG story for details on these events and more. 🎓

🌟Schmid Alumni Spotlight - Makaylee Dahms ’26🌟

Q: What are you involved with here at Chapman?
A: Currently, I am a Supplemental Instructor for Dr. Waterton's BIOL 204 class, I’m a Keck Tour Guide, I hold a leadership position in , I am a part of the , and I play on the team! 🎾
Q:What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
A: Outside of school, I like to play basketball and pickleball. I cook, bake, and love to try new restaurants. I also love spending time with my family and dog Murphy in San Diego!

Q: What has been your favorite class you've taken at Schmid?
A: My favorite class was BIOL 208 with Dr. Hsu, and lab with Professor Sorensen. I really enjoyed learning about eukaryotic gene regulation in lecture, and it was fun working on the GAPC extraction project in lab!

Q:Where is your favorite Keck study spot?
A: I always study in the McCardle Family Student Lounge. The seats are super comfortable, and the orange room weirdly helps me focus.

Thanks .dahms! Congrats on your 9-0 win in the last match of the season earlier this week!

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From career workshops to informative talks, there’s a lot going on at Schmid this month. Mark your calendars with these important dates, and stay tuned to the Schmid Weekly newsletter for more details! 📆

🌟Schmid Student Spotlight - Paul Rosa ’24🌟

Q: What are you involved with here at Chapman?
A: I do research as a Beckman Scholar with Dr. Maduka Ogba, where we use computational techniques to model chemical reactions.I am a part of , where I participate a lot with setting up research talks and flash talks. I am also an Student Instructor (SI) leader for Organic Chemistry I/II Lab.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Outside of school I like to garden, SLAP some good music, hang out with family and friends, watch movies, workout, hike, and enjoy nature.

Q:What has been your favorite class you’ve taken at Schmid?
A: I loved Plant Biology 301L because I love plants, but also because for the lab section we go to the and enjoy the nature while doing some science.

Q: What is your goal career/field of study?
A: I hope to obtain a Ph.D in Chemistry which will allow me to go into the industry where I can run my own lab. I also hope that later in my career I could be a research professor so I can give back to the science.

Q: What is your favorite event you have attended at Chapman?
A: My favorite event at Chapman was the Schmid Family Lecture where we got to watch a Nobel Prize Laureate give a presentation on her research.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. We cannot wait to see all you accomplish after graduation this Spring!

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Earlier this week, 100+ STEM students met with 20+ employers for an evening of casual networking. Thank you to our employer partners for sharing your time with our students! And a big thank-you to Schmid’s and ‘s dedicated Career Advisors, Jose Bejar and Samuel Lee, who help connect our talented students with career-building opportunities. 💼

Happy Pi Day, Schmidsters! Enjoy this to last year when pied some of our favorite professors. FYI, if you’re craving circular treats, we found Pi Day discounts in the Orange Circle at the Pie Hole, Pizza Press, and Blaze Pizza! 🍕🥧

🌟Schmid Student Spotlight - Micah Kim ‘26🌟

Q: What are you involved with here at Chapman?
A: I’m currently involved in Dr. Richelle Tanner’s research lab (), the Schmid Student Leadership Council (), and I am a Schmid student worker! I work for the administrative coordinator for the Grand Challenges Initiative (GCI) program ().

Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Outside of school, I love to dance and hike with my friends and family!

Q: Where is your favorite Keck Center study spot?
A: My favorite study spots in Keck are the outdoor patios on the third floor!

Q: What is your favorite event you have attended at Chapman?
A: My favorite event at Chapman is the STEM Networking Night! I love being able to go with my friends and talk with employers in a casual setting. It’s happening on Tuesday! Highly recommend going!

Thank you .kim1910 — we cannot wait to see what you accomplish next, whether in the lab or the GCI makerspace!

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🌟Schmid Alumni Spotlight - Ramsey Elshiwick ‘23🌟

Q: What have you been up to since graduation?
A: I’m currently pursuing my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at

Q: What were you involved with during your time at Chapman?
A: Students for Justice in Palestine ( ), the Muslim Student Association ( ), and the Egyptian Student Association.

Q: What is a favorite Schmid memory of yours?
A: The community I had with my Environmental Science and Policy family. One of my favorite memories was our Catalina Island field trip!

Q: Is there a class/professor you would recommend students to take at Schmid?
A: Shoutout Dr. Tanner, for being an amazing mentor and educator and, of course, Dr. Keller, who was an instrumental role in my success at Chapman!

Q: What is your favorite project you worked on at Chapman?
A: My favorite research project was looking at species richness and biodiversity in Suisun Bay under Dr. Tanner’s guidance.

Q: What is your best advice for current Schmid students?
A: I can’t stress enough: focus on memories, community, and exploring what brings you joy and how you can make that your job one day!

Thank you so much, .elsh , for sharing your story with us. We cannot wait to see what else you accomplish!

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Over Interterm, a new Environmental Science course, “Diverse Perspectives in Conservation Biology,” brought 17 Schmidsters and one professor 30 miles out to sea — on Catalina Island, that is, off the coast of Long Beach. 🏝️

Click the link in our bio to read about students’ experiences collecting data and learning new lab techniques while immersed in the natural beauty of this special island. 🌊

🌟Schmid Alumni Spotlight - Jenny Gritton ’19 🌟
 
Q: What were you involved with during your time at Chapman?
A: Too much! I was in the University Honors Program, , Chapman Ambassadors, , , and the inaugural class of Phi Beta Kappa. I did research with a faculty member, taught Zumba at the student union, tutored ASL and chemistry, and went abroad for an internship. I was also an Orientation Leader twice, and I was the Peer Advisor for ES&P from ’17-’19.
 
Q: What are you up to these days?
A: Now I work in transportation engineering for a suburb of Denver, designing bike lanes and promoting active/sustainable transport for Coloradans! 🚲
 
Q: What was your favorite Schmid memory?
A: My favorite Schmid memory is ES&P winning highest attendance at every semi-annual Schmid Group Advising session. 
 
Thanks to for sharing your story with us! We’re still exhaling after that impressive list of extracurriculars 😅
 
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Earlier this month, seven members of Assistant Professor Jeremy Hsu’s lab group presented research at the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research west-coast conference (SABER West). Topics ranged from active learning and study habits to students’ experiences with racism in STEM. Visit the link in our bio to read more about their research! 🔗

🌟Schmid Alumni Spotlight - Ben Janda ’23 🌟
 
Q: What were you involved with during your time at Chapman?
A: I was heavily involved in undergraduate research in the Liberman-Martin group. I also served on and was the Secretary of .
 
Q: What are you up to now?
A: Currently I am a chemistry PhD student at researching synthetic organic chemistry!
 
Q: Can you share a favorite Schmid memory?
A: I have a lot of favorite Schmid memories, but one that stands out to me was Analytical Chemistry II with Dr. Gartner. I had a blast creating my own project with one of my best friends and learning chemistry skills that I still use in my graduate research. 
 
Thank you .janda for sharing a bit about yourself. We’re so happy you’re pursuing your passion for chemistry research! 🧪
 
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🌟Schmid Student Spotlight - Rama Bedri ’24 🌟
 
Q: What are you involved in here at Chapman?
A: I am involved in research and am on the executive board for . My research with Dr. Piechota is focused on hydrologic changes in Mediterranean climates. Also, I used to intern at and I was a student worker at , so if you have any questions about those please reach out!
 
Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
A: I love going to concerts, traveling (I studied abroad in Athens, Greece last semester!), and being out in nature.
 
Q: Favorite class you’ve taken at Schmid?
A: Dr. Tanner’s Environmental Advocacy through Storytelling (ENV 360). This class taught me how to address climate deniers and the importance of integrating hope and optimism into environmental education.
 
Q: Favorite Keck study spot?
A: The 3rd floor Women of Science hall. As a woman in STEM myself, it is inspiring to see the amazing impacts that women brought to science. Also, the view of the football field is great from up there!
 
Thank you .b for sharing your story with us. We hope you have a great last semester at Chapman! 🐾
 
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🌟Schmid Student Spotlight - Sandra Sanchez, Masters Class of '24🌟

Q: What are you involved with at Chapman?
A: I am a Co-Leader of the where we strive to learn the Science and Art of making the perfect cup of coffee while creating a long-lasting experience with the community. I also serve as the Secretary of the Food Science & Nutrition Student Association (FSNSA) where the board members hold educational, social, and philanthropic events throughout the year to enhance student’s Food Science journey .

Q: What are your hobbies/interests?
A: I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and spending time with my family!

Q: What is your favorite Schmid class so far?
A: My favorite Schmid course has been FSN 512 Sensory Evaluation of Foods, however, I have a course scheduled for Interterm, FSN 510 Food Industry Tour, that I know will be exciting!

Q: What is your favorite study spot in keck?
A: My favorite study spots are the Grad Lounge in KC368 & KC270.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. We cannot wait to see what else you accomplish!

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🌟Schmid Alumni Spotlight - Sid Lodhia '23🌟

Q: What were you involved with during your time at Chapman?
A: While at Chapman I served as the treasurer for my fraternity . Additionally, I worked for Schmid as a peer advisor for the Math department and as a supplemental instructor for Dr. Jipsen's Calculus 2 course. During my Business Capstone course , I was able to participate in the "Leadership Crisis Challenge" where my team and I won first place.

Q: What are you doing now?
A: I am currently working as a Financial Consultant at Equitable Advisors in LA and working on a research project with Professor Jonathan Hersh.

Q: What was your favorite Schmid memory?
A: My favorite Schmid memory has to be traveling to Augsburg, Germany with Professor Jose Gil-Ferez to present our published paper: "The Structure of Locally Integral Involutive Po-monoids and Semirings" at the 20th International RAMiCS conference.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. We are so proud of you!

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🌟Schmid Student Spotlight - Mohamad Hijazi Class of '24🌟

Q: What are you involved with at Chapman?
A: I'm involved in a variety of activities at Chapman, including , , Be Kynd to your heart foundation, Building Blocks, , Theory Premed Podcast Host, Soft Materials Research Lab, , and General Chemistry Supplemental Instructor.

Q: What are your hobbies/interests?
A: My hobbies and interests include surfing, watching movies, climbing/hiking, playing video games, volunteering with kids, and following Formula 1 racing.

Q: Favorite Schmid class so far?
A: My favorite Schmid class so far has been SCI 320 - STEM in Action: The integration of STEM education and service-learning.

Q: Favorite study spot in keck?
A: My favorite study spot in Keck is the Fishbowl, which is the glass office in front of the dean's suite.

Thank you so much .Hijazii for sharing your story with us. We cannot wait to see what else you accomplish!

Let us know your favorite study spot in keck below🧬🥼

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🌟Schmid Alumni Spotlight - Alex Baker '23🌟

Q: What were you involved with during your time at Chapman?
A: During my time at Chapman, I was a peer tutor through the tutoring and learning center for various science classes, a member of , , , and a research assistant in a biochemistry lab.

Q: What are you doing now?
A: I currently am a dental student at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco and just finished my first quarter!

Q: What was your favorite Schmid memory?
A: My favorite Schmid memory is volunteering at the PANCAN 5k every year with tri-beta, specifically helping with face paint last year.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. We are so proud of you!

DM us to be featured in our next spotlight or to get connected with our alumni!🐾

🌟Schmid Student Spotlight - Julian Vlad Class of '24🌟

1. What year do you graduate and what is your major?
I am a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, with a minor in Mathematics graduating in Spring 2024.

2. What are you involved with at Chapman?
I serve as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Atamian Plant Biology Lab and hold leadership positions as President of the American Chemical Society Club and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Club, along with the role of Vice President in the Chapman Chess Club. Additionally, I am a Student Scholar Ambassador, a member of the Schmid Student Leadership Council, and the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Peer Advisor.

3. What are your hobbies/interests?
My hobbies include playing basketball and working out! I also love to go to the beach, hike and spend time with my family.

4. What is your favorite Schmid class so far?
My all-time favorite class here has definitely been BCHM 335, foundations of Biochemistry with Dr. Cecilia Zurita Lopez.

5. What is your favorite study spot in keck?
My favorite study spot in keck is Keck 135 the Fishbowl!

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. We cannot wait to see what else you accomplish!

Tag your favorite Schmid club below🧬🥼

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Interested in studying abroad as a STEM major? Hear from Rama Bedri (ES&P ‘24) who is currently studying in Athens, Greece!

“Hello!! I’m currently studying abroad in Athens at the American College of Greece 🇬🇷 It has been a blast so far and I’m looking forward to more adventures that the semester holds. I’m a junior studying environmental science & policy and minoring in math. I would recommend going abroad to anyone who is able to, whether that’s a semester or a travel course! It’s a once in a lifetime experience and you can fulfill credits at the same time - both for major and GEs! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any study abroad questions :) 🌎✈️”

Visit the link in our bio to learn about how you can study abroad during your time in Schmid!🐾

Happy International Day of Women in STEM!👩‍🔬

Thank you to all the women who challenge the narrative for future generations!🧪

Welcome back Schmidsters! 🐾

Wishing you a great first day of the Spring Semester! Don't forget to pick up a sweet treat at Donuts with the Dean tomorrow from 10AM-11AM at the McCardle Steps! 🍩

We love to see our Schmidsters meeting up at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in Chicago!

Dr. Jason Keller met up with his past environmental science students Dr. Jenny Bowen '15, Dr. Tyler Anthony '14, Dr. Kristin Gabriel '16 and soon-to-be Dr. Ari Jong '16 (defends in summer).

Congrats to all the students who participated in the Student Scholar Symposium to showcase their research to the Chapman community!🧪🐾

Happy Thanksgiving Break, Schmidsters! Schmid College is always thankful for our amazing admin and lab staff that support the college and our students. We hope you enjoy your break!

Biochemistry alum was a guest at last night’s club meeting where he shared advice on applying to dental school! Thank you Dr. Rosales for mentoring our pre-dental students! 🦷