IVSP Student and Alumni News and Awards

Talia Lewis selected to be a 2009-2010 Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar Talia Lewis, Individual Studies student (major: Health, Culture, and Inequality Studies) has just been selected to be a 2009-2010 Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar. Talia named Dr. Sharon Desmond, Associate Professor of Public and Community Health and Talia's IVSP Faculty Mentor, as the faculty member who has made the most impact on her academic achievement. Bob Moyer ('00 IVSP) at his desk at Pixar Animation Studiios. Robert Moyer (Computer Graphics, 2000) gave a blockbuster presentation on his innovative work at Pixar Animation Studios, April 2009. Over 100 people attended. Bob praised IVSP for supporting and encouraging his creative major and innovative, interdisciplinary work! This Spring, he was selected as UGST's 2009 UM Distinguished Alumni Award winner. You can read more about him in The Advisor, the Undergraduate Studies newsletter.
From Andrew Brash (Recreation Management, December 2009): "I'm working at a new outdoor adventure center called Terrapin Adventures. We're located in Savage, MD, less than 30 minutes from campus. We have a 330-foot zipline, 3-person giant swing with 2 G's of force, a climbing tower with all sorts of options, and a 3-level high challenge course with 18 elements. We also run mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and various other outdoor trips." This is a great opportunity to be guided through outdoor courses by an IVSP student!
Caitlin with friend outside of Palacio Real, the former royal palace, Madrid, Spain.	Greetings from Spain! Spain is a completely different world, but I love it. After a couple days I realized that ham is the staple food, if you don't play soccer you must not be Spanish, and the 2pm-5pm siesta is not only real, but vital since 9pm is an early dinner and any kind of night life, whether it be a play or a pub, doesn't start until close to midnight. Europe's transportation system is incredible, and the ease of travel still surprises me. The Alhambra in Granada is breathtaking, the green seaside coast of Pontevedra is rejuvenating, and Madrid is always bustling with excitement. Each city is surrounded by a rich history shown through ancient architecture and art, but it is all encompassed with a modern way of life. I've discovered that there's nothing better than a trip to Sunday's open market, el Rastro, followed by a peaceful afternoon lounging around Madrid's "Central Park", el Retiro, and returning to the cozy suburb, Alcalá de Henares for tapas and café con leche." Caitlin Marshall (Culture, Crime, and Family Health, studying abroad, 3/09)
Greetings from London! What an amazing city! I've had such a great time since arriving here last month. There's always something to do and I'm very much enjoying my classes as well! My work placement turned out to be with the National Health Service, Department of Health, Health Inequalities Unit. I start next week and am very excited!! As for traveling, so far, I've been to Dover, England, Calais, France and Amsterdam. This weekend I'm headed to Edinburgh and Scotland!" Elizabeth Striegel (Public Health Policy, studying abroad, 2/09)
Kristen Mui (Urban Studies and Planning, May 2009) , has been honored with the Philip Merrill Award (2008). The Merrill Presidential Scholars Program honors the University of Maryland's most successful seniors and their designated University faculty and K-12 teachers for their mentorship. Kristen Mui's IVSP mentor is Dr. James Cohen, Architecture. Congratulations, Kristen! Kristen is studying abroad this semester through the Danish Institute for Study Abroad.
Cadet Joseph Nash (IVSP 2008, Meteorology), now Lieutenant Nash, receiving his National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Scholarship from General Schwartz, the Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, and Mr. Doug Stewart, the NDIA Washington Chapter President, December 2008. Cadet Nash received a $2,000 scholarship from NDIA. Congratulations, Joe!