Science Horizons

What is Science Horizons
Science Horizons is a program aimed at recruitment and retention of students in STEM that the Biology Department at Lafayette College has been running since 2012.  The program provides mentoring with opportunities for research experience to students in their first year of college.  Since its inception over 100 students have benefited from the program.

What to expect
Mentoring can help build a sense of self-efficacy and identity as a scientist.  Participants in the program will meet several times during the spring semester.  These mentoring meetings are typically Fridays at noon and lunch is provided.  Discussion topics may include:

  • Resources and Opportunities available throughout your four years at Lafayette College
  • Building an Individual Development Plan
  • Research opportunities available to Science Horizon students
  • Careers in the Life Sciences, Alumni Panel
  • Discussion of Imposter Syndrome
  • Planning the next steps of your academic journey

Interested in research opportunities?
Studies have shown that an early research experience can help recruit and retain students in science.  Science Horizons students have the opportunity to apply for a paid research experience either 8-10 weeks during the summer (summer housing also paid) or during the fall semester.  Following the research experience, students have the opportunity to attend and present their research findings at a scientific conference.

Where are they now?
Students who have participated in the program have reported that they have a better understanding of career options in the sciences and a better understanding of the nature of science and research. Some alumni of the program include:
Tiffany Phuong Semendinger ’16, Optometrist, ModernEyes Optical in Lancaster, PA.
Kofi Boateng ‘16, Clinical Research Coordinator – Cancer Outcomes Research and Education program at the Massachusetts General Hospital.
Carli Jones PhD, ‘17.  Postdoctoral Fellow in Radiation Oncology and Immuno-oncology, at City of Hope in Los Angeles, CA
Mary Carney MSc, ’18 Genetic Counselor, Spring Fertility.
Leslie Villaverde ‘18, Academic Advisor and Registration Specialist at The University of Chicago.
Laura Polanco ‘19, Associate Scientist II at Immunai inc, NY.
Kim Mae Manalang ‘21, IRTA Post Baccalaureate, Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Health (VRC/NIH) working on immune cell trafficking and optimizing broadly neutralizing antibodies to combat HIV.
María Padilla ‘22 Technical Research Assistant, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA.
Isaiah Osei-Gyening ’22, Research Technician, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

“To me, this program provided a sense of support and comfort during my first-year of college when I was filled with doubt and uncertainty about majoring in biology. I was able to grow in numerous ways thanks to the resources, advice, and relief provided during our meetings. I am not sure I would have continued my path in biology if it weren’t for Science Horizons. This program gave me the opportunity to venture into research, which is something I had not considered as a pre-medical student, and now I can continue to utilize those skills and lessons I learned to further my career in translational medicine.”  María Padilla ‘22

“Science Horizons provided me with a true understanding of the responsibilities and importance of research. We were encouraged to delve into our scientific curiosities and build upon them. From the informative discussions to the advantage of gaining hands-on experience, the Science Horizons program was the beginning of my career in biological research”.  Laura Polanco ‘19 

“The Science Horizons Program paired me with amazing research mentors. They are people who want to see you succeed and help you in any way they can. I was able to lean on my mentors for more than just research. I would spend hours with them outside of the lab, talking about my college experience, my career path, and any other of our interests. I was able to lean on them throughout my 4 years at Lafayette and beyond! I had, and continue to have, an amazing bond with my mentors from the Science Horizons Program.   Being a part of this program set the ground work for a lot of the research I did throughout my college years and my research position at the University of Chicago.  I was lucky to have found this program my freshman year. It helped me craft my research and career interest and it connected me with kind-hearted people.  Leslie Villaverde ‘18

“Success in college comes not only from the ability to learn material, but also the ability to ask for help when needed. The Science Horizons’ program introduced me to the world of research and has also helped me gain the confidence to befriend both the students and professors in the Biology department.  This made school fun for me because I was able to get instant support from students and professors whenever I needed it.  I had a group of friends who would study together and if it wasn’t enough I could go to the professors when I needed help.” 
Tiffany Phuong Semendinger ‘16

“I absolutely loved the mentorship I received from each investigator I worked with. Each of them helped to facilitate interpersonal growth”  “I fondly recall the sense of community that the program fostered among the first cohort” “I love that the program continues to provide research exposure to those like myself that would have otherwise never considered it as a career option.” Kofi Boateng ‘16