LU students transform summer into research opportunities

For many Lawrence University students, summers are more than a break from classes; they're a chance to engage in intensive, hands-on research that bridges classroom learning with real-world application.

This past summer, a diverse group of Lawrentians-83 students from 19 departments across the college and conservatory-immersed themselves in a variety of research projects, pushing their boundaries and gaining invaluable skills. Funded by the Lawrence University Research Fellows program, their experiences highlight the incredible opportunities available to undergraduates who choose to spend their summers in pursuit of discovery.

"Working with Lawrence faculty on their research over the summer is a truly distinctive opportunity for our students," said Beth Zinsli, associate provost and adjunct associate professor of art. "In addition to a greater depth of knowledge in a specific discipline, this summer research helps them sharpen key skills needed for successful careers in their fields after graduation."

This is a glimpse of this year's summer research opportunities, showcasing the research opportunities at Lawrence and the transformative impact it has on student learning and professional growth.

Interested in pursuing a research project next summer? Summer 2026 opportunities will be posted the last Friday of January 2026. Applications will be due by the third Friday of February 2026. Now is the time to start exploring your options. Don't hesitate to reach out to the Summer Research Coordinator ([email protected]), your advisor, or a professor whose interests align with your own.

Art History: Highlighting the Permanent Collection

The permanent collection at the Wriston Art Galleries at Lawrence University boasts over 6,000 works of art, a testament to the generosity of the college's alumni and friends. However, less than two percent of the collection is typically on display in any given year.

To help showcase more of this vast collection, Val Muzzarelli, a junior art history major from Hazel Park, MI, took on a research project to curate a year-long exhibition. Led by Beth Zinsli, associate provost and adjunct associate professor of art, the project began last year with Wren Chlystek '25, also an art history major. Muzzarelli picked up the mantle when Chlystek graduated.

"They (Chlystek) left a really good foundation and gave me a really good place to start," Muzzarelli said. "It's been more collaborative than just me."

The hill behind Hiett Hall presented a natural place to start, being covered in invasive species. They went to work removing invasive species from the plot and collecting seeds from native species around the city of Appleton. They visited Bubolz Nature Preserve and also searched older areas of the city; less development means it was easier to find existing populations of native species.

From there, they would make a seed mix, weigh it out, and spread it over the hill. A year later, Friestad is continuing their work through a summer research project with Alyssa Hakes, associate professor of biology, along with Rylee Polanka, a junior environmental science major. The project allows them to study prairie restoration methods, visit restored prairie sites, identify invasive and native plant species, and develop a plan on monitoring and restoring prairies and other Wisconsin ecosystems

"We are trying to overpower the invasive seed bank with our seed bank, and that means a lot of digging up the invasive seed species, cutting the seed heads, removing the seeds, and trying to get as few of those seeds staying and more of our seeds going in," Friestad said, "and hopefully, eventually, create a self-sustaining ecosystem."

A seed bank can refer to the seeds already in the soil, some of which can persist for years. Prairie plants flower, produce seeds, and appear to die at the end of the season. However, their roots are still alive under the soil and can return season after season.

"That's one of my absolute favorite things about the prairie -how they put so much into the roots," Friestad said.

Joey O'Connor and Nadje Noordhuis work together to edit interview transcripts.

Patch appreciated the opportunity to see a lot of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making music happen.

"Being able to sit in on group meetings and see what happens behind closed doors and official decisions being made wasn't something you usually see," Patch said. "To sit there as a student, as an intern, was really incredible. To see how these decisions were made and debated and decided as a group was really powerful."

Junior Leo Rodda, a music major from Appleton, WI, also visited the lodge this summer to continue his research with Ellsworth. Last year, he arranged music by Arvo Pärt and John Cage for horn and some clarinet to create 10-30 minute 'meditations' that can be used for bilateral music.

Bilateral music can be used in different therapies by providing auditory stimulation where sounds alternate between the left and right ears. The music keeps the brain activated with continuous sound.

"We've been using a lot of minimalist music, so the point is to listen for the small things that change," Rodda said. "It's to get you to mindfully pay attention."

This summer, he collaborated with Ellsworth to finalize the digital scores and record, edit, and master the new album. Although the original plan was to record in New York, audio issues led them to re-record in-house with Brent Hauer, director of conservatory productions.

Rodda is currently selecting the best takes for the album, which will be released this fall. Additionally, a performance by the horn and clarinet studios is in the works for November 2025.

"The people there (at the lodge) and the environment that was created there were so awesome," Rodda said. "Everyone was so accepting and passionate about what they did; to me, that was the best part. That is something that I see at Lawrence as well; you don't see many other places."

Owen Bakker, Faith Onukaogu, and professor Estéfani Marín listen to Gabby DeBoer as she presents her work.