Chelsea Payne '13

"... this atmosphere and the support from the school has allowed me to become such a successful student."

Biology major Chelsea Payne '13 has always been interested in science and animals. She is already making strides within her field: she's presented research at two prestigious academic conferences, including one in Portland, Ore., and she received the Favre-Apgar award and a Mid-Atlantic Ecological Society of America award for best undergraduate poster.

Chelsea's undergraduate research involved exploring the differences between AMPHIBIAN species abundance before and after an experimental stream restoration project at Big Spring Run near Willow Street, Pa. While her research is still in progress, it appears the restoration did benefit some amphibian species.

Outside of academics, Chelsea is a member of the Biology club, the secretary of Tri-Beta (the biology honor society), and participates in Emotion, the College's dance group. In her spare time, she enjoys S.W.E.E.T events most. She recommends E-town—as she did to her sister—for its welcoming atmosphere. She says she's become a more open person by connecting with friends and professors and through research opportunities

"Everyone on campus is willing to offer a smile or a hello and it really makes you feel like family here at E-town," she said, adding that the professors are "friendly and guiding" and never hesitant to encourage.

"As I've progressed to my senior year, I've realized that this atmosphere and the support from the school has allowed me to become such a successful student," she said.

After graduation, Chelsea plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in medicine.

--Brianna Wiest '14