Personal and Leadership Development

Winter 2016 — Visiting one of Earth’s true wildernesses is not something most of us expect to do in our time at college, but environmental science student Lacey Gunther spent last summer in Antarctica conducting undergraduate research.

“I never imagined in a million years that I would get to go to Antarctica on a research cruise but my professor (recommended) me. It was crazy fun!” said Gunther, a junior.

Along with the incredible experience of living and working on a research vessel, Gunther developed invaluable skills and knowledge in her field of research. Other scientists and the crew on board were friendly and supportive of her research, she says.

College is what you make of it, you have to get out there and get involved. I am always telling people to talk to their professors, join clubs and find out what is going on in the university.

Back in Oregon, Gunther is conducting analysis on the specimens that she collected on her voyage, and acting as an ambassador for the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences. In this role, she encourages undergraduate students to get involved in all the great opportunities at OSU, both in and outside of the classroom.

“College is what you make of it, you have to get out there and get involved. I am always telling people to talk to their professors, join clubs and find out what is going on in the university,” she says.

OSU has a broad range of resources that can guide your learning journey both on campus and beyond.