Research Opportunities for Students

Transcript

Okay, here’s Zoe, a junior from the Bronx, New York, majoring in psychology, to talk about the undergraduate research opportunities Landmark offers students. The world renowned Landmark College Institute for Research and Training mentors student researchers and the Center for Neurodiversity involves student interns in advocating for the benefits of a neurodiverse society. Take it away, Zoe.

– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. As a student with learning disabilities I needed support that many colleges don’t provide. Landmark was a great fit because it specializes in learning differences, or LD. One of the things I appreciate most about Landmark College is having the opportunity to conduct research related to LD. I was fortunate to be invited to intern with the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training, also known as LCIRT, the only LD research institute on a college campus exclusively for students with LD. LCIRT is on the cutting edge of practices that shape LD education. At the start of the pandemic I researched the impact that COVID-19 protocols had on neurodiverse students. But what was even cooler was I got to propose my own research project to look at the intersection of neurodiversity with adoption and foster care. This was really close to my heart because I was adopted. I worked with faculty members and we got a grant for the program. I was even asked to present our findings at an important conference for college student affairs leaders. That was quite an honor. LC also makes it easy for students to start groups and clubs and I was able to start an affinity group for adopted and foster care students. I’ve also been extremely active in Landmark’s Centers for Diversity and Inclusion, especially the Center for Women and Gender and the Stonewall Center. Landmark has been a supportive environment that has helped me become a leader on campus and explore my many other interests, including art. I love to draw and often sketch people around me, like you, Alex.

– You captured all my best qualities, Zoe. Thank you for also sketching the many remarkable opportunities Landmark students have to show the world that neurodiversity is diversity. Landmark students can transform the future of LD research and education while shaping perceptions of what it means to learn differently. Thank you so much, Zoe.