1A Student Spotlight

Leah Beth Warren

Biomedical Engineering
Thermo Fischer Scientific
Process Engineer Associate 

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“My Co-op rotations allowed me to learn so much and advance myself professionally while still in college I’ve gained experience in packaging engineering, project engineering, process engineering, and so much more within the Pharmaceutical industry. With my rotations, I now feel confident to continue to be part of this amazing industry full time after I graduate.”

Avery Thomas

Hospitality Management  Conventions & Special Events
Parks Hospitality Group
Sales Intern

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“My internship at parks hospitality group was truly amazing. I had the opportunity to hone my sales and negotiation skills while managing initiatives for three Hilton hotels. From increasing revenue through room sales to securing events based bookings, I contributed significantly to the company’s growth. Working in a diverse team and collaborating with clients was an enriching experience. As I reflect on my time there a quote comes to mind: ” Success is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” This internship not only allowed me to apply my skills but also learn from every experience, making it a valuable step in my professional journey.”

Neil Garza Hernandez

 Biology Bachelor of Science. Molecular and Cell Biology.
Minor is in Chemistry.
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“I have recently participated in a summer study abroad exchange program in which I collaborated with a Mexican laboratory group at Guanajuato University. This informative experience connected many subjects I have learned from various courses at ECU into one microbiological research project. Having compared the laboratory environment in Mexico and at ECU under Dr. Peralta’s laboratory revealed the scientific curiosity they both share in common, and this helped me realize that research is a career I wish to commit to.”

Blair Beaulieu

College of Nursing
Early Assurance Scholar
Honors Student

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“High Impact Learning Experience: Intercultural Affairs offers a variety of global community opportunities to immerse ECU students in diverse environments. That said, I had the opportunity to travel with ECU’s Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement (CLCE) in conjunction with the Honors College twice, to Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica, and study with the university’s partner program, Amizade. While in Jamaica, my peers and I were uniquely embedded into the Jamaican culture with homestays and community engagement activities such as park restoration and educational tutoring. From this experience, I gained a new appreciation for diverse environments and cuisine, as well as a newfound sense of cultural humility. This shared learning experience has allowed me to step outside the boundaries of my comfort zone and establish friendships that will last far beyond the learning experience.”

Cooper Hilbert

College of Business
BS in Community and Regional Planning & Economics
President, Student Planners Action Network (SPAN)
Global Fellows
Access Scholars

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High Impact Learning Experience:

I got the chance to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea during the summer of 2023 and participate in Dr. Misun Hur’s Sustainable Urbanism in Seoul program. As a dual-major in community/regional planning & economics, I got the opportunity to learn more about the economic miracle which occurred in South Korea following the Korean War, and how South Korea’s culture, geography, and rapid industrialization played a vital role in the city’s modern urban landscape, forming it into the world-class international city which Seoul is today. I observed many of the country’s unique and innovative adaptive reuse sites, including former highways which are now beautiful walking trails and former trash dumps which have been converted into eco-gardens which utilize waste as a power source for nearby neighborhoods. In addition, we got to meet with the president of one of the most prominent landscape architecture firms in the country and learn about the process behind making innovative projects, like the ones mentioned prior, a reality in the modern planning landscape. The trip gave me valuable insights on how to better approach the planning process and understand the creative applications which can be utilized in the scope of community and urban development.