Assumption College

Katie Frazier immerses herself every day in what she loves while walking across the Assumption College campus to the Testa Science Center. It’s her favorite building. Interested in studying the natural world since high school, Katie is majoring in environmental science with a minor in geography. At Assumption, she can observe the natural world outside and learn inside the “best science center I saw,” while touring college campuses as a high school senior.

“I actually picked Assumption because of Testa,” Katie admits. “I came here for an open house. Once I saw the building, I just fell in love.”

Since her freshman year, Katie has become a campus leader, who is involved in many clubs and organizations. She is president of the Environmental Club, secretary of Assumption’s chapter of Operation Smile, and a member of AC Allies, Students Advocating Change and Active Minds on Campus. On Sundays, Katie helps out with Masses at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit as a liturgical minister. To help others learn about the College, she also gives tours to prospective students as an Admissions Ambassador.

“Freshman year, I signed up for 10 clubs at the activities fair during fall orientation to get a free t-shirt,” Katie said. “I actually went to a lot of the meetings for those clubs and really liked them. Getting involved is a great way to meet lots of people. It also has given me connections with administrators; many of them have told me I can always come to them if I need anything, and I have.”

Besides forming bonds with her fellow students and administrators, Katie has received great encouragement from her professors in the natural sciences department.

“Professors [Kevin] Hickey and [Owen] Sholes have been important to my success here,” Katie said. “I go talk to them in their offices about my classes and they give me advice.”

Never one to shy away from an opportunity, Katie will complete an oceanographic independent study with Professor Jim Hauri in fall 2009. Her focus will be on the effect of toxic environments on zooplankton. She is excited to be a part of the research side of environmental science, and is considering graduate school so she can continue to do this research.

When she gives campus tours, Katie tells potential students to be prepared for “lots of snow” during winters at Assumption. She also says,

“If you want to attend a school where the (campus) environment allows for personal relationships with professors in a strong academic community, definitely come to Assumption.”