Gettysburg College students want to be difference makers, applying the knowledge and enduring skills they have gained on our campus in real-world settings. This past summer, our students ventured across historic battlefields, observed life-saving medical procedures, worked alongside policymakers in Washington, D.C., performed research with faculty scholars, developed innovative technology in labs, and experienced much more as they continued to prepare for a lifetime of career advancement and personal success beyond Gettysburg.
Each of these students entered these Career-Ready Experiences well prepared thanks to the Gettysburg Approach—a renewed and intensive focus on how we deliver our signature undergraduate experience—and the support they received from faculty, staff, donors, and the extensive Gettysburg Network who made these opportunities a reality.
Funding from endowed fellowships through campus organizations such as the Civil War Institute, Center for Public Service, Eisenhower Institute, Innovation and Creativity Lab, Musselman Library, and several academic departments helped cover living expenses on and off campus for many students. Gettysburg alumni also teamed up with the Center for Career Engagement to open doors to additional professional opportunities, paying forward the impact our community had in the development of their own careers.
Below is a sampling of the great work accomplished by Gettysburg students this past summer.
Michael Aaron ’26
Hometown: Clarion, Pennsylvania
Major: History
Minors: Anthropology, Civil War Era Studies, Public History
Civil War Institute Keehn Internship
Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center (SRMEC) - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
“Seeing and interacting with all of the inner-workings of a museum and teaching people while learning myself was my favorite part about this experience. I saw museums working together to create events, members of SRMEC coming together to say farewell to the longtime director, many programs run for school age children, and anniversary talks from many popular Civil War historians, podcasters, and more. I was able to give a presentation, work in the museum, practice Cupola tours, research for the museum, and help run the programs for groups.
“I want to work in history when I leave college, and museum work has always interested me as a field. This career opportunity allowed me to try out working in a museum and to see what the different pieces that go into effective public history and museums. It has given me firsthand experience in many parts of museum work to better define what I want to do and like to do within that field of history.”
Emma Blackman ’25
Hometown: Chalfont, Pennsylvania
Majors: Heath Sciences, Spanish
Berks County Medical Society Internship - Reading, Pennsylvania
“I worked with Dr. Ray Truex ’63, a Gettysburg alumnus, at the Reading Hospital. My role included doing personal research on marijuana for the Berks County Medical Society as well as presenting this research for the summer interns, and shadowing and observing in the Emergency Department, trauma surgery, and mainly neurosurgery. My favorite part of this experience was observing medical procedures I have never seen, including craniotomies for tumor resections, and thoracotomies.
“I think my health science courses allowed me to feel more comfortable with the terminology used while working. Moreover, while working with Dr. Truex and Dave Radin ’65, another Gettysburg alumnus, I was able to practice communication and professionalism with the physicians I observed. This career opportunity aligned perfectly with my career goals, helping me to gain experience and insightful interrogation into my current path as a premedical student.”
Chris Busby ’26
Hometown: Burlington, Massachusetts
Majors: History
Minors: Civil War Era Studies, Political Science
Civil War Institute Brian C. Pohanka Internship
Gettysburg National Military Park - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
“I was a part of the Division of Interpretation and Education, which means I created and gave programs on a variety of topics to a plethora of different visitors. These ranged from educational programs targeted towards children and families all the way to stories of the battle and cemetery which were oriented for adults. In addition to this, I worked at the Visitor Center and information desk, assisting visitors with any questions on how to tour the park.
“This summer at Gettysburg was a continuation of work I did the year before at another battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield, where I learned valuable lessons on how to create programs and work with the public. Both of these opportunities were exposed to me by Prof. Peter Carmichael and his efforts to lead me into public history and his overall guidance on where to apply and move forward with a history degree. These past two summers have helped me realize a passion I have for leading programs about historical topics and I definitely could see myself working for the park service as a career.”
Isobel Debenham ’25
Hometown: Coatesville, Pennsylvania
Major: Art History
Minors: Studio Art, Public History
Gettysburg College Kolbe Research Fellowship
Gettysburg College - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
“I, along with my co-curator, was tasked with researching and writing an exhibition catalogue for a show called ‘A Portrait of the Artist; 1525-1825’ coming to Schmucker Art Gallery in September 2024. The show is comprised of 50-plus prints from all around Europe and covers artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, and Hogarth. We each picked a different theme that encompassed the show and wrote about it. I specifically focused on how wealth affected artists' self-representation within their works. We were also responsible for designing the exhibition and creating wall labels.
“My supervisor Prof. Sarah Gillespie and my mentor Prof. Felicia Else were incredible. They were there for me for every step of the fellowship. They answered all my questions and helped me when I made mistakes. They educated me on the importance of exhibitions and made me excited to pursue this path in the future. They are some of the funniest and most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”
Vincent DiFonzo ’25
Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Majors: History, International & Global Studies-International Affairs
Eisenhower Institute Summer Fellowship
Stars and Stripes - Washington, D.C.
“As an editing intern, I was responsible for editing and posting articles to the Stars and Stripes website. I pulled wire stories from the Associated Press and Washington Post, edited them for style, and published them on the website. I also wrote a number of news releases and a few articles for Stripes, and also monitored Stripes' Facebook page. I shadowed our Capitol and Pentagon reporters and got an inside tour of each building and their press offices. I also helped cover the PBS July 4th celebration in front of the Capitol building.
“I am interested in pursuing journalism as a career, so this summer greatly helped in letting me learn about journalism and solidifying my interest in the field. Whether I work in journalism or not, I am very interested in living in the Washington, D.C., area after graduation. Through the Eisenhower Institute, I also learned that Gettysburg has a massive alumni network in the city.”
Riley Dunbar ’27
Hometown: Waldorf, Maryland
Majors: Music, Cinema and Media Studies
Gettysburg College Kolbe Research Fellowship
Gettysburg College - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
“This opportunity was presented to me through my mentor, Prof. Jocelyn Swigger. She had hired me this past semester through the Sunderman Conservatory of Music to help typeset music from original 1800s manuscripts from Agnes Tyrrell, a relatively unknown composer. I spent eight weeks digitizing music from photos of old, preserved manuscripts into a modern music notation software in order to publish the music as accessible, open-source material. So far, we've managed to publish 13 pieces, which can be found through The Cupola and International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP).
“I aim to work in film-scoring in the future. Working with Tyrrell's music has broadened my perspective and understanding of the world of music, theory, and performance. Being able to work with such a large quantity of music hands-on makes me feel much more comfortable in my own original compositions, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities presented to me through the guidance of Dr. Swigger and the support of the Kolbe Fellowship.”
Josh Fackler ’26
Hometown: Lititz, Pennsylvania
Major: History
Minors: Civil War Era Studies, Public History
Civil War Institute Brian C. Pohanka Internship
Eisenhower National Historic Site - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
“I conducted interpretive work for the National Park Service in the public eye and oversaw tours and programing relating to General Eisenhower, and his farm in Gettysburg. I also conducted research and wrote about historical persons and artifacts, and worked in other related technology fields, especially with 3D design and printing at the site. The people I work with make this experience worthwhile. I have had a lovely experience with other interns and staff, which has made this internship amazing.
“I have worked with Prof. Jill Ogline Titus, my faculty mentor, who helped me organize my materials and provided me with information on the internship. I also owe a lot to Prof. Peter Carmichael, who created the Pohanka program and helped me to acquire this opportunity. I have decided to pursue a career in public history, and the National Park Service provided a clear stepping stone to my future in this career path.”
Meriem Hamioui ’25
Hometown: Kenitra, Morocco
Majors: Individualized (International Political Economy), International & Global Studies-International Affairs
Minors: Economics, Political Science
Eisenhower Institute Summer Fellowship
Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) - Washington, D.C.
The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) - Washington, D.C.
“At CFR, I was a trade policy intern in the Trade Policy and Studies Department. My responsibilities included monitoring trade news, writing research papers, daily trade newsletters, and updates on D.C. trade events. At ATFL, I served as an administrative and research intern. My duties involved writing the Daily Newsletter on Lebanon, writing research projects and op-eds, and assisting with administrative tasks in the office.
“The professional and financial support I have received from the Eisenhower Institute was and continue to be indispensable to the success of my professional career and I am infinitely grateful to be a Gettysburg College student. These internships have strengthened my commitment to a career in diplomacy and international relations. The experience has guided my career path toward economic development and foreign policy, aligning perfectly with my long-term professional aspirations.”
Ryder Hobbs ’25
Hometown: Whidbey Island, Washington
Major: Individualized (Postmodernism and the Human Condition)
Gettysburg College Kolbe Research Fellowship
Gettysburg College - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
“My responsibility for my research this summer was to survey the literature on theories of fascism, create an outline for the book my professor and I intend to write, and write drafts for each chapter. I worked with Prof. Vern Cisney, who gave me direction and challenged me to give my all to this project.
“The Kolbe fellowship was a valuable learning opportunity for conducting research in philosophy, and I will take this with me as I look ahead to graduate programs in philosophy.”
Liz Houston ’27
Hometown: Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Major: Environmental Studies
Minor: Public History, Educational Studies
Civil War Institute Brian C. Pohanka Internship
Land Conservancy of Adams County - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
“This internship gave me the chance to get out into the field and experience conservation firsthand rather than just learning about it in a classroom. It gave me an opportunity to see how the citizens of Adams County and Pennsylvania are working toward creating a more sustainable and healthy future. Plus, I had the chance to see some amazing animals, including bears, peacocks, and a whole lot of cows.
“My ES 196 class with Prof. Randall Wilson gave me the optimal foundation to complete this internship. It not only helped to give me the authority to speak on various topics but helped me to engage in deeper conversation with everyone I met. I have always had an interest in land conservation, however it always seemed like just one of the hundreds of options I had. This internship solidified my interest in conservation work as a top career option and has given me so many important skills that will greatly help me in the future as I pursue this passion.”
Joey Labrie ’25
Hometown: Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Majors: Economics, Public Policy
Eisenhower Institute Summer Fellowship
Offices of U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Senator Angus King - Washington, D.C.
“Interning at Capitol Hill, you will be provided with a hands-on education in public policy and congressional operations. You are also provided with the freedom to explore the Capitol Building and meet those with whom you would not normally interact. A key part of that is the Intern Breakfast, where members provide one-on-one opportunities to talk and ask questions. I was fortunate that both my members value intern development and are committed to having these quite extraordinary conversations.
“The Eisenhower Institute's Washington Summer Fellowship was critical in supporting my D.C. career development. Through housing support, professional workshops, and field trips, I was able to work, develop, and play in a city I hope to call home. My professional goal is to work in Washington, D.C., developing federal policy. Through my experience on the Hill, I have further refined where I belong and where I can make the biggest difference for my community.”
Katie Lauriello ’25
Hometown: Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
Major: English
Minor: Business
Digital Humanities Fellowship
Musselman Library - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
“Through the fellowship, I conducted independent research using local newspapers to build a website that showcases LGBTQ+ history in central Pennsylvania. The digital project examined key cases, policies, and events that have shaped LGBTQ+ rights throughout Pennsylvania using a combination of textual analysis, maps, and timelines. After spending eight weeks researching my topic, creating maps and timelines, and designing a website, having an end product I can show to not only employers but friends and family as well was one of the most rewarding aspects of this program.
“This experience has helped me learn more about digital tools such as WordPress that I can use as I enter a career in marketing. Not only that, but the skills in project management that I have learned, from task delegation to collaboration to adaptability, will help me with whatever project employers will give me.”
Aidan Mess ’26
Hometown: Brookeville, Maryland
Major: Computer Science
Digital Technology Summer Fellowship (DTSF)
Innovation and Creativity Lab – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
“My project goal was to create a wearable device that would give feedback on a basketball shot. As a member of the men's basketball team, this project idea bridged two things I was passionate about, basketball and technology. My project was Arduino-based and involved sewing Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) into a long sleeve shirt. I was ultimately able to successfully create a wearable shirt capable of collecting accurate movement data of the arm movement—acceleration and rotation of a basketball shot—and I was also able to get some valuable information from my data collection.
“This fellowship aligned with my career goals because I want to work in a technology-related field, and specifically, I have an interest in biomedical technology. This project was my first experience creating an interactive wearable device and I think it will be very beneficial when looking for a job in the future.”
Alejandra Metz ’27
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Major: Health Sciences
Center for Public Service Summer Fellowship
Casa Alitas - Tuscon, Arizona
“Thanks to my involvement in the Community GIGs program with the Garthwait Leadership Center and the Latino Task Force, I gained some experience in researching, identifying community problems, and trying to find ways to not necessarily fix, but minimize negative outcomes in a community. In addition to the training provided by CPS, that really helped me understand these issues and the immigration system. When I got to Tucson, I felt more knowledgeable and prepared to help these people, showing compassion and comprehension all the time.
“As someone looking to get into healthcare, I enjoy volunteer and humanitarian work, and I was able to provide some assistance and comfort to these people going through very tough times. Coming from a third-world country, like the majority of the asylum seekers, helped me connect on a deeper level with them and sympathize even more.”
Maimuna Mustafiz ’26
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Majors: Computer Science, Mathematical Economics
Minor: Data Science
Digital Technology Summer Fellowship (DTSF)
Innovation and Creativity Lab – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Mattson Summer Experience Fund
TransEnd - Dhaka and Rajshahi, Bangladesh
“I participated in the Digital Technology Summer Fellowship (DTSF), where I developed an automatic traffic management system, focusing on both the algorithm and a real-life model. The project was inspired by my experiences in Dhaka, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, where traffic congestion is a significant issue. I received invaluable support from Prof. Rod Tosten, Eric Remy, and Joshua Wagner of IT during the five-week fellowship.
“I also worked on my Mattson Summer Experience Fund project, which aimed to create sustainable employment opportunities for the highly marginalized transgender community in Bangladesh. I worked closely with TransEnd, a Diana Award-winning organization in Bangladesh, with whom I have worked for the past four years. As part of this project, I traveled to Dhaka and Rajshahi to further my work and engage with the community.
“Both the DTSF and Mattson Summer Experience Fund have been instrumental in my academic and professional growth. The fellowship allowed me to work on a project I’ve been passionate about for a long time, with the added benefit of interacting with other fellows and receiving mentorship. The Mattson Fund, on the other hand, enabled me to make a tangible difference in the lives of the transgender community in Bangladesh, a cause I deeply care about.”
Abror Niyazmetov ’27
Hometown: Khorezm, Uzbekistan
Major: Physics, Business, Organizations, and Management
Minor: Economics
Marketing and Videography Internship
MCFA - Haddonfield, New Jersey
“I attended a job fair in the beginning of the fall semester. My goal as a first-year was to just get a sense of how a job fair would help me be better prepared for upcoming years, but I ended up making great connections. Gettysburg alumnus Jesse Gemberling-Johnson ’08 introduced me to the company, and he was the one who recruited me. I also received funding from the Bryant First Generation Student Fund to cover some of the expenses during the internship.
“One of my career goals is to build small businesses across my home country to develop passive income, and getting experience in a place like this helped me get a sense of what it’s like to work and manage in a business. People at MCFA aren’t fixed to one specific role. Everyone contributes however they can, and if there is anything new that needs to be done, people learn about it, develop their skills, and tackle the challenges properly.”
Ratul Pradhan ’25
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal and Darjeeling, India
Major: Computer Science, Individualized (Business Management and Analytics)
Minors: Music, Data Science
Eisenhower Institute Summer Fellowship
Applied Science and Technology Organization of America (ASTRO) - Bethesda, Maryland
“I worked on ASTRO’s Additive Manufacturing (AM) Common Qualification Template project. Additive manufacturing, colloquially called 3D printing, is an industrial process that deposits materials layer by layer to create three-dimensional objects. My role this summer was to investigate an implementation of the template created by the team headed by Dr. William Tredway for more accessible use and distribution using existing software and creating new applications where necessary. The template is then reviewed by manufacturers at Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell, and GE and modified through their recommendations and suggestions.
“The Eisenhower Institute was a massive support system throughout the summer and even before in helping set my summer goals. I have received an offer to continue helping ASTRO with this project over the upcoming fall semester which will greatly help me learn more about this field and further explore where I see myself post-graduation.”
By Corey Jewart
Photos by Abbey Frisco and featured students
Posted: 08/28/24