High fives for a scholar
Shannon Melchior '10 received applause and high fives from her professors when she shared the news that she had been named the 2009-10 Sommerville Scholar, the highest academic award given by the college in recognition of the culmination of a distinguished academic record.
Their response didn't surprise her because Shannon's description of her time at LC is full of high praise for her academic mentors. "My professors are as interested in my learning as I am," she said.
A biomedical science major from Greensboro, Md., Shannon has a GPA of 3.95. She has served as a PASS leader in biology and chemistry and has been on the Dean's List every semester at LC. Her academic accomplishments have been recognized through membership in Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Beta Beta, and Omicron Delta Kappa.
Shannon originally selected LC because of its nursing program, but the sciences grabbed her imagination. Dr. Priscilla Gannicott made her fall in love with chemistry, and Dr. Allison Jablonski's class in biology sealed her interest in biomedical science.
One of Shannon's best LC experiences is tutoring other students so she knows she may be destined for an academic career. On the other hand, she is searching for opportunities to shadow doctors in hospitals next summer so she hasn't ruled out medical school.
After she graduates in the spring, she will take a year off from school in hopes of finding a job in an academic laboratory, perhaps like the one she interned in last summer - a neuroscience internship at the University of Connecticut Graduate School conducting research on neurological complications associated with diabetes. She used a tissue culture model to assess the influence of several factors on brain injury associated with diabetes.
The work sprang from two years of research she did here at LC with Dr. Judith Muir, assistant professor of biology. Shannon's research presentation at last spring's Student Scholar Showcase, merited the Dean's Award. "I loved the work I did with Dr. Muir," Shannon said. "She probably impacted me the most of all the professors I've had here."
In addition to her love of science, Shannon sees the importance of a liberal arts education. "It makes you realize how interconnected everything is," she said. Her favorite class outside her major was Dr. Ken West's developmental psychology class: "I think everyone should have to take that class." Her study abroad trip with Dr. Rich Burke to Hannam University, our sister college in South Korea, was eye-opening.
"Throughout her academic career she has consistently challenged herself with studies that lie outside her comfort zone," Dr. Julius Sigler, vice president and dean for academic affairs, said when she was named the Sommerville scholar in honor of Richard Clarke Sommerville, professor of education, philosophy and psychology at LC from 1928 to 1952.
Shannon said she has to give a huge amount of credit to her family. Her parents, David and Nancy Melchior, are both school teachers and always emphasized the value of education. Her two older brothers are also high achievers. One is an electrical engineer and the other is in his last year of medical school. Most importantly, they are supportive of their younger sister.
Shannon modestly says that a lot of other students were worthy of the Sommerville Scholarship, but she is honored that her work has been recognized. "Ever since I've been here, I've worked as hard as I possibly could," she said.
