R&D: Eckley Recipients Spend Summers in Research to Aid Their Development as Scholars

July 29, 2014

Do dogs understand human intentions? How can we improve mathematical functions for cryptography so we are safer online? Are state legislatures as polarized as Congress?

The Eckley Summer Scholars and Artists are spending their summers investigating these and other questions. Established by President Emeritus Robert S. Eckley, his wife Nell and the Eckley Family Foundation as one aspect of a major gift shortly before he passed away in 2012, the endowment provides a $4,000 stipend for each scholar to spend the summer conducting research under the direction of a faculty mentor.

“I am extremely excited to be an Eckley Scholar,” said recipient Thomas Simmons ’15. “Having the opportunity to dedicate my summer to research a topic I enjoy is an enormous reward, but the Eckley Scholar distinction is also an honor to carry.”

Below are links to stories about each of the Eckley Scholars and details about their projects:

Natalie Hoijer ’15: Building on a Musical Blueprint

Michael Kistner ’15: Polar Opposites

Niccole Nelson ’16:  Inspired by Grandpa Al

Thomas Simmons ’15: Secure Searching

Kiri Stauch ’15: True Intentions