May 3, 2013
On Campus

A Senior Salute

Self-Designed Interdepartment Major Alaina Engdahl

For Alaina Engdahl of Columbus, Ohio, Bill Nye the Science Guy played a central role in developing her love of science at a young age. Wittenberg took that love even further, setting Engdahl on a path to double major in chemistry and peace and conflict studies.

“Becoming a chemistry major was a natural choice,” Engdahl said.  “However, I came to the realization freshman year that I needed to balance out my science courses with humanities.  After some consideration, I realized that Wittenberg already offers nearly all of the courses needed to complete a peace and conflict studies major; they are just scattered across multiple departments.  I approached professors from the political science, history and sociology departments, and together we created an interdepartmental major.”

Her well-rounded program has since caught the attention of a research institution up north. The University of Michigan has accepted Engdahl into its Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry.

With graduation nearing, Engdahl thinks the confidence-building that has occurred through her courses of study, campus life and connection to her Kappa Delta sisters remains a defining element of her college experience.

“Wittenberg has what you need in order to make your dreams a reality,” she said.  “Because I came to school at Wittenberg, I was able to create my own major, study abroad in Northern Ireland, have three summer chemistry research experiences, and form strong relationships with both my professors and my fellow students."

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About Wittenberg

Wittenberg's curriculum has centered on the liberal arts as an education that develops the individual's capacity to think, read, and communicate with precision, understanding, and imagination. We are dedicated to active, engaged learning in the core disciplines of the arts and sciences and in pre-professional education grounded in the liberal arts. Known for the quality of our faculty and their teaching, Wittenberg has more Ohio Professors of the Year than any four-year institution in the state. The university has also been recognized nationally for excellence in community service, sustainability, and intercollegiate athletics. Located among the beautiful rolling hills and hollows of Springfield, Ohio, Wittenberg offers more than 100 majors, minors and special programs, enviable student-faculty research opportunities, a unique student success center, service and study options close to home and abroad, a stellar athletics tradition, and successful career preparation.

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