College of Arts and Sciences Students Go Out of the Classroom and Into the World

Students in theater, political science, computer science and biochemistry expanded their horizons by working in a Broadway theater or a public relations defense firm, competing in a NASA competition, or collaborating on research at a university in Poland.

From as near as New York City to overseas in Poland, students at Adelphi have traveled far and wide to build on their academic learning. Taking opportunities like these allows students to take a closer look into what they're learning, like job shadowing, interning and even participating in a contest. All these collective experiences inspire students to go further and dream bigger.

Theater Tech With the Pros

Riley Oberting, now a senior double majoring in theatre technology and design and graphic design, got the opportunity to learn about sound design and lighting from professionals at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Launchpad of American Theater, the O'Neill is the country's preeminent organization dedicated to the development of new works and new voices for the stage. He attended workshops and master classes and job shadowed sound designers.

The opportunity came about as a result of his work for Adelphi's Department of Theatre. For 2023 and 2024, Oberting was awarded first place for his sound design at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. His win this year for his sound design for the Adelphi production of Men on Boats earned him a fellowship at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center.

Oberting said his experience at the O'Neill "has allowed me to expand my knowledge past what is taught at Adelphi [as well as] my professional network before I've even graduated … [and] has truly changed my perspective on theatrical and live sound and made me love it even more."

Getting Political in D.C.

Vanessa Desrosiers, now an Adelphi senior, is majoring in political science and minoring in cybersecurity. She is on the pre-law studies track and is planning to take the LSAT and apply to law schools. This summer, she got an inside look at the workings of a public relations defense lobbying firm, The Potomac Advocates, in Arlington, Virginia.

Her day as a research analyst intern at The Potomac Advocates consisted of calling and drafting emails to congressional offices, collecting National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and appropriations forms for clients, cyber reports, going to congressional hearings and drafting reports, working on the federal defense budget, and attending networking events, where she met a lot of people in the defense industry.

She said she had always hoped for an opportunity such as this one to come around. "This was a period of growth that I never expected but [was] so happy I got to experience," Desrosiers said. Her long-term goal is to become a lawyer and then start her own nonprofit for immigrant kids.

Houston, We Have a Competition

Christopher Sciortino is an Adelphi senior studying computer science with a minor in mathematics. He has a passion for game development and a love of programming. When Kevin Liang, PhD, assistant professor of physics, put forth the idea of competing in a NASA competition presented to university students in the United States, Sciortino and six other students accepted the challenge. The students were asked to take one of NASA's IPs (intellectual property) and come up with some type of invention with it. Not only does this require a business and marketing plan, but also writing skills, technical skills and teamwork. After presenting in front of NASA-appointed judges, they would determine a winning team and runner-up to be sent to California to the AMES Research Center to further continue their business.

Sciortino's team came up with a mobile carbon capture device to reduce emissions from trucks. They were accepted and invited to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, to present their idea.

"When I said success stems from a good team, I meant it," Sciortino said. "Not only did I work with amazing friends, but Dr. Liang was a crucial part of our success." Although they didn't win, Sciortino says he and his team learned a lot and made many great connections.

To Poland and Back

Faria Rahman Oyshi is an international student and senior majoring in biochemistry Recently, she had the opportunity to go abroad to Poland for her second consecutive summer, thanks to professor of chemistry Justyna Widera-Kalinoska, PhD's National Science Foundation International Research Experiences for Students grant and support from the College of Arts and Sciences Student Excellence Fund. Her love for cooking and baking led her into the field, where she now works in the stockroom and as a laboratory teaching assistant in the chemistry department. Recently, she had the opportunity to go abroad to Poland for her second consecutive summer, thanks to professor of chemistry Justyna Widera-Kalinoska, PhD's NSF IRES grant (National Science Foundation International Research Experiences for Students). During this trip, Oyshi conducted research at the University of Warsaw. This program allowed her not only to learn and execute research projects, but to learn about the scientific heritage of Poland. "For me, research has always been fun whilst also allowing me to contribute to the wellness of society and the environment," Oyshi said.

The research project she joined focused on developing semiconductor electrode materials for photo-electrochemical water splitting, a field promising groundbreaking advancements in hydrogen fuel production. She had the opportunity to collaborate and strengthen her skills, allowing her to flourish and think outside the box.

"Conducting research in Poland for two consecutive summers not only allowed me to have hands-on experiences with advanced instrumentations and techniques, but also to shape and strengthen my research skills, building me as a competitive candidate for PhD programs and future research positions as a scientist."