24 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE GO? WE BECOME AGENTS OF CHANGE. Strohl Grants Established by a gift from Dale S. Strohl ’58, the Dale S. Strohl ’58 Awards provide critical research funding for students pursuing independent work in the humanities and social sciences — disciplines where research is typically underfunded. Strohl awards give undergraduates not only the invaluable experience of writing and applying for a grant — clarifying and communicating the goals and relevance of a project — but the opportunity to pursue meaningful, transformational work. So many of Lehigh’s humanities and social science students “are very concerned with the most pressing global problems facing the world today,” says Kelly Austin, College of Arts and Sciences associate dean of interdisciplinary programs and international initiatives. The Strohl grants are an extraordinary form of support for students “who are really going to become change agents. They’re developing not just research skills, but inquiry skills, leadership skills, and the ability to ask and answer challenging questions.” “BEING ABLE TO IMMERSE MYSELF IN A PLACE AS FAR FROM HOME AS UGANDA FOR SEVEN WEEKS WAS AN EXPERIENCE THAT TRANSFORMED ME ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, IMPARTING A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON ME THAT I WILL CARRY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.” Harry Ossolinski ’20 Perspectives on Mental Health and Alcoholism in Rural Uganda To date, 310 grants totaling nearly $1.5 million have been funded. Projects range from senior theses to summer research, qualitative and quantitative studies, creative works, and live performances and have been conducted in more than 35 different countries across the globe. Because of these grants, students develop communication and analytical skills and greater confidence in their ability to ask and investigate their own questions. Their eyes are opened; their perspectives broadened. Of her experiences in Jordan while researching “Ancient Solutions to Modern Crises: Restoring the Water System at Umm el-Jimal,” Olivia Lee ’20 said, “I know that I will carry these lessons with me throughout life and in my career, regardless of what career I take.”
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