2021 Stabler Donor Impact Report R4

INTERDISCIPLINARY Name: Eleanor Christman Hometown: Wilton, CT Major: Integrated Business and Engine Class: 2023 Favorite activity: Research Favorite faculty or staff: Professor James Gilchrist, Chemical Engineering Dream job: Consulting I feel extremely lucky to attend Lehigh and to be a part of the IBE program here because I am getting a very well-rounded education, which gives me many different approaches to solving problems. In many of my classes, I have developed a relationship with the professors, which I find to be very valuable. Currently, I am working with Dr. Manoj Chaudhury conduct- ing research on the mechanism by which emulsions form. This research can be applied to ships where emulsions form in the bottom of the vessel from a mixture of fuel, water, and soaps from the showers and sinks. My work supports efforts to return clean water to the ocean. Although I have enjoyed almost every class I have taken so far, this semester, my favorite class is an introductory course for IBE freshmen or students who have transferred into the program, like I did. We do many different presentations relating to entre- preneurship, something I never thought I would be interested in. This class has changed the way that I think about what it means to be an entrepreneur and how an entrepreneur would be suc- cessful. I really enjoy this class because it has many group projects where I get to meet new students and be creative. I am inspired to excel at Lehigh by my intrinsic desire to learn and succeed. My curiosity has driven me to love learning about how different things work and how to analyze different situations. In addition to my curiosity, I also have an intrinsic motivation to succeed, which inspires me to try my hardest in all of my classes. To me, giving back means doing things that benefit others. I think it’s extremely important for ev- eryone to find a way to give back because it is important to find time to help others and humble yourself. Giving back can help people find happiness because it may change their view of something or help them to develop a new appreciation for something they took for grant- ed before. I find ways to give back through tutoring students at local middle schools in Bethlehem and by simply trying to do nice things for my friends or acquaintances. I often help friends with their homework or try to go out of my way to do something to make somebody else’s life easier. Every day, I am thankful to attend such a prestigious university where so many great opportunities are available. Lehigh is an extra special place for me because both of my parents also attended, and so I feel really lucky to be here. Thank you so much, again, for your generosity and support. It is greatly appreciated.