Summer brings calmer days on campus, but Franklin & Marshall’s signature blue Adirondack chairs are never empty for long. In coming weeks, students will return to campus for various academic and athletic commitments. Some already have. 

Across campus (and beyond), students have been busy with summer session classes, research and internships. Below, see how six students are spending their summer. 

"I am focusing on developing essential skills in behavior intervention, data collection and professional collaboration."

– Gurlin Kaur ’26

Gurlin Kaur ’26

• Double major: Psychology, economics 
• Hometown: New Delhi, India 

I am interning as a behavior technician at NeurAbilities Healthcare in Lancaster, where I apply foundational principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to support individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental challenges. Through hands-on therapy sessions and regular feedback from board certified behavior analysts (BCBA), I am focusing on developing essential skills in behavior intervention, data collection and professional collaboration and I also plan to be a registered behavior technician during my time as an intern.

"I’m eager to develop my skills and contribute to meaningful change."

– Gubat Abdullaev ’26

Gubat Abdullaev ’26

• Double major: Government, sociology
• Minor: French Studies
• Hometown: Baku, Azerbaijan

I was selected as a Frank Karel Fellow in Public Interest Communications and will be interning at Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) with a focus on civil rights and public interest communications. I’ll be working with a leading nonprofit in the Washington, D.C., area, focusing on social justice, victim support and drug abuse issues under the mentorship of experienced communications professionals [including Biko Koenig, associate professor of government & public policy]. CADCA is the leading drug abuse prevention organization, representing the interests of more than 5,000 community coalitions in 28 countries.

I’m also a recipient of the Solomon Wank Memorial Peace and Human Rights Research award to research human trafficking in Lancaster under the mentorship of Stephanie McNulty [The Honorable & Mrs. John C. Kunkel Professor of Government]. As a rising senior, I’m eager to develop my skills and contribute to meaningful change.

"I am excited to work toward climate justice and social change."

– Corinne Shultz ’26

Corinne Shultz ’26

• Double major: Economics, government
• Hometown: Glenmoore, Pa.

I am excited to join Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light (PA IPL) this summer and work toward climate justice and social change through F&M’s Public Service Summer Institute (PSSI). I will be conducting research on the intersectionality of fossil fuel degradation and faith-based groups, preparing Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tools on regional planting impacts, and developing a policy briefing related to just transitions and juvenile justice in Lancaster County. I am excited to work with the team and contribute to this expansive and transformative network.

"I'm traveling to New Orleans with two of my ZBT brothers for our international convention."

– Sam Hecker ’27

Sam Hecker ’27

• Joint major: International relations, environmental studies
• Hometown: New York City

I’m working in guest experience at Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty through the National Park Service. I’m also traveling to New Orleans with two of my Zeta Beta Tau (fraternity) brothers for our national convention. 

"I’m staying in Lancaster over the summer doing chemistry research."

– Jordyn Collie ’27

Jordyn Collie ’27

• Double major: Biochemistry and molecular biology; business, organizations and society
• Hometown: Fords, N.J.

I’m staying in Lancaster over the summer doing chemistry research with Kate Plass [professor of chemistry] on nanoparticles, training for the upcoming cross country season, working as a campus tour guide and taking two summer classes. It’s a busy but fun summer!

"New experiences, amazing new friends, and the chance to work on astrophysics."

– Menelaos Raptis ’26
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Menelaos Raptis ’26

• Major: Astrophysics
• Minor: Mathematics 
• Hometown: Thessaloniki, Greece

I am incredibly grateful to be conducting my research at the Observatories of The Carnegie Institution for Science under the mentorship of Dr. Gwen Rudie while living at the California Institute of Technology and taking part in its programs! None of this would be possible without the unwavering support and mentorship of my professor, Ryan Trainor [associate professor of physics]. New experiences, amazing new friends, and the chance to work on astrophysics at the very place where the universe was discovered [credited to Carnegie’s Edwin Hubble].

More Student Summer Experiences

What do F&M students do during the summer? Some opt to stay in Lancaster to conduct research on campus, while others return home to pursue internships in their fields of study. See what 10 students and recent graduates are up to during summer break.

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