Due to the rigors of their degree, many science majors find it difficult to study abroad as undergraduates. For Amanda McQuade ‘16, however, drive and the AISS program made it – and directed research in Belgium – a foregone conclusion.
“I knew coming into college this was one of my goals and was able to prepare accordingly,” she says. “The setup worked nicely because I was able to get the full off-campus experience while participating in biological research full time.”
McQuade’s participation in AISS – the Accelerated Integrated Science Sequence – allowed her to complete six courses of physics, chemistry, and biology requirements in the equivalent of four classes. While not a required part of the W.M. Keck Science Department curriculum, AISS frees up a student’s schedule to pursue other interests like studying in a foreign country.
Scot Gould, professor of physics at Keck and one of three AISS instructors, sees the off-campus experience as an essential part of one’s education.
“To ensure students are prepared for both majoring in the sciences and study abroad, the faculty spends a great deal of time advising the students, discussing their goals, and helping them outline a schedule that maximizes their opportunities,” he says. “The benefits often blend cultural understanding with the practice of science. This is what has happened to Amanda, which is totally cool.”
That’s how the neuroscience major from Novato, California, was able to participate in labwork in Brussels while immersing herself in Belgian culture. By day, she completed a thesis on the influence of neurogenic factor Bcl6 on genes implicated in the canonical Wnt pathway; by night, she became fluent in French and learned about being on her own and life after college.
“This was an extremely valuable experience,” she says. “I had five weeks of classes based on understanding the country, followed by 12 weeks of internship. I was working in a very international lab, too – there was one British scientist, two Italian, one German, one Chinese, one Indian, one French, and three Belgians.
“I don’t believe science majors at Keck have trouble going abroad. I know many who have done so, and I highly recommend it. It’s a wonderful way to continue your scientific passions and provides a great start for those interested in Fulbright research grants!”