Newbauer goes ‘above and beyond’ in and out of the classroom
Even with two scientific majors and a minor, no matter how difficult academics got for Morgan Newbauer, she continued to push forward and take advantage of every opportunity she could during her time at Waynesburg University.
Newbauer, from East Liverpool, Ohio, is graduating with majors in both forensic science and pre-medical studies and a minor in chemistry. In addition, Newbauer is graduating with honors and one of the highest grade point averages ever seen within her majors, according to Michael Cipoletti, professor of Forensic Science, who advised her in her freshman year at Waynesburg.
Many of the faculty who knew and worked with Newbauer credit much of her success to her great work ethic, dedication and dependability.
”She really treated it like it was her job,” said Cipoletti. “She didn’t just come to class and study for tests. You could tell that she put time in on her classes even outside of class.”
Faith Musko, instructor of forensic science and Newbauer’s academic advisor, recognized Newbauer as a wonderful role model for other students.
”She is always ready for a new challenge,” said Musko. “She takes things on. Those hurdles might be there, but she always strives to overcome the hurdles and doesnít allow them to consume her.”
Even while keeping herself focused on her grades, Newbauer was involved in many activities outside of classes.
She joined Gamma Sigma Epsilon, the national honors society for chemistry, became Vice President of the Forensic Science Club, volunteered at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, and even played volleyball in her freshman and sophomore years at college. It didn’t stop there. She tutored for a statistics class, helped plan the fall Mock Crime Scene events for high school students, served as an administrator for CSI camps in the summer and did a summer internship at the Beaver Medical Center in Beaver, Pennsylvania.
Through everything that she has done on and off campus, Newbauer is especially proud of her undergraduate research project, in which she determined the amount of catalase in various potatoes.
”The reason I did this was because I read an article that said the more catalase you eat, the faster you may age,” said Newbauer.
Newbauer spent three semesters on her project. The first semester was preparation work, including background research and gathering materials. In the second semester of her project, she performed about 40 hours of in-lab research. She finished her final semester by writing a thesis paper, and she showcased her work on Friday, April 7, at the Waynesburg University Research Symposium.
”The most exciting part about the project was being able to complete it in the time that I had and actually being able to understand the results and see how different foods affect your body,” said Newbauer.
Dr. Marietta Wright, Newbauer’s research advisor, said Newbauer went above and beyond what was expected of her in her research project.
”She committed herself to weekly experiments and working on her paper and reading to produce a successful research project,” said Wright.
Newbauer said that the most important thing she has learned through her activities at Waynesburg University is communication skills, as it will help her in interviews and her future career.
“I want to go to med school and [become] a doctor, [which] is very interactive,” Newbauer said.
After she graduates, Newbauer plans to take a year off before pursuing a job as a Certified Nursing Assistant and applying for certification to substitute teach math.
Newbauer advises other students to put a lot of time into their education.
”If youíre paying for it, you might as well put into it what you have to offer. I know that I did,” said Newbauer. “And in the end I have a lot of achievements to be proud of.”