June 17, 2024
Meghan O’Toole
Richter research program connects students with faculty mentors
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Glenn Adelson (left) took students off campus for his Richter Spring Flora project. | Photo by Anna Evans ’22
This summer, 45 students are conducting research under the guidance of faculty members in 14 areas of study through the Richter Scholar Program.
Unique to Lake Forest College, the Richter Scholar Program is an opportunity for qualifying first-year students to research alongside professors throughout the summer. Richter Scholars develop valuable relationships and a deeper understanding of research through their hands-on summer studies.
The program encourages interdisciplinary learning as students from a variety of departments and areas of interest can participate in research. When the program closes with the concluding symposium, students emerge better-prepared for high-level graduate research and careers beyond the College.
The ultimate goal of the Richter program is to foster a strong commitment to intellectual life and to encourage participating students to consider careers in research and teaching. Academically excellent students with an interest in research are invited to apply for the program in the early spring of their first year. Richter Scholars live and work together and participate in a weekly colloquium, becoming a community of peers who provide encouragement and support for one another’s research endeavors. The result is a group of scholars motivated to continue their intellectual achievement in the future.
This year’s sessions run from May 14 through June 7 with the concluding symposium held on June 7 (Option I) and May 21 through July 12 with the concluding symposium held on July 12 (Option II).