Students in MSU’s Archaeology Field School spent part of the summer excavating a historic farmstead on the east side of MSU’s campus. The team unearthed relics from the past while learning about excavation, surveying and mapping, artifact identification and 3D modeling.
The Department of Anthropology and the Campus Archaeology Program offered a four-week archaeological field school, investigating the stories and material culture of historic families who owned property on what would later become Michigan State University.
Students catalog artifacts they find during excavation of a former homestead on MSU’s campus. Throughout the summer they shared their learnings through public outreach opportunities, archaeological tours and blogs.
Students in the field school program take measurements and record data at the excavation site near Holmes and Akers residence halls on the east side of campus. They take care to preserve roots that bisect the dig site.
Animal science senior Lacey Olsen traveled to South Africa for 10 weeks for a predator research internship, tracking lions to study their behavior after reintroduction on a wildlife reserve.
“This experience really confirmed my interest in pursuing grad school and research as a future career, as well as studying wildlife conservation and human interaction and conflicts.”
Accounting senior Sahil Aswani began his summer in his hometown of Lagos, Nigeria, spending time with family and friends. Aswani then boarded a flight for Detroit, where he spent the rest of the summer as an intern with Deloitte. His projects at the accounting firm included an annual safety act compliance audit in the automotive industry.
“It was great to be entrusted with big responsibilities and be surrounded by top professionals in my field.”
MSU’s Formula Racing Team doesn’t slow down in the summer. The group of Spartan engineers hit the road, traveling to competitions in Michigan, Nebraska and Pennsylvania where they raced against other college teams. Each team raises funds and designs, builds and races small cars — putting their engineering and problem-solving chops to the test.
A perennial Top 10 team, MSU Formula Racing’s current car is one of the fastest in team history. But speed isn’t the only important factor.
“We take great pride in how high we place in design each year, which is really not only the car you build and how fast it is, but also how well you back up those designs with engineering principles.”
Erin Sawyer started her freshman year at MSU with a fresh stamp in her passport from a First-year Seminar Abroad in Japan. She and fellow students and faculty immersed themselves in Japanese history and culture while exploring Tokyo and Kyoto.
“This seminar helped me grow my language skills and gain a deeper cultural understanding in an immersive learning environment, which will help me tremendously as I work toward a Japanese minor.”
Malik Washington and fellow students in MSU’s InnovateGov summer program joined civic organizations throughout Detroit to create solutions to some of the city’s biggest challenges. Washington, who graduated this summer with a degree in public policy, worked in the mayor’s office, where he took part in community outreach initiatives and attended the 2020 Democratic debates hosted in Detroit.
"As a Detroit native, my summer experience was important to me because I wanted to be in a position where I could advocate and propose solutions ensuring that we are creating a Detroit built on inclusionary growth and economic opportunity for all."
Summer Circle Theatre is a beloved summer tradition that brings free outdoor shows to mid-Michigan audiences on the MSU campus. Behind the scenes, 45 actors spent 240 rehearsal hours preparing for 21 performances.
“My greatest takeaway from Summer Circle Theatre was its ability to prepare me for the craziness that awaits me in the future in regard to working hard, learning from those around you, leaning into your craft and growing as a creator.”
Junior Katie Paulot and senior Jala Jefferson are trained volunteers with MSU’s Sexual Assault Program who spent the summer providing fellow students with support through the program’s Crisis Chat. The confidential online service connects individuals experiencing sexual assault or relationship violence with resources.
“I enjoy volunteering with the Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention team because I feel that we provide a great service to the MSU community and help to support survivors on and off campus. This experience is important to me to grow as an individual as well as learning how to connect and support our community.”
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