Elizabeth Buschert (Sr., Goshen) and Rachel Versluis (Soph., Ann Arbor, Mich.), both environmental science majors, spent the summer at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College monitoring grassland birds in prairie systems of varying age while studying the efficiency of a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment with Merry Lea Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Zinn. Read more about Elizabeth and Rachel.

Luke Kreider (Sr., Harrisonburg, Va.), a peace, justice and conflict studies and Bible and religion double major, and Kayla Kauffman (2007 graduate, Middlebury, Ind.) a Bible and religion major, spent their summers working on “The Vengeance, Vindication and Justice Project” with Professor of Bible and Religion Paul Keim and Associate Professor of Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies Joe Liechty. In part, they hoped to gain a broader knowledge of revenge, conflict and violence “so that we might eventually know better how to advocate alternatives in ways that make sense or are appealing to an audience who may not share our convictions about nonviolence,” Kreider said. Read more about Luke and Kayla.

Jonathan Nafziger (Jr., Goshen), a physics and art double major spent the summer on a research project concerning handbell resonators with Professor of Physics John Buschert. With audio and visual recording equipment, Nafziger was able to measure the frequencies of handbell vibrations as they correlate to places on the bell where the clapper hits. He also spent part of his time building an anechoic chamber where sound can be measured as it comes off of the bells. Read more about Jonathon.

Matthew Yoder (Jr., Lancaster, Pa.), a communication major, assisted Assistant Professor of English Kyle Schlabach in creating a Web-based center for Mennonite literary study at Goshen College. The site will eventually be a resource to scholars, writers and the general public. Read more about Matthew.