June 3, 2025 A new partnership between Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is giving two chemistry students a life-changing opportunity to conduct paid research and prepare for careers in the sciences. The pilot program, made possible by a generous donation from Clark and Nancy Borgeson, was created specifically for GRCC students. The program offers hands-on research, professional development and financial support — and both institutions hope to make it a permanent, endowed opportunity. Starting in May, chemistry students Marcos Conde and Dylan Serie will begin working alongside a GVSU faculty member in a laboratory setting. In addition to research, they will attend weekly development activities to learn how to write up and present their research, how to prepare for life after college, how to write a CV or resume and gain skills for team management. At the end of the program, the students will present their work at the GVSU’s Student Scholars Summer Showcase.   The program also provides a stipend, helping students balance their academic and financial responsibilities. “A lot of our students have to work, so this being funded and a research opportunity is a win-win for our students,” said chemistry professor William Faber. Both students asked Professor Faber for letters of recommendation when applying. “To have a slam dunk that we’re going to put a couple of students out there every year is incredible. Both Marcos and Dylan have a sense that if they work on a specific project, it’s rewarding to be a contributor. I think that’s a neat thing for them and I’m so excited about this partnership with GVSU,” continued Faber. A Powerful Comeback: Marcos Conde Marcos Conde returned to college after years in the service industry, determined to change the direction of his life. Now in his mid 40’s, he views the opportunity as part of a greater mission. “The human mind is a very powerful tool. It’s not about the destination for me,” said Conde. “One thing that is magical about academia and going to school no matter your age, you think you want to help the world in one way, but you realize there’s so many avenues to help.” Through the encouragement of Professor Faber, Conde knew he wanted to throw his hat in the ring. “A big driving force is that it’s not just about me anymore,” said Conde. “It’s about the future versions of me that want to get into chemistry. If I’m able to add to the step for someone else, it's an amazing thing to be a part of.” A Lifelong Passion: Dylan Serie For Dylan Serie, chemistry has always been a clear path. “One big thing for me was chemistry was always the main goal. One of my professors, Professor Kudrna, really helped me,” said Serie. “There is great value in being a part of the Borgeson Program. The job market wants you to have years of experience. Being in my early 20’s, I don’t have any of that. Having this opportunity at GRCC, through GVSU, with it also being a paid program, it’s a very valuable opportunity. I’m very grateful for the chance to be a part of this.” Chemistry professor Amy Kudrna emphasized the incredible foundational knowledge offered through GRCC. Invested faculty, like her and Professor Faber, make a world of difference in the students’ experiences. “Dylan shows an intellectual curiosity in the chemistry courses he’s had with me,” said Kudrna. “This research program is an excellent opportunity to learn and fully experience the research process. This experience will help enrich a student’s chemistry background and prepare them for transferring.” Paying It Forward Through Science “It’s great to know that we’re pioneers for the potential future of this program,” said Conde.  “We’re going to be able to learn a skill set in a concentrated amount of time. It’s a big driving force to do my best because this is beyond me. I’m thankful for the consideration of the future.” Both students are eager to start the summer research experience. “The fun of chemistry is how applicable it is to a lot of things in life,” said Serie. “How we think, to how we absorb energy from food to power ourselves. That’s what I truly love about the sciences, it’s everywhere you go. Just taking a simple step, you’ve done three different fields of science: chemistry, physics and exercise science. That’s the true fun of it.” GVSU expressed excitement about the strength of the applicant pool, noting that each candidate showed impressive knowledge and readiness. Being selected for the inaugural cohort is a major honor for Conde and Serie — and an important first step in shaping their careers. “It’s rare in your first two years to have an opportunity like this,” said Professor Faber. “It’s one thing to say you want to go into science and another to get into a lab and really decide it’s what you want. Marcos and Dylan have a chance to really figure that out for themselves through this program.” Partnerships like the Borgeson Program remove a lot of hurdles for students. “The connection is pretty important,” said Conde. “Getting people together like GVSU and GRCC, coming as one mind, is a big deal. It opens doors for students. I hope it continues to help people like me and anyone who is curious. Sometimes you just need to go for it.” Learn more about the sciences at GRCC This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell  

May 29, 2025 Fresh, clear water is essential to everything —from the health of our bodies to the vitality of our cities, farms and tourism industry. But did you know water is also at the center of a wide range of exciting careers? Join us for Water Pool-ooza on the Grand on Saturday, June 7, at Riverside Park for a free, family-friendly event that combines hands-on fun with real-world learning about careers in water. This event is sponsored by the City of Grand Rapids and GRCC, with funding provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s a great way for students and adults to learn about industries, careers and activities that involve water. What to expect Water Pool-ooza is designed for students in 1st-12th grades, but there’s for adults and families to enjoy as well. Activities include: Free kayaking on the Grand River. Touch-A-Truck with the City of Grand Rapids. Rain barrel demonstrations and water conservation tips. Guest appearance from former WOOD TV8 Chief Meteorologist Bill Steffen and Miss Water Wonderland, who will share their perspectives on water and careers. Why water? Why now? “This event is designed to engage young people in thinking about water as a resource and a career,” said Haley Kozal, W.K. Kellogg Empower Program Manager at GRCC. “We want to encourage people to explore diverse fields such as biology, water management, tourism and public works because they directly impact public health and environmental sustainability. Water Pool-ooza is a fun way to start considering water as part of an interesting career.” GRCC pathways to water careers GRCC’s Water to Work program allows students to earn a certificate in water technology. Students who are accepted into this program enjoy a free education, including tuition, books, fees and support services — thanks to the partnership between GRCC, Bay College and local municipalities. They are also paid to work at a partnering municipality during their education. All of this is funded by the EPA. Additional career pathways that involve a water career include Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Biology . Stop by the GRCC table at the event on June 7 to learn more about programs that lead to meaningful careers in water, sustainability and environmental health. Event details Water Pool-ooza on the Grand: Saturday, June 7 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand Rapids Enter via Guild Street for easiest access. This event is free and accessible, with paved paths and sidewalks available to all attendees. Registration is encouraged but not required. You can learn more and register here . Our sincere thanks to the EPA and the City of Grand Rapids for making this event possible. Learn more about academic pathways at GRCC . This story reported by Julie Hordyk  

May 27, 2025 The Gender Studies pre-major at GRCC explores how systems of oppression come into play in people’s lives. Through courses that center on gender, sexuality and LGBTQ+ issues, students are challenged to consider how gender and sexuality are shaped by what we see in our social interactions and our social institutions. The program helps sharpen students’ critical thinking skills through a combination of research and lived experience. With an emphasis on social justice, students gain tools to better analyze and improve our social world. Assistant Professor of Sociology, and Gender Studies Coordinator, Dr. Emily Pain started a zine project with her class to highlight these concepts. Zines are a mini-magazine that share a collection of creative works and are usually made on regular printer paper, folded in half and stapled. “We talk a lot about what’s going on and how it’s impacting my students individually. It’s adding to their knowledge and understanding of current events while tying them to academic concepts,” said Dr. Pain. “This project helps students engage in social justice advocacy. Students can focus on gender studies concepts and theories in a tangible way.”   Creating a level playing field Dr. Pain focuses on ensuring all voices are represented, heard and respected in their classroom. “The zines are a project that speaks to my educational approach of decolonizing the classroom. Thinking critically about knowledge production, dissemination and centering the voices of people who have been pushed into the margins. It’s about empowering students, especially marginalized groups,” said Dr. Pain. “Zine making encourages students to view themselves as change makers. It’s a form of cultural production where the voices of marginalized groups are amplified in contrast to dominant culture,” she continued. Zines are an open form of pedagogy where a student’s work exists beyond the classroom. “It’s educational, but it’s also about spreading the knowledge and that it lives on,” said Dr. Pain. A group effort Students work together and share ideas in collaboration with one another, setting the stage for many perspectives to come together as a cohesive team through the zine-making process. Using collage, written word, art, the list goes on, each zine comes together through the eyes of the students without limitations on what their final project must hold. It is a representation of lived experience through creativity. “Some students are sharing their own experience or basing their creative work on their lives,” said Dr. Pain. “It shows certain aspects like intersectionality are a real thing because it’s coming from someone’s real experience. They’re able to demonstrate how the systems of power can exacerbate each other or play off of each other.” Zine Exchange Program During the Fall 2024 semester, Dr. Pain was awarded the Innovations Grant covering the color printing costs of the zines. As a result, the Zine Exchange Program came to life. Dr. Pain partnered with faculty at other local colleges giving students an opportunity to trade, and celebrate, each other’s zines. The zines can be found in the Social Sciences Library, located on the first floor of White Hall for anyone to view. “It’s important to have media out there by marginalized groups to give them power,” said Dr. Pain. “Art helps people visualize and understand concepts in a relatable way. When students are getting out there and teaching about these issues from a social justice lens, it’s advocacy. That is an important piece of gender studies. That’s what the zines are about, getting students out there and having conversations.”   Brave spaces and advocacy Dr. Pain provides space for students to process through how gender impacts all elements of systems and cultures. “We have a wide range of student perspectives. Students are teaching each other things. They’re gaining perspectives on many sides,” shared Dr. Pain. “We do a lot of journaling. If students have some resistance to a new perspective, they have a chance to think through why. I hope they ask themselves what is being challenged in them,” said Dr. Pain. The focus on social justice and advocacy is not just learning about issues for Dr. Pain. They want to help students think about how and what can be done to address the issues in real time. “A lot of the courses have that kind of emphasis, especially Intro to Gender Studies (GST 200). We talk about social movements and allyship. I hope the students find ways to make a more equitable society. It’s one of the values of gender studies. It helps students enhance critical thinking skills to be able to analyze the social world and then ultimately, with that knowledge, figure out how to improve it,” said Dr. Pain. The zine project continues to be one avenue Dr. Pain uses in hopes to bring advocacy to life. To learn more about the Gender Studies program or the Introduction to Gender Studies course, please contact Dr. Pain, Gender Studies Coordinator, at emilypain@grcc.edu . This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell