Student Snapshot: Noor Alhamadani ’24
As a Dickinson first-year student, Noor Alhamadani ’24 took part in two research projects with Dickinson faculty and staff, served a fellowship and internship, tutored peers and developed strong relationships with classmates and professors. She looks forward to continuing her high-impact work, and getting involved in civic engagement, as a sophomore and beyond.
Hometown:
Houston, Texas.
Major:
Undeclared (intention: neuroscience).
Clubs and organizations:
Kappa Alpha Theta, Writing Center (tutor), Presidential Fellow and Fellowship Intern, Alpha Lambda Delta and research assistantship.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Benjamin H. and Portia T. Hosler Fund Scholarship and Dean’s List.
Favorite place on campus:
The Rector Science Complex.
Favorite Dining Hall food:
Pierogis.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience:
So far, the best thing about my Dickinson experience has been meeting people who have diverse interests and come from very diverse backgrounds. I have also enjoyed building strong relationships with my professors, as Dickinson professors are very caring and willing to help no matter what.
Favorite class/learning experience so far:
I really enjoyed taking Social Psychology with Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology Grace Larson and Working with Writers, taught by [Writing Program Director and Associate Provost of Academic Affairs] Noreen Lape. In Social Psychology, I enjoyed learning about theoretical principles that are applicable to daily interactions with people. This sparked my interest in psychology research. Working with Writers allowed me to think critically about the writing process and introduced me to the field of writing studies. I met many amazing writers, and I feel very prepared to work in the Writing Center because of this class.
About my research:
Beginning in spring 2021, I began working with Professor Larson as a research assistant. We are researching emotions and relationships and looking to see if being on the same page behaviorally is more powerful than having a shared emotion with someone. I decided to participate in this research project because I enjoyed Professor Larson’s Social Psychology class and wanted to develop my research skills in this field.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I am interested in the medical field; I hope to attend medical school after graduation.
About my internship:
In summer 2021, I was a Presidential Fellow and Presidential Fellow intern. As fellow, I interviewed alumni to learn about their Dickinson experiences and their paths after graduating. I have learned a substantial amount about Dickinson’s history through these interviews. I also learned about different career paths, and I was able to strengthen my communication skills. As a Presidential Fellow intern, I worked with Nicole Simmons [Dickinson's director of prospect management & research] to create a model that shows who the college’s donors are and that helps predict future donations. I learned many data-analysis skills through this internship and will continue helping out in the college advancement office during my sophomore year.
About my international volunteerism:
During high school, I enjoyed volunteering in refugee camps in places such as Lebanon and Jordan, and I hope to continue doing so in college and beyond.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
I am really glad that I was able to obtain two research experiences as first-year, as I have learned many data-analytics skills and built great relationships with faculty.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
I have learned that it is OK to ask for help when you need it, and that the professors are really there to help you and do not want to see you fail. I have also found that attending office hours is super important. It helps you build meaningful relationships with your professors.
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Published October 8, 2021