Summer Experiential Learning Showcase Highlights Students' Work Beyond the Classroom
Photo by Zoey Bochicchio '28.
Students explore law, vision research and studio art through hands-on summer experiences
by Alex Sonfield '25
Dickinson students recently gathered to share how they spent their summer putting their learning into action through internships, research and other hands-on experiences. Hosted by the Center for Career Development, the Summer Experiential Learning Showcase highlighted how students worked with organizations and communities beyond campus while developing new skills, expanding their networks and exploring their future career goals.
Through poster presentations and conversations, students shared experiences ranging from judicial work in Chicago to vision research in London and studio art in Massachusetts. Their projects demonstrated how experiential learning allows students to connect their academic interests with real-world opportunities.
EXPLORING REPRESENTATION IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM
Among the presenters was Gracia Johnson ’29 (international business & management), who spent her summer completing a judicial internship at the Markham Courthouse on the south side of Chicago. From June 28 to Aug. 22, Johnson observed proceedings at Markham, the Sixth Municipal District of Cook County, and explored the importance of representation within the legal system.
Markham serves a predominantly Black community, and Johnson focused her observations on how representation among attorneys and public defenders can affect empathy, understanding and the experiences of people navigating the courts.
Johnson also examined the cycle of children through the juvenile court system and how their experiences can later connect to family law. Her internship began with an unexpected connection. While attending a Sigma Ball in Chicago with her father, Johnson met an attorney and asked about internship opportunities. Although the attorney did not have an opening, she connected Johnson with other professionals, eventually helping her secure the internship.
Gracia Johnson ’29 poses with her summer research poster. Photo by Zoey Bochicchio '28.
VISION RESEARCH OPENS NEW POSSIBILITIES
Tyler Ferenz ’29 (biochemistry & molecular biology, biology) spent his summer conducting research at University College London’s Institute of Ophthalmology, which works closely with Moorfields Eye Hospital, a world-renowned eye hospital.
Ferenz studied photoreceptors in the eye, specifically rods and cones, using a technique called silent substitution. The method allowed researchers to selectively stimulate specific photoreceptors and study how the eye responds to different wavelengths of light.
As part of the research, Ferenz worked with participants who completed visual detection tests. Researchers used the results to establish detection thresholds and create curves showing what a typical, healthy eye would look like.
“If someone didn’t have a normal eye, they could do this test, and they could pinpoint a specific photoreceptor and get further testing done on that photoreceptor to get the best treatment available,” Ferenz explained.
The experience also allowed Ferenz to apply concepts from his Dickinson classes while developing skills through collaboration with his team.
“I was able to use other skills that I’ve learned here at Dickinson, professionally,” Ferenz said. “I was able to use communicating with my lab group, my research team.”
He and his brother, Matthew Ferenz ’28, found the opportunity by contacting researchers abroad after deciding to look beyond the United States for an experience related to their interest in optometry.
NEW MEDIUM EXPANDS ARTISTIC PRACTICE
For Tyler Flynn ’28 (art & art history, biology), summer experiential learning meant exploring a completely new artistic medium. Flynn worked at a studio and gallery in Gloucester, Mass., alongside master printmaker Don Gorvett, learning reduction woodcut printmaking.
The process begins with a piece of plywood that is carved before each color is printed. The artist then cuts into the same block again to create the next layer, making each decision permanent.
“Once you make your second cut or your third cut, you can’t go back again,” Flynn said. “It was a new medium for me. It gave me kind of a time and space to continue honing my craft and my practice.”
The internship was also supported by Dickinson’s internship funding, which helped offset the cost of driving between New Hampshire, where Flynn is from, and the Massachusetts studio.
Tyler Flynn ’28 talks about his summer art internship. Photo by Alex Sonfield '25.
LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCE AND REFLECTION
Together, the students’ experiences demonstrate the range of opportunities available through experiential learning at Dickinson. The Summer Experiential Learning Showcase gave students a chance not only to present what they accomplished, but also to reflect on how those experiences shaped their skills, interests and future plans.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published September 11, 2026