Knox Summer Scholars: A Summer of Research, Growth, and Community

Summers are usually a time to relax, unwind, and prepare for the next academic year. But for students at Knox, summers can also be an academic experience. The Knox Summer Scholars (KSS) program, formerly known as ASSET, gives students the chance to pursue in-depth projects with faculty mentors and motivated peers. Ten students participated in the program this summer.

Lisa Harris, director of the Vovis Center for Research and Advanced Study and Health Professions Advising, is most excited about the students who apply to the program. 

“They’re motivated, interesting, and excited to dedicate their summers to something meaningful,” Harris said. “And the cohort becomes a little family. It’s interdisciplinary, supportive, and makes summer at Knox feel alive.”

The program is a full-time commitment designed for students with some prior research experience, like a collaborative or individual project. The Richter Memorial Fund grant provides funds for students to research or creative work during the academic year, winter break, or summer. Any student in any discipline is eligible to apply for funds from the Richter grant program.

Students who participate in the KSS program are “demonstrating the ability to dig down deep, commit themselves, and communicate their work, even when it’s really difficult,” Harris said. 

The application process is manageable. For students considering whether to apply, the advice is simple: there’s really no reason not to. Even if an application is not successful the first time, it becomes valuable practice that can be reused for other opportunities. If accepted, you get the opportunity to focus on a passion important to you, surrounded by people who are doing the same.

An integral part of the program is the week-long Summer Scholars Seminar on graduate school preparation. The seminar included sessions on applications and essay writing. Beyond research, students learned time management, independence, and self-discovery, gaining skills that go far beyond the classroom. 

One highlight of the program was the “Connections Lunch” held towards the end of the program. Scholars were asked to name faculty and staff they’d like to meet, whether in their field or just someone at Knox that they find inspiring. Those guests were then invited to a lunch where students sat with them, asked questions, and further developed networking and communication skills. All students, faculty, and staff found the experience rewarding.

The KSS program also builds a strong sense of community through activities like spontaneous pickleball games or trips to Green Oaks. Students in the program routinely report that the chance to connect with peers on a deeper level is something they value, and it is harder to do during the busy academic year. 

After the program, KSS participants  will present their work at HORIZONS, an annual college-wide showcase of student research held each May. This summer, Knox also piloted the first Summer HORIZONS, a smaller and more informal version of the event, with around 20 students presenting on their summer research.

The Vovis Center hopes to expand the KSS program in the future, allowing more students to participate. It continues to shape Knox summers in meaningful ways.. For now, the close-knit group of participants keeps the experience personal and rewarding.