My name is Olivia Eader, and I am a recent graduate of Kent State in Environmental Studies and English. I initially picked Kent State because it was the only college I was able to visit before COVID hit, and I thought the campus was beautiful.
Making Kent my home was the best decision I have ever made because of the opportunities I have been given.
I worked as a Resident Assistant in the Eastway residence halls, served as the Director of Academic Affairs for the Undergraduate Student Government and did research both in a lab and independently. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the constant support and guidance of Kent State staff and faculty.
My time in the Kent State Honors College was a phenomenal experience. From presenting in the annual symposium to taking classes with the amazing Matthew Shank, it made my time at Kent State amazing. I am so lucky to have been able to meet so many amazing people and friends. I also want to shout out my advisor, Theresa Yogi, who was so supportive and helpful to me during my undergraduate years.
During my time at Kent State, I have done three research projects highlighting the importance of connecting children with nature. There are so many events in my life that inspired my research, but the major one was that I was able to go to camp growing up, which allowed me to have an unwavering commitment and connection to the earth.
I know how lucky I am to have had a mom who cared so much about providing my sisters and me with those memories.
Taking all of that into my research was extremely important, so working with Dr. Aimee Ward was an amazing experience. She truly understood my passion for finding ways to introduce nature to children and pushed my thoughts and research to new places.
My first project was studying how learning and retention are impacted by the spaces we learn in. I conducted this research at the same summer camp I grew up going to, and it was very insightful. The second project was in the summer of 2023, where I worked with another student to look at how nature and creativity work together in children's minds. Finally, in the fall of 2023, for my Senior Integrated Project, I looked at how access to and time spent with nature at a young age impacts climate change concerns.
Being able to be my own boss and lead my research projects has given me so many skills and new interests; I cannot imagine how different my life would be without having it.
Before I started researching, I wanted to become an environmental lawyer, but now I know I want to advocate for outdoor education and bringing nature to children. This first-hand experience has opened my eyes to the importance of access to nature and how important it is to me that all children have the same opportunities to fall in love with nature in the same ways I did.
There are so many ways to find research opportunities on Kent State's campus! One way is to find a lab to work in. Ask your professors if they know of any openings anywhere (and if you feel like you need to be closer to them, introduce yourself and then ask). Another way is to apply to the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience; it is how I first got involved and how others have, too. Finally, take research-based classes; they are a great way to determine your interest in research.
And, if you are reading this and wondering if you should come to Kent State University, know that you should. Kent has given me the best memories and opportunities. I would not have had these experiences or chances at any other university.