Interdepartmental Studies Senior Integrated Projects
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This collection includes Senior Integrated Projects (SIPs, formerly known as Senior Individualized Projects) completed in Interdepartmental Studies. Abstracts are generally available to the public, but PDF files are available only to current Kalamazoo College students, faculty, and staff. If you are not a current K College student, faculty, or staff member, email us at dspace@kzoo.edu to request access to a SIP.
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Item Beyond the Gym: Communication, Teamwork, Problem Solving, and Intercultural Competency in a High-Performance Setting at Barwis Sports Performance Training(Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College, 2024-11-01) DeVito, Zachary R.; Johnson, Danette IfertDuring my six-week internship at Barwis Performance and Training, I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in a high-performance environment that combined sports performance coaching and physical therapy. As someone with a background in high-level athletics and a passion for fitness, I expected to deepen my understanding of strength and conditioning. However, what I did not expect was the significant personal growth and invaluable lessons I would learn about leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and intercultural competency. Each day brought new challenges, whether it was coaching athletes through grueling workouts, collaborating with physical therapists to provide seamless care, or navigating the complexities of working with diverse clients. This experience provided me with skills that extend far beyond the gym, offering insights into effective leadership and the importance of empathy and adaptability when working with others. Through my interactions with coaches, physical therapists, athletes, and clients, I learned that true success in this field requires more than technical knowledge—it demands a deep understanding of how to communicate, inspire, and foster an inclusive environment that empowers everyone to reach their full potential. Reflecting on these experiences, this project aims to highlight the skills I gained at Barwis and explore how they will shape my future, equipping me to take on new challenges with confidence.Item The Story of Medical Knowledge and Shadowing Values(Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College, 2024-09-01) Wilson, Joshua; ; otts, Lanford J., 1962-This paper is a story about my life, about how I developed and grew over time, and how my mentality changed and improved regarding the medical field. Throughout life, people will change and discover their preferences and interests, which will help shape and mold their decisions toward work and higher education. Despite many interests and possible jobs, I have felt drawn to medical work, even while I was incredibly young. Many influences have shaped my beliefs and interests in this professional direction, from my family to fields of interest in school and more.Item Sowing Stories : Oral Histories of West Michigan Growers(Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College, 2024-03-01) Molho, Rachel; Manwell, Elizabeth, 1968-This project is a culmination of oral histories from small-scale West Michigan growers. The growers included in this project are Ben Brown, Amy Buskirk, Carolyn Buskirk, Remi Harrington, and Katie Pearson. This researcher engaged with qualitative research methods while intentionally avoiding anthropological analysis. Utilizing the modality of oral history, this project is not organized around analysis, but rather, the individual stories themselves. Over the course of two separate interview sessions with each participant, the researcher discussed topics ranging from land ownership, growing practices as they relate to social identity, interactions with other growers, and understanding one’s identity in the context of a broader agricultural narrative. Through this project, the researcher hopes to promote stories of small-scale growers in a way that best reflects individual voices and unique experiences.Item Club Grub : Fostering Community and Cultural Awareness Through Cooking and Gardening at Woodward Elementary(Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College, 2024-03-01) DePauli, Olivia; Manwell, Elizabeth, 1968-This project is an open and honest conversation surrounding the difficulties that come with consuming and shopping for food in a world that is inundated by choice. The average person living in the United States is presented with an incessant conflict of interests: can we prioritize the well-being of our environment, farmers, growers, pickers, and our bodily health all in one? There never seems to be an easy answer because collective spaces to harvest, cook, and or share stories related to food are incredibly hard to come by. However, at Woodward Elementary, on the Northside of Kalamazoo, Michigan, resides an afterschool program called Club Grub, where 2nd and 3rd grade students cook, garden, and take agricultural or food-based field trips within the local area. Club Grub provides a safe space for kids to work with mentors from the Kalamazoo Nature Center, undergrad students from Kalamazoo College, and various wonderful community members, to promote bodily and environmental health, while illuminating the rich cultural diversity in food. This program offers a glimpse into what a community-based support system surrounding food might look like within our schools and beyond. This is essential as we continually navigate our foodways, which should never be treated as an individualized fight, but instead as a collaborative process that heals our relationship with nature and builds a stronger bond among the masses.Item The Consistent Domination of The All-Blacks(Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College, 2024-03-01) Mills, Cooper; Manwell, Elizabeth, 1968-The All Blacks rugby team holds an incredible status not only within the realm of sports but also within the wider context of New Zealand society. Through their amazing performances on the rugby field, the All Blacks have become more than just a sports team; they are a symbol of national pride, unity, and identity. From the iconic haka that resonates with the country's rich Māori heritage to their pursuit of excellence and success, the All Blacks inspire admiration and aspiration among New Zealanders and rugby fans worldwide. The impact of the All Blacks also extends into various facets of New Zealand life. They serve as role models, ambassadors, and community leaders, using their platform to promote cultural diversity, social inclusion, and positive values. Their influence is felt not only on the rugby field but also in schools, communities, and businesses across the country and world. As we reflect on the significance of the All Blacks, it becomes evident that their legacy includes successes, values, and the connections they have with people from all around the world. Whether it is the roar of the crowd during a haka or the pride of seeing the silver fern adorned on their jerseys, the All Blacks represent New Zealand spirit and resilience. The All Blacks remain a constant source of inspiration, reminding us of the power of teamwork, determination, and unwavering belief in ourselves and each other. As they continue to write new chapters in their storied history, the All Blacks will forever hold a special place in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders, leaving a constant mark on the nation's culture for generations to come.