Annie Haws (Lee Pellegrini)
Hometown: River Vale, NJ
Major: Geological Sciences, minor in Ancient Civilizations
Notable Activities/Achievements: Yale University Bateman Prize; Scholar of the College; Order of the Cross and Crown; Phi Beta Kappa; Advanced Study Grants: field work in the Italian Alps (2018), research at Columbia University鈥檚 Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (2016); Dean鈥檚 Scholar; Chamber Music Society; Geology Club.
Post-Graduation Plans: Haws will pursue a doctorate in geology and geophysics at Yale University; her long-term goal is to teach at a college or university emphasizing undergraduate liberal arts education.
Annie Haws always knew that she wanted to be a scientist, but it wasn鈥檛 until she came to 蜜桃传媒 that she was able to fully explore her interest in geology and become involved in research. Her enthusiasm for both the sciences and the humanities became one of the defining themes of her academic life at 蜜桃传媒.
How has 蜜桃传媒 made a difference in your life?
Although I鈥檝e learned many valuable scientific skills here, my education has not been just career preparation, but life preparation. The Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program has taught me how to think critically and deeply about big questions, and develop my own beliefs and values, which I believe will help me lead a more thoughtful, fulfilling life. I鈥檝e been able to consider my responsibilities toward the world and other human beings, and how I can have a positive impact.
How have your studies and experiences here prepared you for the future?
Working in [Earth and Environmental Sciences Professor and Department Chair] Ethan Baxter鈥檚 lab played a pivotal role in preparing me for my future. I鈥檝e spent time doing research and had the opportunity to do field work abroad, collaborate with scientists at other institutions, and present my research at an international conference. In addition to helping me decide that I want to pursue scientific research, the experience I have gained is invaluable.
You study geology and ancient civilizations studies. Do you find them complementary?
Many geochemical and geophysical techniques can be quite useful in archaeology. Although this is not my primary research interest, I hope to work with archaeologists in my career, and I think having some background in classical studies will help me bridge the two disciplines. I think geology and classics are different perspectives on history, one material and one cultural. Both have helped me feel a strong connection to the history of humanity and the world.
Who have been the most influential people you鈥檝e known at 蜜桃传媒?
I started working in Ethan Baxter鈥檚 lab my freshman year, and he has become one of the most important mentors of my college career. From giving me the research opportunity as a freshman to helping me apply to graduate programs as a senior, Ethan has been immensely helpful as I鈥檝e discerned my path over the last four years. [Associate Professor] Gail Hoffman of the Classics Department, whom I have known since freshman year, has helped me strike a balance between my studies in the sciences and the humanities, and has been instrumental in helping me find my way not only as a scholar but as a person.
What experiences at 蜜桃传媒 have had the most significant impact on you?
The Honors Program has had a profound influence by exposing me to different perspectives on life from antiquity to the 21st century. It has helped me better understand what it means to be human, and develop my own perspectives on many of life鈥檚 big questions. The program has also shown me how necessary both the sciences and the humanities are for working toward an understanding the world and our place in it, something I have become very conscious of as a scientist.
Playing the cello in the 蜜桃传媒 Chamber Music Society over the last four years has also had a big impact. I don鈥檛 intend to pursue music professionally, but I鈥檝e been able to spend a significant amount of time doing something for sheer enjoyment. Despite the changes in my life during my time at 蜜桃传媒, music has been a constant.
What will you miss most?
I think I鈥檒l miss the everyday things that are easy to take for granted: late-night conversations with my roommates, sight-reading and practicing with my chamber group, walking across campus on a snowy evening. I鈥檒l also miss the communities I鈥檝e had the privilege of being a part of on campus, from my closest group of friends to Ethan鈥檚 lab group.
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Rosanne Pellegrini | University Communications | May 2019