Impact of Growing Up in Mumbai on Desire to Major in Environmental Science

Kriish poses for an outdoor portrait in front of a tree while wearing a bright orange shirt.

Can you describe the environmental science program? “There are both environmental studies and environmental science majors. What is unique about the environmental science program is that we are able to understand the underlying science behind the environment, while combining biology, geology, and other components. We use this technology to better map, restore, assess, and understand […]

Meet #Rowan2025: Geology Major Kayla Santiano from Massachusetts

Stock photography of rocks.

Today we feature Kayla Santiano, an out-of-state incoming first year student joining us from Burlington, Massachusetts. Kayla will study Geology and live on campus in the fall. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? Meeting new people and being in a new environment. (Being on my […]

Leadership #PROFspective: Tara Lonsdorf, Managing Editor Of The Whit

Fanned out back issues of The Whit.

Today we feature Tara Lonsdorf, a leader at Rowan University. Tara is the managing editor for The Whit. She is a senior Geology major with a minor in Geographic Information Systems from East Windsor, NJ (Mercer County). This story is part of a series spotlighting campus leaders during Women’s History Month.  What is your role […]

6 Geology Majors Share Their Long-Term Career Goals

Kayla and her friend talking about a fossil.

Today, we ask six Geology majors about where they would like to see themselves long-term. “To be a paleontologist and either be a college professor or a museum curator. I want to focus on either paleoneurology or paleopathologies,” says junior Kayla Bagley, a Geology major with a concentration in Paleontology and a transfer from Ocean […]

Keeping Houseplants In Your Dorm or Apartment

Close up of houseplants on a windowsill in Willow Hall.

Today we speak with three Rowan students about living on campus with plants in their living spaces.

Two green plants inside of small pots. The pot on the left looks like a cat. There is also multiple other items on the table.
Tara’s plants

Tara Lonsdorf, a senior Geology major from East Windsor, NJ (Mercer County) has three plants, all of which were given to her from different people. She says she has, “a tiny air plant given to me by my dad, an aloe plant given to me by my boyfriend, and a jade plant given to me by Lindsay Johnson at the Wellness Center after completing counseling with her.” Tara’s reasoning for her having those specific plants are that they are convenient for her. She explained, “All of the plants are small, easy to transport, and super low-maintenance.” Tara also advised, “Don’t get a plant just to have a plant. Get a plant that will be meaningful to you and fit your lifestyle.”

Three green plants sitting on a brown table. There is also a "groot" holding one of the plants.
Kalie’s plants

Kalie VanDewater, senior Journalism major from Mt. Holly, NJ (Burlington County) said, “I have three plants: an aloe, a cactus, and the other one is a vine plant.” Kalie said, “I just got them because I thought they were cool. I honestly can’t remember why.” Kalie’s advice is, “I recommend a cactus because that’s my most resilient plant and does well without a lot of water.”

Small green bamboo plant with mini pumpkins around it.
Rachel’s bamboo

Rachel Rumsby, a sophomore Communication Studies & Public Relations double major from River Edge, NJ (Bergen County) said, “I have one bamboo plant. My roommate, friend and I went to a Rowan After Hours event because we heard they were giving away pumpkins. They ran out of pumpkins so we were not able to get one. However, they had these bamboo plants so we each got one of those instead.” Rachel’s tip was, “Buy something easy to take care of and small to start off.”

Among the three of them they all are happy and enjoy living with their houseplants.

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Story by: Luke Garcia, junior music industry major

#PROFspective: Geology Major James Milward

James standing outside.

Today we feature James Milward, a junior Geology major with minors in Geographic Information Science and Geography from Pitman, NJ (Gloucester County). James is a first-generation college student and has a passion for climate change. Has there been a club or group that made you feel like Rowan was home? My freshman year I played […]

5 Geology Majors Share Their Short-Term Professional Goals

Kelsey and her friend talking about a fossil.

We spoke to five Geology majors about their short-term professional goals and plans.

A portrait photo of Kelsey.

“I am currently working on applying for summer internships. The internships I am looking into are research-based and field-based, but all revolve around Paleontology. I am set to graduate with my BA in Geology in the fall of 2021, and will be off to the graduate school I finally decide on in the fall of 2022.” – junior Kelsey Barker, a Geology major working toward a Certificate in Paleontology Foundations and transfer student from Rowan College of South Jersey (Gloucester Campus) from Hackettstown, NJ (Warren County)

Justin wearing a Jurassic Park t-shirt.

“In the short term, I would like to get into the Ph.D. program for Paleontology.” – junior Justin Vieira, a Geology major from Beachwood, NJ (Ocean County)

Mallory sitting and wearing a brown coat.

“I think this major at Rowan is really helpful in achieving my goals and will play such a huge role. We’re such a small major and we’re able to really be on good terms and close with all of our professors, which ends up leading us to great opportunities through their connections in the career field!” – first-generation college junior Mallory Osmun, a Geology major and transfer from Rowan College at Burlington County whose hometown is Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County)

A selfie of Cooper.

“My short-term goal is finishing my research project I’m doing for Rowan. I’m using mass spectrometry to figure out if 2 bone beds in Wyoming are the same. I’m looking at turtle, Hadrosaur, and Triceratops bones.” – sophomore Cooper Caputo, a Geology major with a concentration in Paleontology from Washington, DC

Zachary smiling and wearing tan outdoors gear.

“Currently, I’m only taking classes on Geology and, soon, Paleontology. Before the summer I plan on looking for internships that might help me. I am a member of the Delaware Valley Paleontological Society. I do have two family friends who are retired paleontologists whose advice I’ve taken.” – junior Zachary Armstrong, a Geology major with a concentration in Paleontology from Sewell, NJ (Gloucester County)

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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major

(FRESH)man Voices: Radio/TV/Film Major Vicky Stein & Geology Major Sammy Mason

Sammy and Vicky walk together on campus.

Today, we speak to freshmen Vicky Stein and Sammy Mason from Lewes, Delaware who live on campus in Chestnut Hall. Vicky is a Radio/TV/Film major and Sammy is a Geology major. They tell us more about their favorite spots on campus and give some advice for incoming students.

Sammy and Vicky walking together side by side.
Sammy (left) and Vicky (right) walking together on campus.

How did you two meet each other?

Sammy: It’s kind of a funny story actually! I was originally from New Jersey, which is pretty funny. We went to the same high school. She was friends with one of my friends. She originally thought I was annoying … but three years later, we became friends and now we’re here!

How is living in Chestnut? Have you met your RA?

Vicky: Chestnut is fine! I really like my RA, she’s really nice!

Are you interested in joining any clubs?

Sammy: I really wanted to do Crew Club but then [Covid-19] hit us, and I don’t know how that would work!

Vicky: I’m not sure about any of the clubs here yet!

Sammy wearing a pink mask and an orange "Danny Devito" shirt.

What’s your favorite spot on-campus so far?

Vicky: I really like the Rec Center.

Sammy: I mainly just hang out at the Student Center. I like it there!

Any advice for incoming freshmen?

Vicky: Rowan’s a really nice community to come to. If you’re looking for a place to talk and interact with people, Rowan’s a great place.

Sammy and Vicky posing together.

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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major

Photography by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations major

TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Geology Major Callie Stockton

Callie sitting on a wooden bench outside.

Meet Callie Stockton, a junior Geology major with minors in Astronomy and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). She is from Tabernacle, NJ (Burlington County) and transferred from Rowan College of Burlington County (RCBC). She’s also part of the Physics & Astronomy Club and the GEO Club. Here, Callie talks about her transition to Rowan. How has […]

Rowan Commuters: James Milward [VIDEO]

James Milward sits on the green next to Wilson Hall

Welcome to our new “Rowan Commuter” series, where we take an inside look at the lives and experiences of Rowan University commuters and how their overall college experience is without living on campus.

In this video, Geology major James Milward talks about how he balances Rock Climbing Club and spending time with his group of Geology majors with being a commuter student here at Rowan. 

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Video by:
Tom Copsetta, radio/TV/film graduate