Major Insight

Hear stories from students who found themselves away from home for the first time, trying to make new friends, and learning how to adapt and thrive in new and unfamiliar environments. As we prepare to bring you a new season of Major Insight this fall, part one of this special summer series shares some of the best advice from the podcast so far. 

Gretchen Spenn is highly involved in the academic and cultural sides of campus life. As a Kinesiology and Nutrition major, she combines her interests in sport and physical activity with a deeper understanding of how nutritional needs change as we grow and age. Gretchen is also a member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, which is commemorating a 50-year-long partnership with Miami University this year. Her work is helping to strengthen the relationship between the two Miamis by promoting the language, culture, knowledge, and values of the Myaamia people. Featured Majors: Kinesiology, Nutrition Featured Organizations: Myaamia Center, Native American Student Association

Wil Stevens ‘23 has come a long way from his Chicago neighborhood to Miami University, where he plays on the Men’s Basketball team and studies East Asian Languages & Culture. On this episode, he also talks about discovering his interest in East Asian culture, how to balance athletics with academics, and how he’s building confidence and character, and all while staying true to himself.

After seeing how the pressures of ballet dancing affected the mental health of many close friends, Kristina Miljkovic ‘22 became interested in psychology. Today, psychology continues to influence her work with the Research on Eating Disorders and Suicidality Lab (REDS), and she’s added a public health degree to help even more people live healthier, happier lives. On this episode, Kristina also talks about avoiding the trap of comparing yourself to others and the importance of taking things one day at a time. Featured Majors: Psychology, Public Health, Dance Featured Organizations: Research on Eating Disorders and Suicidality Lab, UP Magazine, Miami University Fashion & Design

Music performance and zoology define two different sides of James Lukenda ‘23. He is not only studying animals in an academic setting, he’s also the first violin in the Miami University Symphony Orchestra. James is also highly active on campus as the VP of the Miami University Audubon Bird-Watchers Society, and on this episode, hear how his different interests work together in surprising ways, how music has improved many aspects of his life, and how a lifelong love of animals is preparing him for a meaningful career after graduation. Featured Majors: Zoology, Music Performance Featured Organizations: Audubon Bird-Watchers Society, Miami University Symphony Orchestra

Molly Ferguson ‘23 discovered her passion for nursing early on. When a memorable experience at a young age showed her the difference a caring and compassionate nurse can make, she knew she wanted to have that same impact on patients and families one day. On this episode, Molly also talks about balancing her major with student organizations, and about how rewarding it can be to find a career dedicated to helping others. Featured Majors: Nursing (BSN) Featured Organizations: Miami Oxford Student Nurse Association (MOSNA), Kappa Kappa Gamma

Startup entrepreneurship is an area that Blake Faulkner ‘23 knows well. As a junior, Blake is already working on scaling up his own venture-backed startup called Bloxsmith -- a Web 3.0 company that provides an innovative marketplace for metaverse game developers. Blake is also highly involved in Miami’s student-led venture capital fund, Redhawk Ventures. And on this episode, he talks about the road that led to Bloxsmith, overcoming the challenges of building a new business, and how more students can follow their own entrepreneurial dreams. Featured Majors: Entrepreneurship, Finance, Anthropology Featured Organizations: RedHawk Ventures, RedHawk Launch Accelerator

Teaching is almost a family tradition for Olivia Casey ‘22. As a Middle Childhood Education major, Olivia is preparing to teach math and social studies and she’s part of the Urban Cohort, where she collaborates with high-needs local schools. She is also all about studying abroad, and became passionate about traveling after visiting MUDEC, Miami’s campus in Luxembourg. On this episode, she also talks about the life-changing impact of experiencing new cultures, the joys of teaching, and how to overcome homesickness after moving away to college. Featured Majors: Middle Childhood Education, TESOL Endorsement (Teaching English to speakers of other languages) Featured Organizations: Urban Cohort, College of Education, Health and Society (EHS) Ambassadors, Miami Activity and Programming (MAP)

Emily Coyne is already a successful YouTuber, entrepreneur, and influencer who runs the popular lifestyle, fashion and digital media company, emilyOandbows. At Miami, Emily is also an Emerging Technology in Business + Design major, which is providing the graphic design, social media marketing, and business skills to take her company to the next level. When she’s not sharing parts of her life one vlog at a time, she’s also active on campus as part of the Student Foundation, her sorority, and as part of Miami’s Digital Innovation Program. Featured Majors: Emerging Technology in Business + Design, Entrepreneurship Featured Organizations and Internships: ETBD Digital Innovation Program, Student Foundation

As an architecture major, Julie Bohlen ‘22 is passionate about community-focused projects that champion sustainable designs. Her work recently earned her 1st place in the 2021 American Institute of Architects Ohio Student Design Awards for her project called “Eviction to Empowerment: Shared Housing in Milwaukee’s Inner City.” Julia is also a member of the Miami University Botanical Society, and she’s a great example of how college can help students combine creative thinking with an analytical mindset to help solve important problems. Featured Majors: Architecture, Sustainability    Featured Organizations and Internships: American Institute of Architecture Students, Botanical Society, Chi Omega

As a first-generation student, Clinton Ransom ‘22 came to college with a background that was different from many of those he would meet on campus. But that didn’t stop him from pursing his interests in business and finance. After an internship at Rocket Mortgage landed him a job at the Chicago real estate firm Marcus & Millichap, Clinton knew that sales was the right career choice for him. On this episode, we talk about learning how to thrive in a new and unfamiliar environment, the networking benefits of Greek life, and why it’s so important to take care of your mental health. Featured Majors: Finance Featured Organizations and Internships: Rocket Mortgage, Marcus & Millichap, Delta Chi Fraternity

Mary Culp ’21 has deep convictions about making education accessible for all learners, and she is well on her way to becoming a special education teacher. In this episode, Mary talks about discovering her passion for teaching, the joys of working with students, her work with trauma-informed schooling practices, and the power of “learning by doing.”   We’ll also talk about adjusting to college life after moving away from home, overcoming the need to compare yourself to others, and about how to focus in on the things that matter most. Featured Majors: Inclusive Special Education, Disability Studies Featured Organizations and Internships: Student Council for Exceptional Children, Access Miami

Data is completely transforming the way we watch and play sports, and Caroline Brega is interested in how this “analytics revolution” connects her knowledge of business and her passion for sport. Outside the classroom, Caroline has worked with the Columbus Blue Jackets as part of Miami University’s inaugural Sport Analytics Summer Academy, and she was selected by Major League Baseball to be a part of its Society for American Baseball Research. On this episode, she also talks about how her penchant for problem-solving helped provide a promising pathway forward. Featured Majors: Finance, Spot Leadership and Management (SLAM) Featured Organizations and Internships: NCAA Softball Player Performance & Scouting Analytics Intern, Sport Analytics Summer Academy, Women in Sport Leadership club, MLB Society for American Baseball Research

Annie David ‘22 is always searching for ways to combine creativity and analytics. As a senior studying marketing and business, Annie is also passionate about a career in fashion and photography. She is also the Creative Director at Up Magazine, Miami University's sophisticated student-run fashion & lifestyle publication, and the former VP of marketing for Advancing Women in Entrepreneurship. On this episode, she also talks about overcoming the uncertainly of being a freshman and how joining student organizations helped bring her diverse interests together.   Featured Majors: Marketing, Business Analytics, Emerging Technology in Business + Design

Imagine smart prosthetics that anticipate and respond to the user. Unlocking the secrets of human balance inside virtual worlds. Or combining computer programing with genetic engineering. It may sound like science fiction. But it’s all part of the college experience for Gabe Lenneman ‘22. As a senior studying Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics, Gabe also competes on the waterski team and plays on the varsity eSports team. On this episode, he also talks about finding the courage to try new things, advice he would give his freshman self, and more. Featured Majors: Bioengineering, Bioinformatics Featured Organizations and Internships: Waterski team, Varsity Esports team

College is always a time of growth, transition, and change. As podcast host Peter Everett ‘21 prepares for life after graduation, this episode also marks a chance to welcome Jason Meggyesy ‘22 as the new host of Major Insight. Jason is interested in using a variety of media and communications platforms to build and strengthen connections with people. And on this episode, he also speaks about overcoming a fear of failure, and about all the illuminating and life-changing opportunities that college can offer. Featured Majors: Strategic Communications, Sport Leadership and Management (SLAM) Featured Organizations and Internships: RedHawk Athletics Marketing and Communications Internship, RedHawk Radio

After a career-ending injury derailed her plans to play college soccer, Grace Chaney used the experience as an opportunity to find her true passions in biomechanics, orthopedics, and medicine. As a kinesiology and premed double major, Grace has served as an undergraduate fellow at the Mayo Clinic, and her award-winning research has already helped busy people find new ways to squeeze in effective workouts. On this episode, she also talks about working towards medical school, some innovative new health care technology, overcoming the dangers of burnout, and more. Featured Majors: Kinesiology, Premedical Studies Featured Organizations and Internships: Anatomy and Physiology Club, Mayo Clinic, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Office of Research for Undergraduates, Stop the Bleed Campaign, The Mallory-Wilson Center for Healthcare Education Career Clusters: Health and Science

As an artist and educator, Lucy Osborne ‘22 is always excited share her love of art with others. As art education and art therapy double major, Lucy uses art to enhance the development of children, as well as the well-being of older adults with alzheimer's and dementia. She’s also an award-winning recipient of the Ohio Art Education Association scholarship. On this episode, she also talks about not only finding, but also maintaining a passion for your chosen major, the life-changing difference a great teacher can make, and more. Featured Majors: Art Education, Art Therapy, Studio Art Featured Organizations and Internships: Opening Minds Through Art (OMA), Ohio Art Education Association, The Giving Art Tree Project

Janelle Ghanem ‘21 has become extraordinarily adept at balancing two very different worlds. As a member of the Miami Women’s tennis team, Janelle was named an All-Academic Scholar-Athlete, while also studying computer science and engineering. She has already gained experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning at the U.S. Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and as a software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase. On this episode, she also talks about balancing athletics and academics, and the importance of finding strong mentorship in college, and in life. Featured Majors: Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering  Featured Organizations and Internships: Miami Women’s Tennis Team, DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency with the U.S. Department of Defense), JPMorgan Chase

Olivia Ferrazza seamlessly connects her interests in nutrition, food insecurity, and environmental sustainability. But it didn’t happen overnight. Olivia began college on a very different path before she learned how to put all the pieces together. As a nutrition major, and a food systems & food studies co-major, she is now the co-president of Leaders of Environmental Awareness and Protection, and she serves on the Student Sustainability Committee with other green campus org presidents. On this episode, she also talks about the value of having an open mind, and why students shouldn’t stress about finding their place and purpose right away. Featured Majors: Nutrition, Food Studies and Food Systems Featured Organizations and Events: Leaders of Environmental Awareness and Protection (LEAP), Environmental Awareness Program, GIVE Miami Chapter, Eco-Reps, Social Innovation Weekend