Eva Blockstein of Takoma Park, MD, Awarded Theory-to-Practice Grant from Ohio Wesleyan University

2018 Jan 25

Eva Blockstein of Takoma Park, MD, has been awarded a fall 2017 Theory-to-Practice Grant from Ohio Wesleyan University. The grants support research, internship, service, and cultural-immersion opportunities throughout the world.

The Theory-to-Practice Grant awarded to Blockstein supports a project titled "Studying Spindly Leg Syndrome in Endangered Panamanian Frogs." Blockstein will travel to Panama for eight weeks in June, July, and August and volunteer at the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Center. She will collaborate with Brian Gratwicke, Ph.D., on his research into the musculoskeletal abnormality and conduct her own independent research into Panama's biodiversity.

Since fall 2009, more than 800 Ohio Wesleyan students, faculty, and staff have used university-funded Theory-to-Practice grants, part of The OWU Connection, to conduct research or complete special projects in more than 60 countries.

Ohio Wesleyan student Josh Martineau used a Theory-to-Practice Grant to support working in Costa Rica for a month with the non-governmental organization (NGO), Fundacion Mujer. The organization helps women refugees seeking to start businesses.

"After reflecting on my experience, I am considering pursuing a career with a company that helps their community through microcredit and similar services," said Martineau, a junior from Boston, MA, who is pursuing majors in international business and Spanish and a minor in politics and government.

Ohio Wesleyan's Theory-to-Practice Grant program is competitive, with submissions evaluated by an advisory board of professors, staff, and students. A total of $50,000 was awarded to this fall to support six projects.

When the grant recipients return to campus, they prepare reports and presentations based on their objectives and experiences, helping them to solidify and share their knowledge.

Learn more about The OWU Connection, including Theory-to-Practice Grants, at www.owu.edu/owuconnection.

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 90 undergraduate majors and competes in 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through Ohio Wesleyan's signature OWU Connection program, students integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included in the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "best colleges" lists. Learn more at www.owu.edu.

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