Curious. Engaged. Eager to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Duke students have wide interests but share a passion for what they do. You'll meet some of them here. Duke's Office of News and Communications prepared this site in Fall 2006 to highlight just a few of the undergraduates whose interests extend across the classroom and the community to make a real difference in the world.
Ben Abram '07
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
This engineer hosts casual conversations with famous people.
Patrick Bailey '08:
San Antonio, Texas
Christian fellowship and football help ground his life.
Carina Barnett-Loro '09
Durham, North Carolina
As a native of Durham, she takes advantage of the city's diversity.
Zach Bencan '07
Ambler, Pennsylvania
A volunteer tutor, he co-authored a neuroscience research paper with his professor.
Kathy Choi '09
Torrance, California
This world traveler teaches a "house course" on racial issues.
Alessa Colaianni '07
Lake Forest, IL
Studying genomics and philosophy still leaves her time to play the piano.
Seyward Darby '07
Greenville, North Carolina
After a year running the campus newspaper, she preps for the Peace Corps.
Rob Harris '07
Dallas, Texas
A fraternity president plans a law career.
Rachel Wald '07
Richardson, Texas
A phone call to an engaged professor helped lead her to a career in diplomacy.
Chauncey Nartey '07
Suffern, New York
A Liberian national studies immigration law while seeking U.S citizenship.
Eric Oberstein '07
Bellerose Village, New York
This percussionist runs a children's arts program while exploring his Cuban heritage.
Carolyn Rubenstein '07
Boca Raton, Florida
A lifelong philanthropist writes a book about cancer survivors.
Chas Salmen '07
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
This Rhodes Scholar is raising awareness about the Middle East while planning for medical school.
Jimmy Soni '07
Westmont, Illinois
This activist focuses on the intersection between politics and ethics.
Luke Stewart '07
Randallston, Maryland
Once a cross country star, he works with faculty mentors to explore physics mysteries.
Felicia Walton '07
Asheville, North Carolina
A Marshall Scholar, she discovered six genes that change a pathogenic fungus.
Yvonne Yamanaka '08
Portland Oregon
From the lab to Uganda, she applies her engineering skills beyond the classroom.
Susanna Temkin '07
Miami Shores, Florida
She planned student programming at the Nasher Museum of Art and helped curate a national exhibit.
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