SUNY Oneonta

Heather Sanger, of Smithtown, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Satoyama Revival: Living Sustainably in the 21st C." at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "I traveled abroad to Tokyo, Japan, to the Global Diversity and Sustainability Camp at Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) to study the revival of Satoyama. In the program, we were grouped with other students from Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia to complete a field study at Jike Furusato Village and present our findings," said Sanger, who is studying Communication Studies and Sociology. "Through participating in the program, I was able to assist in the field study and gather information about the sustainable lifestyle of Satoyama. I participated in asking questions to the local residents we interviewed, taking photos, and sharing my findings. We gathered our findings and discussed what opportunities there were to draw more newcomers and tourism into these areas. From further research and understanding of Satoyama in our home countries, we were able to piece together our ideas. We eventually presented our findings, and I was able to talk about the concept of drawing people in from cities and what draws people to Urban areas over Rural areas.. "This project has taught me a lot about how societies maintain population and where people tend to leave. Understanding how to make a community attractive enough for people to choose to settle in these areas is crucial to maintaining a population. A lot of the recent generations are more likely to move to urban areas, because cities tend to be more modern and more appealing. Understanding how living in rural areas can support all of your needs can help people realize that living in these areas is sustainable. "This research project really shaped my future; it has drawn me into the idea of encouraging tourism and building a society that fulfills a person's lifestyle. I decided to lean more into learning about urban planning and, genuinely, how to revive a community. Looking within the community I live in and where I attend college has really increased my interest in these topics. Currently thinking and discussing how to keep college students in town after they graduate." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Kamelah Union, of Endicott, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Montclair State University Conference" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "I completed research in Fall 2025 with my professor by collecting data and interviewing farmers about their perspective on pesticide use in NY. I then presented my findings at a conference at Montclair State University, New Jersey," said Union, who is studying Environmental Sustainability. "I spoke with farmers to get their opinions on pesticide use, met and interacted with other students at the conference and did some networking. I also attended a few very helpful sessions that gave me insight into the different types of career paths out there. "I learned that while at the conference and interacting with other presenters, these students are very passionate about their topics and want to be heard and for people to be aware of them. This conference was definitely a good way for students to show their findings. It was kind of preparing us for the real world. "I will finish up my education while in my last semester and am thinking about getting my master's degree in either biology or geography and to continue doing what I love." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Ashley Komosinski, of Delhi, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Used Book Drive" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "I helped with a book drive, encouraging students to donate books, children's books that they may have but are not using. These books are being donated to the Head Start on campus," said Komosinski, who is studying Psychology. "I assisted with setting up meeting times to make donation boxes, as well as helping spread awareness to others outside the club of what we are trying to accomplish. I supported each member of the board along the way to make sure this event ran smoothly and provided input and assistance with each task. As well as ensuring we had enough support from staff and students to fulfill our goal to donate used books to the Head Start. "I learned how effective a group can be when working as a team to accomplish something. I also learned that the right motivation could influence numerous people to want to help others as well as the planet. I also learned how much support a club can offer when given the opportunity to. "Next, I would like to try and continue this project while at graduate school. I will be a student at the University at Albany and aspire to spread awareness in the capital. This project was beneficial for me and everyone around me, and I hope it will be just as beneficial wherever I end up next. I hope the future leaders in the HDFS Club continue to hold a used book drive as well." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Alexandra Pizzaia, of Wantagh, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "DIY natural all-purpose cleaners in the residential halls" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "I wanted residents to be able to see a safe and clean natural cleaner. I told them it was refillable and all-purpose. I explained how it not only saves you money but also saves us from unnecessary plastic and harmful chemicals that may not always wash away," said Pizzaia, who is studying Biology. "Before I set up, I asked the Office of Sustainability for help. They supplied me with the proper equipment and resources. Once that was set up, I laid out instructions on how to make the cleaner. I also supplied some essential oils so they could have a clear that also smells nice without harmful chemicals! I gave each resident their own copy of the instructions so they can continue this. "I learned that people are willing to do sustainable things; they need a push. And even though this was very small, I had almost 50 people do something that benefits our plant. With residents, they often go with the easiest and most accessible thing, so that is likely harmful cleaning agents. Giving them this opportunity to see a cheaper and more beneficial way of cleaning things helps broaden their sense of sustainability. "I'd love to do something with dry sheets versus wool balls. I've talked about it with residents, but I want to really test the difference. Oftentimes, people take it well that the wool balls don't smell nice, and I rebut with adding 3 drops of an essential oil, and your laundry smells just as clean, if not cleaner than before. I have briefly started this, and I already see fewer dryer sheets in the halls. I still want to focus on easy and more accessible items because that is the hardest to get people to do, but more importantly, to break away from, even if it's a small population, any amount of effort toward a healthier and cleaner future." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Gabriella Terrano, of Schenevus, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Brewery Ommegang Mercantile Internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "While interning at Brewery Ommegang's Mercantile, I learned more about what happens behind the scenes to keep the store running and able to meet customers' needs," said Terrano, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "While interning at Ommegang, I not only completed the regular tasks of a store staff member but also assisted the store manager with her roles as mercantile manager, product and event photographer, and Tap House social media manager. I researched upcoming trends to help make decisions about future merchandise. I used this information to make informed choices on garment colors and designs. I went through the process of creating a promotional email advertisement from start to finish. I also helped to curate a new collection of merch for the upcoming season. "I gained valuable information about the promotional and merchandising aspects of the Ommegang Mercantile. I learned more about how and where Ommegang sources its garments and other products, as well as the methods used to communicate with these businesses. I learned firsthand the months of continuous planning and communication that go into making a retail store run efficiently. "I will be graduating with a bachelor's degree in Fashion and Textiles with a concentration in design this May. After graduation, I will be looking to start my professional career in fashion. While applying to new jobs, I will continue working part-time both in retail and as a lifeguard." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Kiley Monroe, of Syracuse, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Recycling Ambassadors" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "We collected styrofoam, plastic wrap and cardboard from freshman move-in to work on eliminating landfill waste. We worked to make sure everything was collected and recycled properly instead of just putting it in the trash," said Monroe, who is studying Environmental Sustainability and Geography. "I was involved with this program for multiple days. We had three large cardboard boxes to distribute between cardboard, styrofoam and plastic wrap. We went around the building in shifts to collect recyclables from dorms in the hallways, and we took turns helping each other bring cardboard out to the huge recycling crates outside each building. I worked in one building in the morning and a different one in the afternoon, resulting in a multi-hour shift of eliminating trash waste. "My biggest takeaway is how much waste can be produced in just a few days in college move-in. We collected multiple huge crates of cardboard, a whole room full of styrofoam and multiple bags of plastic wrap. I also learned that there are many rules about recycling. You can't recycle plastic unless it is a certain type and it stretches; you can't recycle styrofoam the same way you recycle cardboard. A big issue that happens is that even if one piece of trash goes in the recyclables, it all has to be thrown away. "I have done a lot of community service through sustainability, such as trash cleanups and donation days for the thrift store. I plan to be a recycling ambassador again this upcoming fall because I very much enjoyed it and felt like I made a difference. I want to do more cleanups and properly recycle for more programs for the future, and I hope to become an eco ambassador intern for the next year to continue leading students to make a better earth through our college community." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Liana Walton, of Clifton Park, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Extra Credit Window Display" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "My experiential learning experience was an extra credit opportunity from Dr. Sarah Portway's Fashion in the Global Economy course. I created a holiday-themed window display at Shakedown Street, a consignment shop on Main Street in Oneonta, NY," said Walton, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This window display was created for the store to promote the holiday season and showcase the unique pieces of clothing and accessories that are available for purchase. "I planned and executed the entire holiday window display, from selecting each garment and accessory to arranging the mannequins and props. I chose pieces that reflected both the season and the store's aesthetic, and made sure the styling was all cohesive and appealing. Throughout the process, I applied principles from my fashion coursework to create a polished and eye-catching display. "While completing this project, I learned how to thoughtfully select and position garments and accessories in a way that aligns with the theme and captures people's attention. This visual merchandising assignment has furthered my experience with both styling and product placement. Creative direction and presentation are everything in fashion, and this project really helped me sharpen the skills I need for the career I'm building." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Alyvia Freeman, of Syracuse, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Alyvia Freeman: Fashion Internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "In the Fall Semester of 2025, I had the opportunity to experience a fashion internship with Sweet Caroline's CO Boutique. This internship took place from late August until late November," said Freeman, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This is some of the visual merchandising I managed during my internship, showcased on the boutique's Instagram. "During my internship at Sweet Caroline's CO Boutique, I gained hands-on experience in both social media management and in-store operations. I created and scheduled posts for Instagram and Facebook, assisted with live social media sessions, and contributed ideas for content strategy. In the store, I styled mannequins, helped with visual merchandising, assisted in event planning and execution and organized inventory. I also supported customers by providing advice, input and checkout assistance, while keeping the store clean and helping brainstorm ideas for promotions and displays. This experience allowed me to combine creativity, customer service, and practical retail and marketing skills. "During my internship, I gained valuable hands-on experience operating the POS system and cash register, which strengthened my technical skills in retail operations. I improved my communication and problem-solving abilities by interacting with customers and assisting with store challenges. I also gained practical experience in marketing, including social media management and visual merchandising. Additionally, I learned how important store location, presentation and quick problem-solving are to overall business success. These experiences have prepared me to confidently apply both customer service and marketing skills in future professional opportunities." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Briyana Rentas, of Haverstraw, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Internship at Sweet Caroline's Co Boutique" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "During my internship with Michelle Castle, I was involved in the daily operations of the boutique, helping to ensure the store ran smoothly while observing the overall management process. I also assisted in transitioning the boutique to online sales, which provided insight into how retail businesses adapt to digital platforms. This experience allowed me to gain a broader understanding of boutique operations," said Rentas, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This photo shows a mannequin I styled during my boutique internship, highlighting my work in visual merchandising and creating store displays that attract and engage customers. It also represents my experience designing content for social media to promote the boutique and its products. Through this work, I developed a stronger understanding of how in-store displays and online marketing work together to enhance customer experience and support boutique operations. "During my boutique internship, I worked on visual merchandising by styling mannequins and arranging displays to showcase clothing and accessories. I assisted with store operations, including inventory management, using the POS system and customer service. I also created and scheduled social media content to promote the boutique online. This allowed me to gain hands-on experience in both the creative and operational aspects of running a boutique. "This internship taught me how to balance creativity with organization and the importance of attention to detail in a retail environment. I learned how visual presentation and online content work together to engage customers and support business goals. I also gained experience managing multiple responsibilities and adapting to different aspects of boutique operations. These lessons will help me in future roles in retail, merchandising, or marketing by giving me practical skills and a better understanding of running a small business." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Emily Kendrick, of Middletown, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Fashion Internship with Island Premium Printing" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "During my most recent internship at a local small business, Island Premium Printing, I learned the full process of screen printing and design-to-garment, from helping with production to running the store independently. I also saw firsthand how small dreams can grow into real visions. On top of that, I managed their social media, modeled, styled and coordinated shoots, which gave me a well-rounded look at both the creative and day-to-day side of the business," said Kendrick, who is studying Fashion and Textiles and Communication Studies. "This photo is me screen printing tote bags at the City of the Hills Festival, which was one of my favorite hands-on parts of the internship. I am using it on Instagram to bring the store's social media back to life and to start sharing more behind-the-scenes looks at what we have been working on. "During my internship, I helped my boss come up with new design ideas and got to be part of the creative process behind the products. I often worked independently, opening and closing the store on weekends and handling the retail daily operations on my own. I also managed the brand's social media, creating content that fit the style and personality of the business. In addition, I helped style and assist with photoshoots, which gave me more experience on the creative side of marketing. "From this internship, I learned how to take a vision and carry it out from start to finish like a business owner, which inspired me to want to try doing it myself one day. I also learned how screen printing and DTG processes work and got a better sense of how products are actually made. I learned a lot about the target market and how to come up with design ideas that would sell for the brand. On top of that, I helped style and work on photoshoots, which showed me how much visuals matter for a brand's identity." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Mia Yanoti, of Poughkeepsie, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Internship at Leatherstocking Quilts" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "I interned at Leatherstocking Quilts in Oneonta. I gained experience in design and merchandising," said Yanoti, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This is a snapshot of the updated Leatherstocking Quilts website. During my internship, I worked on the website and organized it so that the store owner could begin online sales. "The online sales feature of the website had been active, but the store owner wanted everything to be completely organized and set up properly before "officially" launching and advertising the online store. I photographed the product, set up a new organizational system for the items and designed a simple layout that is user-friendly. I worked on this project for about a month. "I learned how important it is to consider the target market of a business when designing things like a website. The target market for Leatherstocking Quilts is women ages 65+, so they might not be as technologically adept. Keeping this in mind when designing helped me to create a website layout that allowed for general or highly specific searches, so that customers can browse the online store in a way that works best for them." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Gisselle Rojas De La Luz, of Yonkers, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Shakedown Street Internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "I interned at Shakedown Street, where I supported social media content, organized product displays and helped host an event. This experience gave me hands-on insight into small business operations and customer engagement," said Rojas De La Luz, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This project is a visual summary of my work at Shakedown Street. It features some images from videos I did and a picture with Vicki and the other interns from the event we hosted. This highlights my involvement in content creation, event planning and engaging the community both online and in person. "During my internship at Shakedown Street, I helped manage the shop's social media presence by creating and posting content. I also assisted with product display, making sure the store looked organized, visually appealing and aligned with the brand's style. In addition, I helped plan and host a celebration/fundraiser, supporting customer engagement and creating a positive experience for visitors. "Through these tasks, I learned how to create consistent and effective social media content that matches a business's identity and goals. I developed a stronger eye for visual merchandising and how product placement can influence customer interest. Hosting an event also taught me how to communicate with customers, multitask under pressure and help build a welcoming atmosphere for the community. I also learned how to communicate effectively with other businesses." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Denise Coby, of Binghamton, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "The Underground Attic Internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. At The Underground Attic, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of vintage clothing alongside small business owner Elizabeth Raphaelson. During my time at I learned valuable lessons in running a small business as well as the importance of online sales," said Coby, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "My main responsibility at UA was helping with online sales, as the population in Oneonta is not enough to sustain a small business alone. We utilized Instagram DM to claim, which I curated at my ships, as well as whatnot, an online live sales platform. During these sales, we were able to sell up to 70 items at a time, which taught me the importance of online selling. "Once sales were complete, I was also responsible for shipping each item with extreme care. Vintage items are incredibly delicate so I had to learn the art of packing glass, crystal, metal and more, sometimes all in one package together. Once items were unrecognizable in tissue paper, bubble wrap and then more paper, I labeled items and sent them on their way. This is definitely a skill I will be carrying with me as a future business owner myself! "Overall, the most important lesson I learned was the importance of forming strong connections with customers both in person and online alike. It is easy to form regular connections and loyal customers in person, but forming those same connections with online buyers who join sales nightly is not as easy. This skill is still equally important, especially when running a business in a small town such as Oneonta." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Deanne Scott, from The Bronx, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Hilltown Edge Magazine Content" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "Course FASH 2700 was assigned the task of completing research and assembling a shopping page as Harper's Bazaar intern. Displaying products styled around a chosen theme, following a two-sentence description on our shopping page," said Scott, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "The shopping page was designed to showcase a specific trend or theme, convincing the reader to buy referenced products, as featured in Hilltown Edge Magazine.. "My main focus while creating this shopping page was to be inspired by neutral tones and the idea of mixing everyday style with the luxury fashion, Desert Luxe. I focused on rich browns, suede textures, and simple silhouettes to create a look that encouraged a bold 'streetwear' and loose outfit. Each piece was hand-picked by me to work together visually while showing how high-end items can still feel wearable. From oversized bags and layered jewelry to casual tops and sneakers. The page combined comfort with luxury in a way that feels comfortable and realistic. Overall, this project shows that I learned how to create a clear theme while styling products thoughtfully to put together a visually attractive shopping page. "This project really taught me how important it is to have a clear concept and stick to it when creating a shopping page. I learned that every single garment that was chosen matters. From colors and textures, to where items are placed on the page to make it look more engaging to the viewers. It helped me figure out how to mix everyday wearable pieces with high-end fashion to make it feel realistic. I also learned a lot about visual balance, like how accessories, clothing, and bags all need to work together, and I tried my best to make it not look as chaotic as the vision. Overall, this project helped me trust my creative instincts more and showed me how to turn an idea into something desirable and professional." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Emma Hart, of Sound Beach, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "House of Consignment Fashion Internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "During my hybrid internship under Kirsty Roefs, I had the opportunity to learn the inner workings of the consignment process in a small retail business setting. I gained experience in creating social media content, learned the process of consigning items, and strengthened my visual merchandising skills, all while working both remotely from home and in-store," said Hart, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This photo is an example of one of the many visual merchandising displays I created in the store. The displays were often themed and meant to showcase certain types of products to drive sales in those areas. "My tasks while working in-store often included photographing and uploading merchandise to the website, creating visual merchandising displays, maintaining and organizing the sales floor, and observing and aiding in the general processes of running a small retail business. When working remotely, I primarily created content for the social media pages and aided in creating ideas for and planning upcoming store events. I also often dealt with general customer questions and reorganized displays to increase space availability and efficiency. "Throughout my time at House of Consignment, I developed an understanding of how a small retail business operates both online and in-store. My experiences photographing and uploading merchandise to the website taught me how to present products effectively and the importance of online sales for a local business without heavy local foot traffic. Additionally, creating visual displays taught me how to effectively utilize design principles and use product placement to drive sales while highlighting certain items. Creating social media content strengthened my creative skills and helped me to understand what drives engagement from customers. Overall, this experience has prepared me for my future career by providing me with organizational, creative and digital skills." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Deanne Scott, from The Bronx, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Hilltown Edge Magazine Shopping Page" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "In course FASH 2700, I was tasked with completing research and assembling a shopping page while writing a one-to two-sentence "blurb" to try to engage our viewers in the featured garments and accessories. We arranged our pages to depict Harper's Bazaar's professional shopping pages using our own themes to present our sense of style," said Scott, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "The shopping page was designed to showcase a specific trend or theme convinving the reader to buy the reference products as featured in Hilltown edge magazine. "I was tasked with exploring Desert Luxe, a luxury shopping page that explores the beauty of neutral tones through a high fashion lens, blending everyday wear with designer pieces. The page displays everyday wear with grand designer pieces. It was inspired by warm brown, suede textures and minimalist luxury. This layout creates a desirable story that blends casual streetwear and runway designs. Each of the items that I had handpicked was selected not only for visual enjoyment, but also for its contribution to showcase a narrative of modern desert-inspired chic. The combination of bold accessories, layered outerwear and large handbags creates a current reflection of fashion trends while maintaining a timeless outfit. This project successfully demonstrates my newly discovered skill of communicating a clear fashion story through a professional shopping page. "This project really taught me how important it is to have a clear concept when it comes to creating a shopping page. I learned how to balance trendy statement pieces with more everyday items that feel more realistic. It helped me figure out how to mix current streetwear with wearable, high-end fashion pieces. I gained a better sense of visual marketing, such as how the accessories, clothing and bags all work together. It taught me how to make the fashion page look less chaotic when assembling my vision. Overall, this project helped me trust my creative instincts and grow more confident in my styling. It elevated my creative decision-making, making my work more sophisticated and professional." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Hannah Perry, of Manchester, CT, has completed an experiential learning project titled "House of Consignment Internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "At the House of Consignment, I had the freedom to design ads, style mannequins, interact with customers, and decorate different areas of the store. My time here taught me patience, efficiency and time-management skills that I will take with me forever," said Perry, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This is an Instagram post I created for the Holiday season. I utilized Pinterest for the background photo and Picsart for additional photo cutouts, text tools and other editing software. I had such a fun time creating these online ads and am looking forward to continuing my growth in the fashion world! "Here, I practiced my skills in ad design by creating collage-style Instagram posts, finding ways to combine design with my knowledge of business and merchandising. I also utilized my knowledge of design to style many of the mannequins, taking garments and placing them together to create eye-catching displays. I took photos for the website using the store phone and put together displays for the store for items such as scarves, belts, and shoes, allowing me to capture each and every product in its most enticing form. I also spoke with a few customers on separate occasions, assisting in finding them the right item for their style and needs. "Taking photos for the website increased my awareness of time-management, efficiency and practicalness while also enlightening me on practices and resources I can use to make the process easier. Creating ads for the website allowed me to see how well my designs engaged with customers, allowing me to improve my speed and ad appeal with each and every post I created. Styling the mannequins broadened my design skillset by giving me practice to conceptualize and experiment with textures, patterns and proportions, which translate into ideas that customers can relate to. Lastly, conversations with customers allowed me to connect with them based on their unique identity and style. I will be able to use these learned skills at future jobs and when I start my business, as I am able to efficiently take product photos, create eye-catching displays, connect with customers and design visually compelling advertisements." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Elaisa Vinicio, from The Bronx, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Shakedown Street: Fashion Internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "During my internship at Shakedown Street, I worked as a Social Media Content Creator, helping manage and grow the store's online presence. My role included content planning, collaborations and supporting business events," said Vinicio, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This final document contains my internship reflection, summarizing my responsibilities, experiences and personal growth during my time at Shakedown Street. It was created and submitted as part of the requirements for my internship course. "I created and approved scheduled social media content for the business. I also modeled and styled pieces, showcasing the products through photos and videos. I worked closely with local businesses and contributed new ideas to help improve engagement. Additionally, I assisted with organizing and supporting store events. My role required creativity, collaboration and strong communication skills. Overall, I was deeply involved in elevating the store's digital presence. "In this role, I learned how to build and manage a content schedule, edit in multiple formats, and find out what techniques perform best for engagement and growth on social media. I have also gained extensive experience in professional communication, particularly through coordinating collaborations with other businesses. This helped me strengthen my organizational skills, creativity, attention to detail and confidence in my marketing abilities." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Denise Coby, of Binghamton, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Brand Expansion Meeting Simulations" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "In this semester-long project, my team worked together to develop and lead a strategic brand expansion meeting for a publicly traded fashion company. We proposed that Hermes expand into Lagos, Nigeria by opening a brick-and-mortar retail store, while exploring executive-level decision-making dynamics," said Coby, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "The artifact I am submitting is the final slide deck for our brand expansion meeting, which we used to support our meeting with executive stakeholders. "Throughout the semester, I worked with my team to develop a Gantt chart, meeting memos, and the development of geographic factors, a SWOT analysis and a sourcing calendar. I participated in role-playing as both a meeting leader and Chief Marketing Officer for another team. I helped create our slide deck while ensuring that we used on-brand visuals, images, charts and data in order to summarize our final recommendations for our expansion. During the meeting I presented my findings, defended our choices and had to adapt to on-the-spot questions by executives. "This project taught me about strategic decision-making inside the global fashion economy as well as how organizations make decisions with cross-departmental executives. I gained experience in leading meetings, communicating quickly and clearly, persuasion and adjusting based on feedback. The role-playing style of the meetings especially helps improve confidence in stressful and high-stakes situations, giving me the skills to think critically under pressure." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Anitra Scott, of New York, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Sustainable Fashion Week US" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "During my internship, I gained hands-on experience creating digital content, researching sustainable fashion trends, and managing social media engagement in a remote professional setting. This experience helped me strengthen my communication, organization and marketing skills," said Scott, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "As an online intern, my final work focused on creating digital content, research-based social media posts and engagement reports that supported my organization's mission. Rather than a single physical project, my contributions were shared through online platforms and submitted directly to my internship supervisor for feedback and use. "During my internship, I researched sustainable fashion trends and created digital content for social media, including informational posts, captions and designer highlights that aligned with the organization's mission. I tracked engagement metrics such as likes, comments, shares and posting patterns to analyze audience interaction and help improve online strategy. I also assisted with media research by identifying fashion publications and outreach contacts that could cover or attend events. Additionally, I drafted content for newsletters and helped maintain consistent messaging across platforms. Through these activities, I contributed to enhancing the organization's online presence while gaining hands-on experience in digital marketing, content creation and sustainable fashion communication. "Through this internship, I learned how to effectively create and manage digital content for social media, including tailoring posts to engage specific audiences and analyzing metrics to measure impact. I gained deeper insight into sustainable fashion trends and how brands communicate eco-conscious practices to the public. I also developed stronger research and professional communication skills by identifying media outlets, drafting content and collaborating remotely with my supervisor. This experience taught me how to adapt to a virtual work environment, manage deadlines and balance multiple projects at once. I believe these skills will be valuable in future roles in digital marketing, fashion communications and sustainability-focused initiatives." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Charlotte Bayne, of Walton, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Producing Content for HEM" (Hilltown Edge Magazine) at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "In FASH 2700, Fashion Journalism, we submitted four assignments to the SUNY Oneonta Fashion Journalism website titled HEM. There were a wide variety of assignments we submitted, but all of them were a great learning experience, and could be useful in the future," said Bayne, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "The first assignment posted on the website was a shopping page, mimicking a Harper's Bazaar magazine, created using PowerPoint. The next assignment was a news article informing the reader of the latest fashion news happening that week, and I chose to write about the Timberland and Telfar collaboration. The next assignment was a catwalk review, where we picked a runway show from September, which I picked Balmain, and we wrote about the show and included images. For the last assignment, we borrowed clothes from the campus thrift store to style and have a photoshoot with models of our choice. "I learned that there can be a lot of learning curves when working with new technologies. It taught me that the best way to work through these challenges is to spend a lot of time playing around with whatever you are using. It also taught me to be confident in my work and acknowledge where the strong points are in what I did." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Paola Ponce-Agredano, of Swan Lake, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "M&T Bank Event" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "For this particular project, I was tasked with promoting and advertising this banking event. I put together some posters, posts and captions for our Instagram," said Ponce-Agredano, who is studying Business Administration. "I made sure that the event was promoted efficiently by making posts, captions and putting up flyers. "I learned how to attend and plan networking events, meet with staff regularly for promoting and marketing major events." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Denise Coby, of Binghamton, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Ever After Bridal Internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "During my internship at Ever After Bridal Boutique, I trained as a bridal stylist. This experience allowed me to apply and expand my knowledge from SUNY Oneonta's Fashion and Textiles track, deepening my skills in merchandising, design and client relations in a real-world setting," said Coby, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "Rather than complete one project, I assisted in many small elements that led to a learning experience far beyond styling. "My involvement at Ever After significantly varied day to day. While I trained as a bridal stylist, guiding clients through gown selections, fittings, and creating a personalized shopping experience, I quickly learned that no day is ever the same. As each bride brings a unique vision, personality, and story, it was an incredible experience to work with people during such a special and emotional time in their lives. With only two hours to make a lasting impression, I learned the importance of making each bride feel seen, heard, and understood. My goal was not only to help them say "yes" to the dress, but also to help them see their full potential as a bride and feel confident in their choice. Furthermore, I was involved with marketing and advertising efforts, as well as the planning and execution of boutique events such as the Sip and See and Gowns and Gardens (A mock wedding and fashion show). Finally, I assisted in the buying process for one of the major designers Ever After carries in store as well as shadowed Taylor in her day-to-day responsibilities as owner, gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and retail management. "This internship taught me how to quickly build meaningful connections with clients, an essential skill for any customer-focused role in the fashion industry. I learned how to balance emotional sensitivity with professionalism, which will be invaluable when working in high-pressure or personal shopping environments. Gaining hands-on experience in styling, event planning, and marketing helped me understand how various aspects of the fashion business come together. These experiences strengthened my communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills, which will serve me well in future roles across merchandising, retail, or brand development. Lastly, it has opened the door for future work with Ever After as a full-time stylist post-graduation!" Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Ava Lebid, of Yorktown Heights, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Red Dragon ePortfolio" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "Over the summer, I worked as a design intern under the supervision of Ed Beck at the SUNY Oneonta Faculty Center. The faculty center has been exploring ways to encourage students to build ePortfolios, and as a design student, I was able to contribute my skills to this initiative. My main role was to support students in developing portfolios. I worked extensively in WordPress, where I helped create a new starter theme that students could use to build their own professional portfolios and websites," said Lebid, who is studying Digital & Studio Art. "As a culminating project, I designed and launched my own personal e-portfolio/website, applying the skills I had developed throughout the internship. Beyond my work, I also contributed to the SUNY Oneonta OpenLab WordPress site by designing a theme with custom headers, footers, and page layouts for ePortfolios that improved consistency and accessibility. The new theme was implemented in the Fall 2025 semester for campus-wide student use. "To support the adoption of these tools, I created student-friendly tutorials that walked users through customizing the pre-made templates. These guides were written from the perspective of a student, making them approachable and easy to follow for first-time WordPress users. I designed reusable WordPress patterns that followed ADA accessibility standards; built my first beginner portfolio on WordPress, learning the program through trial and error; helped improve the usability and design of the OpenLab WordPress site, contributing elements like headers, footers, and galleries; and developed tutorials and documentation to help students confidently create their own websites and portfolios. "When I began this internship, I had no prior experience with WordPress. My first take on building a simple portfolio challenged me to learn quickly and adapt. As I continued working, I became more confident in designing and customizing websites, learning not only the technical aspects of WordPress but also how accessibility and usability shape design decisions." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Joslyn Sperry, of Norwalk, IA, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Historic Baking & Cooking Workshop: Development of 2026 Programming" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to be the Living History intern at Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, WI. My internship project centered around the implementation of the summer 2025 Historic Cooking Workshop for the public and researching, planning, budgeting, and training for a new Historic Cooking Workshop for summer 2026," said Sperry, who is studying Museum Studies. "This document will be used as the handout for visitors who pay to participate in the summer 2026 Historic Baking and Cooking Workshop at Old World Wisconsin. It includes a short schedule, recipes, a short passage to give context to the recipes, and an heirloom measurement chart. "This summer, I taught the five offered sessions of the Historic Baking and Cooking Workshop at Old World Wisconsin. In addition, I used past resources for these sessions and other programming to develop the materials and lesson plan for next summer's workshop. I also had the amazing opportunity to share my knowledge of the past on property as a historic interpreter in various sites. This gave me the chance to learn about historic textile production by dyeing and mordanting wool yarn, spinning wool into yarn, and weaving on an antique German floor loom. "Over the summer, I learned what makes a successful hands on education program through teaching the cooking workshops. Through observing and researching the target markets of Old World Wisconsin, I was able to tailor the development of next summer's workshop to these audiences. In addition, I observed the methods of managing a museum across a large property at OWW and the benefits and challenges of being part of a larger state organization. All of this and more will help me moving forward in my career in the living history field and has helped me to develop valuable connections to continue to guide me through my future." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Olivia O'Connell, of Pine Bush, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Panache Lingerie NYC internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "During my internship at Panache, I gained extensive hands-on experience in wholesale operations, competitive analysis, and product organization, while supporting the sales team and attending the NY Curve Trade Show at the Javits Center. This opportunity truly deepened my understanding of brand strategy, inventory systems, and the lingerie and swimwear industry as a whole," said O'Connell, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This competitive analysis presentation was created as the culminating project for my internship at Panache. It was researched, developed, and presented to the company's Creative Director from the United Kingdom, serving as an informational resource to guide future growth and positioning in this particular lingerie market. "During my internship at Panache, I developed a comprehensive competitive analysis as my final project. I examined over 25+ brands throughout this research, with a primary focus on Elomi, Goddess, and Fantasie, analyzing their brand positioning, target audiences, product ranges, and marketing approaches. The project featured visual brand comparisons, detailed SWOT analyses, and strategic recommendations designed to strengthen Panache's swimwear and lingerie presence. I presented my pitch to the company's Creative Director from the United Kingdom, aiming to highlight key opportunities for innovation, market growth, and sharper brand differentiation within the competitive, size-inclusive lingerie sector. "I learned from this experience how crucial it is to comprehend fashion's economic and creative aspects. I gained experience in analyzing competition positioning, performing in-depth market research, and converting data into clear, feasible strategies. By giving a presentation to an International industry leader, I improved my abilities in professional communication, visual presentation design, and brand analysis. These abilities will enable me to confidently develop marketing plans going forward, quickly adjust to shifting trends, and make intelligent decisions in the fast-paced fashion industry." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Braeden Morrison, of Marathon, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Internship in Exercise Science 4" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "I interned at AR Physical Therapy, which is an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Jamesville, NY," said Morrison, who is studying Exercise Science. "This final journal entry was created and submitted to my internship supervisor. "During my internship, I shadowed and assisted a licensed physical therapist and physical therapist assistant in a clinical outpatient setting. I observed patient evaluations, treatment planning, and therapeutic exercise instruction, while learning proper technique and safety considerations. I also helped prepare treatment areas, organized equipment and engaged with patients during sessions. "During my internship, I gained insight into how physical therapists assess, plan and adjust treatments based on patient progress and individual needs. I learned the importance of clear communication, patient rapport and adaptability when guiding patients through their programs. This experience strengthened my technical knowledge of rehab and gave me increased confidence in interacting with patients, which will help me transition smoothly into a physical therapy doctoral program." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Emilie Peterson, of St Johnsville, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Summer Internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "I interned at an accounting firm in Albany for the summer in the audit department," said Peterson, who is studying Professional Accounting. "This is a picture of my internship advisor and professor, Dr. Flynn, and alumni who also works at BST (the firm where I interned). Brianna Muenkel is a senior manager (left of Dr. Flynn), Khallyn LaFond started as an associate, and Jonathan Gibbs is a partner, all of whom graduated from SUNY Oneonta. "Over the summer, I worked on auditing both governmental entities and commercial businesses, gaining exposure to a variety of industries and accounting practices. I learned to navigate accounting software platforms to prepare testing workpapers, perform substantive and control testing, and document results in compliance with auditing standards. My role required consistent communication with clients to request necessary documentation, clarify information, and discuss findings, which strengthened my professional communication and client relationship skills. "During this project, I gained hands-on experience auditing both governmental and commercial clients, which exposed me to different accounting frameworks and industry-specific practices. I learned how to communicate with clients and furthered my understanding of accounting. The firm gave me a return offer, so having this experience will help me when I begin working full-time next summer, as I'll have some knowledge of what my responsibilities will be." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Alexandria Bard, of Schenectady, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Internship in Biology" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "In the summer semester of 2025, I had the opportunity to complete an Internship in Biology on the dates of May 27, 28, 30 and June 2, 4, and 6. My Internship took place at the Cobleskill/Richmondville Central School District under the Occupational Therapy Department," said Bard, who is studying Psychology. "This final internship report was created and submitted to my internship supervisor at the conclusion of my shadowing experience. This paper summarizes and highlights all of my knowledge learned, responsibilities, and valuable research that I accomplished throughout my time at the Cobleskill/Richmondville Central School District under the Occupational Therapy Department. "I observed integrated classrooms of 16-22 students who consisted of children both needing Occupational Therapy based treatment and those who did not require any services, self-contained classrooms consisting of: the Children's/Adolescent Communication Classrooms with only 6-7 students, Transitional Learning Center Students that had around 8 students, and other Learning Centers with 8-15 students. I took notes and assisted with providing care with fine motor skills, motor planning, bilateral coordination, sensory regulation, visual perception, and handwriting. I was granted permission and attended team meetings that involved all therapists involved in each child's case and watched how the treatment of each child was constructed and planned to help students reach their own individual goals. Many tasks I did with the children targeted fine motor development and visual perception such as gaining hand strength, learning a proper grasp, how to use pressure control, planting seeds in a garden, and keeping attention on a task such as prompting the use of glue sticks, scissors, and playing games like letter/number wheels and "I Spy." "By witnessing directly how healthcare professionals work together to construct an individualized plan that will reach each child's specific needs caused me to realize just how greatly I value that kind of collaboration. This internship revealed to me just how significantly Occupational Therapists play a vital role in assisting children to succeed in not only the classroom, but in everyday life. Every moment throughout my experience improved my overall understanding of Occupational Therapy and granted me a more realistic idea of what it takes to be successful in this field. This internship inspired me to continue to work diligently for this career where I can make a direct and positive impact on the life of others while also continuing to learn how to most efficiently help their growth and development." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

Rudy Hess, of Oxford, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Satoyama Revival: Living Sustainably in the 21st Century" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "For two weeks in August 2025, I attended the Tokyo Metropolitan University Global Discussion Camp on sustainability and biodiversity. I met students from across the globe, and with the help of a faculty advisor, we conducted a small research project on satoyama revival over the course of a week," said Hess, who is studying Geology and Geography. "This research poster was presented at SUNY Oneonta's Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. "During the camp, I learned about satoyama and how these areas are decreasing due to urbanization. I visited Jike Furusato Village along with other students apart of the camp, and we took a hike exploring the forests, ponds, shrines and rice paddies in the area, taking notes on the ecosystem services we found. Together we interviewed a long-term foreign resident of the village who has learned the satoyama lifestyle from locals and has created a business that supports exploration of the area and Japanese traditions. With the help of our advisor, we presented a slideshow on our findings to the university president, the head of global education and others engaged in the camp. "Before this project, I had never heard the word satoyama, and now I know it is much more than just a landscape, it's a lifestyle; the way humans connect with nature and benefit from one another. Attracting newcomers and supporting the promotion of satoyama is vital to stabilize and revive dying rural communities that face a threat of being urbanized. This project strengthened my communication skills and expanded my knowledge of ecosystems and sustainability. It has prepared me to interact and work with people whose first language isn't English, and to communicate the importance of sustainable living in the 21st century." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.