The Curb Scholars Program is for students who place creativity and innovation at the center of their lives and who seek to harness their creativity, talents, and disciplinary knowledge to create new possibilities and solve problems in their community or chosen field.  
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• Keith Berquist, Calistoga, CA

  

  Expected majors: Economics and contemporary music

  Keith envisions a career combining his passions for music and economics. Keith pioneered a blues guitar program for underprivileged youth in downtown San Francisco, and organized a benefit concert—Rock 2 Relief—to raise money for a young, non-profit organization.  Keith managed his school’s varsity football team, was a member of the San Francisco Boys’ Chorus, and participated in theatre productions.[hr]

• Hannah Berke, Salt Lake City, UT

  

  Proposed majors: Neuroscience and Art History

  Hannah Berke is passionate about researching and solving endocrine disorders–especially those related to diabetes and obesity.  Hannah has volunteered at a medical clinic for underinsured and at a hands-on lab program at the University of Utah School of Medicine.  Hannah couples this work with entrepreneurial pursuits in the arts–founding a film internship at the Salt Lake Film Society and editing and writing on independent music and fashion for her school newspaper.[hr]

• Harvey Burrell

  

  Current majors: Economics and Film Theory

  Harvey Burrell pursued his childhood passion for filmmaking during his high school years. With experience in both television and film, Burrell continues to produce commercial, narrative, and documentary work after co-founding Wind Powered Productions. During the 2012 summer, Burrell embarked on the kickstarter-funded film, Endless Abilities, which explores how adaptive sports change the lives of those with physical challenges all across this country.

• Natalie Coker, Tampa, FL

  

  Expected majors: Engineering Science (Concentration: Engineering Management)

  Natalie Coker is a midshipman at Vanderbilt University’s renowned Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program.  As one of our country’s future officers, she hopes to bring new ideas, energies, and perspectives to help solve the many challenges the Navy faces around the world.  Natalie is pursuing a BS in Engineering Science and a minor in Creative Enterprise, and is helping bring the DIY Science and Technology Maker’s Faire to Vanderbilt and the Nashville community.[hr]

• Karissa Deiter, Indianapolis, IN

  Expected majors: Human and Organizational Development, film studies, and English

  My first year of college was transformative for me in that I realized that the pursuit of knowledge, open-mindedness, creativity, and awareness are the keys to unlocking the enormous potential that lies within every person. Throughout the year I was continually awed by the abundance of knowledge available, along with the rewards that learning yields: passion, individualism, understanding, honesty, and a feeling of not only being alive but being “awake”. I, myself, enjoy life the most the most when I am up and about, moving around, and trying new things that keep me in this engaged state. Through the achievement of a degree in Human and Organizational Development, along with involvement in creative enterprise, art, dance, and film programs, I hope to learn ways by which I can help others reap a similar degree of inspiration through learning about the world and oneself, especially through artistic expression. I plan to establish an organization at Vanderbilt through which student volunteers can serve as artistic mentors for middle school children, similar to the likes of the Big Brother/Big Sister program, in hopes of encouraging the children and student’s own personal growth through individual expression.[hr]

• April Erwin, Collierville, TN

  

  Proposed majors: Economics and Asian Studies

  April Erwin is committed to upcycling—but not in a traditional way. April repurposes materials and found objects to craft miniature scenes and detailed human sculptures. April harnesses this entrepreneurial ability to recombine and view the world from a different perspective in her efforts to improve the lives of children in China. April is also captain of the swim team and a swim instructor.

• Daniel Eubanks, Germantown, TN

  Expected majors: Economics and mathematics

  In the past year I’ve discovered the common thread that unites all of my sometimes seemingly unrelated interests: I’m drawn to the idea of connectivity and interrelated systems. In economics, one change in any part of the economy can cause a cascade of events that can lead to big changes for everyone. In mathematics, a small change in an initial condition or variable can alter the whole system. Likewise, the roots of modern events can be traced through history. Small events in the past can echo through the centuries and culminate in events that shape humanity. The same fascination with inter-connectivity explains my passion for travel and engaging with foreign cultures. Nothing happens independently; everything fits into a larger framework.

  Activities/Hobbies: Juggling (Vanderbilt Juggleville); oboe (Memphis Youth Symphony, etc.); travel (People to People Student Ambassador)[hr]

• Claire Evans, Reno, NV

  

  Proposed majors: Civil engineering and music

  A civil engineering major, Claire Evans thrives on creating unexpected opportunities to improve the lives and experiences of others through music. Claire designed an afterschool choir program for at-risk elementary school students focused on fostering experimentation and curiosity. Claire also developed original musical compositions to augment her local theater’s productions—opening a door for the involvement of young musicians in the community.

• James Gillin, Livonia, NY

  

  Expected major: Computer Science

  My time at Vanderbilt has been extremely rewarding. I moved from a small town, where there was nothing to do, to a city for the first time when I came to Vandy, and I wanted to make sure I missed nothing. I got very involved in campus life freshman year and I have kept it that way. I have been involved in the McGill project and The Slant since freshman year, and I DJed on Vanderbilt’s late student radio station, WRVU, for two years. This year I am editor in chief at The Slant, which will do a thorough job stretching my creative muscles as I go through my final undergraduate year. I’m doing my best to have lots of fun with my organizations and develop my skills while studying hard and looking for a job, and I hope to spread joy and creativity wherever I go.

  2009-2010 Activities: WRVU 91.1 FM, Musical Director & DJ; The Slant[hr]

• Harrison Kenum, Bloomfield Hills, MI

  

  Proposed majors: History and Musical Arts

  A bass player, singer, and lead actor, Harrison Kenum thrives on spontaneous interaction and improvisational responses to challenges presented to him. Between his duties as captain for his school’s Forensics and Cross-Country teams, he directed One Act plays and played in a jazz band to support charities in his community. As a Curb Scholar, Harrison is eager to bring the art and craft of forensics to Vanderbilt.

• Caitlyn Le, Dallas, TX

  

  Proposed majors: English and Biological Sciences

  An award-winning poet and pianist, Caitlyn Le flourishes when harnessing her creative skills and interests to benefit others.  As Co-President of her high school debate team and regular volunteer at CC Young Retirement Home, Caitlyn fostered a sense of community within her surroundings by expressing ideas and encouraging collaboration.  Caitlyn is the Founder of Art and Soul, a community service club that brings students together to produce and donate handcrafted items for the local Children’s Hospital.[hr]

• Madeline Mooney, Lexington, KY

  

  Proposed majors: Neuroscience and theater

  Madeline Mooney’s drive and talent led her to be chosen to play the lead (male) role in Twelve Angry Men as a freshman, her very first dramatic play.  Since then, theatre has provided Madeline the space to experiment and stretch beyond her comfort zone.  Having danced her entire life and having performed in over a dozen plays, Madeline has worked passionately to promote the arts in the state of Kentucky.  At Vanderbilt, she seeks to integrate interests in theatre and neuroscience.[hr]

• Danielle Morrison, Farmington Hills, MI

  

  Expected majors:Biological Sciences and Spanish

  Danielle seeks to be a reconstructive plastic surgeon and dedicate her life to creating new lives for children with birth defects and accident victims. Danielle is a scuba diver and student pilot, design editor-in-chief of her school yearbook, and an award-winning flautist and pianist.

• Lucy Rahner, Cincinnati, OH

  

  Proposed majors: Art and film studies

  An accomplished dancer and viola player, Lucy Rahner is also a successful screen-print design entrepreneur. As a Curb Scholar, Lucy will draw from two formative experiences–rebuilding a war-torn South African community and developing city-scape murals through the Cincinnati ArtWorks program–as she uses visual art and creative enterprise to create change in communities. [hr]

• A. Sanders

  

  Expected majors: Neuroscience and philosophy

  Amethyst seeks to develop a career in Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences.  In addition to exploring the interplay between the brain, perception, and philosophy, Amethyst’s passions include music—she is an award-winning violinist—and writing poetry and creative fiction.  Amethyst shares her love of performing music with young children at the child development center of a local airforce base.[hr]

• Branden Sanders, Riverdale, NY

  

  Expected major:  Economics

  Branden plans to major in his individually-created interdisciplinary study of Entertainment Enterprise and minor in Economics. He recently launched the recording studio at the Curb Center and is in the process of developing a team of talented artists, producers and engineers. He also serves as a member of The Music Group at Vanderbilt, the organization responsible for Commodore Quake and Rites of Spring. Branden produced the student film “Loaded Behavior,” which has been accepted into the Nashville Student Composer Initiative. The last two summers he interned in New York City for Violator Management.[hr]

• Anjelica Saulsberry, Memphis, TN

  

  Proposed majors: Medicine Health and Society and Molecular and Cellular Biology

  Anjelica Saulsberry aspires to work in neonatology.  She developed a passion in this field through extensive volunteer work at the LeBonheur Children’s hospital.  She is currently conducting lab research in the Experimental Hematology Department at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through the Sickle Cell Internship sponsored by the NIH.  Anjelica is a competitive Varsity Tennis player, tv reporter/producer, and Hugh O’Brian Female Leader of the Year.[hr]

• William Schreiber, Mountain Brook, AL

  Expected majors:   Economics, history, and communication studies

  It is not the knowledge you absorb, the tests you may ace, the material you understand, or the textbooks you read that make you brilliant; instead, true genius lies behind the creation of something new, something unique. Dreaming beyond classroom material, thinking of things that have never been, and making it a goal to go out and accomplish those tasks is the true form of contribution and learning. It is my goal to go beyond what already exists in everything I undertake; I have the entrepreneurial bug to create systems, businesses, and art from scratch to try and improve upon what we already know. This mindset has led me to start my own business, Bus Productions, LLC, which designs and produces t-shirts and websites; I have joined with fellow scholar Branden Sanders to create a new recording studio and music club on campus; as a member of VSG, I am working on re-launching the current Vandy Vans system by overhauling the logo and adding features such as GPS tracking; and I am working to develop a new social network that will redefine how we utilize email.[hr]

• Ben Shane, Springfield, IL

  

  Proposed majors: Philosophy and English

  Ben Shane is an award-winning comedy writer and actor, and developing dramatic actor.  He enjoys improvisation and novelty in all walks of life, and was founder of the Easily Amused Teen Improv Troupe (E.A.T.I.T.), which holds comedy shows to benefit local charities.  Ben was an attorney on the Illinois State Champion Mock Trial team, which placed 12th nationally.  He also invigorated his school’s chess club and tumbled with a competitive cheerleading squad.[hr]

• Harrison Shapley, Western Springs, IL

  

  Expected majors: Computer Engineering, with a minor in Film Studies

  Harrison Shapley, a rising junior, seeks to push the limits of technology and its integration with the world, exploring the intersection of computers with music, art, games, and community. Harrison helped start an organization at Vanderbilt focused on the One Laptop Per Child initiative, and recently finished working on a research project exploring the capabilities of smartphones, including using an aggregate of smartphones to create a cloud. Harrison’s hobbies and interests include music production, remixing, and DJing, video editing and animation, visual performance, and interactive art, programming, and urban culture.[hr]

• Melinda Shearer, Fort Lauderdale, FL

  

  Expected majors: Chemistry and Economics

  Melinda Shearer is a double major in chemistry and economics in her third year here at Vanderbilt University.  Her career goal is to become a research chemist working in the alternative energy industry, combining her interest in science with her passion for the environment.  She believes that her economics background will provide her with a better understanding of how markets work, knowledge that could prove essential when trying to implement new energy sources.  Currently, she is President of the Alternative Energy Club, where she coordinates the biweekly production of biodiesel fuel made from waste vegetable oil.  Once made, the biodiesel is sold to Plant Operations, which uses the fuel in various machines around campus.  The club also seeks to promote renewable energy education in the local community.  Aside from AEC, Melinda is involved in Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Vanderbilt Students Volunteering for Science, and is a College Scholar.[hr]

• Caleb Umlauf, Wausau, WI

  

  Expected majors:English and Film Studies

  Caleb wants to be a storyteller—using film, creative writing and illustration. Caleb does freelance t-shirt design and has been playing around with the idea of film collaboration with local elementary school classes.

• Matthew Wakefield, Roswell, GA

  

  Proposed majors: Undecided

  Matthew Wakefield embraces the spirit and practice of improvisation in all that he does. Building on a deep capacity for empathy and strong belief in the possibility of change, Matthew seeks to forge conversations between typically divided communities, and provoke conversation within communities on difficult topics.

• Disa Yu, Potomac, MD

  

  Proposed majors: Biology and Math

  Disa Yu is the director and founder of Postcards to Paraguay, an international student-run organization that fosters cross-cultural learning between students in the US and Paraguay through on-line postcard exchanges and published postcard-booklets. Disa has also run in a half-marathon training program and worked at the US National Arboretum, on a Student Conservation Association (SCA) summer conservation crew.