Jon Clucas
Rochelle, Illinois

Jon Clucas came to UE with a variety of interests, initially considering majors in philosophy, mathematics, and political science. While taking cognitive science to meet a general education requirement, Jon discovered that it was a diverse field, encompassing a range of unsettled problems across an array of academic disciplines. "Cognitive science appealed to me initially because the requirements were individually attractive and the options for elective credit would allow me to take classes to suit my other interests as well."

Jon has made the most out of his education at UE. As a sophomore, Jon attended a semester-long program at American University in Washington, D.C., where he worked as an intern for a PBS affiliate and discussed ideas with several prominent political figures. His senior research project in cognitive science was accepted for the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. "For my project, I looked at how training tasks might prepare the intellect to solve problems in logic in order to determine how the order of presentation in the classroom affects student performance."

For Jon, the best part of his Evansville experience has been making close friends and being engaged in campus activities. "UE has been great. I've been able to be involved in and explore so many different areas. I've played intramurals, danced in contests for charity, and performed as a deejay for UE's radio station and several campus functions. I also worked as a radio producer for WUEV during my junior and senior years."

Rikki Weger
Arthur, Illinois

Cognitive science was an ideal fit for Rikki Weger since she enjoys both the sciences and the arts. "This program lets me take classes in philosophy, psychology, computer science, and many other areas. It is extremely challenging, but also thoroughly enjoyable." Rikki is spending the 2008-09 academic year as an undergraduate research fellow at Indiana University, where she will be studying the nature of memory. "Because of the individual attention that my professors at UE gave me, I feel well-prepared to work in a first-rate research environment."

Rikki says that studying abroad at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, was "absolutely wonderful" and one of her most fulfilling college experiences. "While at Harlaxton, I traveled to London, Belfast, Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, Rome, Florence, and Venice. This was a journey of personal discovery that taught me how to fend for myself and find a sense of direction for my future."

Rikki is involved in many activities on campus, but being a deejay for WUEV, the campus radio station, has been her favorite experience. "I'm part of Admission Ambassadors, the Honors Program, the Philosophy Club, intramurals, and the CNS Research Group. These activities are easy to get involved with; they have helped me become more social, and they have introduced me to some incredible students and faculty."