Syd Lamberton, with faculty who nominated her for the award, Kim Weborg-Benson and Dr. Thomas Hegna.
Syd Lamberton, a senior from Pennsylvania majoring in Adolescence Education: Earth Science, is the October recipient of the Honors Student of the Month Award.
Ms. Lamberton, who is vice president of the Geology and Environmental Sciences Club, among multiple other positions both on and off campus, was nominated for this honor by Lecturer Kim Weborg-Benson and Associate Professor Thomas Hegna, two of her faculty in the Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences.
Ms. Weborg-Benson wrote in her nomination, “I have known Syd since her first semester here at Fredonia. She has maintained a GPA of 3.7 while majoring in Earth Science Adolescence Education, minoring in Geology and Psychology, and fulfilling all the course requirements to be certified in teaching Biology as well.”
As an education major, Syd is very aware of her classmates and struggles they may have in class. I can count on her to let me know when more attention to content is needed.” – Kim Weborg-Benson
“She really is an extraordinary young woman,” Weborg-Benson continued. “She is engaged during classes, always present and on time and maintains excellent grades in a rigorous science program. Syd is our department’s ‘go to’ student as she is willing to help with anything. She volunteers for open houses and talks with prospective students and alumni. She helps with recruitment efforts on and off campus. She regularly attends presentations by outside speakers and asks well thought-out questions. Her love of science shows.”
Lamberton notes that she has found endless opportunities for learning within her department, saying, “I have been involved in a research fellowship working with rare Earth elements in Pennsylvania coal, a 3D skull printing project and I have worked on many other outreach opportunities with Dr. Hegna and Kim Weborg-Benson.”
Dr. Hegna added in his nomination that this past summer, Lamberton “helped me with my own research work at the Denver Museum. She is competent and dependable.”
Lamberton is working toward learning how to foster a love for science and inspire curiosity in her future students. “Learning new things is my favorite thing to do, and it is an important part of who I am and who I would like to always be. I am excited to encourage my students to discover what they are passionate about and encourage them to pursue it!”
According to Weborg-Benson, Lamberton is already putting this love for science into practice. As Weborg-Benson noted, “Last spring, Syd and another student approached me about representing SUNY Fredonia at Conservation Field Days [this was after the semester ended]. We spent two days teaching a lesson on acid precipitation to some 500 fifth-grade students from all over Chautauqua County. I did the first presentation then Syd and [the other student] took over and did a great job and had a great time doing it.”
In addition to her activities with her department, Lamberton enjoys many aspects of the Honors Program. Among courses, her favorite has been Associate Professor Michael Dunham’s Observing the Night Sky, especially the “many opportunities in and outside of class to learn about the technology of space observation.”
As a resident assistant in Grissom Hall, Lamberton also enjoys – and helps create – the “incredibly welcoming” and fun atmosphere that Honors House offers. In her words, “The community there is amazing to work and live with!”
Weborg-Benson also notes how Lamberton’s roles as an educator and as an RA make her deeply attentive to students’ experience. “As an education major, Syd is very aware of her classmates and struggles they may have in class. I can count on her to let me know when more attention to content is needed.” Lamberton is always able to help provide the student perspective on teaching.
Lamberton also is excited to share her perspective with other Honors students. A key piece of advice she shares is that “Stepping out of your comfort zone is a powerful way to grow. Every small step outside your comfort zone builds resilience. Embrace the discomfort, knowing that each experience both adds to your journey and prepares you for the future. Life is too short to save things for later or a special occasion – take the experiences, opportunities and chances whenever possible.”
In closing, Weborg-Benson noted that “Syd is involved in everything and a reliable person to get things done. She selflessly donates her time to help out with department events. I have not witnessed a student who deserves this honor more.”
