New Sharon student at Clark University researches how climbing impacts perception of disability

4 mins read
Alyssa M.Williams
Alyssa M.Williams

WORCESTER, Mass. – Alyssa M.Williams of New Sharon,  a Clark University senior, completed a research project on how adaptive sports impacts a person’s perception of disability with funding from Clark’s Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP) initiative.

She is a 2013 graduate of Mt. Blue High School.

Williams and two other students did their research in Somerville at Brooklyn Boulders and Adaptive Climbing Group, a non-profit that offers adaptive rock climbing for people with disabilities. The students also analyzed philosophical readings about people with disabilities.

Williams was interested in how sports affects everyone, and the ways in which people can improve their perceptions of themselves. She pursued the project in order to understand how people with disabilities are impacted socially and personally.

“Volunteering [at the rock gym] was so rewarding because we were seeing what we were reading [put into] practice,” said Williams.

Wiebke Deimling, assistant professor of the Philsophy Department, advised the team. The Clark ethos affected how the three students went about conducting their studies.

“The culture of Clark teaches you to be very conscious of what you say and whom you’re talking to,” Williams said. “This was crucial to incorporate into our project.”

The students will present their research at Clark’s Fall Fest on Friday, Oct. 21.

Williams is a member of the Class of 2017; she majors psychology. Williams is on the varsity field hockey team, the Student Athletic Advisory Club, the Student Activities Board, Psi Chi Honors Society, and has represented Clark at the All-Academic New England Women and Men’s Athlectic Conference.

Now in its fifth year, LEEP projects have helped Clark University students pursue funded and directed problem-based summer projects. The projects—several of which are hosted by Clark alumni—offer real-world application of course material and provide an opportunity to engage with professionals outside of the University. LEEP Projects also enable students to develop marketable skills, and focus on characteristics the University refers to as LEEP Learning Outcomes.

This summer, more than 100 undergraduates were awarded LEEP Fellowships to pursue projects ranging from international social action initiatives to internships with leading corporations. LEEP Fellows are expected to devote approximately 150 hours to their LEEP Project and participate in workshops on professionalism and project management. LEEP Fellows complete a written reflection upon completion of their experience, are able to participate in the Hervey Ross Oratorical Contest each fall, and share results with the Clark community in one of the University’s annual undergraduate student research showcases.

“Students who are selected as LEEP Fellows progress through a competitive and intensive series of preparatory activities designed to help them successfully complete their LEEP Projects. From proposal writing and résumé development, to professional communication and research skills, the LEEP Fellow experience helps prepare students to fully engage in the world and integrate their academic work with their professional interests,” said Michelle Bata, director of the LEEP Center at Clark.

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