Jeannette Gerry
  • Biology and Biotechnology
  • Class of 2014
  • Wrentham, MA

Wrentham Resident Jeannette Gerry Returns from Washington Following Intensive Research Project

2013 Jan 22

Jeannette Gerry of Wrentham, Mass., a junior majoring in biology and biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), recently completed an intense, hands-on research project in Washington. The project was titled Maintaining and Enhancing Employee Engagement.

At WPI, all undergraduates are required to complete a research-driven, professional-level project that addresses an important societal need or issue. About two-thirds of students complete a project at one of the university's 35 off-campus project centers, which are located around the world. A signature element of the innovative undergraduate experience at WPI, the project-based curriculum offers students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to develop thoughtful solutions to real problems that affect the quality of people's lives-and make a difference before they graduate.

"The WPI project-based curriculum's approach to global studies brings students out of the classroom and their comfort zones and into the global community to apply their knowledge to solve real problems," said Professor Richard Vaz, dean of the WPI Interdisciplinary and Global Studies Division. Students learn the meaning and magic of teamwork; make a real and meaningful difference in their host community; and gain a competitive edge for any résumé, or graduate or professional school application." They also learn to become resourceful problem solvers and effective team members in professional settings. It gives our students a competitive edge when they graduate – they already know how to function as professionals."

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI was one of the nation's first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees. WPI's world-class faculty work with students in a number of cutting-edge research areas, leading to breakthroughs and innovations in such fields as biotechnology, fuel cells, information security, materials processing, and nanotechnology. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university's innovative Global Perspective Program. There are more than 30 WPI project centers throughout North America and Central America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe.