After completing a double major in political science and philosophy at the University of Southern Indiana in 2014, John Siepierski of Bradford, Pennsylvania, decided to further his education by working toward a degree in engineering. His hard work and academic achievements has earned him the 2015 Trustees Distinguished Merit award. The award recognizes outstanding achievement not only in the student’s major but also in the liberal arts and sciences that form the core curriculum. Each College at USI nominates one student for the honor, which includes a $1,500 award.
At USI, Sieperski has served as a physics supplemental instructor, a writing tutor and physics tutor. As president of the USI Political Science Society, he led a campaign to allow a polling location on campus. In 2014, he was awarded an Endeavor grant for test flights for high altitude balloons, a University-funded independent research project.
He also has received the Philosophy Recognition Award, the Academic Achievement Award in Philosophy and the Student Ambassador Scholarship, which allowed him to study abroad in Finland.
Sieperski says the USI faculty has been inspirational, including faculty mentor, Dr. Glen Kissel, associate professor of engineering. “Working with him has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences at USI,†Sieperski said. He also credits Brian Steinkamp, instructor in physics for being a “great mentor and friend,†as well as Dr. Mary Lynn Stoll, associate professor of philosophy, whose class he enjoyed so much he added philosophy as a second major.
After attaining his degree in engineering, which he expects to complete in 2016, he plans to pursue a career in the aerospace industry.
