By Matthew Fowler, Managing Editor
A Newman student’s multidisciplinary work recently earned her recognition in a prestigious honor society.
Senior Emily Pachta, president of Newman’s Pi Gamma Mu chapter, and the chapter’s adviser, professor emeritus Larry Heck, attended the organization’s 100th year triennial convention in Philadelphia at the beginning of November where Pachta presented a research paper that she wrote while studying abroad.
Pi Gamma Mu is an international honor society that recognizes academic excellence in the social sciences. The organization also offers scholarships for graduate school, the opportunity to publish research in the International Social Science Review, and seeks to encourage multidisciplinary studies.
Pachta’s research paper investigated how students’ anxiety about statistics classes impacts their academic performance in the classroom.
She said that anxiety about statistics classes was important to understand.
“Students who had increased statistical anxiety have decreased academic motivation, which was not surprising, but I do think it's important to kind of nitpick what is bringing a person anxiety in order to help resolve it,” Pachta said. “I think it's important instead of just generalizing the anxiety.”
Throughout his time as a member of the organization, Heck said, he has found fulfillment in getting to recognize the success of students, just as his own successes were once honored.
“When I received my first invitation to join an honor society, I was extremely pleased to have my faithful work as a student recognized,” he said. “I have been motivated to sponsor the chapter to help pass on that recognition to students.”
Heck, who until he retired in 2021, taught and worked at Newman for 48 years. He’s been a member of the honor society for 50 years and has served as the president of its Board of Trustees.
Heck said he was proud of the work that Pachta had done and commended her presentation at the conference.
“She provided an excellent presentation with professionalism and a pleasant demeanor,” he said. “She was excellent in responding to questions.”
After completing her double major in psychology and biology with a pre-med concentration this year, Pachta will attend The University of Kansas School of Medicine.
In addition to her presidency of the Pi Gamma Mu chapter, Pachta is president of the Medical Professional’s Club, PR chair of the Student Government Association, a member of the President’s Student Cabinet, and on the Sloppy Joe’s Improv team.
While unsure of what type of physician she wants to become, she said that she hopes to take her interdisciplinary background with her to help her future patients. She also said she hoped that other students would have the courage and opportunity to involve themselves in wide ranges of studies and activities.
“I really wanted to focus on psychology and my pre-med venture,” Pachta said. “I hope it becomes more of a regular thing at Newman because I think it's a really good experience for any physician to have psychology experience.”
PHOTO: Courtesy, Emily Pachta
