On July 29, the Event Oval of The Diana Center became a gathering place for the twelfth annual Lida Orzeck ’68 Poster Session — a celebration marking the end of summer-long research by Barnard students at the College, Columbia University, and around New York City.
The poster session serves as the capstone event of Barnard’s Summer Research Institute (SRI). The program provides funding, access to subsidized housing, and supportive programming for students. These paid research opportunities are made possible by numerous individual donors, foundations, government grants, and other philanthropic contributors, and reflect an annual commitment of more than $1.65 million to scientific research.
“The poster session is annually one of the unalloyed best days of the year,” said Vice President for Community Engagement & Lifelong Success A-J Aronstein. “It demonstrates excellence in scientific scholarship and mentorship on the part of our students and faculty, and advances our institutional objective to tear down financial obstacles to pursue research.” SRI also offers trainings, lectures, and workshops all with the intent of advancing academic excellence in STEM fields.
During the sessions, the students stood tall beside their posters, as inquisitive attendees stopped by to learn more about their respective outcomes. The sessions were also an opportunity for students to share their summer plans with their loved ones. Brynn Halvorsen ’28, a biochemistry major presented her poster during the afternoon session.
“I’m studying chronic heart transplant rejection,” said Halvorsen. “I started working on this research in February. [SRI] allowed me to continue that work full time and better commit my time, effort, and energy towards it.”
Avishi Reddy ’27, a chemistry major, spent her summer investigating the 21st amino acid under the guidance of Professor Marisa Buzzeo.
“In the chemistry wing, you get to work directly with your principal investigator,” said Reddy. “I like the mentorship I’ve gotten directly from [Professor Buzzeo]. She’s been lovely to work with.”
Throughout the summer, students were working meticulously on various projects, not only at Barnard, but across New York City, at institutions like the New York Botanical Garden, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and even at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Eva Sirichenko ’28, an applied mathematics major, spent the afternoon with her mother, Larisa Golub, and grandmother, Natalia Shytova.
“So often, students aren’t able to do research until graduate school,” said Sirichenko. “It’s amazing to have this opportunity to perform scientific research.”
“She’s been working long hours and putting in a lot of effort,” said Golub. “We are so proud.”
Since its inception, SRI has supported 1,900 students, serving as a pathway for students who have gone on to attend medical school, enter doctoral programs, and earn national recognition as NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program scholars. This year’s SRI is also the last before the opening of New York City’s first net-zero carbon, all-electric academic science building: the Roy and Diana Vagelos Science Center (RDSC).
“As we prepare to open the Roy and Diana Vagelos Science Center, the RDSC, in just six weeks, I want everyone here to know that our commitment to scientific research and discovery has never been stronger,” said President Laura Rosenbury, during her remarks.
President Rosenbury introduced Lida Orzeck, a former psychology major, as well as namesake and sponsor of the poster session best known for being the co-founder and former CEO of Hanky Panky, a successful underwear brand that will be celebrating its 50th birthday in 2027.
“At Barnard, we know Lida for something even more [than Hanky Panky]: unwavering support for our students. Lida has played a critical role in our students' education and in your lives as an alumna, as a trustee of the college, and as a donor,” said Rosenbury. “Her generosity has made it possible for an entire generation of Barnard students to pursue scientific research, and we are so grateful for your leadership.”
“Every year, I come away with new knowledge, new findings, and new thoughts about the young women who I speak with,” said Orzeck. “Students end up acquiring skills around the SRI work over the summer that are sometimes tangential to the actual investigation in science. They learn to express themselves really well, to explain the research, the methodology, the conclusions.
President Rosenbury also recognized the commitment of Buzzeo ’01, professor of chemistry and SRI co-director.
“You are a proud Barnard alumna, and you have led the SRI initiative for five years,” said Rosenbury. “Now, as you step back from that role, you can focus on your own research, you leave some enormous shoes to fill. On behalf of this entire community, thank you.”