A summer 2007 University Fellowship made it possible for Stefka Antonova '09, of Bulgaria, to conduct independent research with the help of a faculty mentor. But it also helped her see a side of St. Lawrence University that most students never see.

A mathematics/economics major with a minor in computer science, Antonova worked on a project titled "Drawing Graphs Using a Degree Sequence," with James DeFranza, her faculty sponsor in mathematics. "I investigated the question of when a degree sequence with four repeating degrees is graphical, which is not only an interesting networking question, but is also an exciting theoretical problem on its own," she reports. "What made my experience so incredible was the opportunity to dig into a subject, which I was not proficient at, but the nature of which allowed me to construct models and obtain results which have never been published before."

Antonova, who is a member of the mathematics honor society and a student mentor in the Quantitative Resource Center, adds that she learned a lot of other things, too.

"Summer on campus is really beautiful and provides a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities that are not available during the academic year," she says. "Also, it was amazing living in the senior townhouses with about 50 students, each of whom was also working on a research project in close collaboration with a faculty mentor. Contrary to what many people may think, the University is a very dynamic and engaged place in the summer, as the quest for knowledge and the academic challenges continue for many students who choose to stay here. My summer fellowship not only helped me gain skills valuable as a mathematician, but also gave me confidence.  Even as an undergraduate student, I am capable of conducting research and obtaining some exciting and worthwhile results. This experience was a great inspiration!"