The CAS Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of the College of Arts and Sciences and to create, promote and execute opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students represent a variety of departments from across the College of Arts and Sciences and will represent the College at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors and alumni.
Each month we will be introducing one of our twelve students representing the college in the 2018-19 academic year through a question and answer format. This month, meet Amanda and learn about her research experiences. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Amanda Bianco
Major: Psychology
What clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Mental Health Ambassadors, Psi Chi, University Honors and Psychology Departmental Honors
What sports or hobbies do you participate in?
Dance
What location(s) have you completed an internship?
Appalachian State University’s Counseling Center
What location(s) have you completed a study abroad or a study away?
England
What location(s)/lab(s) you conduct research?
Through the Psychology Department with Dr. Kurt Michael (this semester)
What location(s) do you hope to go for an internship, study abroad or research experience?
Rural N.C.
What research have you been most passionate about?
Mental Health concerns/Suicide Prevention
What are you most excited about this semester?
Beginning research for my thesis, as well as working in the Counseling Center as an intern.
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
The App State v. Miami football game.
What do you like most about Boone and the surrounding community?
That there is so much beauty in nature itself.
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
I don’t think I would be as involved on another campus. This place has so much to offer and they are so accepting to everyone.
Tell us about a transformational experience you have had at Appalachian.
Through Mental Health Ambassadors, I was fortunate enough to meet and speak with Kevin Hines. He is an inspirational speaker for suicide awareness and he really gave me further confidence in the career path that I am choosing.
Tell us about one faculty member that has made an impact on your life and how.
Dr. Kurt Michael has really impacted me in just the last year. He has taken me under his wing as a student, and he is allowing me to use him as my thesis director. He is so knowledgeable in the subjects that I am passionate about, and he always has recommendations for me. He was even the one that nominated me for CAS Corps and I am very grateful to him! I can’t wait to work more closely with him this next year.
Tell us about one other connection you have made while at Appalachian - a friendship, mentor, colleague, a new found hobby or interest.
I was fortunate enough to work as a student manager in food services in my first few years here, and I met some amazing people. One in particular that served as the other student manager alongside me has continued to be a great friend to me, even after we have both gotten other jobs.
What is your understanding of “sustainability” after being at Appalachian?
Sustainable to me means that we think about all the ways we can impact the world for the better. From the more obvious things like recycling, to the overall thought of mindfulness, this campus is sustainable in multiple facets.
What is your understanding of a “liberal arts” education and do you believe Appalachian has provided that?
When I think of liberal, I think of “free” academics. By that I feel like liberal arts are all inclusive to things like physical sciences, philosophy and things of that nature. I feel like Appalachian encompasses that very well.
What are you doing after graduation?
Hopefully going straight to graduate school.
What is your dream job?
Expressive Arts therapist/Clinical Mental Health counselor
What do you think you will miss most when you graduate?
The beautiful campus, and the friendly faces that I see everyday.
Amanda Bianco, CAS Corps feature of the month headshot. Photo by Ellen Gwin Burnette
Amanda Bianco, CAS Corps feature of the month headshot. Photo by Ellen Gwin Burnette