Tiffani Eckenrod
Q&A with Tiffini Eckenrod ’20
Lear more about Tiffini Eckenrod ’20 help make and provide 3D printed face shields to individuals and organizations who have a need for this protective equipment during this time of crisis.
- How did you become involved with the Berks PPE Resource Network as well as the important initiative to help create 3D printed face shields? Through my connection with Maureen Cumpstone and the U-Imagine Center. I had been going to the Center to learn how to use the 3D printers, so once the ‘stay-at-home’ order was put into place and various organizations needed face masks, she knew that I was able to operate these printers to accomplish this goal. From there, we found the Berks PPE Resource Network, which was close in proximity.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the COVID-19 crisis as it relates to your partnering with Ursinus faculty mentors? The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that it is still easy to partner with faculty mentors even though we cannot physically meet. I was so used to being able to meet with them in person, that I was not sure how we would continue from home. However, this experience has taught me that my faculty mentors are still easily accessible and that we can continue to collaborate on our projects.
- How has your time at Ursinus helped to prepare you for your future career? My time here has allowed me to determine what I want to do with my life and has helped me gain important experiences in order for me to accomplish these my goals. The research I completed in Ursinus’s archives made me want to major in history, working at the Berman Museum sparked an interest in exploring museum studies and working as a Digital Liberal Arts Fellow in the library helped me to discover my interest in digital humanities. All of these opportunities gave me the knowledge and experience I need to start pursuing these goals.
- What has been the highlight of your UC experience? The highlight of my UC experience was curating an exhibit at the Berman Museum. My class worked closely with an experienced artist to help install their artwork, set up the floor space and advertise the exhibition. The entire experience was so much fun and it was cool to see all of our hard work displayed to the public.
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How did Ursinus change your perspective on our world? Ursinus has allowed me to discover so many different opportunities that I had never experienced before. Over the last several years, I’ve had the chance to try so many new things both in and out of class. There was never a shortage of new activities to become involved with; these were constantly being offered to students through various channels of communication. Upon graduating, I plan to continue to expand my curiosity and find new endeavors.