Olivia Townsend

What’s your favorite class?

Calculus II (MATH 132), with Professor Sweta Suryanarayan. Even at 8 a.m. four days a week, Sweta brought an infectious passion for learning and the mathematical world that made the class not only engaging, but cultivated a strong sense of community among students across different departments.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I had a unique college selection process through the Posse Foundation, but I fell in love with the institution’s commitment to learning in a global context, as well as coming to the school with my posse, a cohort of 9 other incredible students.

What do you like or find most interesting about your major?

In the words of Peter Drake, I fell in love with computer science and math because of its ability to “automate the boring parts” and as someone who is passionate about research I saw this as an exceptional tool for my future studies.

What do you like or find most interesting about your minor?

I have two minors, and see the intersections of these two subjects, health studies and data science, increasing everyday. My passion lies within the usage of data to explain and solve systemic issues, specifically within the context of health systems and outcomes.

Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus: people, activities, clubs, res halls, etc.

I have found a lot of support through the Posse community on campus. We are truly involved in almost every aspect of campus life from; sports, being resident advisors (RAs), the center of social change and community involvement, admissions, The Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership, College Outdoors, etc. The list is endless and rapidly expanding as more cohorts join our campus. Because of our extensive and diverse involvement, I feel like there is a resource of connection around every corner, and has deeply impacted my sense of belonging and my engagement in the community on campus. I have also found a strong sense of community through the different departments and offices I work for because of outstanding leadership and opportunities for leadership development which include, The Office of Admissions, Watzek Library, and the math department.

If you have studied or will study overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience?

I am currently studying overseas on the Australian Regional Areas Study, and it has been one of my favorite semesters during my time at Lewis & Clark. I chose this program because of the diverse landscapes I would be able to immerse myself in, within such a vast landscape. I have had opportunities to travel and study in major cities across Australia, like Sydney, Melbourne, and now Brisbane. Soon we will be traveling up the north eastern coast, and I am most looking forward to snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef! Through this program I have been able to conduct an independent research project on an intersection of public health that has yet to be explored in Australia, the relationship of alcohol outlet density in food deserts, to the excitement of many professors we have had the chance to meet. I have enjoyed the autonomy this program gives students to engage in their niche interests in a global context, with the support of academics in the country we are studying in.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Try everything! Lewis & Clark may be small in size, but so rich in experiences. I would have never guessed the half the interests I have now would have come to fruition. More so than anywhere else, Lewis & Clark gives you the space and breath to explore these varied interests in addition to your academic pursuits, understanding the need for students to have a comprehensive work-life balance that fosters our diverse interests.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

I would describe liberal arts as an interdisciplinary approach to learning. This is prevalent inside and outside of the classroom, as you will be taking classes alongside students from departments all across campus, as well as have opportunities to broaden your perspective and expand your classroom to spaces abroad.

If you went on a New Student Trip with College Outdoors, how did it shape your experience as an incoming student?

I went on an New Student Trip (NST), as well as led one. I would say this was a crucial step in the transition into college life, and life in the Pacific Northwest. Coming from the east coast, I was nervous by how extreme some of the cultural and environmental differences would be. However, navigating these changes in the environment alongside others going through the same process was both validating and affirming of my own experiences, and created space for new ones. I would also say my leaders had a huge impact on easing some of the natural anxieties students have before starting college, even helping me figure out where the dining hall was on my first day (thanks Bóde)!

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

My favorite spot will always be the Dovecote on campus! It is a cafe located on the academic side of campus, and I loved that the baristas would strongly contribute to the sense of community on campus. Whether that takes the form of simply remembering my name and drink preference, to wishing me luck before a big exam and asking me how my day was going. Truly pillars of community and positivity on campus. They also make a delicious americano!

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

It will always be the proximity to nature and the markets across Portland! Over the summer I was able to take advantage of our proximity to Tryon State Park and hike there often in the mornings before heading to work. As for the markets across Portland, there is some sort of farmers market or artisan market that can be found almost any day of the week, showcasing the diverse range of interests and goods the culture of Portland seems to cultivate. I go to the Portland Farmers Market almost every Saturday!

Computer Science and Mathematics Health Studies Data Science