David Pincus

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I primarily chose Lewis & Clark because I was seeking an environment that would support me as someone who struggled with purpose and direction in high school. L&C was the perfect place for me to find what I wanted to do with my life and how I needed to approach academics and work.

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

Environmental studies is really a fascinating major at L&C. It allows students to really pick what they want to do across a wide range of classes and topics. I really get to learn so many different and fascinating things such as an introduction to environmental law, an introduction to philosophy, and I get to pursue some of my mathematical interests. I think the major really allows students to explore things, learn what they like, and dive deeper into what interests them the most.

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

I think the most interesting thing about data science is that it really expands your ability to explore the world. It’s really the perfect minor to supplement the work you are doing in any science or social science major because it allows you to understand all your work much more deeply.

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

My favorite social outlet on campus is the weekly Gaming Society club in the Trail Room. It’s great all getting together after a long week and playing board and card games long into the Friday night. It’s really the perfect place to meet up, have fun, and eat dinner together. The other main thing that I really love doing on campus is lifting in the weight room. It’s typically open every night during the week and throughout the day on the weekends. For me it really helps me decompress and destress, both things that are essential while working hard at school during the day.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

I think that my number one piece of advice for incoming students is to go out and do things. If there is a club that sounds interesting, a restaurant you heard about, or a game you want to play, go do that. Ask if someone else wants to get in on it with you. It can be easy to fall into easy routines which might lead to boredom or burnout, but it can be just as easy, with a little effort, to build relationships and find things you can do to bring a little spice into your life. These little things are incredibly important for keeping yourself ready for whatever college life throws at you.

Have you been involved with one of our symposia, as an organizer or participant? What was the experience like? How did the event complement your academic experience?

I’ve only just started, but being an ENVX co-chair has been a really interesting experience so far. Instead of sitting in the back letting the professor lead the way, we have to go out and plan things, go out and do things. I think I would recommend that other students do this or something similar at some point during college, especially if you have a semester that might seem a little boring or easy. I think that it will bring a lot of valuable experience to all those doing it, not just the co-chairs but the committee members as well.

What has been your favorite class?

I think that my favorite class so far at Lewis & Clark was Research Methods in Political Science (POLS 201) with Professor Seljan. One really big reason I loved it so much was because it really helped my understanding of the work my Mom does as a political scientist. Through the class I was given a new way of talking to my Mom and I think it really grew our relationship.

ENVS  Data Science