When Caroline Erickson, a junior majoring in Astronomy & Astrophysics and Physics, began her undergraduate journey, she never imagined she would spend a summer immersed in cutting-edge astrophysical research at the University of Southampton in England. Thanks to the Seitz Award, an opportunity designed to support Butler natural science students in conducting research abroad, Erickson did just that—and so much more.
“I was looking for smaller awards when applying to schools, and the Seitz Award became a goal I wanted to achieve during my time at Butler,” Erickson says. “It’s been a phenomenal opportunity. I learned how to conduct research, read academic papers, and perform data analysis that I had never done before. Plus, I got to attend lectures by world-renowned astrophysicists.”
The Seitz Award, funded by the Katrina Roch Seitz Science Education Endowed Fund, provides Butler students majoring in natural sciences with the unique opportunity to extend their education beyond the classroom through research, seminars, and immersive cultural experiences abroad. Established by Butler alumna Dr. Katrina Roch Seitz ’79 and her husband, Dr. David Seitz, the award honors Seitz’s passion for science education and her distinguished career in medicine. Since its inception, the Seitz Award has supported dozens of Butler students’ research in destinations around the world—from South Africa and Spain to Japan and China.
“This is one of our best-kept secrets,” Travis Ryan, Associate Provost and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, says. “These opportunities are really significant—not only academically, but for shaping students’ careers. You’re just not going to find this type of opportunity at a lot of other institutions. It’s pretty powerful because it covers nearly all costs, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in these summer-long research experiences with little to no out-of-pocket expenses.”
For Erickson, her eight-week research stint in Southampton was transformative. Her project involved analyzing the emission spectrum of iron fluorescence lines using the latest x-ray data from the XRISM satellite. Through this work, she gained critical research skills and collaborated closely with a faculty advisor who helped guide her learning experience.
“It was a great entry-level position for research,” she explains. “I didn’t have any prior experience, but my professors adjusted to my level and supported me throughout the project.”
Beyond the lab, Erickson found herself growing in ways she hadn’t anticipated. Having never been to Europe before, she made the most of her time abroad by traveling to six new countries, including Scotland, Germany, and Italy. “Aside from the research, the program gave me great life experience. I learned how to live on my own, made friends both inside and outside the program, and stepped out of my comfort zone,” she shares.
The experience not only enriched her academic and personal life but also opened new doors for her future. “I’ve made great connections, including one with another undergraduate who is presenting her project at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Now, I’ll be presenting my research at one of the largest astronomy conferences,” Erickson adds.
Ryan highlights that this opportunity doesn’t just stop at academics. “Aside from the science, the funds also help cover meaningful social experiences, like cultural expeditions. In one case, students in Belize were able to visit Mayan ruins as part of their coursework—experiences that help shape their worldview,” he explains.