Nate Gibbons Excels on the Field and in the Classroom

Many third-year students at The Valley are preparing for the summer by searching for and securing opportunities to further their educational and professional experience. 

Nate Gibbons, a junior physics and mathematics major, is no different, having recently been granted with an opportunity to experience a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Md. 

“I’m most looking forward to working with so many experts who are truly at the top of their professions,” said Gibbons, one of the College's Allwein Scholars. “There is so much I can learn from working under and with the people at NIST, and I’m confident this opportunity will have a huge positive impact on my development as a person and a professional.”

To be considered for the program, Gibbons worked with Todd Latshaw, LVC assistant controller, and many others to complete an application package that was reviewed by the government and then NIST. 

After being accepted, Gibbons felt a great sense of achievement and looks forward to applying his skills during his research fellowship. 

“LVC has set me up with strong problem solving and analytical skills. Also, I’ve been exposed to a diverse educational background that I believe can be applied to any project I come across, at NIST or in the future,” noted Gibbons. “I feel that applying these skills here regularly truly sets me, and all students here, up for success in whatever they want to do.”

In addition to expanding his knowledge and skills in the classroom, Gibbons has taken advantage of offerings outside of the classroom at The Valley.

“The amount of ways you can get involved on campus and in the community came as somewhat of a surprise,” said Gibbons. “LVC is a fairly small school in terms of the number of students, but there is ample opportunity to find things you enjoy and get involved, and I think that really helps people settle in, find their niche, and feel at home at LVC.”

Gibbons explored the opportunities that were offered to him and found his niche at Herbert Field. An anchor of the men's soccer team's defensive unit, Gibbons was named an Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America and a MAC Commonwealth All-Conference Second-Team as the Dutchmen won its first-ever ECAC Championship this past fall.

“Being a part of the men’s soccer program has been most impactful,” said Gibbons. “Academics can teach you so many skills, but I think being a student-athlete magnifies and adds to the lessons you learn from your education. Being a student-athlete forces me to manage my time wisely, be committed, and become a better leader, among many other things. These help me be a better student and hopefully a better professional in the future.”

Combining all that he has learned in the classroom, on the field, and through his research fellowship this summer, Gibbons is excited about the possibilities for his future. 

“I hope to be an engineer at some point down the road,” said Gibbons. “I find aerospace really interesting, but I’m still trying to learn more about the vast number of areas of engineering I could go into to help narrow down what I want to do. Going to graduate school in physics or engineering is still an option as well. Once I narrow down what I’m looking for, I plan to apply for jobs and to graduate schools in that area and see what opportunity looks best for me from there.”

Gibbons feels extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to extend his soccer career in addition to receiving a high-quality education.