Students of the Week: Real Life Learning at Boston University

These innovative students are working at the intersection of their academic pursuits and their personal passions. Boston University serves as a catalyst for their work. With two campuses in the heart of Boston and programs all around the world, Boston University is a leading private research institution. 

Christopher Woodall is an inventor and a music aficionado. He co-founded onethirtybpm.com and lives in the intersection of music and electronics. He’s a big fan of guitar effects pedals and electronic instruments.

This Fulbright Scholar has translated eight novels in the Thai language. Payongsak Kaenchan is interested in bringing the computer into the classroom and is passionate about teaching materials development and instructional design.

A product manager by day, student by night, and a mom always:  Irina Kofman is constantly on the move. A lover of technology, Irina likes toying around with the latest gadgets. She also loves to play tennis in her free time.

An explorer by nature, Nicholas Griggs-Drane seeks to expose himself to as many different organizations and activities as possible. He’s pursuing a career in film/television and participates in a weekly talk show called “Class and Sass” where topics range from pop culture to current events.

Things to do at or near Boston University

1. Museum of Fine Arts:  Boston’s oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA houses one of the world’s most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections and early American art.
2. The North End:  This Italian neighborhood, Boston’s oldest, is known for its wonderful restaurants and historic sights.
3. USS Constitution:  The oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy and undefeated in battle, Old Ironsides earned its famous nickname with its legendary ability to repel any shot fired. Active-duty sailors guide visitors around the ship.
4. Harpoon Brewery:  If you’ve enjoyed the Harpoon Ale products you will want to tour the brewery or join the fun at one of Harpoon’s annual beer festivals.
5. John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library:  Relive the Kennedy era in this dynamic combination museum and library, where your visit starts with a short film and then leaves you on your own to explore a series of fascinating exhibits, including the Kennedy-Nixon debate, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space program, 1960s campaign paraphernalia and displays about Jacqueline and other Kennedy family members. The striking, I.M. Pei-designed building overlooks the water and the Boston skyline.