Every person in the GW Engineering community contributes to the fabric and culture of what makes us great and unique. As an institution of higher education, we often celebrate the achievements of our students and faculty. However, without the tireless work of GW Engineering staff, nothing would be possible. From our facilities, to our technology, to supporting events, the staff at GW Engineering keeps our school moving forward. Each month we will highlight one staff member in our Local Hero editorial feature. Take the time to meet the people who are at the foundation of our school.
The Office of Undergraduate Students Services and Advising is not only home to the professional advising team that guides GW Engineering students throughout their academic journey but also hosts the co-curricular team, which plays a crucial role in supporting peer mentorship, student involvement, and leadership development programs. As a Dean’s Fellow and a key member of this team, Amy Fehr collaborates closely with staff to ensure the success of co-curricular initiatives, including managing activities related to the Clark Scholars Program, undergraduate research, and global experiences like study abroad. Read below to learn more about October’s Local Hero, Amy Fehr!:
Q: How long have you been working at GW and what is your position?
A: I’ve been at GW for nearly five years, but I’ve only been a Dean’s Fellow for the last year of that. I’m very fortunate to be working as the graduate fellow for the Clark Scholars program as I complete my Master’s here!
Q: What led you to this career?
A: During my time as an undergrad, I was a member of the Clark Scholars Program, a scholarship program at GW that emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and community service. I was led to this position by a desire to give back to the program that gave me so much during my undergraduate experience by helping run it for my final year at GW.
Q: Why did you choose GW?
A: I chose GW because of my mom; she has been seeing a GW-affiliated doctor for years now, and I recall being so impressed by their ingenuity and compassion that I knew this was the place I wanted to study. Unfortunately, I’m far too squeamish to be in a fully clinical setting, so Biomedical Engineering felt like the perfect balance.
Q: What is one thing you wish you’d known when you started working at GW?
A: Truth be told, the layout of the SEAS advising suite. I’m embarrassed to say my first week at my desk was spent absolutely clueless whenever anyone would stop by for directions, and I truly do wish I could tell you I had a better grasp on it now, but…
Q: What is your favorite part about working at GW Engineering?
A: There is truly never a dull moment in this office. Outside of helping to run the Clark Scholars Program, I find myself involved in planning co-curricular events, workshops, and university hallmark events, among many other things. Getting to plan these events for current students is a privilege, and it’s always humbling to see just how much time and effort goes into putting on the events that shaped my undergraduate experience at GW.
Q: Why would someone want to work at GW Engineering?
A: The people, both the ones you work for and the ones you work with. The students that the co-curricular team serves are second to none, and their motivation to go above and beyond never fails to impress. My fellow members of the co-curricular/advising team are incredible as well, and my only regret is that I only have a year to spend with them.
Q: What is your biggest work pet peeve?
A: This is a relatively new development, but I don’t love the absolute wall-shaking construction sounds coming from where they’re putting in that new Panda Express. (Although I am excited for the end result.)
Q: What’s your ideal way to spend the weekend?
A: My ideal weekend is spent around the city with my two best friends, who are my old roommates from undergrad! Whether we’re in old town Alexandria, at a Ranger’s game, relaxing at home, or somewhere in between, my weekends wouldn’t be complete without them.
Q: What's one of your favorite memories from the past year?
A: Last summer, my family took a trip to Nashville! We saw so much live music, ate great food, and spent some quality time together.
Q: Tell us something people don’t know about you.
A: I’m half Canadian! My dad is from Thunder Bay, Ontario (bonus points if you have any idea where that is).
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: Bailey is our 2-year-old Beagle mix!