If you stop by the CINE Equipment Room in Knight Library, you might run into our Lead Equipment Room Monitor, Tom Farrenkopf, class of ’23. As a CINE major with a minor in sociology, Tom is making the most of their senior year working in the department and conducting research as a McNair Scholar!

“My role in the Cinema Studies department has furthered my familiarization with production equipment. As someone who aspires to work in the camera department on motion pictures, this job has provided me with more knowledge than any single class.”

As a McNair Scholar, Tom is part of a prestigious program that preps undergrads for doctoral studies. “I am thrilled with the opportunity to conduct my own undergrad research project. It has provided me with the skills and resources that will make me a competitive applicant when applying to grad school! I love every film that attempts to scare its audience. Horror movies bring me much excitement, and I look forward to further studying the genre in grad school.”

Tom is looking forward to completing their undergrad degree this year. “As a nontraditional senior, I am excited to be here. Going back to college after working for nearly 20 years, my senior year is the culmination of one of the most important decisions of my life.”