Tori Radcliffe ’25, an acoustical engineering and music major from Robesonia, Penn., is excited to begin her journey at the University of Hartford this fall. As someone out of state, she says she discovered the University through a Google search. “I was searching for a major that combined my love of music with my passion for STEM and UHart’s acoustical engineering and music major was at the top of my search.”
Radcliffe is pursuing this major because of her combined interest in mathematics, science, and music. Through acoustical engineering and music, she says she is able to fulfill both her academic and artistic passions. Specifically, she will be taking courses in ear training, private lessons, and orchestra while also mastering her performance in oboe. This combination will allow her and other acoustics students to become better listeners, and thus enhance their abilities as acousticians. Radcliffe’s dream job is working for a company such as BOSE, JBL, Sony or even Apple designing innovative systems for speakers.
Radcliffe says she spent nearly a year searching for colleges, but UHart was simply the perfect fit.
Tori Radcliffe ’25, acoustical engineering and musicNo other university had the major and the family-like feel that I wanted out of college. Everything from my major to the professors to the amazing facilities at UHart was exactly what I wanted in a college.
Speaking to UHart faculty had a major impact on her decision to attend UHart. Specifically, Dr. Bob Celmer, the program director of the acoustical engineering and music program, took the time to have a personal Zoom meeting with Radcliffe and her family to share more information about the program. Radcliffe says she also made a valuable connection with Professor Kemp Jernigan. “He gave me words of encouragement in my Hartt School audition and offered me several lessons and meetings to give me advice on my playing and repertoire.” Radcliffe notes the passion these faculty have for what they teach is truly inspiring. “The tour of the acoustics lab piqued my interest in the major even more because of the emphasis on hands-on learning available in the program.”
Along with already solidifying connections with her future faculty, Radcliffe says she has enjoyed getting to work with her first-year advisor from UHart’s Center for Student Success (CSS). “My first-year advisor Yasmine Taha is amazing,” she says. “Yasmine has clearly and enthusiastically answered all my many questions about AP courses and different classes that I want to take.” Radcliffe says CSS is always very timely with their responses and is extremely helpful ensuring she is directed to the right place for any question.
Radcliffe says she also enjoyed attending Orientation this summer, especially the energy of the orientation leaders. She also found it very insightful as she was able to familiarize herself with the people and facilities in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture and UHart. “During every session, I felt like I was truly becoming a part of the UHart family,” she says. “I enjoyed getting to know current and incoming students through games and icebreakers.”
When asked what she is looking forward to the most at UHart and college in general, Radcliffe says her new educational experiences and the opportunity to dive firsthand into the hands-on learning in the acoustics lab. She adds she is also looking forward to playing in music ensembles once again. Due to COVID-19, she has not been able to play in many ensembles this year, so she is excited to get to experience playing music with others again.
Radcliffe also plans to get involved on campus per the recommendations of her peers, faculty, and staff. She is already a part of the University’s LEAD Women’s Advancement program and plans to get involved in several other clubs such as a music group and a Christian fellowship group.