Marquis Scholar Richard Lear '06 is researching the medieval French literary work "La Nef des folles" as an EXCEL Scholar working with Olga Anna Duhl, associate professor of foreign languages and literatures.

Marquis Scholar Richard Lear ’06 has done research with a faculty member, observed culture and environmental management in Africa, and was selected to live in McKelvy House, an intellectual community for high-achieving students.

"The great thing about Lafayette is that you are encouraged to get involved with challenging scholarship," Lear says.

His interim trip to Kenya and Tanzania was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, he adds. "The trip opened my eyes. The experience in two developing African countries helped me expand on my own ideas on politics and government in Africa."

Lear appreciates the intellectual atmosphere and discussions in McKelvy House. "I consider it a great opportunity to combine with my academic program," he says. "I'm grateful that Lafayette offers such a community."

He is a member of Students for Social Justice, Creating a Healthy, Interesting, Livable Lafayette, Association of Lafayette Feminists, and Questioning Established Sexual Taboos.