WORCESTER, Mass. — Nathan D. MacDonald, a Clark University student from West Gardiner, researched the dietary habits of persons who benefited from the state of Maine’s Women’s Infants and Children welfare program. His project received funding from Clark’s Liberal Education and Effective Practice initiative.

MacDonald gathered data through anonymous surveys and interviews with officials, participants and administrators.

MacDonald is a senior who majors in political science. He is a member of the Variant Dance Troupe, the Clark Bars (a cappella group) and Model U.N. at Clark. He is a 2014 graduate of Gardiner Area High School.

LEEP is Clark’s bold effort to advance liberal education, linking a deep and integrated curriculum with opportunities to put knowledge into practice in order to prepare students for remarkable careers and purposeful, accomplished lives.

LEEP projects have helped Clark University students pursue funded and directed problem-based summer projects. The projects — several of which are hosted by Clark alumni — offer real-world application of course material and provide an opportunity to engage with professionals outside of the university.