John Blough is a student of social studies secondary education and political science at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. In his junior year, he was awarded the 2008 PASSHE Summer Honors Scholarship to study and travel throughout the People's Republic of China with the Commonwealth's brightest students. He works as a photographer and United Nations Pathways Liaison for Lock Haven University's Global Honors Program, and holds several other active leadership positions within. He has also had the opportunity to present research at several regional and national conferences, including a 2008 National Collegiate Honors Council presentation regarding the political economy of Deng Xiapoing's 1970s market reforms. In addition to enjoying thirteen years of digital and 35mm photography, John spends his free time rock climbing, mountain biking, reading books, cooking, volunteering, geocaching, and traveling.