Honors Program Student Experience

I've always been very driven and was eager to go above and beyond my studies. From the new opportunities that the Honors Program allowed me to pursue, I was able to still challenge myself and give myself room to grow instead of sticking to the original paved path."

I think the Honors Program has prepared me for my future in a few different ways. The Honors Program gave me experience with designing and writing research projects, which I know I will use as I continue my journey in graduate school. The Honors Program also introduced me to other dedicated students throughout my time at the University during Honors events and through Hawk Hall. Lastly, it’s a great thing to put on your resume that may set you apart in job and internship applications when the time comes!"

As a pre-med student with an interest in medical research, Ricketts hit the ground running and was able to accomplish a lot of great things in his time at UHart and in the Honors Program. When not in the classroom learning, you could find him serving as a laboratory instructor, a tutor for general and organic chemistry, and a student ambassador. In the Honors Program, his senior Honors Research Project The Influences of Climate Change and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus on Crassostrea Virginia (Eastern Oyster), allowed him the opportunity to collaborate with both his advisor and professors to build the project from scratch through results. Through the Honors program, he was exposed to activities that are common to his field of interest including conferences and design competitions which gave him an early opportunity for first-hand exposure prior to graduation. 

Omario was the 2023 recipient of the Belle K. Ribicoff Prize

The Honors Program opens the door to be more engaged in your classes and area of study."

Céilí Leahy '24, a student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, found the most meaningful aspect of the Honors Program to be the opportunity for deeper exploration into topics that are of interest beyond traditional coursework. Céilí has found it rewarding to have acceptance of her projects by both her professors and peers, ad the willingness to implement this work into the curriculum. Céilí's senior project was Using Simulation to Improve Culturally Competent Care of LGBTQ+ Individuals.

The honors program offers a unique opportunity for academic and personal growth. My advice is to approach everything with curiosity and a willingness to learn and challenge yourself. The experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for knowledge, a stronger sense of purpose, and a lifelong passion for learning."

Upon graduation, Dana Brooks plans to attend law school to become a criminal defense lawyer. An Honors student pursuing a major in criminal justice and minors in sociology and Spanish, Dana wants to work to reform the criminal justice system, particularly with regard to how it impacts marginalized and oppressed people. Her Senior Project was titled Perceptions of Zero-Tolerance Policies in High Schools.

The Honors Program allowed me to develop my academic writing skills through Honors writing-intensive courses. In addition, the Honors Program enhanced my oral presentation skills through practice with Northeast Regional Honors Council, the Honors Colloquium, and the Honors Defense; I often use this experience when presenting research at my internships! I was provided with the opportunity to have smaller class sizes, develop critical thinking and interdisciplinary skills, and study a topic that I am passionate about. I am now able to use my Honors thesis as material to show I have done research and studies in my field and I believe this was a big factor in my acceptance to law school!"