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Senior Celebration 2024
Recognizing Honors Tutorial College Graduates

Senior Celebration

We're excited to celebrate our Class of 2024 and your outstanding accomplishments. Despite the challenges you faced, you managed to contribute original thought to your fields, develop lifelong relationships, and create bright futures. We are immensely proud of you. 

Event Details

  •  

    Entertainment


    HTC's Senior Celebration music is provided by a quartet comprised of string performance students and faculty in the College of Fine Arts. 

    Abigail Cooper, Violin
    Abigail is currently pursuing her master's degree in Violin Performance and Pedagogy at Ohio University under the tutelage of Dr. Nathan Southwick. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, in addition to her responsibilities as a graduate student, Abigail also is an instructor at the Athens Community Music School.

    Cristian Acevedo, Violin
    Cristian is finishing his first year in a dual master's degree in instrumental conducting and violin performance at Ohio University under the tutelage of Dr. Jose Rochan and Nathan Southwick. Originally from Colombia, Cristian is the co-founder of Entre Cuerdas, a non-for-profit organization that brings music education to underrepresented communities in Colombia. In addition to his responsibilities as a graduate student, Cristian is an instructor in the Athens Community Music School.

    Lydia Kress, Viola
    Lydia is an outstanding violist, currently finishing her Freshman year as a viola performance major at Ohio University under the tutelage of Professor Spencer Ingersol.

    Dr. Jose Rocha, Violoncello
    Dr. Rocha is the Orchestra director and Cello professor at Ohio University where he also coordinates the chamber music program.

  •  

    Décor


    The Senior Celebration's décor is created by Passion Works Studio, whose purpose is to inspire and liberate the human spirit through the arts! Passion Works Studio invites makers, with and without developmental differences, to work and thrive within partnerships celebrating the power of creativity through connection, purpose and belonging. Honors Tutorial College is fortunate to collaborate with Passion Works through internships and art projects, including the college’s signage and free little library.

    You're invited to purchase Passion Works creations via their website or in person at their studio at 20 East State Street in Athens.  

Event Agenda

  • Welcome, Interim Dean Beth Novak
  • Special Recognitions
  • Award Presentations
        Outstanding Mentor
        Outstanding Tutors
        Outstanding Theses 
  • Senior Recognition and Plans for Commencement
  • Closing Remarks

Congratulations, graduates! 

Honors Tutorial College students are passionate, intelligent and driven. It's no wonder our graduates make a difference around the world.

HTC Music
Ellie Abbott

Dublin, Ohio

Bridging Cultures: An Exploration of Japanese Compositions for Trombone in American Standard Repertoire

  • Presenter at the 2024 International Trombone Festival
  • Presenter at the 2024 International Women's Brass Conference in Japan
  • S.E. Shires Brass Instruments Rising Artist

"Dr. Lucas Borges has been an incredibly supportive and influential mentor on my studies in HTC. He has guided me in choosing the best tutorials for my career goals and has also transformed my playing as a trombonist throughout my undergraduate studies. Without him, I would not have achieved my greatest accomplishments or been able to be accepted to Northwestern University's trombone master's program, one of the most selective in the world. Not only can I attribute my accomplishments to him, but I would also like to recognize his mentorship in the creation of my first professional solo recordings. These recordings will impact both the field of Classical music and my personal career."

HTC Classics and Religious Studies
Melanie Ahmetspahic

Rocky River, Ohio
A&S Biological Sciences Major

Bodies of Christ: Reimagining the Myths of Mermaids and Jesus in Western Christianity

  • Emrick Cutler Scholar
  • Had grants to research in Barcelona, volunteer in Hawaii, and mountaineer in Alaska, surf in California
  • Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society

"Thank you to Dr. Myrna Perez for her intelligence, creativity, patience, and open-mindedness. She supported me whole heartedly in my research endeavors and it led to the creation of a thesis I was passionate about."

HTC Social Work
Catron Arnold

Lexington, Kentucky
Professional Deaf Resources Liaison Certificate

Discrepancies in Social Work Availability for Deaf and Hearing Populations

  • Ohio University Tour Guide
  • Studied Abroad in Costa Rica with the Social Work Department
  • Alpha Delta Pi Sorority

"Dr. Jennifer Shadik, Director of Studies for HTC Social Work, played an integral part in my college experience. She advises with kindness and grace and celebrates our accomplishments to the fullest. I never once hesitated reaching out to Dr. Shadik, and my nerves and thoughts were always embraced and put at ease. Dr. Shadik is not only a phenomenal social worker but mentor as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dr. Shadik!"

HTC Anthropology
Deontae Brown

Dayton, Ohio
A&S Political Science Pre-Law Major
Certificate in Law, Justice, and Culture

The Economic and Cultural Lives of the Giza Necropolis

  • Study abroad in Egypt
  • Rank the Vote Internship
HTC Mathematics
Evan Carlisle

Bowling Green, Ohio
A&S Economics Major

A Dynamic Digital Product Model with Heterogeneous Tastes under Piracy

 

HTC Environmental Studies
Mia Citino

Dublin, Ohio
Spanish and Political Science Minors
Certificates in Latin American Studies and Law, Justice, and Culture

Sumak Kawsay to Individual Agency: Constitutional Framing of the Environment in the United States, Colombia, and Ecuador

  • Ohio University Student Trustee
  • Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholar
  • Phi Beta Kappa 

"Dr. Holly Ningard has been a mentor for me since the first class of hers that I took in the spring of 2021. I could not have written my thesis without her unwavering support and encouragement, and I am incredibly thankful to have learned from her during my time at Ohio University!"

HTC Journalism
Lydia Colvin

Powell, Ohio
A&S Political Science Major
Political Communications Certificate

Framing of Eco-Anxiety in Mainstream Media: Journalistic Coverage of a Growing Mental Health Phenomenon

  • Legislative Internship in Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur's (OH-09) Office
  • Communications Internship at the Bipartisan Policy Center through the Scripps Summer in D.C. Program
  • Alpha Omicron Pi - Vice President of Recruitment, Vice President of Communications, Director of Philanthropy 

"Gregory Korte, tutor for sophomore year tutorial, White House and Politics Correspondent at Bloomberg: He is important to me because he gave me a lot of insight into being a professional journalist as well as the inner workings of D.C. I don't think that I would have applied to the Scripps Summer in D.C. program if Korte had not been my mentor, and that experience allowed me to figure out what I wanted to do in the future."

HTC Environmental Studies
Anna Crabtree

New Marshfield, Ohio
ENT Mechanical Engineering Major
Minor in Mathematics

Nature, Wonder, and Art: Community Building through Adult Experiential Learning in an Appalachian Museum

  • Russ Legacy Cutler Scholar
  • Pinnacle Award for Completion of 19 Day Outward Bound Expedition in Scotland Highlands 
  • Conservation Corps Crew Leader at NorthWoods Stewardship Center

"As I approach the end of my undergraduate education, I am full of gratitude for the invaluable impact Dr. Nancy Steven's guidance has had on my journey. Thank you for fostering a relationship of wisdom-sharing, exploration, and creation. Your mentorship has woven together experience, wonder, and inspiration in a way that will forever shape my growth."
 

HTC Chemistry
Braeden Craig

Pickerington, Ohio
Biological Sciences Minor

Fragment-Based Drug Discovery Targeting the T-Box Riboswitch

  • Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association: Member/Treasurer for the 2021-22 academic year
  • Robert K. Ingham Organic Chemistry Award

"Dr. Hines helped guide me through the world of organic chemistry and biochemistry throughout my time at Ohio University. She challenged me to gain a deeper understanding of these areas of chemistry and apply it in my research. She has been a great mentor for me throughout my years here, and I have gained invaluable experience by working with her."
 

HTC English and HTC Journalism
Alesha Davis

Crowley, Texas
 

Reforming African American Literature in High Schools

  • Equity Director at The Post
  • SHADES president
  • OUP assistant editor

"I would like to thank Dr. Chang for sticking with me for three years. He challenged me in ways I had never been challenged before and my perspective on writing and editing has drastically changed as a result. His patience, presence, and occasional pressure truly helped me get through my time here at Ohio University."

HTC Translational Health Applied Nutrition
Maya Djalali

Athens, Ohio
Chemistry and Biological Sciences Minors
Certificate in Global Health

To Cycle or Not to Cycle: The Effect of Weight Cycling on the Liver Transcriptome

 

HTC Dance
Halina Dreger

Lakewood, Ohio
Psychology Minor

Mothers making and moving: creative arts workshops and postpartum identity

  • Cutler Scholar
  • Spring 2023 semester abroad in Barcelona, Spain
  • Summer 2021 live-in volunteer intern at Innisfree Village

"I would like to thank my director of studies, Dr. Tresa Randall, for her support for all of my endeavors throughout my time at Ohio University. Her insight and encouragement helped to make my undergraduate experience a meaningful and unforgettable one."

HTC Media Arts and Studies
Cora Fitch

Athens, Ohio
Studio Art Minor

The Full Picture: An Audiovisual Gallery Exhibition

  • The Margaret Boyd Scholars Program
  • President's List Spring 2024

"Eddie Ashworth, for being instrumental in the creation of both my music releases and my growth as a music industry professional." 

HTC Business Administration
Brady Floyd

Ironton, Ohio
Master's in Middle Childhood Education

Navigating Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Small-town America

  • Wandell Leadership Fellows
  • Konneker Research Award
  • Senior trip to Germany, France, England, Austria, and Italy 

"Dr. Frost has been an invaluable mentor and director of studies, consistently providing me with guidance and support throughout my college journey, and his steadfast presence has been instrumental in my academic and personal growth."

HTC Environmental Studies
Morgan Gangaware

Springboro, Ohio
Certificates in Environmental Studies, Sustainability and Resilience; and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Catalyst: Art in the Time of Environmental Crisis

  • HTC Ambassador 
  • Principal Flutist of OU Wind Symphony 
  • Greenpeace Extern

"I have known Dr. Nancy Manring for a few years, and she has been my thesis advisor for almost two years. My thesis work is one that I am so incredibly proud of and inspired by, and a large part of what I was able to accomplish is due to Dr. Manring’s support and guidance."

HTC Business Administration
Rhyan Goodman

Orient, Ohio
Political Science Minor

Cyber Sentinel: A Qualitative Analysis Of Cyberharassment Laws Across The World And Providing Better Protections To Victims

  • Budget Preparation Specialist at the White House Office of Management and Budget
  • Intern with the Executive Office of the President of the United States
  • 2024 Outstanding Senior Leader

"My Director of Studies (Dr. Raymond Frost) has supported me throughout my entire undergraduate career. Since the beginning of my freshman year, Dr. Frost has pushed me to dream big, inspired me to reach for the stars, and supported me along every step of this journey. From applying to student organizations my freshman year to securing a full-time position at the White House, Dr. Frost has always gone above and beyond to help me live my dreams." 

HTC Social Work
Megan Handle

Waynesville, Ohio
Psychology Minor

Menstrual Equity in the United States: Implications for Ohio College Students in Regard to Mental Health and Academic Achievement

  • Student Senate President
  • Women's Issues Leadership Award x2
  • Founder of The Period Project

"Letitia Price! She has been an invaluable part of my college experience helping with both The Period Project, my thesis, and every corner of helping me be a successful human and student!"

HTC Chemistry
Emily Harasin

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mathematics Minor

Exploring the Chemical Recyclability of Polylactic Acid using Organic Catalysts

  • Deutsche Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) Research in Science and Engineering Internship
  • American Chemical Society - International Research Experience for Students Fellowship
  • Alpha Chi Sigma Gamma Nu - Diversity and Inclusion Officer

"I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude and thanks to Dr. Katherine Cimatu, who has mentored me since I was a freshman, when I barely knew how to use an auto-pipettor, to the chemist, researcher, and person that I am today. I am most grateful for her patience and academic guidance as I underwent my collegiate journey, and I am especially thankful for her allowance of me to establish my own project, including funding the project and permitting me the freedom to explore my own ideas. Dr. Cimatu, thank you for every single resume review, letter of recommendation, opportunity, and second of you day taken to talk to me about chemistry or life, alike. Additionally, I am incredibly grateful for the guidance and mentorship of my Director of Studies, Dr. Lauren McMills, who has always supported and taken the time to listen to me. I cannot imagine a better person for a student to have as their DOS and professor."

HTC Environmental Studies
Kate Harmon

Bay Village, Ohio
Business Administration Minor
Environmental Studies, Sustainability, and Resilience Certificate 

Regenerative and Local Agriculture: Their Benefits to People, The Planet, and Economic Prosperity from the Perspective of a Campus Community

  • Events Coordinator for the Office of Sustainability 
  • Communications Team Lead for Campus Recycling
  • Volunteered on farms in Italy, Slovenia, and the Netherlands through the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms Program

"I'd like to recognize my thesis advisor, Dr. David Rosenthal, for his continuous support and guidance. He has helped make my goals a reality, and I could not have reestablished the Student Farm Market or started the Student Farmers club without him. He always believed in me and helped me grow so much as a student over the course of writing my thesis."

HTC Neuroscience
Alexa Haroon

Lancaster, Ohio
 

Repurposing of Zoledronic Acid for Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Outstanding Graduating HTC Senior in Neuroscience

HTC Business Administration
Pearl Herriott

Belpre, Ohio

Corporate Social Responsibility Perceptions: An Analysis of Generation Zs' Perceptions and Opinions of Corporate Social Responsibility in Relation to Political Views

  • 2022 Global Consulting Program - Dijon, France
  • 2023 Summer in Florence - Florence, Italy
  • Member of Wandell Leadership Fellows

"Dr. Jessica Weeks, my thesis advisor, was so supportive and encouraging during my senior year tutorials. She is extremely well-versed in business research, so it was a great opportunity learn from someone who has had research experience in both the corporate world and higher academia." 
 

HTC Political Science
Sabina Hordinski

Cincinnati, Ohio
Spanish Minor

Humanitarian Responses to Ukrainian Refugees: Lessons from Poland

 

HTC French
Lindsey Hubay

Toledo, Ohio
EDU French Education

Francophone Culture in French teaching in Ohio: the movement towards a representative and diverse curriculum in High Schools

  • Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
  • 2023-34 Outstanding French Education Student
  • Lyon, France Summer 2023 Study Abroad 

"Dr. Christopher Coski of the Modern Language Department has supported me over the last three years. Dr. Coski has helped me prepare for conference presentations, encouraged me in my French-language exploration, and edited countless drafts and revisions of my work. Although these qualities align with the expectations of a tutor, Dr. Coski's patience and compassion are what make him an outstanding asset. He consistently worked with me to meet deadlines (one of my faults), rearranged our timeline when student teaching was just as overwhelming as he said it would be, and had a calm but honest conversation with me when it was looking like I would need more time to finish my thesis. He has been so supportive while still maintaining his regard for high-quality work. We are so lucky to have him as a tutor!"

HTC Film
Max Kaplan

Dayton, Ohio

LOOKER - A Short Body Horror Film

  • Best Director for “Death of a Bible Salesman” at the Catalano Film Festival 2024
  • Recipient of the Bobcat Seed Fund for documentary on the band “Wreck League” 2023
  • Appalachian Film Fellow 2022-23

"Tom Hayes, for his priceless insights, training for success, and constant creative and professional support over my entire academic career at OU."

HTC Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
Miranda Kress

Bridgeport, West Virginia 
Business Administration Minor
Professional Deaf Resources Liaison Certificate

Understanding and Characterizing Students' Experiences in the Field of Speech-Language Pathology Within an Ecological Framework

  • National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Scholarship Recipient 
  • Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association (OSLHA) Outstanding Undergraduate in Hearing, Speech & Language Sciences
  • Ohio University Provost Undergraduate Research Fund Recipient 

 

HTC Environmental Studies
Gabi Lindsey

Dresden, Ohio
Environmental and Plant Biology Minor

Habitat Use of Henslow’s Sparrows (Centronyx henslowii) in Southern Ohio

  • Ohio University Student Enhancement Award
  • Kirtland Bird Club Ohio Avian Project Initiative Award
  • Internship studying Kirtland’s Warblers with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Institute

"Dr. Kelly Williams (BIOS) has been instrumental in shaping me into the scientist I am today. She has supported and encouraged me every step of the way!"

HTC Anthropology
Tori Lovelace

Westerville, Ohio
Geological Sciences Minor

Stoney Hill Rockshelter and Regional Trends in Prehistoric Rockshelter Use in Southeastern Ohio

  • President/Treasurer of the Ohio Student Anthropology Society student organization
  • Archaeology Intern with Wayne National Forest
  • Teaching Assistant for the 2023 Ohio University Archaeology Field School

"I would like to thank Dr. Joe Gingerich for his excellent guidance throughout my college career. His passions for archaeology and teaching combined with his patience gave me a great environment to learn field and lab methods and theory. I feel fully prepared for graduate school and am so grateful for the part he played in that."

HTC Art History and HTC Studio Art
Jailei Maas

Morgantown, West Virginia
Spanish Minor
Museum Studies Certificate

A Blue Existence (Studio Art)
The Gaze of Luchita Hurtado: Painting the Body, Womanhood, and Ecofeminism (Art History)

  • Fellow of the Menard Family George Washington Forum (2021-2023)
  • HTC Summer Internship Recipient at REA Conservation in Borneo, Indonesia
  • HTC Summer Apprentice Transcriber for "The Correspondence of John Lord Hervey (1696–1743)" by Oxford University Press and Conyers Middleton’s "Free Inquiry into the Miraculous Powers" for the Liberty Fund’s Thomas Hollis Library Project with Dr. Robert Ingram

"Dr. Jennie Klein has been there to push me and help me grow exponentially since the beginning. She has shown me the ways in which I might achieve the utmost opportunities at OU, and all of the prolific places on to which I might move."
 

HTC Biological Sciences
Austin Mahr

Rutland, Ohio
Finance Minor

Analyzing the Triadic Relationship Between Environmental Health, Social Determinants, and Appalachian Decision-Making

 

HTC History
Colleen Beale McLafferty

Twinsburg, Ohio
English Minor 
Certificate in Law, Justice, and Culture

Progressive Dreams: the Political Evolution of the International Workers Order

  • Managing Editor of Sphere Magazine
  • George Washington Forum Fellow
  • Law Clerk at Ritzler, Coughlin and Paglia

"Dr. Kevin Uhalde, for his unwavering support and dedication to HTC and undergraduate students!"

HTC English
mmj

Ohio
Studio Art Minor

70 pages of four funny years of college, in the form of a poetics

"E, MKH, and everyone else: for tolerating the costco poem girl and all the many people i have been." 

HTC Translational Health Applied Nutrition
Hannah Moore

Port Clinton, Ohio
Didactic Program in Dietetics Certification
Global Health Certificate

Impact of Live Healthy Kids on Nutritional Knowledge and Preference

  • Inaugural Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service Recipient
  • Honors Tutorial College Student Council Chairwoman
  • Nutrition Club President

"Professor Amber Sheeks opened my eyes to what I can do as a future dietitian. She always encouraged me to view the world in a holistic way and to integrate historical and cultural knowledge into my clinical viewpoint. I was never afraid to approach her with a question, concern, or just to have a conversation about a niche subject. She is such an inspiration for using my career to uplift and advocate for others and made me truly excited for my future career path." 

HTC Astrophysics
Sabrina Moore

Granville, Ohio
Mathematics Minor

Understanding the Large-Scale Structure of Cosmological N-Body Simulations

  • Summer Research Fellow 2022-2023
  • Digital Manufacturing Research Assistant
  • Circle K International Service Club

"Both Dr. Drabold and Dr. Seo have been extremely helpful in my time at the HTC. From aiding me in my Astrophysics studies to supporting me as I left the field for Statistics, they always remained in my corner to lend a hand whenever needed. Thank you both for everything!"
 

HTC Journalism
Isabel Nissley

Cincinnati, Ohio
Specialization in Geography and History

Dilapidated: a journalistic investigation into blighted properties, the land bank and alternative approaches to building home in Athens, Ohio

  • Ohio University Society of Professional Journalists vice president
  • Athens County Independent intern
  • Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service undergraduate research scholar

"Every tutor I've had the privilege of working with has instilled in me enthusiasm for an aspect of journalism I hadn't been excited about before. I am especially grateful for Dr. Aimee Edmondson's mentorship this year – as my thesis advisor, she encouraged me to try new forms of storytelling, ask questions to reveal a deeper truth and love numbers and data (a serious feat for a journalism major)."

HTC Media Arts and Studies
Abby Palmer

Columbus, Ohio
Social Media Certificate

Consumer-core

  • University Communications and Marketing Video Producer
  • Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity President
  • 1st Place in Media Arts and Studies at the 2024 Student Expo

"Viktoria Marinova was my thesis advisor and ALWAYS believed in me, even when I didn't. She is the most enthusiastic, committed, kind, and supportive mentor I could ask for."

HTC Chemistry
Evelyn Potter

Yellow Springs, Ohio
German Minor

The effect of solar ultraviolet light on protein expression and location in the mitochondrial associated membrane

  • President of the American Medical Students association
  • Kopchick Fellowship award winner
  • intramural soccer player

"Dr. Veronica Bahamondes Larca: I have had Veronica as a tutorial advisor and thesis advisor for three years. She taught me everything I know about working in a lab. I started working in Dr. Wu’s lab with Veronica shortly after covid and had no prior lab experience. Veronica is an amazing teacher. She would ask me questions that made sure I really understood what I was doing and taught me how to thing like a researcher. She encouraged me to explore the topics I was interested in as well as help get back into the right path when I was stumped. On my first day in the lab I used 50 milliliters of a chemical instead of 50 micro liters -big difference (and I found out later that the chemical cost more than a car) and I felt so bad and thought for sure they wouldn’t want me back in the lab. That wasn’t the last time I made a mistake but Veronica always taught me to take the mistakes in stride and learn from them instead of get frustrated. Research doesn’t always work out…actually it rarely does but how you approach these disappointments makes all the difference. I am the researcher I am today because of her!"

HTC Business Administration
Maddi Raisch

Cincinnati, Ohio
MIS and Analytics Concentration
Spanish Minor

Scoreboard for Excel: Real-time Formative Feedback and Honesty Controls for Quantitative Disciplines

  • Worked with Dr. Frost to co-develop Scoreboard for Excel
  • Studied abroad at the University of Salamanca in Spain for a semester
  • President of  Wandell Leadership Fellows in the College of Business 

"Dr. Frost is an extremely patient and dedicated DOS, and I can confidently say that everyone in the HTC Business program considers themselves very lucky to have him in our corner. Dr. Frost's mentorship has had a tremendous impact on my college experience. His contribution to my learning and development has truly spanned all 4 years of my time at OU, even over summers and university breaks. Whether we were pair programming through a complicated problem related to our collaborative project, or talking through other big decisions I've had to make throughout college, his guidance has always given me the clarity and confidence to do big things."
 

HTC Environmental and Plant Biology
Riley J. Rees

Detroit, Michigan

The Nature of Petaloidy in Caryophyllaceae

  • Garden Club of America Joan K. Hunt and Rachel M. Hunt Summer Scholarship in Field Botany
  • Botanical Society of America Student Member, Botany 2023 Oral Presenter
  • Ohio University Norman S. Cohn Genetics Fellowship
HTC Spanish
Caroline Rhude

Blanchester, Ohio
HSP Social Work
Dance Performance & Choreography and Business Analytics Minors
Certificates in European Studies and Latin American Studies

El rol actual del Trujillato (1930-1961) en la República Dominicana: Unir el pasado con el presente a través de las experiencias adversas en la infancia

  • Studied abroad in Florence, Italy; Toledo and Sevilla, Spain
  • Awarded the Provost Undergraduate Research Fund for thesis research
  • Volunteered with United Campus Ministry since October 2022 and will be interning for them this upcoming summer

"Throughout my undergraduate experience in the Honors Tutorial College, I would like to recognize one of my incredible tutors and mentors Dr. Daniel Torres in the Spanish Department. Not only has he assisted me in writing and preparing for multiple Spanish language conferences over the past couple of years, but his tutorial allowed me to consider controversial and under- or misrepresented topics with a new perspective. He continues to push the limits of what LGBTQ+ Caribbean literature looks like, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from him." 

HTC Music
Allison Rollins

Albany, Ohio
Interdisciplinary Arts Minor

Transitive Property: An Interdisciplinary Collaborative Performance

  • Project with the School of Music's piano technician to restore and repair a 119-year-old grand piano for the Athens Public Library 
  • International Summer School in Galway, Ireland
  • Solo flute recital "Afternoon of a Faun," featuring the world premiere of "Narcissus" by Will Davenport
HTC Advanced Computing
Owen Salyer

McArthur, Ohio
Mathematics Minor

A multi-cancer study of CpG island methylator phenotype and its complex set of mutational associations 

HTC Media Arts and Studies
Meg Sharp

Columbus, Ohio
English Minor

I Will Not Apologize For This: Exploring Womanhood and Feminist Theory with Animation

  • F-Word Performers
  • LA Program Fall 2022
  • HTC Apprenticeship 2021, 2022

"My director of studies Beth Novak has been wonderful in every way and more supportive than I could have ever imagined. She has inspired me and helped me in countless ways throughout my time here."

HTC Media Arts and Studies
Ashley Spelic

Kings Mills, Ohio
Computer Science Minor

The Ramifications of Procedural Asset Creation and AI Assisted Development on Indie Games

  • Regional Emmy for Short Film Stylite
  • Environmental Artist Intern at HAVIK Solutions

"I recognize Kate Raney as an incredible tutor. Acting as a mentor and teacher through tutorials and classes Kate has been so incredible to have; helping to give valuable feedback, work through ideas, and simply giving amazing support!"

HTC Environmental Studies
Isabel Stitchick

Avon, Ohio
English Minor

Women Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture in Athens County, OH

  • Study Abroad experience in Scotland
  • Americorps service
  • Ohio University's Office of Sustainability's Social Media and Marketing Coordinator

"Dr. Wangui was not only an integral supporter of my thesis work, but was a much-appreciated benefactor of the majority of my scholarship at OU. Throughout the past three years, she has enriched my life with her astute expertise on pastoral communities, as well as through her charming and memorable personal stories. Dr. Wangui has been such a wise and caring mentor, and I cannot express my appreciation for her enough!"

HTC Biological Sciences
Emily Sudnick

Twinsburg, Ohio

Exploring the Individual Roles of Phenol Soluble Modulin Toxins in Staphylococcus aureus

  • Provost Undergraduate Research Fund
  • John J. Kopchick Undergraduate Student Support Fund 
  • President of the Ohio Microbiology Student Organization 

"My thesis mentor Dr. Ronan Carroll: Thank you for being such an amazing mentor over the last three years. You’ve taught me everything I know about bacterial genetics, and I could not have imagined having a better undergraduate lab experience. My DOS Dr. Soichi Tanda: Thank you for your never-ending support, and your belief in me over the last four years. You’ve given me such great opportunities to succeed, and could not have gotten to where I am without your helping hand and kindness."

HTC Music
Daniel Swartz

Dayton, Ohio

The Flower Cries Blue: the Ideal, the Absurd, and Artistic Engagement

Co-founder: Capital A

"Thank you Dr. McClure and Professor Braun for your constant support. Without you, my crazy ideas would all be crazy and it’s because of you that I’ve had the opportunities I have in these four years."

HTC Environmental and Plant Biology
Victoria Swiler

Maumee, Ohio
Communication Studies Minor

The Role of the AHA2 Protein in Plant Gravity Response

  • Student Spaceflight Experiment Program Winner
  • Community Food Initiatives
  • Boyce Thompson Institute NSF REU

"Dr. Sarah Wyatt is my thesis advisor and has let me work in her lab ever since my freshman year. My life throughout college was changed by her mentorship. She exposed me to the research world, took me to numerous conferences, and challenges me every day to be a better researcher. Without her guidance, I wouldn't be where I am today and planning to pursue a research career."

HTC Sociology
Judinya Thwaites-Brevik

Yellow Springs, Ohio
Political Science and Psychology Minors
Certificate in Law, Justice, and Culture

The Development of Political Ideology in Generation Z (and Why Higher Education Is Not to Blame for Their Liberal Proclivity)

  • Margaret Boyd Scholars Cohort Leader Award 
  • 2021- 2022 OhioLINK Luminaries Intern
  • 2023 Director of Executive Mentorship for the Ralph and Luci Schey Sales Centre

 

HTC Studio Art
Jenna Tucker

Powhatan Point, Ohio

Self-Service 

  • Provost Undergraduate Research Fund
  • Margaret Brown Krecker Prize in Art

"Thank you Melissa Haviland for being a source of advice and reassurance these past 4 years! I have learned so much from you."

HTC Biological Sciences
Megan Turner

LaGrange, Georgia
Entrepreneurship Certificate

Effects of Nuclear PTHrP on Growth Hormone IGF1-axis in Liver

  • University Innovation Fellows
  • President of Ohio University Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club

"Dr. Tanda! I am so thankful for his kindness and guidance he has given me throughout my four years here. He is one of the best people I have ever come to know. I am thankful to have had him as my Director of Study. "

HTC Art History and HTC Studio Art
Emily Van Meter

Athens, Ohio
Museum Studies Certificate

The Existence of a Woman Artist

Margaret Boyd Scholars Program

Special thanks to David LaPalombara

HTC Chemistry
Izzy Walther

Upper Arlington, Ohio
Biological Sciences Minor

Polyamine Effect on T-Box Riboswitch Transcription Outcomes

  • The Jesse Day Undergraduate Chemistry Award
  • American Chemical Society Organic Chemistry Award
  • Half Marathon Finisher and Intramural Soccer Captain!

"Thank you Dr. Lauren McMills and Dr. Mark McMills for being my biggest cheerleaders and always believing in me! I couldn’t have done it without you both!"

HTC Engineering Physics
Mahala Wanner

Grove City, Ohio
Mathematics Minor

Transferring Non-Traditional 2D Films onto Non-Traditional and 2D Substrates using Pick and Place Methods

 

HTC Biological Sciences
Ryan Ward

Avon, Ohio
Chemistry and Mathematics Minors

Extracellular ATP Induced Senescence in Human Lung Cancer

  • Goldwater
  • DAAD RISE Germany Internship
  • Supplemental Instruction

"Soichi Tanda for being always being willing to help and get us to where we need to be no matter what."
 

HTC Business Administration
Alexis Williams

Columbus, Ohio

Discovering Generation Z’s Boycotting Behaviors Within the Live Music Event Ticketing Industry

  • Hilliard Church of Christ Volunteer
  • Schey Sales Center Member
  • Young Life Member

"Dr. Frost has been my greatest supporter since before I stepped foot on Ohio University’s campus. He is a kind, gracious soul who has a genuine love and passion for his students. He is the first to tell you when your ambitions are high, but he is also the first to support your ambitions if you are willing to fully commit to them. I think that is what I appreciate most about him. His honesty on all counts paired with his continual support. I think that is what has made him such an amazing advisor. In the fall of 2022 I was cited for a terrible car accident that I did not believe I caused. So, I decided to go to court to fight my citation. Throughout that process I discovered my passion for law. So, this past fall, I asked Dr. Frost if I should try a law class just to see if I liked it and he fully supported me in my decision to take a business law class during my thesis because he saw my passion for the subject. Throughout my advising sessions he encouraged me to pursue a career in law and now I am considering law school! He helped me realize my passion for law and encouraged me to pursue that passion because of the potential he saw in me. He instilled the confidence in me to try new things in the midst of hardship and to find joy in all things. I hope that many more students will get to experience his generosity and support throughout their college years and beyond just as I have been able to. He has been such a blessing in my life and I could not imagine having ended up with a better advisor."

HTC Biological Sciences
Kana Wisniewski

Independence, Ohio

Lead concentrations in human, caprine, and bovine milk in Southeast Ohio

  • Fulbright ETF Award Recipient 
  • University of Glasgow Research Internship 
  • Founder of Half Asian People's Association, OU Trivia Club, and co-founder of The Body Project

"Dr. Tanda - thank you for being the best DOS in the world and my good friend! Dr. Chertok - I appreciate your faith in me and your endless strength."

HTC Journalism
Sophia Young

Cincinnati, Ohio
Political Science and Studio Art Minors

Troubled Treatment: Stories from an Adolescent Therapeutic Boarding School

  • The Post, staff writer 
  • Intern with the U.S. Army Cadet Command 
  • Web Design and Digital Content Intern with Ohio University Communications and Marketing

"My project would not have been possible without my senior thesis advisor Dr. Elizabeth Hendrickson. She went above and beyond to support me in my process and help guide me from start to finish. She never failed to encourage me when I was down and make me laugh when I felt overwhelmed, and I am so grateful!"

HTC Chemistry and HTC Mathematics
Aoife Zuercher

Cleveland, Ohio

Using microscopy methods and density functional theory to characterize surface properties and interfacial stability of different molecular systems

  • Advanced Materials and Processing Intern at NASA Langley Research Center
  • Energy Storage Materials Intern at NASA Glenn Research Center
  • Recipient of A. James Clark Doctoral Fellowship

"I would like to recognize Dr. Katherine Cimatu for her support through the last three years of school. She has been influential in my decision to continue my education and supported me in my pursuit of educational opportunites both in and out of Ohio University. I have been inspired by her continued passionate and drive in he field of physical chemistry. She is one of the hardest working women I have ever met and still makes time to have a personal relationship with all her students. She is an essential part of my growth throughout my undergraduate career."