Senior Celebration 2022

Kate Altany  

Kate Altany

HTC English
Creative Writing Certificate

Broadview Heights, OH

Thesis 
A Gallery: Memory, Trauma, and Time

Involvement and Achievements
Sphere Magazine Head Nonfiction Editor
AAC Writing Commons Lead Tutor
Deans List 2018-2022

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
I'd like to thank Mary Kate Hurley and Tom Scanlan for their incredible support and mentorship throughout my college education. Both former tutorial mentors in wildly different areas of expertise, they stepped outside of their comfort zones to guide me through a creative thesis in my senior year. Through countless hours of discussion I have come to admire their endless capacity for question and conversation; to them I owe a great deal of thanks for the consistent reminder that academia is a place for curiosity, connection, and kindness.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
My advice to incoming freshman would be to find ways to integrate your identity and interests with the work you do. The future beyond these four years may be terrifying, and it isn't easy to ignore thoughts of how we might be more practical or comfortable if we'd simply follow in pre-determined footsteps. Despite this impulse, I encourage you to use the resources you are offered here to build something worth defending rather than fortifying walls against an unknowable fate. If you do not know what you love yet, remember that the search to find it is part of what makes that passion so strong. 
Find value in the things you truly care for, not because it serves the world, but because it serves you. As I've learned, those values are not as far apart as they may seem.

Lindsey Bachmann  

Lindsey Bachmann

HTC Biological Sciences

Loveland, Ohio

Thesis 
Combinatorial Anticancer Therapy Strategy Using a Pan-Class I Glucose Transporter Inhibitor with Chemotherapy and Target Drugs in vitro and in vivo

Involvement and Achievements
Presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Conference in New Orleans
3 First Place Awards over two years at the OU Student Expo
Phi Delta Epsilon Kaplan MCAT Scholarship (internationally competitive)

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Tanda has been the best Director of Studies a student could ask for. He gives great academic, research, and career advice, but most importantly, he really cares about all of his students. It is so clear that Dr. T is each of our biggest advocates and he genuinely wants us to do well. I don't know where I would be without Dr. T and all of his support.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Favorite HTC memory was meeting all of my HTC class during orientation and meeting so many new friends and feeling so welcomed by everyone.
Advice I'd give to incoming freshman is don't let your drive to be at the top of all your classes keep you from having fun or making memories with friends. You don't want to look back and feel like you missed your opportunity to have fun in college.
 

Erica Bechtel  

Erica Bechtel

HTC Philosophy
Environmental Studies Certificate

Cincinnati, OH

Thesis 
Climate Change and Human Rights in Philosophy and Law

Involvement and Achievements
Student Alumni Board-Philanthropy Committee
Institute for Applied and Professional Ethics
HCOM Clinical and Translational Research Unit

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Alyssa Bernstein of the philosophy department, for making time in her busy schedule to do research with me and consistently mentoring me during my time here at OU!

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Hanging out with the Johnson Hall Lobby Gang 2018-19 (real ones remember)
 

Shea Benezra  

Shea Benezra

HTC Political Science

Brooklyn, New York

Thesis 
The Language of My Century: Play and Poetics in Contemporary Spectacle

Involvement and Achievements

• Selected to present my thesis at the 2022 Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium at John Hopkins University.
• Received funding to travel to Paris this past year to research at the National Library of France and visit a conference at the Centre Pompidou
• Member of the Athens band Velvet Green

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
I'd like to recognize a few professors. First, my thesis advisor Dr. Judith Grant for her insight and support in working through my thesis. I would also like to thank my Director of Studies, Dr. Andrew Ross for his constant encouragement, kindness, and guidance throughout my time at OU.
Dr. Ofer Eliaz endlessly supported me in pursuing my various interests in art and political theory. So much of our work together inspired this project. I am also grateful to Dr. Julie White, for encouraging me to come to OU in the first place and supporting me in all of my interests at OU.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
One of my favorite HTC memories is meeting a few of my closest friends at OU at the ice cream social at the beginning of freshman year.
 

Hannah Boesger  

Hannah Boesger

HTC Neuroscience
Biological Sciences and Chemistry Minors

Avon, Ohio

Thesis 
Computer Aided Drug Design from a Series of GSK3b Inhibitors: Advancements Towards the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Involvement and Achievements
Coauthor of "RNA sequence and ligand binding alter conformational profile of SARS-CoV-2 stem loop II motif" in Biomedical and Biophysical research communications 
1st place prize in Biochem at 2022 Student Expo for thesis research 
Fulbright Semi Finalist for Research in Australia

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Duerr and Dr. Hines were both so influential in my college experience! I am very grateful for their advice and conversation.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
All of my favorite HTC memories are small moments with amazing people. I would tell incoming freshman to try to get to know as many people as possible because they are what make the college experience (and HTC) so special.
 

Kaitlyn Booher  

Kaitlyn Booher

HTC Spanish
Political Science (A&S) Major, Philosophy Minor, Latin American Studies Certificate
Plainfield, Indiana

Thesis 
La memoria histórica y el pacto del olvido: Cómo la Ley de Amnistía de España de 1977 sigue impidiendo la reivindicación de las víctimas

Involvement and Achievements
1. Menard Family George Washington Forum 
2. Toledo, Spain and Tuscany, Italy Study Abroads 
3. Phi Beta Kappa

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Partyka- Without the support from Dr. Partyka, I wouldn’t have been able to succeed as much as I have the past 4 years. She constantly pushed me to be the best student and person I could and supported me throughout the process.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
The best advice I can give to an incoming freshman is to pursue your passion projects and find a way to incorporate them into your every day life.
 

Sydney Teny Borsellino  

Sydney Teny Borsellino

HTC Sociology
Psychology Minor; Law, Justice and Culture Certificate

Winter Garden, Florida

Thesis 
Unheard Victims: The Ways in which Family Members of Death Row Inmates Experience the Criminal Justice System

Involvement and Achievements
Graduating Summa Cum Laude, Ohio University
Awarded Quadrangle Scholar Research Scholarship & Social Sciences Opportunity Scholarship, The University of Chicago
Awarded the Michael Haley Travel Grant by the International Communication Association to present an accepted conference paper in Paris, France.     

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
I'd like to recognize my thesis mentor, Dr. Amanda Cox (one of my guests tonight), for her contribution to my college experience. I'm not sure there are enough words to summarize how important your mentorship and support have been to me during my time at OHIO. Nothing I have or will accomplish would be possible without the tremendous work you have put into mentoring me. Both inside and outside the classroom, you have supported me throughout my hardest times, especially after the loss of my father, and never wavered in your belief in me. You helped me to find my true passion in Sociology, and have shown me what it truly means to be a teacher. I don't know what I am going to do in Chicago without you, but I'm so glad to know you will always be a phone call away. Thank you for 4 of the best years of my life. You will always be the best teacher I've ever had. 
P.S. Twiggy also wishes to extend the utmost gratitude to her bestie, Dr. Cox. Bentley Annex 109 will always be her favorite spot!

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
I can't pick one, but the tutorial itself has been my favorite part of HTC. I would tell incoming freshmen to take advantage of the opportunity that is the tutorial - get to know your professors, go to their office hours, explore any topic that interests you!
 

Will Bower  

Will Bower

HTC English
Creative Writing Concentration

Cincinnati, OH

Thesis 
Vessel: A Collection

Involvement and Achievements
Poetry Editor, Head Copywriter, and Designer — Sphere Magazine
English Research Apprentice — Honors Tutorial College
Intern — New Ohio Review

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Advice for incoming freshman: This place is filled with talented, wonderful people who are interested, invested, and excited in the work that they do (and that includes students, professors, staff, and all the people in between!). Take the time to get to know them; those conversations and connections will stay with you past your coursework.
 

Diamond Brooks  

Diamond Brooks

HTC Political Science
African American Studies Minor; Law, Justice, and Culture Certificate

Euclid, OH

Thesis 
Casual Connections: How the Conservative Legal Movement Successfully Gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965 Whilst Simultaneously Evading the Stigma of Racism

Involvement and Achievements
6x Outstanding Attorney Awardee - Mock Trial
Alan Aichinger Memorial Scholarship Recipient 
2nd Place - Political Science Thesis

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Kathleen Sullivan has had a meaningful impact on my college experience. Her mentorship will not soon be forgotten.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Embrace everything!
 

Calen Anne Campbell  

Calen Anne Campbell

HTC Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Track

Glouster, Ohio

Thesis 
The Roles of Microhabitat Preference and Competition in the Fine-scale Distribution of Two Ohio Plethodon

Involvement and Achievements
- Research intern for the Poplar Island Ecosystem Restoration Project, on a long-term mark-recapture study of Diamondback Terrapins
- Research intern for a study done into the little-known interactions and habitat preferences of two local salamander species, eventually leading to my thesis work
- Secretary of the OU Wildlife Club

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Shawn Kuchta was fantastic-- I've loved learning from and working with him over the last two years! Also, Dr. Tanda is the best DOS anyone could ask for!

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Any of the HTC Bios get-togethers over the last four years--they're always a blast!
 

Grace Counts  

Grace Counts

HTC Biological Sciences
Spanish minor

Dayton, Ohio

Thesis 
The Characterization of Iron and Zinc Redistribution in Pancreatic Beta-Cells Under Conditions of Low-Grade Inflammation

Involvement and Achievements
Case Western Reserve University Dept. of Experimental Biology Hans Folkesson Award
OU Provost Undergraduate Research Fund Award
Project For the Kids Director of Development
 

Zanovia Criss  

Zanovia Criss

HTC Journalism
Political Science Minor

Upper Arlington, Ohio

Thesis 
'Justice for J6': A Social Media Analysis of User Discourse on Post-Trump Twitter

Involvement and Achievements
Senior Producer, WOUB Public Media
Research Scholar, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
Vice President, Project for the Kids

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
I would like to thank Tom Hodson for welcoming me to the university my freshman year. His communication law tutorial helped me break out of my shell and start to learn in a conversational way. Throughout my years here he has supported me and encouraged me to explore all the roles in a broadcast newsroom, which led me to find my passion for producing.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
My favorite HTC memory is snacking in the HTC House. Thank you to Beth Novak for the snacks! 
 

Garett Cunningham  

Garett Cunningham

HTC Mathematics and HTC Computer Science 

Greenfield, Ohio

Thesis 
Autoformalization of Mathematical Proofs from Natural Language to Proof Assistants

Involvement and Achievements
Fulbright Research Grant, Germany
DAAD Research Internship in Science and Engineering, Otto von Guericke University
President of Math Club and Association for Women in Mathematics chapter
 

Melissa Damico  

Melissa Damico

HTC Environmental Studies 
Sociology Minor; Law, Justice and Culture Certificate

Cincinnati, Ohio

Thesis 
Aging in A Warmer Ohio

Involvement and Achievements
Udall Scholar 2020
Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholar

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
My research interest would never have developed without Dr. Geoff Dabelko taking me on as an HTC Research Apprentice after my freshman year. After three years of doing this research with him, I am excited to continue our work in the MSES program at the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.
 

Sam Debatin  

Sam Debatin

HTC Art History

Athens, Ohio

Thesis 
Film scoring in context: Scenes from Pinch Point

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Andre Gribou
Sam Dodd
Jennie Klein

Daniel Dunfee  

Daniel Dunfee

HTC Geological Sciences
Spanish (A&S) Major, Paleontology Minor

Racine, Ohio

Thesis 
Ontogenetic analysis of a juvenile braincase of the Upper Jurassic ornithopod dinosaur Dryosaurus elderae: new implications from microcomputed tomography

Involvement and Achievements
Phi Beta Kappa
Sigma Gamma Epsilon
Sigma Delta Pi

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Drs. Keith Milam and Larry Witmer have been invaluable to me, and legitimately have changed the course of my life in addition to my academic pathway at Ohio University. Without them, I would not have joined the Honors Tutorial College, nor gone on to work in one of the best paleontological research labs in the world. They have given me the opportunities to fulfill my dream, and I hope that I have exceeded their expectations during my time as an undergraduate.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
My favorite HTC memory is the first time I met Dr. Witmer and toured his lab. It was a dream-come-true moment for me, and I still have wonder in my eyes whenever I walk through the lab.

Jared Emch  

Jared Emch

HTC Journalism
Sports Management Minor

Hilliard, Ohio

Thesis 
Public relations plan for the promotion of the Collegiate Rivalry Classic

Involvement and Achievements
Play-by-play announcer and cofounder of the Ohio Hockey Network
Freelance broadcast worker for CBS Sports and the Columbus Clippers Organization
Study abroad semester at Swansea University in Swansea, Wales

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
To my professor, advisor and friend Iwan Williams: for helping me realize my passions, making me the best academic I can be and teaching me so much about life itself, I can never thank you enough.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Because of my tutorials, I was able to learn about things I never would have otherwise from professors I never expected. My advice would be to be as creative as possible with your tutorials; they just might teach you things you never knew you wanted to know.

Evan Gilland  

Evan Gilland

HTC Film

Cincinnati, Ohio

Thesis 
"Lonely Creatures", a woodland fantasy short film.

Involvement and Achievements
Wilfred R. & Ann Lee Konneker Fine Arts Cutler Scholar
Intern at Paper Mache Monkey Art & Design in Brooklyn, NY
Volunteer intern at The Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition in Huntington, WV

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Lindsey Martin (Asst. Professor of Film) has been a crucial mentor in my time here. She taught the core courses in my "boot camp" year of film school, sophomore year and taught a tutorial during that time. During the time we were fully online, she taught an animation course that provided a creative outlet in a time where it was hard for us to know when we'd be on set again. She helped advise me on the creation of my stop-motion film that year, and then this year she has served as my thesis advisor/chair of my thesis committee, and has helped me work through various challenges with my film.
 

Marcelo Morales Gómez  

Marcelo Morales Gómez

HTC Advanced Computing
Mathematics Minor

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Thesis 
Smart Contract for IoT in Hostile Environment

Involvement and Achievements
Cofounder of EL787
Intern at JPMorgan Chase

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Harsha Chenji for showing me the way.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Johnson Hall lobby is where dreams are made.

Taae Hamid  

Taae Hamid

HTC Music
Business Administration Minor

Gallipolis, Ohio

Thesis 
Classical Music in Southeast Ohio: The Impact of Performance on a Rural Community

Involvement and Achievements
Grant: I received the Provost Undergraduate Research Fund grant for my thesis project
Internship: Piano Instructor and collaborative pianist at the Red School of Music in Marysville, Ohio
Awards: Our chapter of the Ohio University Music Teachers National Association won the Collegiate Chapter of the Year award at the MTNA national conference twice in 2019 and 2021.

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Tutor: Dr. Christopher Fisher
Dr. Fisher has been a wonderful piano instructor and role model to me throughout my undergraduate degree. He has helped not only with my studies but also with my career and life decisions. He has become my primary guiding figure, and I will always remember him for his kindness to me during my most stressful moments as a student.
 

Nicole Hess  

Nicole Hess

HTC Biological Sciences
Spanish Minor

Powell, OH

Thesis 
Characterization of hearing loss mechanisms mediated by the loss of hair cells and synapses using Chloride Intracellular Channel 5-deficient mice

Involvement and Achievements
Goldwater Scholarship 
Student Enhancement Award
Phi Beta Kappa

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
I would like to recognize Dr. Soichi Tanda for his incredible support, mentorship, and kindness over the last 4 years as a DOS and as a thesis advisor. He is one of the main reasons I chose to attend Ohio University as an undergraduate and throughout my time here, never ceased to surprise me with his thoughtfulness for his students. Dr. Tanda made my thesis approachable and helped set me up to move onto my next stage of education and I am forever grateful for all that he has done for me.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Favorite HTC memory: Eating delicious homemade food at the HTC Neuro/ Bios picnics! 
Advice: Don't be afraid to try new things on and off campus!
 

Emily Isaacs  

Emily Isaacs

HTC Film

Charlotte, North Carolina

Thesis 
Murky Water, original animated film & exploration of female trauma, anger, and healing

Involvement and Achievements
Water Color (short film about menstruation and coming of age)
Dread Central Internship
Vice President of Blue Pencil Comedy

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Lindsey Martin. My thesis chair. She motivated me creatively and was very supportive of my ambitions. She always did her best to help me accomplish my goals. I felt I was being genuinely respected as a creator and as a person.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
My advice would be to do things outside of your major. Clubs, classes, anything that sounds interesting to you but isn't required for your studies. It's a good way explore other interests and break any monotony that you might feel. And take things at your own pace; go out with friends or stay in, there is no pressure to do either.
 

Sebastian Johnson  

Sebastian Johnson

HTC Philosophy

Chillicothe, Ohio

Thesis 
The Rule of Law and Its Normativity: A Kantian Conception
 

Maggi Karagosian  

Maggi Karagosian

HTC Journalism
Economics (A&S) Major, Spanish and Business Administration Minors

Jackson, OH

Thesis 
Money Talks...and Votes: How Campaign Finances Influence Senatorial Votes in the 116th Congress

Involvement and Achievements
Phi Beta Kappa
The Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium at Johns Hopkins University (presented and published)
Koch Center for Leadership and Ethics Undergraduate Student Humanomics Colloquium Attendee

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Drs. Ben and Victoria LaPoe served as my thesis advisor and DOS, respectively. The two of them were instrumental in my success and helped me find tutorials that genuinely piqued my interest. Dr. Ben LaPoe was my tutor and thesis advisor, and has seen me through two papers: one of which was published by Johns Hopkins, and my senior thesis, which is currently being submitted to a journal to be considered for publication. Dr. Victoria LaPoe started as my DOS in between my sophomore and junior year, which was the peak of COVID. She was always extremely helpful with anything I needed and was always easy to get in touch with. She was also my tutor junior year and helped me prepare for writing my thesis. I couldn't have asked for a better DOS.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
My advice to an incoming freshman would be to take advantage of not having to take general education requirements. This opens up a lot of room in your schedule, and you can fill that with classes that you might not take otherwise. With that said, you don't need to take prerequisites, so take classes that will challenge you.
 

Alexis Karolin  

Alexis Karolin

HTC History
Asian Studies and Law, Justice and Culture Certificates

Columbus, Ohio

Thesis 
A "China-Woman's Chance"? The Coronavirus Pandemic, Violence, and Perseverance

Involvement and Achievements
"Not Your Model Minority: An Archive of AAPI Organizations in Athens," Mahn Archival Internship
Japanese American Research Apprenticeship with Dr. Roger Aden in Communication Studies
Study Abroad Spring 2020 at Swansea University, Wales

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Thank you Dr. Jellison for being an incredible tutor and thesis mentor throughout my four years here at Ohio University.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
My favorite memory is the dinner and Velvet Green concert at 35 Park Place in the fall of 2021 because I got to see everyone from HTC in person for the first time in several years

Alex Keller  

Alex Keller

HTC Film

Loveland, Ohio

Thesis 
Easy Bullet

Involvement and Achievements
Directed five films while at OU: 

• Seen & Not Seen (16mm Film)
• House of Hope (Documentary)
• Stay Awake (Surreal Thriller)
• Cockroaches (1940s Office Thriller/Comedy)
• Easy Bullet (Working Title, Crime Comedy)

Scored two films while at OU:

• The Goat (Dir. Keisha Martin)
• Commitment Issues (Dir. Keisha Martin)

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
I would advise incoming freshmen to do their best at joining some kind of club or organization. It'll be your main avenue for making friends.
 

Madeline Kenyon  

Madeline Kenyon

HTC Biological Sciences
Geographic Information Systems Certificate 

Dayton, OH

Thesis 
Developing Monitoring Protocols for North American Beavers in Ohio

Involvement and Achievements
HTC Research Apprenticeship
Ohio Wildlife Management Association Conference
Wildlife Club

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Viorel Popescu is an inspiring thesis mentor. He is always excited to open the doors of all kinds of conservation biology methods to students, whether that is in the field, through modeling, or through wildlife management. I had no idea I would have such an excitement for GIS and modeling before I stepped foot in his lab, or have hands on experience working with so many different taxa. He has pushed me out of my comfort zone through GIS and R, but also by encouraging me to present at local, state, and national conferences since sophomore year. He has prepared me for the real world of conservation biology and I am so thankful for my time spent in the Conservation Biology lab!

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
My favorite HTC memories always come from the Biology and Neuroscience picnics we have with Dr. Tanda and Dr. Duerr every year! It is fun to have great people together and eat great food at Strouds to celebrate the start and end of each year!
 

Ari Kocab  

Ari Kocab

HTC Anthropology
History Minor; Museum Studies, 21st Century Leadership, and Professional Leadership Certificates 

Mentor, OH

Thesis 
A Comparative Analysis of Abnormal Bone Remodeling in 621 Female Skeletons Recovered From United Kingdom Burial Sites Ranging From Anglo-Saxon to Modern Temporal Periods

Involvement and Achievements
Phi Beta Kappa
Ohio Student Anthropology Society
Advanced Field School in Human Osteology and Bioarchaeology

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Nancy Tatarek: Beginning freshman year, Dr. T guided me through the field of anthropology for my favorite career choice. I once texted my mother, “This is one of the best days of my life,” when Dr. T allowed me to aid her in a real forensic case. Her lessons of respect and love for the field will stay with me throughout my career.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
One favorite HTC memory is hard to pick, so I will say any memory of my friends from Johnson Hall is a favorite. They helped me when I was down and supported me as I rose back up, all while sharing our hardships and successes along the way.
 

Nathan Kuhr  

Nathan Kuhr

HTC Geography
Mathematics Minor, Geographic Information Systems Certificate 

Blacklick, OH

Thesis 
Severe Weather Impacts, Climatology, and Distribution Patterns of Mesoscale Convective System Structures across the Eastern Contiguous United States

Involvement and Achievements
Ohio University Chapter of the American Meteorological Society
Ohio University Climate and Sustainability Ambassadors
Northeast Partnership for Atmospheric and Related Sciences (NEPARS) REU

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Jana Houser-for her tireless commitment to advising this thesis project over the past two years plus. For the unwavering support she showed me in my studies, and allowing me to grow as an intellectual and individual. Best of luck to her on her future endeavors as she departs the university.
 

Emma Little  

Emma Little

HTC Dance

Raleigh, NC

Thesis 
Generative Practices in Dance: Gleanings and Experiments in Group Movement Improvisation and Collaborative Future-building

Involvement and Achievements
ATLAS Young Choreographer at ImPulsTanz Vienna International Dance Festival 2019, Student Representative for the Ohio University Tree Campus Higher Education Tree Care Committee, Recipient of full-tuition Work-Study Scholarship at American Dance Festival 2022

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Susan Calhoun -- Landscape Coordinator at Ohio University, and my boss. Susan works with more passion and fearlessness for what she believes in than anyone I know. When academic, and especially dance pursuits, shuttered to a complete halt for me during the pandemic, working with Susan became my education. She taught me, not only dozens of scientific names and invaluable native plant and landscaping wisdom, but also how to work with people of all backgrounds and how to foreground necessity and collaboration in my work. Most importantly, our work together in sustainability, longevity, health, and beauty of the landscape on OU's campus taught me so much about how to maintain optimism, kindness, and motivation against increasingly institutionalized cultures of waste.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Meeting my best friends in the world; my advice to incoming freshman is to get to know as many facets of Athens County as you can--the people and the landscape here are not a tourist destination.
 

Emily Marino  

Emily Marino

HTC Biological Sciences
German Minor 

Grove City, Ohio

Thesis 
Investigating the Effect of Staphylococcus aureus Extracellular Vesicular-Packaged RNA on Human Gene Expression 

Involvement and Achievements
Fulbright Award Recipient (2022-2023), Goldwater Scholar (2021), contributing author on 4 publications

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Ronan Carroll. I want to have my own lab some day, and I hope that I can be as great a mentor to my future students as he has been to our lab. He's always there when you need him and has been extremely encouraging throughout the entire duration of my project. We have a lot of really fantastic people in our lab who tend to fall victim to imposter syndrome (myself included), and Dr. Carroll will believe in you even when you start doubting yourself. Other faculty members that have supported me a lot throughout my research include Dr. Tanda, Dr. Don Holzschu, Dr. Erin Murphy, and Dr. Jennifer Hines.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Some of my favorite memories are long nights spent with my fellow HTC friends in the lobby of Johnson Hall. To incoming freshman: you're exactly where you're supposed to be. Work hard, but make sure you enjoy the ride.
 

Callie Martindale  

Callie Martindale

HTC English
History Minor 

Oakwood, Ohio

Thesis 
"No Way to Keep Well": Disability in Charlotte Bronte's Villette

Involvement and Achievements
Critical work published in two national literary journals
2021-2022 Vice President of Ohio University's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta
Created an organization-exclusive alumni database as the 2020-2021 Vice President of Alumni Engagement for the Student Alumni Board

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
I'd like to thank Professor Linda Zionkowski for her unwavering encouragement and support of my academic endeavors, and for the vital hand part that she played in helping me create a thesis that I will forever be proud of.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
My advice to freshmen would be to lean into what you love in academia - writing is a product from the heart and if you are not passionate about your work, then it will show. Use your time in HTC to explore, to take risks and above all else, to dream.

Ishan Matta  

Ishan Matta

HTC Business Administration
Finance, Business Analytics, Management Information Systems 

Athens, Ohio

Thesis 
Green Bonds: A Case Study of Apple, Pepsi, Walmart, and Verizon Sustainable Corporate Debt

Involvement and Achievements
Student Groups- Ohio University Student Fixed Income Group, Select Leadership Development Group, Blockchain Group

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Davidson- Dr. Travis Davidson is a patient and wise professor, who helped guide my thesis work whilst letting me steer the ship! I enjoyed my time working with him, and recommend him to Finance students in the future.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Favorite Memory- chilling in the HTC house. Advice- get to know one another, and branch out as well, whether that be in studies, groups, or social circles. Although the HTC is phenomenal, some of my most valuable experiences happened outside of its domain.

Kaia McKenney  

Kaia McKenney

HTC Environmental Studies
Spanish Minor

Cincinnati, Ohio

Thesis 
Priced and Left Out by Green Gentrification: The Over-The-Rhine Neighborhood in Cincinnati

Involvement and Achievements
John Newton Templeton Scholar 
Sigma Delta Pi Honors Fraternity
Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty Internship Program 2020-21

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
I would like to thank my former DOS Dr. Geoffrey Buckley and my thesis advisor Dr. Using-Hyun Kim for their support and teaching during my time at Ohio University.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Advice to incoming first-year students: Keep your mind open to academic subjects and try to take one class outside of your major each semester.

Sam Moser  

Sam Moser

HTC Translational Health Exercise Physiology
Biology, Psychology, and Applied Nutrition Minors 

Cincinnati, Ohio

Thesis 
Excessive Ethanol Intake in Mice Does Not Impair Recovery of Torque Following Repeated Bouts of Eccentric Contractions

Involvement and Achievements
Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship, Human Anatomy Lab Teaching Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant at Arbors at Milford

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
I'd like to recognize Dr. Cory Baumann for being a phenomenal thesis advisor. I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for his constant guidance and encouragement throughout my thesis project. 
I would also like to recognize Dr. Cheryl Howe for helping advise me and always believing in my success over the past 4 years.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
My advice for incoming freshman would be to believe in yourself and never sell yourself short. You are in this program for a reason and deserve to be here.

Stephanie Pierce  

Stephanie Pierce

HTC Translational Health Exercise Physiology
Biology and Psychology Minors, Gerontology Certificate 

Beavercreek, Ohio

Thesis 
The Effects of Sport Participation on Forward Drop Jump Landing Biomechanics

Involvement and Achievements
Ohio University Cross Country/Track and Field 
Research Assistant and Emory Sports Performance and Research Center
Athletes in Action

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Favorite memory- the tour of Athens and the surrounding area that we went on during freshman seminar. I saw so many things outside of the college bubble that I may never have experienced otherwise.
 

Avery Plummer  

Avery Plummer

HTC Art History
Museum Studies Certificate 

Cincinnati, Ohio

Thesis 
nymph(o) Magazine

Involvement and Achievements

• Launched a queer, sex-positive print magazine, nymph(o)
• Twice received Ohio University's Student Enhancement Award to fund thesis work
• SOA+D's Billman Award nominee based on outstanding thesis work

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Jennie Klein
Patty Stokes
 

Emma Rice  

Emma Rice

HTC Physics
Mathematics Minor 

Marysville, OH

Thesis 
Nuclear Structure of Neutron-rich Iron with GRETINA

Involvement and Achievements
Goldwater Scholarship
Society of Physics Students
Dept of Energy SULI Summer 2020 and 2021

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Heather Crawford, for her patience and support, both academically and personally, during my thesis research.

Kristen Schuch  

Kristen Schuch

HTC Biological Sciences
Applied Nutrition Minor 

Kent, Ohio

Thesis 
Identifying a role for endothelial Rbpj during vascular development of intestinal villi in neonatal mice

Involvement and Achievements
Provost Undergraduate Research Fund recipient
PLTL leader for 6 semesters in general biology and chemistry courses
Akron Children's Hospital Volunteer

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Advice to freshman: Try to live in the moment and don't worry too much about things you can't control!
 

Faith Shields  

Faith Shields

HTC Media Arts and Studies
Studio Art Minor 

Kings Mills, Ohio

Thesis 
Companion

Involvement and Achievements
Internship at LittleSeed, a company that creates virtual experiences for the medical industry, Involvement with H2O Church, Creation of "I'll Give You Me" a frame-by-frame animation

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Beth Novak was integral to my success at Ohio University. Beth was always there to support me whenever I needed it. She cultivates an amazingly kind, fun, and driven community in MDIA and HTC. Beth also pushed me in one of my favorite tutorials to approach worldbuilding academically and apply theory and research to my creative work. Her kindness, humor, and teaching have greatly improved my work as an artist and have given me the confidence that I can succeed in the industry.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
One of my favorite HTC memories is teaching Beth Novak and the rest of Media HTC how to create a character for Dungeons and Dragons.
 

Julianna Simons  

Julianna Simons

HTC Theater
Psychology Minor 

Metairie, LA

Thesis 
Performance and Memory: How Much Information an Audience Retains

Involvement and Achievements
President of The Picardy Thirds

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Don't stress, it'll get done.
 

Natalie Sova  

Natalie Sova

HTC Business Administration 

Olean, NY

Thesis 
Emergent Leadership: Examining Resilience and the Relationship between Collegiate Leaders’ Behaviors and their Post-Graduation Performance

Involvement and Achievements
Internships at Steelcase, Fiserv, and Otis Elevator
International Experiences in Costa Rica (volunteer) and Ireland (study abroad)
Extensive leadership experiences through the Select Leadership Development Program

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
I appreciate Dr. Frost's support throughout my college experience, especially during my first year adjusting to campus. He goes above and beyond to create an incredible culture within the HTC Business Cohort. I would also like to thank Dr. Taylor-Bianco for investing her time and wisdom into my personal and professional development. She has gone above and beyond to challenge me and support me over the past two years.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Advice to incoming freshman: comparison is the thief of joy. Being surrounded by so many high-achieving individuals, it can be easy to compare yourself but take time to understand what makes you happy and follow that path.
 

Morgan Spehar  

Morgan Spehar

HTC Journalism and HTC Environmental Studies
History Minor 

Auburn, Ohio

Thesis 
Spread Out! A podcast about the pandemic, the national parks and people's place in nature.

Involvement and Achievements
Founder of The Athens Effect
NASA Multimedia Intern 
2021 Udall Scholar 
 

Helen Stec  

Helen Stec

HTC Neuroscience
Mathematics and Biological Sciences Minors 

Chicago, IL

Thesis 
An investigation of female house mosquito (Culex pipiens) photo responses to male flashing wingbeat frequency

Involvement and Achievements
OU Fencing Club President
PURF award winner (2020, 2021)
2022 Student Expo People Choice and HTC award winner

Lauren Steinkuhl  

Lauren Steinkuhl

HTC Media Arts and Studies
Spanish Minor 

Cincinnati, OH

Thesis 
Step Right Up

Involvement and Achievements
Ohio in LA Program
Echo Lake Entertainment Internship
ITDI Ecuador Study Abroad

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Eric Williams was able to fill the hole in the curriculum and has allowed me to graduate confident in my screenwriting skills.
 

Andrew Stone  

Andrew Stone

HTC Political Science
Law, Justice and Culture Certificate 

Bexley, Ohio

Thesis 
American E-Democracy: The Importance of Online Political Radicals in Shaping Contemporary Politics in the United States

Involvement and Achievements
Phi Beta Kappa Wolfe Award
Bridge USA Ohio University Chapter Vice President and Founding Member
Ohio University College Democrats

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. DeLysa Burnier -- From my first semester on campus to my last semester on campus, Dr. Burnier has been an incredible mentor to me. Through her advice, instruction, and immense insight into American politics, she helped me on the path towards the incredible opportunity I have to pursue a PhD in political science. For that, I will be forever grateful.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Memory: Visiting Monticello with my first year political science cohort.
Advice: Stay on top of your work, but don't forget to take a deep breath and relax.
 

Andrew Studzinski  

Andrew Studzinski

HTC Geological Sciences
Political Science Minor 

Elyria, Ohio

Thesis 
Zircon U-Pb Dating Reveals New Age Range For Subduction of Neotethys Ocean

Involvement and Achievements
National Honor Society for the Earth Sciences
Provost Undergraduate Research Fund
National Society of Leadership and Success

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Katherine Fornash for making time in her busy schedule to meet with me and for her continuous positivty through all of the obstacles I faced with my thesis.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Advice that I would give to incoming freshmen is to block out time for yourself. Make time to hang out with friends, to go to a sporting event, or to do whatever it is that makes you happy. It will really help reduce your stress with classes.
 

Nicole Sword  

Nicole Sword

HTC Political Science
History Minor; War and Peace, East Asian Studies, and Law, Justice and Culture Certificates 

Germantown, OH

Thesis 
"It's Them or Us": Identification of Violence Justification Frames For Effective Conflict Prevention

Involvement and Achievements
Jenkins-King Award 
Peace Ambassador - United Nations Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders
Student Organization of Undergraduate Playwrights State Management

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Sandal - for helping me navigate what I wanted to study and being the best thesis advisor I could ask for this year.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Advice I would give to incoming Freshman: Make sure to prioritize your mental health and celebrate yourself for your accomplishments. You are going to do some pretty cool things, let yourself be proud of them.
 

Hunter Uhl  

Hunter Uhl

HTC Environmental Studies and HTC Geography
Meteorology Minor, Geographic Information 
Systems Certificate 

Green, Ohio

Thesis 
Gendered Framing of Actions in the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Movement in Canada

Involvement and Achievements
Bloemer Geography Scholarship
City of Athens, City Planner GIS Internship
Field Research with Dr. Roosenburg

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Willem Roosenburg - Dr. Roosenburg is a wonderful person and my favorite professor to talk with, he could always make me laugh, but always pushed me in my academics.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
My favorite HTC memory is going to get free donuts in the morning with my friends after classes or work at the HTC house and seeing other students and all the staff that work in the house!

Brit Unangst  

Brit Unangst

HTC Business Administration
Human Resources Management Certificate 

Bexley, Ohio

Thesis 
Exploring Follower Personality and Inclusive Leadership: an Empirical Investigation

Involvement and Achievements
Co-founder of Ohio Pride Professionals
President of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
VP of Executive Engagements for Select Leaders

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
Advice: It is okay to fail! Whenever you do fail, be sure to really listen and be purposeful on how you will improve and move forward.
 

Meredith Wammes  

Meredith Wammes

HTC Media Arts and Studies 

Akron, OH

Thesis 
The Technical and Subjective Art of Post Sound for Film and Television

Involvement and Achievements
The School of Media Arts & Studies's Outstanding Senior Award; 2 internships during the OHIO-in-LA program; 2nd place in the Undergraduate Media Arts & Studies category during the 2022 OU Expo

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
I'd like to recognize Beth Novak. Although I may be biased, there is no greater director of studies. She has made me feel like I am part of a community in both HTC and Media Arts & Studies. Even during a class advising session or a graduation check, every conversation with Beth, I ended up laughing and leaving with a big smile on my face. There is no other professor who I believe would bend over backwards to do anything in their power to make sure I succeed, and I think many of my achievements are thanks to her.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
My favorite HTC memory is meeting up with the other HTC Media students once a week in Super Tutorial. I get to hear about all of the things the other students are working on and about their interests. I love getting to help out with their projects or just hearing what good shows they've seen recently. It really gives us the chance to be close.
 

Peyson Weekley  

Peyson Weekley

HTC Music
Political Science (A&S) Major 

Hermitage, PA

Thesis 
Sturm und Drang: A Term in Crisis

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Richard Wetzel, my thesis advisor, showed exceptional kindness, demonstrated great breadth and depth of knowledge, and offered excellent advice throughout the thesis research and writing process. He will serve as role model and example for years to come.

Anna Wilhelm  

Anna Wilhelm

HTC English
History Minor, Creative Writing Concentration 

Powell, OH

Thesis 
Constructing the Collective in Wamack, Ohio 

Involvement and Achievements
Managing Editor of Sphere Magazine
Participated in the Fine Arts in London study abroad program
Interned at the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections
 

Hannah Wynne  

Hannah Wynne

HTC Geography and HTC Environmental Studies
Mathematics and Environmental Health Science Minors, Geographic Information Science Certificate 

Bryan, OH

Thesis 
Exploring the Impacts of Community Gardening on Health

Involvement and Achievements
Women’s Club Water Polo President

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
Dr. Michele Morrone was an amazing tutor and thesis advisor!

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
It’s never too late to switch up your academic journey, especially if you discover new passions!
 

Jayne Yerrick  

Jayne Yerrick

HTC Journalism
Sociology Minor, Political Communication Certificate 

Uniontown, Ohio

Thesis 
Investigating the News Media Coverage of People v. Turner

Involvement and Achievements

• Recipient of the White House Correspondents’ Association Scholarship and recipient of an invitation to the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner.
• Co-founder and former editor-in-chief of "The Athens Effect," the only science publication on campus.
• Recipient of the 2nd place journalism award and Alden Library's 2nd place award for my senior thesis, "Investigating the News Media Coverage of People v. Turner," presentation at the student expo. 

Is there a tutor or director of studies you’d like to recognize?
I am very grateful for the guidance of Dr. Victoria LaPoe, my director of studies. Over the past two years, Dr. LaPoe has provided me with numerous research, internship, and scholarship opportunities. Thanks to the support of Dr. LaPoe, I am now a co-author of numerous research papers, and I feel better equipped to take on the challenges of graduate school. 

I am also grateful for the endless support and kindness of Mary Rogus, my former HTC tutor. In our tutorial on "Gender, Race, and Class in Mass Media," Rogus fostered my interest in studying inequalities and inspired me to continue studying sociology throughout my undergraduate studies.

What is your favorite HTC memory or advice you’d give to incoming freshmen?
One of my favorite HTC memories is the day that I interviewed for the program. After learning more about the program and meeting the current HTC students, I knew that HTC would be a perfect fit for me, which is why I was extremely nervous about my interview later that day. 

However, after meeting with the former journalism director of studies Dr. Bernhard Debatin for my interview, I knew that I could relax and be myself. Dr. Debatin’s warm and welcoming presence made me feel confident that I would be happy here. Four years later, I can confirm that my intuition was right.

Since that day, every person that I have met through HTC has been incredibly supportive and friendly. The endless support from the HTC program is what made my undergraduate experience so special, and it's the main reason why it is so difficult for me to leave.