First student to complete the OHIO Honors Program graduates this spring

Before Marietta, Ohio, native Madi Moore set foot on Ohio University’s campus as a biochemistry major in the first full cohort of the OHIO Honors Program in fall 2019, she had earned two associate’s degrees. That previous coursework, completed during her last two years of high school through the College Credit Plus program, set Moore on a path to complete her bachelor’s degree at OHIO in only two years, becoming the first OHP graduate.

“Being able to take my general chemistry and biology courses early really helped me to develop my interest and find a passion for it,” Moore said. “This just happened to put me ahead at OHIO, and with some careful scheduling, I am managing to complete my degree requirements in two years here.”

Honors Tutorial College dean Donal Skinner said Moore is an exemplary representative for OHP.

“We are extremely proud of Madi being the first graduate of OHP,” Skinner said. “Madi personifies what everyone envisaged when they dreamed of having an honors program at Ohio University: someone who is a leader, engaged in their community and intellectually curious. We look forward to learning of Madi's accomplishments as she embarks on her Ph.D.”

Even though her OHIO experience was interrupted by COVID-19, Moore made the most of her time here. The curricular and co-curricular requirements of OHP created opportunities for her to implement a peer mentoring program, pledge a professional fraternity, and conduct research on molecularly imprinted polymers in Dr. Katherine Cimatu’s physical chemistry department.

“I also spent a semester with the Ohio University Ukulele club pre-COVID, and that was a great time as well,” Moore added.

OHP advisor Amanda Remnant, who worked with Moore during her two years as a student, said Moore’s leadership and community engagement stood out, especially in the OHP peer mentorship program Moore developed with fellow students.

“Madi not only assisted in crafting, implementing, and administering this program, but she also helped create protocols and collect feedback to ensure that it will continue to thrive after she graduates,” Remnant said.

Moore said the idea for the mentorship program came from her experience as a LINKS mentee and began in the OHP spring engagement lab, where honors students worked in groups to develop community-based projects.

“When challenged to come up with an idea to make campus a better place, we knew we wanted to try and create a peer mentor program for OHP specifically,” Moore said. “My cohort was the first large group to enter OHP and because it was still new and the requirements were in development, we wanted to give some guidance to the incoming freshmen.”

Remnant said Moore’s initiative and leadership were critical to the success of the project.

“Madi is one of those people who keeps moving forward, no matter the obstacles,” Remnant said. “She showed focus, passion, and determination all while supporting her fellow students during a time of uncertainty and challenges brought forth by COVID. She has made her mark on the Bobcat community, and her OHP family is incredibly proud of her accomplishments in such a short time.”

Next year Moore will be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in biochemistry at Ohio State University, a path inspired by the research group she worked with as an undergraduate.

“The Cimatu group has really helped to shape my outlook on my career path. Having serious research experience and observing other graduate students do work on a project they are passionate about really inspired me to apply for Ph.D. programs and think about working in R&D someday.”

OHP Director Christy Zempter said that Madi’s achievements as an undergraduate speak to her drive and engagement and bode well for her continued success.

“Madi really embraced the spirit of OHP and challenged herself inside and outside of the classroom,” Zempter said. “In half the time it takes most students to graduate, she immersed herself in experiences that addressed all three of the OHP pathways — community engagement, leadership, and research and creative activity — and as a result she has had a lasting impact on the program. I have no doubt that she will continue to build on these incredible accomplishments throughout her academic and professional life.”