Program Overview

Honors Program Overview

The Honors Undergraduate Fellows Program is a prestigious initiative that provides students with the opportunity to collaborate with professors on research projects, yielding significant scientific and societal contributions. Under the leadership of Honors College Dean John Emert, a professor of Mathematical Sciences, the program is reaching more students than ever before, with over 50 enrolled this year.

Program Details

• The program allows fellows from all fields of study to work with professors on research projects that drive excellence and innovation, aligning with the first goal of the University's strategic plan.
• Students become involved in pursuits of excellence and innovation, which are the hallmarks of the program.
• The program provides experiences that propel students into the future, according to History Professor Ron Morris.

Research Areas and Projects

• The immersive work of the program ranges from unlocking genetic mysteries and investigating materials for making semi-conductors to unearthing public history that speaks to social change.
• History Professor Ron Morris has mentored a dozen Honors Undergraduate Fellows in the last two years, working on projects related to public history and community engagement.
• An example project includes the creation of a virtual exhibit about Julia Carson, the first African American and woman to represent Indianapolis in the U.S. Congress, as part of the ongoing virtual Hoosier Civil Rights Museum.

Program Benefits and Outcomes

• The program helps students build valuable professional relationships that can last a lifetime.
• It engages students in learning and discovery, whether that's discovery of data or self-discovery, according to Amy Livingstone, associate dean of the Honors College and History professor.
• The fellowships provide experiences that are exciting and rewarding, with the potential to educate and spread awareness, as noted by History and Anthropology major Gwyneth Harris.

Program Structure and Mentorship

• The program operates under a mentorship model, where professors regularly meet with honors fellows to help them hone strategies for uncovering history.
• This model is described as not a lecture, but rather an interactive process where students are engaged in graduate-level work.
• The mentorship aspect is a key component, with professors like Ron Morris providing guidance and support to students throughout their research projects.