Honors Students Flourish at Undergraduate Research Conference

WHEN COVID-19 FORCED the USF Office of Undergraduate Research to move their annual conference to a virtual format in 2020, approximately half of the scheduled student presenters were from the Judy Genshaft Honors College.

The participants presented their work from a variety of disciplines in virtual formats and received real-time feedback from both faculty and peers.

“Although it was disappointing to not have face-to-face discussions with other participants, presenting in a virtual setting was convenient and gave us the opportunity to share our work,” said Honors junior Arushi Panwar. “I presented on contraception access in India and researched different populations categorized by education, income, and environment. Even with a pandemic, I still had an opportunity to share my work. I would recommend that all students from all majors work towards presenting at this event and take advantage of every opportunity.”

The Honors student presenters were mentored by faculty members from every undergraduate college across USF’s campuses, including Judy Genshaft Honors College faculty.

“I am proud of our students’ resilience and determination in the face of challenges, and pleased to know that they made up such an impressive percentage of all conference presenters this year,” said Dr. Charles Adams, Judy Genshaft Endowed Honors Dean. “Research is a pivotal piece of the Honors curriculum and the skills they learn through presenting their work to their peers and mentors – expanding their knowledge, creating cross-discipline connections and partnerships, fine-tuning communication skills, benefiting from faculty mentorship – all contribute to their paths toward success, now and in the future.” “

Even with a pandemic, I still had an opportunity to share my work. I would recommend that all students from all majors work towards presenting at this event and take advantage of every opportunity.”

HONORING GRADUATES IN UNCONVENTIONAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

WHILE COVID-19 STOPPED the university from holding any in-person commencement ceremonies in 2020, it did not stop our College from celebrating the hard work and dedication of our amazing graduates.

At the close of every semester, the Judy Genshaft Honors College hosts a special graduation recognition ceremony for its seniors to highlight the hard work they put into their academics, research, studies abroad, internships, community service and all other areas that make them exceptional. In 2020 the College shifted these ceremonies to live virtual events that allowed friends and families across the globe to celebrate in real time. Thousands of participants watched as we highlighted the amazing work of our 2020 graduates during spring, summer, and fall virtual events. The guests tuned in from across America and from more than thirty countries, including Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, India, Jamaica, Japan, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan.

As we do at every commencement ceremony, the College honored select students during the virtual ceremonies with the Dean’s Circle of Merit, an award that celebrates outstanding accomplishments within the College and its unique curriculum.

Sponsored by the Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council, the Dean’s Circle of Merit award is bestowed on students who exemplify the four main values of the College: leadership, service, global engagement, and research. The students are nominated by Honors faculty and staff, and are invited to complete an application that includes a creative piece to demonstrate why they deserve the award.

The winners are then chosen by the Dean and a representative group of faculty and staff. Winners receive a special commemorative stole and are recognized at the College commencement ceremony. We are proud to provide an environment where students can thrive and become better leaders and global citizens engaged in meaningful research and service projects.