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Senior Celebration 2026
Recognizing Honors Tutorial College Graduates

Honors Tutorial College Senior Celebration

We're excited to celebrate our Class of 2026 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. 

*Note: Not all graduating HTC students opted into being featured on this webpage.

Event Details

  •  

    Entertainment


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

    Julia Chandler, Violin
    A classically trained violinist, Julia Chandler teaches and performs throughout southeastern Ohio. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Violin Performance and Pedagogy at Ohio University (OU), was a finalist for the OU 2025 Student Soloist Competition, and performs regularly as a member of the endowed Ohio University graduate quartet, the Klinder String Quartet. 

    Donovan Hoffner, Violin
    From Chillicothe, Ohio, Donovan Hoffner is a freshman music education major and violinist. Donovan has had wonderful performance opportunities throughout the year and is a member of the Singing Men of Ohio. Donovan intends to pursue a career teaching music in school and in private lessons.

    Lydia Kress, Viola
    Lydia Kress is a junior studying Viola Performance and Composition. Her passion for music has inspired her to participate in a variety of ensembles including the Klinder String Quartet, The Cavani String quartet, and with artists such as Machine Gun Kelly, Night Ranger, Tran Siberian Orchestra, Indigo Girls, and Mike Mills.

    Dr. Jose Rocha, Violoncello
    Dr. Rocha, Associate Professor of Instruction, is Director of Orchestral Activities and Professor of Cello at Ohio University.

  •  

    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. The 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, Dean Kristina Bross
  • Special Recognitions, Assistant Dean Breanne Sisler
  • Award Presentations, Associate Dean Beth Novak
        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 Art History
Sarah Braun

Athens, Ohio

Space and the Creation of Visual Narratives in the Mailly Casket

  • Wilfred R. and Ann Lee Konneker College of Fine Arts Cutler Scholar Award
  • Institut de Langue et Culture Françaises, Institut Catholique de Paris
  • Factory Street Studio

"Dr. Laura Dobrynin has been my tutor, advisor of my thesis, and a supportive mentor for the past two years. When I had my first tutorial with her I was just beginning to think about what my thesis project would look like. Dr. Dobrynin pushed me to become a stronger writer which helped me focus and engage with topics in new ways. Since then, her advice has been so valuable to me as I have wrapped up my studies."

HTC Business Administration
Taliyah Brooks

Columbus, Ohio
Business Analytics

Measuring the Diffusion Speed of Negative Sentiment on Social Media: Insights for Companies Responding to Consumer Backlash

Magna Cum Laude

"Dr. Frost has been the North Star to my OU experience: always available, always insightful, and always supporting me with a warm smile."

HTC Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Maggie Broughton

Athens, Ohio

“They Met Me Where I Was At”: A Qualitative Evaluation of New Leaf Justice Enterprises Through a Socialist Feminist Lens

  • Triota (WGSS honors society) - President
  • Human Rights, Law, & Justice study abroad in Northern Ireland
  • My Sister's Place - Shelter Aide

"Patty Stokes has welcomed me to the field of gender studies with open arms. She inspires comfortable and progressive discussions in her classes and ensures student well being. Without the life changing tutorial I had with her the spring of my freshman year and her continuous guidance and support, I would not be anywhere near the place I am in now. Thank you, Dr. Stokes."

HTC Journalism
Gabrielle Cabanes

Bexley, Ohio
Minor in History
Certificate in Political Communication

Enemy of the People: Exploring the Impact of Political Rhetoric on Journalists and Journalism

  • Thread Magazine (Editor-in-Chief)
  • U.S. News & World Report (News Intern) 
  • TF1 French TV (Foreign Correspondence Intern)

"Mark Turner has been such a wonderful mentor the past 4 years. Him and I have been able to talk about all the crazy things going on in the world and how their gravity affects the world of journalism. He has always had an open door and he has always been eager to chat. I appreciate him so much and I am so grateful for the impact he has had on me." 

HTC Sociology
Mackenzie Cook

Northfield, Ohio
Certificate in International Business

Constructing Organizational Culture: Designing an Onboarding Bootcamp to Transmit Values at the Exit Planning Institute

  • GCP Costa Rica
  • Alpha Gamma Delta Soriority
HTC Engineering Physics
Luke Davenport

Athens, Ohio

Chiral Zirconium Nitride Thin Films with Strong Optical Activity in the Ultraviolet Interband Region 

  • First-author publication in the peer-reviewed journal Advanced Photonics Research
  • Research Internships at Argonne National Laboratory, the National Laboratory of the Rockies, and an NSF REU at Northwestern University
     

"Since my freshman year, Dr. Martin Kordesch has been an incredibly supportive research mentor and a true constant during my college career. I have constantly relied on his wisdom when making decisions about internships and plans after graduation. He was always available when I needed him, and I couldn't have asked for a better mentor and friend."

HTC Chemistry
Landen Davis

Johnstown, Ohio
Minor in Biological Sciences

Design, Synthesis, and Functional Evaluation of Novel Therapeutic Compounds for β-Cell Preservation in Type 1 Diabetes

  • American Medical Student Association Pre-Med Club Executive Board
  • Research Assistant in Nunemaker Lab and Bergmeier Lab
  • Climate and Sustainability Ambassadors President 25-26

"I would especially like to thank both Dr. Mark McMills and Dr. Lauren McMills for being the reason I came to Ohio University and became a part of the HTC program. Dr. Lauren McMills supported me through challenges with academics and questions about whether I belonged in this program, and never let me give up on my plans for the future. Dr. Mark McMills taught me everything I know about organic chemistry, and his tutorial is one of the reasons I love my program of study and chemistry in general!"

HTC Art History
Zoe Duncan

Charleston, South Carolina
Certificate in Women's Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Crafting Identity: Medievalism in the Arts of Ireland’s Independence Movement

  • PURF recipient for research in Ireland 
  • Study abroad experience with Galway Archaeological Field School in Ireland 
  • Designer for Backdrop Student Magazine

"Special thanks to Dr. Mary Kate Hurley for helping to see my vision through and being a constant source of support through the thesis process."
 

HTC Political Science
Natalie Esquivel

Columbus, Ohio
Minors in Spanish and History
Certificates in Latin American Studies and Law, Justice and Culture

Achieving Environmental Justice: Climate Change Policymaking in the New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Great Lakes Regions

  • Vice President of the Political Science Majors Association
  • Recipient of three Ohio University Leadership Awards 
  • Undergraduate fellow at Sunday Creek Horizons

"(Thanks to) Dr. Lysa Burnier for her hard work as both the new director of studies in political science and as my thesis advisor this year. She has adapted to her new role with ease!"

HTC Studio Art
Maeve Fellerhoff

Cincinnati, Ohio
Minor in Biological Sciences

Animal

  • Sunrise Athens Co-Founder
  • Save Ohio Parks Communications and Design Intern
  • HTC Summer Research Apprentice for Melissa Haviland

"I would like to thank my thesis advisor Angela Sprunger who I have had the pleasure of working with for 4 semesters during my time at OU. She is always encouraging of my strange ideas and never fails to give feedback that is both supportive and challenging."
 

HTC Business Administration
Madeline Fine

Columbus, Ohio
Accounting and Business Analytics
 

AI in Job Design: How Role Disruption and AI Integration Influence Psychological Contract Violation and Job Security

  • Accounting and Finance Intern, AvidXchange
  • President, Alpha Delta Pi
  • Emerging Leaders

"I would like to recognize my thesis director, Aaron Wilson, for his incredible support. Over the past year and a half, he has dedicated so much time and effort to guiding me through my research. He consistently encouraged me to push myself, including motivating me to submit my work to a conference and supporting me throughout that entire thesis process."

HTC Chemistry
Paul Gbadebo

Columbus, Ohio

Computational and Experimental Analysis of RNA–Ligand Interactions in Antiterminator RNA

  • Starkey-Holtz Chemistry Undergraduate Award
  • Student Teaching Assistant – Human Physiology Lab
  • Resident Advisor – Jefferson-Johnson Complex
     

"Grateful for Dr. Jennifer Hines, my research advisor, and Dr. Lauren McMills, my director of studies, for their encouragement, mentorship, and support throughout my four years of college. Both played an important role in my academic journey, and Dr. Hines’ thoughtful feedback and constructive guidance helped shape my growth as a student and beyond the classroom."

HTC Environmental Studies
Phoebe Giordano

Charlottesville, Virginia
Minor in Outdoor Recreation and Education
Certificate in Appalachian Studies

A Culture of Connection: Understanding Gendered Experiences of Food Insecurity in Appalachian Ohio

  • Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholar
  • Appalachian Ohio RestoreCorps (AmeriCorps)
  • Appalachian Studies Association

"Dr. Stephen Scanlan - My fearless thesis advisor and former Director of Studies for the Environmental Studies program! He did everything he could to support me personally and academically over the last few years, his guidance shaped my work for the better and his encouragement never failed to inspire me."

HTC Geography
Sophia Grubbs

Powell, Ohio
Minor in Music

Alternative Pathways Towards Affordable Housing

HTC Media Arts and Studies
William Hamilton

Oxford, Alabama
Minor in Computer Science

AUTOMATA-LAND
オートマタランド
Automata-Land: AI and Post-Humanist Culture in Interactive Media

  • NASA Computer Development Intern
  • GRID Lab VR Developer
  • Rufus The Bobcat Team Captain

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my thesis advisor, John Bowditch, whose unwavering patience, encouragement, and belief in me have meant more than I can fully put into words. He consistently challenged me to grow beyond what I thought were my limits, while also reminding me to take care of myself along the way.

"I am equally grateful to my Director of Studies, Beth Novak, whose guidance and collaboration over the past four years have been foundational to my experience. Her support helped shape an academic path that truly felt like my own, and her dedication made my time at OHIO not just successful, but deeply meaningful."

HTC History
Zach Hampu

Delaware, Ohio
Minor in Business Administration

Ernst Jünger, Technology, and the Temptation of Destruction

  • Pi Kappa Alpha
  • Menard Family George Washington Forum

"I cannot express enough gratitude to Dr. Mirna Zakić. Her insights, advice, and questions were truly invaluable while developing my thesis. She offered guidance about grad school and life after my undergraduate years and truly went above and beyond her role as an advisor."

HTC English
Acadia Hansen

Grafton, Ohio

Bloom: A Novel and Our Haunted House: Ecohorror and Transformative Environments

"I’d like to thank Professor Dalanie Beach and Professor Patrick O’Keeffe for their endless support with this project and for encouraging my writing over the past few years." 

HTC Environmental Studies
Julia Harmon

Harrison, Ohio
Minor in Business Administration
Certificate in Appalachian Studies

Food Insecurity in Appalachia: Evaluating the Veggie Van

HTC Environmental Studies
Celia Hawk

Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Minor in Political Science
Certificate in Law, Justice, and Culture

Dormant for 40 Years - A Sociolegal Analysis of Pennsylvania's Environmental Rights Amendment

  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Margaret Boyd Scholar
  • Studied Political Science for a semester at SciencesPo Grenoble in France
     

"Thank you to Dr. Holly Ningard for guiding me throughout the senior thesis project. Dr. Ningard has taught me so much about how to think about environmental law and working with her has prepared me well for a career in the environmental legal field."

HTC Translational Health
Nicole Hennes

Vincent, Ohio
Minor in Applied Nutrition
Certificate in Sports Nutrition

The Effects of Treadmill Perturbation Training on Balance, Gait, and Balance Confidence in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease

  • Study abroad global health program in Costa Rica
  • Clinical intern at neurological inpatient hospital
  • 4 Paws for Ability service dog trainer/handler

"Brooke Vaughan, Dustin Grooms, and Angela Hillman have been so immensely helpful and supportive throughout my college experience and in completing my thesis. They have continuously encouraged my curiosity in academics and research and have always pushed me to try new things. All three of them have given me a multitude of opportunities that I am grateful for and have been available to help me whenever I need it."

HTC English
Lily Herriott

Belpre, Ohio
Minor in Biological Sciences
 

Sickness, Shame, and the Self: Using Narrative Medicine to Read Autopathography

  • HTC Student Council
  • AHEC Scholars Program
  • Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society

"I would like to recognize my director of studies, Dr. Hurley. She is so incredibly helpful and encouraging to all of us in English HTC. She listens nonjudgementally and tries her best to get students where they would like to go. Her passion for her job makes it impossible to not be interested in whatever she is lecturing on (even Beowulf!). She is a great teacher in addition to being a brilliant mind."

HTC Biological Sciences
Octavia Hogue

Dayton, Ohio

The Role of Temperature in Staphylococcus aureus Infections: Modulation of Virulence and Immune Response

  •  President of Tribeta (Biological Honors Society)
  • Ohio Space Grant Consortium Fellow
  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (2025)

"I would love to thank Dr. Ronan Carroll and the Carroll Lab for their support in research and life ever since I was a little freshman. They have taught me all I know about microbiology and research, and I can confidently say I would not be where I am now without them."

HTC Journalism
Alexandra Hopkins

Solon, Ohio
Minors in Anthropology and Geological Sciences
Certificate in Museum Studies

Flashpoint: A Narrative Inquiry of the East Palestine Train Derailment, Three Years Later

  • Community Standards Editor for The Post
  • Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholar for the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
  • Former intern for the Environmental Working Group, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections

"I want to thank Dr. Elizabeth Hendrickson for her continued support throughout my college career, she inspired me to come to OU and it was professors like her that convinced me to stay."

HTC English
Abby Joyner

Akron, Ohio
Minor in French
Certificates in Social Media and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

"Did you write all this, Mrs. Harker?": The Type-Writer Girl in Bram Stoker's Dracula

  • Thread Magazine - Seams Section Editor
  • AIFS Paris Study Abroad
HTC Business Administration
Olivia Kaiser

Corning, Ohio
Business Analytics

Efficiency of Medicaid, WIC, and Home Visiting Implementation: A County-Level DEA of Infant Mortality Reduction in Ohio (2023)

HTC Classics and Religious Studies
Yashvita Kanuganti

Avon Lake, Ohio
Minors in Linguistics and English

Narrating in Diaspora: Nested Storytelling as Perennial Solace in the Aranyaka Parva and The Conference of the Birds

  • Claire O. and Charles J. Ping Cutler Scholar 
  • Manuscripts Archives Assistant at the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections 
  • Nord Family Network Director's Fellowship in Publications at the Cleveland Museum of Art

"I am incredibly grateful for Dr. Myrna Perez's investment in me, not only as her student, but as a person. It was through her mentorship that I was led to HTC, and I believe she has undoubtedly played a role in helping me become the writer and thinker I am today."

HTC Journalism
Nicholas Kobe

Indian Trail, North Carolina
Minors in Classical Civilization and History
Certificate in Social Media

Under the Pagan Megalith: Understanding the use of Vikings in Black Metal

  • PEOPLE Summer Editorial Intern
  • WOUB Culture (interviewed bands such as Journey, Judas Priest and Def Leppard, covered events such as Sonic Temple 2023-2025, Louder than Life 2024-2025 and stadium shows from Fall Out Boy, Ghost and My Chemical Romance)

"Dr Charles Linscott was immensely helpful in creating Under The Pagan Megalith and brought a great fresh perspective to my music journalism."

HTC Physics
Jackie Kuroda

Rockford, Illinois
Minors in Mathematics and Astronomy

Commissioning and Benchmarking of a High-Purity Germanium Detector for Neutron Activation Analysis

"I am thankful for Dr. Andrea Richard for the support and guidance she has provided me throughout my undergraduate career. "

HTC History
Annika Lindsey

Zanesville, Ohio
Certificate in Law, Justice and Culture

Contested Unions: Marriage, Law, and Society in Medieval England, Colonial India, and Interwar America

  • Students Defending Students Advisor 
  • Two-time Randolph Stone Award Recipient 

"Dr. Miriam Shadis was both my first and final tutor at Ohio University. During my first tutorial, the materials she introduced and the conversations we shared led me to discover my passion for women’s history, shaping the direction of my academic journey from that point forward. Now, as my thesis advisor, she has guided me in bringing together everything I’ve learned throughout my time here into my senior thesis. I’m incredibly grateful for her support and the lasting influence she’s had on my time here."

HTC Biological Sciences
Tom Martino

Bel Air, Maryland
Minor in Chemistry

Intrinsic Cerebellar and Basal Ganglia Connectivity Associated with Postural Response to Vibration Offset

  • Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach
  • Lifetime Member of Tribeta
  • Biological and Life Sciences Poster Awarded First Place

"Professor Klein had the biggest impact on me. He really sparked my interest in anatomy and helped me develop a passion for understanding the body and sharing that knowledge with others at the highest level possible."
 

 

HTC Theater
Gabriel Marusic

Shaker Heights, Ohio

The Silver Stage: A Cross-Examination of Theatrical and Film Acting through the Lens of Antonin Artaud’s Spurt of Blood

  • Studied Abroad
  • Starred in several BFA/MFA Short Films
  • Completed thesis!
HTC Theater
Adaleah Jayne Miller

Newport, Kentucky
Minor in Social Service

Developing an Eating Disorder Prevention Program for Collegiate Performing Arts Students: A movement and psychoeducation based approach

  • Vice President of Development for College Panhellenic Council (2023-2025)
  • Gamma Phi Beta Sorority 
  • 1st Place Student Research Expo for IRB-FY26-147 "Eating Disorders and Performing Artists"

"To Professor Chris Goodall, thank you for taking on this project last minute and taking the time to ease my worries time and time again. Your support professionally, academically, and personally has impacted me for the better, and I cherish all of the wise words you shared with me over the past semester. Having the opportunity to work with an HTC graduate as my thesis adviser was truly such a gift. My thesis would not have been possible without your guidance and I am eternally grateful." 

HTC Biological Sciences
Anna Miller

Columbus, Ohio

Uncovering the Role of Excess Growth Hormone in the Development of Hip Osteoarthritis 

  • Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society 
  • Orthopedic Research Society Student Member 
  • Ohio Space Grant Consortium Fellow

"I would like to thank Dr. Shouan Zhu and the rest of the lab for their continuous support and encouragement. As a student who came in knowing nothing about research, Dr. Zhu saw my curiosity and has helped me blossom into a passionate young researcher. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve received to present my work, learn from mistakes and start projects that are completely my own. Without the belief Dr. Zhu and my colleagues have had in me, none of what I would have accomplished so far would be possible. Thank you for shaping my incredible undergraduate research experience."

HTC Sociology
Molly Rose Mogford

Reading, Pennsylvania

Unearthing Forgotten Histories: Exploring Cemetery Preservation as a Means of Mitigating Historical Erasure

"My tutor, Dr. Amanda Cox, was instrumental in my thesis process. Across four tutorials, we developed a strong working rhythm that helped sharpen my ideas. I’m grateful to the HTC for making this kind of collaboration possible."

HTC Social Work
Maddy Morris

New Concord, Ohio
Minor in Psychology

Strength in Accessibility

Treasurer of the Student Social Work Association

"Danielle Feeney is my thesis advisor and has made a great impact in my life. She helped me take time to enjoy the thesis process. There were some parts that were more difficult than others, but she would always put a positive spin on the situation. I’m not sure my thesis would have turned out as well as it did if it were not for her help."

 

HTC Translational Health
Lucy Ogle

Gambier, Ohio
Certificates in Latin American Studies and Global Health

Dietary Intake of Non-Diabetic Individuals using GLP-1 RA Medications

  • Speleological Mapping under the supervision of Greg Springer
  • Semester abroad Program of Argentine and Latin American Studies from the Universidad de Belgrano
  • Hospice Volunteer
HTC Environmental Studies
Chloe Partlow

Mentor, Ohio
Minor in Environmental Health Science
Certificates in Appalachian Studies and Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Participatory Flood Mapping in Floyd County, Kentucky

  • First Place (Regular Session) Ohio University Student Expo 2026
  • Study abroad in London, UK (2026): Comparative Health Systems
  • Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholar

"Dr. Natalie Kruse Daniels has been my research supervisor since 2023 and is my thesis advisor. Her support has guided me to be the student and professional I am today, helping me to transform my passions into research and a career." 

HTC Translational Health
Julia Peter

Oxford, Ohio
Minor in Spanish
Certificate in Sports Nutrition

Evaluating the Impact of 'Counting My Nutrition' on Appalachian Third Graders' Nutrition Knowledge, Food Preference, and Dietary Intake: A Pilot Study

  • DAAD RISE Germany Internship & Scholarship Recipient
  • President of the Ohio University Nutrition Club
  • Phi Beta Kappa member

"Dr. Emily Guseman facilitated my first tutorial and folded me into a research project that heavily inspired my thesis project. Throughout my four years, she has offered me academic and personal guidance and was the first person to suggest I enter a PhD program upon graduation. She has also offered me many amazing research opportunities that have grown my research-related skills and built my CV."

HTC Communication Studies
Thien Pham

Danang, Vietnam
Minor in Film

In Between Worlds: Navigating Identity Negotiations and Challenges in Youth Cultural Preservation

  • Editorial Assistant Intern at Ohio University Press
  • President of German Club
  • "Best Use of Prop" in 48-hour Shootout Film Competition with team Monkey Business

"I would like to shout out Dr. Roger Aden, my Director of Studies, for being one of the most amazing people I have ever met during my college time! Thanks to his kindness and support, I could be where I am right now, and I will forever be thankful for that!"

HTC Mathematics
Jackson Pinschenat

Columbus, Ohio
Minor in Spanish

Semi-Parametric Varying Coefficient Models and Their Impacts on Actuarial Science 

  • President of Gamma Iota Sigma Alpha Nu
  • Member of H2O Church 
  • Member of OU Run Club

"(I would like to thank) Rida Benhaddou because he revitalized my passion for Actuarial Science."

HTC Astrophysics
Naylan Pool

Fort Worth, Texas
Minor in Mathematics

Probing Dark Energy with BAOs: Reproducing DESI 2024 Cosmology Results

2nd Place in group in Student Expo
HTC Studio Art
Libby Regas

Avon, Ohio
Minor in Art History

Ebb and Flow: A visual representation of the menstrual cycle

  • Provost Undergraduate Research Fund, Awarded $1,200 for thesis exhibition, Research and Creative Activity, Ohio University, 2025
  • Hishikawa Moronobu Printmaking Award, Ohio University Undergraduate Juried Exhibition, Juror: Soo Shin, RTEC Galleries, Athens, Ohio, 2025
  • Juror’s Award, Ohio University Undergraduate Juried Exhibition, Juror: Miguel Carter-Fisher, Ohio University Art Gallery, Athens, Ohio, 2024
HTC Business Administration
Abigail Robinson

Columbus, Ohio
Accounting and Analytics
Minor in Spanish

Social Contracts in the Workplace: How Organizational Culture and Work Dynamics Influence Fraud Intention

HTC Journalism
Sophia Rooksberry

Cincinnati, Ohio
Minors in German and Music
Certificate in Museum Studies

From Protest to Progress: The AIDS Epidemic in Urban American Art 

  • Managing Editor and Former Assistant Human Interest Editor at The Post 
  • Celebrity Interview Studio Contributor for Den of Geek Magazine 
  • Ohio University Outstanding Senior Leader 2026 

"Shoutout to Kelly Ferguson for all of her guidance as my thesis advisor, and to Andrea Lewis for keeping me grounded while working at The Post and for student media as a whole." 

HTC Music
Sam Rousch

Hamilton, Ohio

Arcs

  • OHIO Fellows Program Member
  • Honors Student Ambassador
  • School of Music Student Ambassador

"I'd like to recognize and thank Dr. Linscott for his incredible support as both a tutor and a thesis advisor. His interdisciplinary expertise and mentorship enabled me to explore music and art beyond my traditional reach as a vocal music student."

HTC Theater
Elizabeth Russo

Fairfield, Ohio
Minors in History and Classical Civilizations

Frankie's Guide to Casual Magic: Immersive Design and Folk Magic

Provost Undergraduate Research Fund Recipient (2025-26)

HTC Mathematics
Anec S.

Racine, Ohio
Minor in Philosophy 

The Stuff of Thought: Intuitionistic Logics and The Philosophy of Mathematics

  • Dr. James H. and Nellie Rowley Jewell Cutler Scholar Award
  • The Green Project, Stevens Literacy Center, Patton College of Education
  • Honors Tutorial College Ambassador

"Dr. Myrna Perez was the Director of Academics for the Cutler Scholars program when I started (now followed by Dr. Charles Lester), and she was my first out-of-major tutorial. She helped me recognize the necessity of viewing scholarship as a thing entered into by people with diverse and deeply embodied experiences. She helped me to see that all actions taken by individuals are personal. And she helped me to see that, independent of subject matter, the big things are merely functions of the small things."

HTC Political Science
Kenji Schmaltz

Mason, Ohio
Minors in English and German

Spectacular Violence:  Democratic Boundaries and Borders in the Age of Cannibal Capitalism 

Trivia Club President

"Julie White, tutor and thesis advisor, helped to guide and shape my varied and branching thoughts from a raw and initial reaction into an academic thesis. Beyond the thesis, she provided a space to both discuss the work of our tutorials but also a space to decompress"

HTC Media Arts and Studies
Robert Schrembeck

Uniontown, Ohio
Minor in Music
Certificate in Entrepreneurship

Resonance: Community Through Music 

  • Marching 110 Music Section Leader
  • Lillie Greer Scholarships - $4,000
  • Tau Beta Sigma

"Eddie Ashworth contributed greatly to my college experience. He was an advisor on two of my tutorials and co-advisor on my thesis. I also took 3 classes with him and enjoyed every minute of it. Eddie has always held me to a high standard in my work and supported me through out my college career."

HTC Chemistry
Reggie Shaffer

Hudson, Ohio

Synthesis of Novel Oxazolidinone Derivatives as Potential Antibacterial Drugs

  • Presented at OHIO Student Expo in 2025 & 2026 (Awarded first place in Chemistry and Environmental Science category in 2026)
  • Co-author publication in Energy Science and Engineering journal
  • Climate and Sustainability Ambassadors (Elected Treasurer in Fall 2025) 
HTC Business Administration
Matthew Sheehan

Athens, Ohio
Operations Management, Business Analytics
Certificate in Supply Chain Management

A New Frontier for Sickle Cell Disease Patients: Perspectives and Recommendations to Overcome Access Barriers and Improve Process of CRISPR Treatment

  • Summa Cum Laude
  • Envisage Wealth - Senior Intern
  • Center for Consumer Research and Analytics - Research Fellow

"I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to my advisor, Dr. Ashley Metcalf, for her tireless support and guidance throughout my academic journey. Her expert feedback, dedication, and flexibility have been invaluable to my experience as a student. She is the consummate professor – an educator, an advisor, a mentor, a coach, and a scholar."

HTC Journalism
Harshita Singhania 

New Dehli, India
Minor in Sociology
Certificate in Political Communication

The Indian Emergency: A Narrative Understanding of the Effects of Emergency on Urban Indians

  • WOUB Public Media Digital Supervising Producer 
  • Scripps College and Ohio Presidential Ambassador 
  • Co-President of the South Asian Student Association (SASA) 
HTC Communication Studies
Ella Spremulli

Cleveland, Ohio
Minor in Community and Public Health
 

Rooted in the Hills: Storytelling as History in Motion, Placemaking, and Complexifying Southeastern Ohio Appalachian Narratives 

  • Study Abroad Program in Sorrento, Italy
  • Partnership with Barbara Gerald Storytelling Institute 
  • AmeriCorps service member for Rural Action 

"Dr. Lynn Harter for her commitment to making me a better student through the use of tough love and creativity. In working with her, I was always encouraged to think outside the box, or maybe even draw a new box entirely. I am confident in my skills as a writer, student, researcher, scholar, and person because of Dr. Harter."

HTC Economics
Colin Stokes

Marysville, Tennessee
Mathematics (A&S)

The Distributional Impact of Carbon Pricing on Labor Markets

  • George Washington Forum Fellow
  • OHIO Fellow
  • Research Intern at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors

"Dr. Daniel Karney has put incredible effort into his role as both a Director of Studies and a tutor. His mentorship has taught me how to effectively work in the world of economic research, and any of my future opportunities are due, in no small part, to his help. From allowing me to assist his research to advising my thesis, Dr. Karney has helped me to explore the world of environmental and analytical economics in a way that I simply couldn’t have without his help, and for that I am incredibly grateful."

HTC Business Administration
Evan Typpo

North Ridgeville, Ohio
Finance, Business Analytics

Extreme Credit Movement: Analyzing Significant Price Changes Among Developed and Emerging Market Economy Sovereign Credit Default Swaps

  • Thesis | 2nd Place (Business & Economics) 2026 OHIO Student Expo
  • Ohio University Fixed Income Management Group | Senior Analyst
  • Ohio University Trail Running Club | Member

"To Dr. Frost, thank you for welcoming me to Ohio University and consistently advising me during each semester. Your guidance has been pivotal to my progress, and you have encouraged me to get the most out of my academic career.

"To Dr. Stowe, thank you for consistently supporting me as an advisor in my tutorial and thesis development. I have gained a plethora of knowledge working together with you, and I appreciate the guidance you have given me throughout my time at Ohio University."

HTC Advanced Computing
Tin Vuong

Vietnam, Australia, Canada

Automated Potential-Based Reward Shaping for Sparse-Reward Reinforcement Learning

  • Won 1st place for both my thesis project and senior design group project at the 2026 Expo
  • 2nd place in a PAW archery class competition
  • Led OHIO cybersecurity club to participate in Buckeye2024, a 48-hour online cybersecurity competition hosted by OSU. Our team, "Purrfect Cat-titude," placed 9th out of 79 in the undergraduate division and 33rd out of 648 teams globally.

"I'd like to thank Dr. Chang Liu, my DOS, for advising me throughout my entire college journey. He has always trusted in my capabilities and supported me in any experience that would enrich my education, such as funding conference trips and developing my thesis.  

"I'd like to especially thank Dr. Shawn Ostermann from the EECS department. Even though I only did one tutorial with him in the Fall of my junior year, it was the turning point for my career. Ever since I started college, I've always wanted to dive into many different areas. I want to excel in all of them. Dr. Ostermann helped me focus my vision on what really mattered in the moment and how it would impact my future. All of this might sound like a simple time management problem, but to me it’s all about keeping my ego in check, recognizing my limits and being honest about what I can realistically commit to. This is something Dr. Ostermann helped me confront directly, and it has fundamentally changed how I approach both my work and my ambitions moving forward. This mindset shift snowballed, eventually leading to getting a Software Engineer job at ByteDance and moving to Silicon Valley (which is one of my career goals) right after graduation. For this, I’m deeply grateful. His guidance came at a time when I didn’t know I needed it most, and it continues to shape the way I make decisions and pursue my goals today."

HTC Media Arts and Studies
Elliot Winkler

Dayton, Ohio

The Legend of Beregond: A Virtual Cinema Production in Unreal Engine

HTC English
Brandon Witmer

Aurora, Ohio
Adolescent-to-Young Adult Integrated Language Arts Education (Patton)

An Alternative to Human Domination: An Animal Study of Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie, 25 Years Later

  • President and Lead Editor of De Sales Journal
  • Outstanding Language Arts, awarded by Dean Lisa Harrison of Patton College of Education
  • 1st Place in Arts & Humanities at Ohio University's Student EXPO (April 2024), 1st Place HTC Popular Vote at Ohio University's Student EXPO (April 2026)

"I would like to recognize Dr. Hayley Haugen from Ohio University's Southern Campus and her contribution to my college experience. I had the privilege of taking an online class with her revolving around poetry and drama. Immediately, I deeply respected her straightforward, organized approach to teaching. I was elated to have the chance to work one on one with her for a tutorial about 20th-century American dramas, a creative writing workshop for poetry, and now my thesis! Dr. Haugen is personable, kind, and treated me like a peer in the academic field. However, she gives phenomenal feedback and did everything she could do to help me put my best foot forward and shine through my English work. There's a difference between completing work by a deadline and completing work you are proud of. Truly, Dr. Haugen's role as a guide throughout my college experience helped me put out work that I can always look back on and be greatly proud of."
 

HTC Biological Sciences
Madeline Worsdall

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Investigating Disruption to Astrocytic Metabolism in Brain Arteriovenous Malformation

  • BARR Peer Mentor
  • Summer Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Fellowship
  • Dr. Soichi Tanda Undergraduate Research Award

"(Thanks to) Dr. Corinne Nielsen, both my DOS and my thesis advisor. Her guidance, support, and mentorship has been invaluable throughout my overall college and research experience."