By Natalie Byers
Early in the morning on November 7th, eight psychological science students left for an undergraduate research conference at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) to present their thesis proposals for the Departmental Honors program. Each student has been working all semester on an independent research project that will serve as their Honors thesis, the capstone project for the program.
“The Departmental Honors program is set up more like graduate school,” student Arianna Foster said. “We work on independent research projects with separate advisors. We make our own schedules. It really holds me accountable and teaches me how I need to manage my time in order to get things done efficiently.”
The Departmental Honors program is designed to recognize students for their academic achievement in their majors, but it also helps build important skills that prepare them for their futures post-graduation, whether it be pursuing higher degrees or beginning their careers.
“Since I am entering a field in psychological science, research will be a key feature of my work both during and after graduate school,” said student Brady Ream. “By having the opportunity to design and conduct my own research study, I am gaining invaluable insight into the research process and doing work that is directly preparing me for my future in a research field.”
Student Mya Gregory wants to go to medical school in the future, where she will also likely be conducting lots of research. But thanks to the program, she said, “I know that if and when I am tasked with research in the future, I will be able to do it well.”
All these students have many different futures in store for them, but the Departmental Honors Program has provided each of them the opportunity to get much closer to their post-graduation goals. The USI research conference was a huge eye-opener for student Tori Garmon: “Presenting my proposal at the USI conference was an amazing opportunity, and it made me believe in my work and that it is important and worth studying.”
As she begins to look towards postgraduate education, Arianna explained, “Presenting at conferences is a way to put my name out there to increase my chances of getting accepted into graduate schools.”
For Brady, this conference meant a lot for his future. “To me, this conference presentation is the first step into the rest of my academic and professional career.”
If you’re a junior studying psychological science and interested in applying for departmental honors, find more information about eligibility and requirements here. For more information about the Department of Psychological Science, visit our website, blog, or contact our office.