Honors Research Highlighted

Dr. Marjean Purinton, Professor of English and Associate Dean for the University Honors College, was determined that during the 2011-2012 academic year more students studying the humanities and the arts would become engaged in undergraduate research and this is her story....

See the full article in the College of Arts and Sciences' 2012 magazine here 

Dr. James Yang WINS OUTSTANDING FACULTY MENTOR AWARD

Dr. James Yang

Dr. James Yang, Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering and an Honors URF Mentor and Thesis Director, was named Outstanding Faculty Mentor by the Texas Tech Center for Undergraduate Research.  Dr. Yang was nominated by Aimee Cloutier who worked with him through URF and as he directed her through a successful Honors thesis.  The award followed the Undergraduate Research Conference held in mid-April.  Aimee’s nomination noted Dr. Yang’s ability to foster the research culture that is needed for successful students, supporting their future academic and career goals.

Congratulations to Dr. James Yang for his efforts and support of undergraduate research and the Honors College.

Scholar Spotlight: Phillip Wainright

Philip Wainright

•2012 Graduate
•Phi Beta Kapa•President, Tech Hip Hop Dance Team

I chose to become a member of the honors program because I like to challenge myself intellectually.

Growing up, I liked imagining overcoming great obstacles and solving difficult problems. Now, as I mature into adulthood, that translates into striving to achieve as much as I can. It doesn't suit me to just do what is required and coast by. I'd have to admit that in the beginning I was unsure if I was smart enough for the honors program but now that I have completed it, I can be proud of my own efforts and achievements.

Thank you, Texas Tech Honors College!

Student Activities Board (SAB): The 2011-2012 School Year

This year the Student Activities Board provided Honors College students with a number of educational and entertaining events. It has been one of the best years in terms of student attendance and involvement. We kicked off the year with our 3rd annual Honors Opening Cookout. This event was a joint effort between SAB, FYE, and Gordon Hall. At this event we grilled sausage wraps for the students and allow them to make their own ice cream sundaes. It is an excellent way welcome student’s back to school and into a social setting where they can meet and make new friends in the Honors College. The turnout was huge, almost completely packing the front circle of Gordon Hall. It was exciting to see Honors students wearing the shirts given out at this event, identifying themselves as part of the Honors Community.

This year, SAB joined forces with Eta Omicron Nu to present the 5th Annual Honors Semi-Formal, “A Night at the Casino.” Students had the opportunity to dress up and enjoy a nice dinner and a night of dancing. SAB provided poker, blackjack, and roulette tables for students to play (with fake chips, of course.) Honors College faculty member Dr. Jim Brink, and staff member Janet Veal assisted by working as dealers at the tables. Afterwards, students used their chips to “purchase” prizes that were donated by local businesses, including an autographed Tommy Tubberville football. It was the highest attended semi-formal in Honors College history. Students expressed how much they enjoyed attending and hope to see more semi-formals in the future.

The Student Activities Board hosted a number of other events throughout the year. We attended the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, providing students the opportunity to be exposed to classical music. Every year we form an Honors College team for Race for the Cure and in 2011 we had one of the largest teams participating. This year we also took a group of students to Main Event for a night of bowling. Students enjoyed this event because it gave them an opportunity to simply relax and make new friends. We toured the Llano Estacado Winery, where students were shown how wine is made and distributed. We even hosted an Honors College volleyball tournament where Honors students showed off their athletic skills.

The SAB just wrapped up the year with an end of the year social. At this event we provided inflatable outdoor laser tag, inflatable Twister, and an inflatable obstacle course. This event was an opportunity for students to unwind and relax before finals. It was a highly attended event and students stated that it definitely helped them relax before they began studying heavily for finals.

Overall, SAB worked hard this year to provide Honors College students with a wide variety of both educational and entertaining events. This was my last year as SAB director and as much as it saddens me to leave the Honors College, I am proud of all of the hard work that the board members of SAB did this year and hope for an even better list of events next year.

Lindzi Shanks-SAB Director 2009-2012

End of the Year Party

Casino Night Semi Formal

Scholar Spotlight: Neil Hester

Hometown: Lubbock, Texas

Major: Psychology major with Highest Honors

Neil worked as an undergraduate research assistant for two years: one year in a child clinical psychology lab, and one year in a social psychology lab. He has also served a as a First Year Experience Mentor for the past two years, and is currently finishing his work as the Lead Mentor of the program (which, according to him, is “the best job ever”).

Neil recently finished his Honors Thesis, entitled “Religious Anti-Gay Messages’ Effect on Attitudes toward Sexual and Religious Groups,” and he also serves as an Ambassador for the Honors College.

Next fall, Neil plans on applying to Ph.D. programs for social psychology while also taking graduate classes, continuing research, and completing his year as a mentor.

Wail Amor, Honors Undergraduate Research Fellow

Congratulations to Wail Amor on being published! He is a co-author on "Garlic Ointment Inhibits Biofilm Formation by Bacterial Pathogens from Burn Wounds." It was published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology.

This paper can be read here: http://jmm.sgmjournals.org/content/early/2012/02/02/jmm.0.038638-0.short?rss=1

Professor Kurt Caswell Published

Congratulations to Professor Caswell on publishing two new essays! The first is entitled, "A Short Walk in Anasazi Country." The essay talks about Professor Caswell's journeys through South East Utah's Grand Gulch. His second essay is called, "Death in Seville" which speaks about Spanish bullfighting.

The first essay can be found here: http://www.earthlines.org.uk/.

The second essay can be found here: http://www.engl.unt.edu/alr/.