“Part of the reason I picked ������Ƶ is that I had spent my whole life in Massachusetts,” Honan said. “I was really excited to go somewhere new, meet new people, build new bridges, and most importantly, I was excited to be a part of the ������Ƶ community.”

Working alongside his ������Ƶ College Fellow mentor, Laura Roselle, former professor of political science and policy studies, Honan completed his application for the Lumen Prize. His focus was to combine his passion for writing and knowledge of political science to explore how presidents use storytelling to shape policy outcomes.

“I remember sitting in her office, and we were talking through my project. I was there for an hour and a half, and at some point, I stopped and said to her, ‘This is really fun, I really like this.’” Honan said. “For me, that was the moment that it clicked that I wanted to work in politics. I really enjoy thinking, writing and reading about politics. It certainly was the moment that sparked my intellectual curiosity in politics as a career.”

Both a Lumen Scholar and an ������Ƶ College Fellow scholarship recipient, Honan built a successful start in his career at ������Ƶ. He studied abroad in London for Winter Term and did a semester at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He held leadership positions in ������Ƶ’s Model UN team and was also the president of the former politics forum club.

Most notably, he was an intern in the Office of the President for former President Leo Lambert. As an executive intern in the president’s office, he worked closely with Lambert and Jeff Stein, who, at the time, was chief of staff to the president.

“They had me working on communications. This was one of the first jobs I had where I was doing communications for a senior leader. In many ways, now, looking back, that was one of those moments where I was doing the career path that I wanted,” Honan said.

This experience led him to advance his career and intern for David Gergen, who was a professor at Harvard Kennedy School and a CNN Senior Political Analyst.

“Most importantly, David Gergen was from North Carolina and was a huge ������Ƶ fan. He was also the chair of the board for ������Ƶ Law. I had met him through a few different ������Ƶ and Massachusetts connections. I ended up interning for him for two summers, and when I graduated, he hired me full-time, where I worked for him for three years,” explained Honan.

Honan worked alongside Gergen full-time during the 2016 election cycle. His work included booking Gergen’s television hits, writing talking points, doing research and writing memos for Gergen.

“Working with him and being around him made me realize, not only did I like this work broadly as a career, but I wanted to be someone who was actually in these jobs that he had done,” Honan said. “I wanted to serve in government, I wanted to work on campaigns, and work for people that I cared about and believed in.”

Honan finished his two-year master’s in public policy program at Harvard Kennedy School, graduating in 2020, during the first two months of COVID-19.

“When I graduated, I told everyone I knew who was working on the campaign for then-Vice President Joe Biden, that I wanted to help and was willing to do anything and go anywhere,” he said.

This drive to work for what he believes in led him to work on the Democratic Convention in Wilmington, Delaware.

“I was on the team that worked to help run COVID-19 testing centers, which at the time was a completely new thing. It allowed me to help with the convention, meet incredible people, and help build the momentum towards Joe Biden’s ultimately successful election in November 2020,” he said.

Honan then moved to Washington and spent two years as the Communications Director for a nonprofit called ‘With Honor’, which works to advance veterans’ affairs issues in Congress.

It was around the time of the midterm elections in 2022 when he suddenly got a call to come into the White House and continue his work on COVID-19 operations. This was a perfect way for Honan to get his foot in the door and start working toward his dream position in the White House.

His hard work in COVID-19 operations eventually earned him a spot on the White House’s communications team, which Honan stated was “what I had always dreamed of and doing what I wanted to do when I attended ������Ƶ.”

During the last year of the administration, Honan was the chief of staff to the White House communications director, the director of message planning and special assistant to the president.

“In those roles, I got to work with an incredible team of people who were supporting the president’s communications, and I had the job of a lifetime. If you had asked me what I wanted to do at ������Ƶ, it would have been that job,” he expressed.

When reflecting on what choices he made at ������Ƶ that helped him get where he is today, Honan said, “At ������Ƶ, I was surrounded by professors, staff and classmates who challenged me and made me smarter. They had my back and helped me figure out how to pursue the career and the life that I wanted. I just think back, and I’m so grateful for people like Laura Roselle and Heidi Frontani.”

After his successes at the White House, Honan returned home to Boston to fill the role of deputy chief of communications for the City of Boston.

“Everyone said to me, Mayor Michelle Wu is an incredible person to work for, and working for a mayor in a place that you love is one of the most rewarding jobs you could have in politics. Both of those things are 100% true,” he said. “It is so special to live in the city of Boston and get to work on the issues that the people on my street, the people in my neighborhood and the people I take the train with every day really care about, and it impacts their lives. One of the coolest things about local government is that you’re working on problems that can immediately change people’s lives.”

This tangible and fulfilling work Honan is doing for his city has led him to extend a helping hand to others interested in politics as a career.

“I have incredible mentors who helped me get here. I am trying to spend as much time as I can mentoring other people. Politics is a tough business to get into, and you can’t just apply on LinkedIn, so I’ve helped people figure out how to get in the door because that’s what many good people did for me,” he said. “I would not have any of the career success I’ve had without the people at ������Ƶ. To me, it feels like it’s my duty to pay it forward and continue that legacy.”

That sense of duty keeps ������Ƶ close to his heart no matter where his career takes him. Every ������Ƶ student he mentors, every alum he runs into in the professional world, pulls him right back.

“I’m immediately brought back, and I remember why it was so special and why the people who went there are so special,” said Honan.

The excitement, the community, the sense of purpose he first felt walking through the bricks and under the oaks, never went away. It grew into something bigger, something he now carries with him everywhere he goes, and something he’s committed to passing on.

Maddie Hewgley ’26 is using her undergraduate research to explore a complex and timely question: Why are states continuing to pass Second Amendment Preservation Act laws even after courts have ruled them unconstitutional?

When Hewgley, a political science and music theatre major, Lumen Scholar and ������Ƶ College Fellow, began researching legislation from her home state of Missouri, she did not expect it to open the door to a much broader national conversation about federalism, state power and policy diffusion. She will present her findings during the Spring Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF) on April 28.

Her research project, “Bullets & Bills,” explores how and why the Second Amendment Preservation Act continues to be adopted at the state level, despite the federal court deeming it unconstitutional.

The Second Amendment Preservation Act aims to prevent states from enforcing federal gun laws that are not mirrored at the state level.

“These are laws that states are passing that attempt to nullify federal gun laws if there is not a state equivalent,’” Hewgley said. “What surprised me most is that states continue to pass them even after federal courts ruled they violate the supremacy clause of the United States Constitution. Civilians can even sue law enforcement for enforcing this federal policy.”

Missouri became the first state to pass this law in 2021, sparking similar legislation in 14 additional states. Hewgley’s research focuses on understanding what is driving these laws.

“My main question is not just what these laws are, it’s how and why they are continuing to proliferate despite legal challenges,” Hewgley said.

For Hewgley, this topic is not just academic, it’s personal.

“I lost loved ones to gun violence when I was younger,” Hewgley said. “I felt really helpless. This research feels like a way to take initiative on something that is much larger than myself.”

That experience led her to participate in gun violence activism and motivated her to conduct this research. She emphasizes that her research is not intended to advocate for one side of the debate, but to understand the mechanisms behind these laws.

Her findings show how states have adapted their strategies over time. Missouri’s original law included aggressive enforcement mechanisms and was struck down; states like South Carolina have passed revised versions with softer language or attached them to broader legislation to avoid legal scrutiny.

“States want to send a message or align themselves politically, but they are learning from earlier failures and adjusting their approach,” Hewgley said.

To analyze this trend, Hewgley has studied the theory of policy diffusion, which examines how and why policies spread between states. Her work explores whether states are motivated by emulation, learning, competition or coercion.

“I think states influence each other,” Hewgley said. “Missouri isn’t usually a policy innovator, so the fact that they were the first to pass this and others are following is really interesting.”

Her research also examines external influences, such as advocacy groups and political shifts at the national level, and how they drive some of this legislation.

Hewgley has studied documents, legislation and conducted a content analysis to build her research. One of her surprising findings was that many residents in Missouri were unaware this law existed, despite its significant implications.

“That finding made me question whether these laws are really meant to have an impact or if they are more symbolic,” Hewgley said.

Ultimately, Hewgley hopes her research encourages people to look beyond this law and consider larger questions about the balance of federalism in the United States.

“This is not just about gun rights; it’s about how states and the federal government interact and how that applies to so many other issues, from abortion to marijuana laws,” Hewgley said.

Hewgley’s research was mentored by Dillan Bono-Lunn, assistant professor of political science and public policy.

“When I met with Dr. Bono-Lunn, I knew before I left her office that she was who I wanted to be by mentor because I came to her with two research ideas, one that was pretty fleshed out and the other was a headline about Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act, which I was exceptionally interested in pursuing, but I did not have a research question,” Hewgley said. “She encouraged me to pursue a research idea that I was excited about, and now three years later I am pursuing that research. She allows me to follow whatever thread I find and has taught me that a good researcher stays curious and flexible at every stage of the process.”

As she prepares to present her research, Hewgley reflected on how far she’s come.

“If you had told me as a first-year student that I’d be researching something this complex, I wouldn’t have believed you,” said. “Now, I feel like I can really contribute to the conversation and it’s made me feel like I’ve made an impact.”

Open to students of all class years, the Meet & Greet is designed to foster meaningful connections between students and employers actively seeking talent in the fields of communications and sport management. Whether students are exploring career paths, searching for internships, or preparing for post-graduation employment, this event provides a welcoming environment to network and gain insight into various industries.

Attendees will have the chance to engage in one-on-one conversations with employers, learn about current job and internship opportunities and gain advice on how to stand out in competitive professional settings. Events like this not only help students build their professional networks but also allow them to practice essential communication skills in a real-world setting.

Students are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes, dress professionally and come prepared with questions. The Communications and Sport Management Meet & Greet promises to be an excellent opportunity to take the next step toward a successful career.

Autumn Parish ’28 found her place in the African Diaspora Living-Learning Community, located on the fourth floor of Jackson Hall in the Global Neighborhood. On that hall during her first year, she discovered best friends and built the foundation of her ������Ƶ experience.

“It’s important where you live,” Parish said. “You have to feel at home when you’re not home.”

While the African Diaspora LLC is her safe space on campus, the human service studies major is deeply involved in campus life. Parish serves as a member of the Student Government Association, a SMART mentor, an ������Ƶ College Fellow, a fall 2025 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alapa Sorority, Inc., a Renaissance Scholar and secretary for the National Council of Negro Women.

She also works as a student coordinator for the Black Student Success team, helping plan events centered on the Black community at ������Ƶ.

“I find planning events fulfilling because it lets students know that their community is here,” Parish said.

Mentorship

Mentorship is woven into the culture at ������Ƶ. Professors, staff and students alike step into mentorship roles, helping others navigate their college experience.

Parish serves as a SMART mentor, which feels natural. She’d always tried to be a positive role model for her younger siblings back home, and she now extends that same energy to first-year students finding their footing at ������Ƶ.

Sandra Reid, a professor of human service studies and Parish’s research adviser, inspires Parish’s approach to mentoring. Reid first made an impression at an admissions event when she led a mock class that ultimately swayed Parish’s decision to choose ������Ƶ.

“I know I can be successful in a small classroom environment where professors don’t see me as a number, but they know who I am,” Parish said. “They know my name, and they care about my well-being.”

Now working alongside Reid for her research, Parish continues to grow academically and personally.

“Autumn is a caring, inquisitive and highly focused research student who consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to learning,” Reid said. “She soaks up new information and engages thoughtfully with complex material, applying strong critical thinking skills to her work.”

The culture of mentorship at ������Ƶ has been one of the university’s defining characteristics.

“I love when people help me help the world,” Parish said. “I love that it’s part of the culture. The professors want you to succeed. The advisers want you to succeed. Even someone who doesn’t even know who you are, they want to see you succeed.”

History in the Making

For Parish, Black History Month is about understanding where you come from and honoring those who paved the way.

Growing up, her parents emphasized that the opportunities she has today exist because of sacrifices made by generations before her.

“And just to think that was only a couple of generations away — my grandparents protested,” Parish said. “They showed us how important it was and the sacrifices they made for the opportunity for me to get a scholarship at a school I didn’t even think I could go to.”

That perspective shapes how she approaches her work on campus. Parish believes history is not confined to the past. It is unfolding every day.

“Black history is happening all the time, and you are living Black history because everything that you do is history in the making,” she said.

Parish views her involvement at ������Ƶ as preparation for a life centered on service and impact. The sense of belonging she found in her first year and the mentors who guided her continue to shape how she shows up for others.

“Everything that you do makes an impact on future things to come,” Parish said. “Every decision you make can make a positive impact if you let it.”

Black History Month

As part of Black History Month, ������Ƶ is sharing stories through Today at ������Ƶ that highlight Black students, faculty and staff who actively contribute to a campus environment where cultural histories and identities are celebrated year-round. In February, ������Ƶ is also recognizing the month through a series of events and programming.

The Department of Performing Art’s production from Feb. 13-15, 2026, featured an immersive sound design developed through collaboration between Associate Professor Michael Smith, Production Manager Rick Earl and music production and recording arts student Brandon Cericola ’26.

The project blends Smith’s sabbatical research in immersive audio with Cericola’s interest in sound design for film and television, where immersive sound is increasingly common. The result was a student production that expanded beyond a traditional theatrical sound system.

“The traditional audio for musicals is augmented by eight surround speakers placed in the audience, some for sound effects, others to bring the performance out into the space more, to surround the audience with vocals,” Earl said.

The production used the department’s existing equipment, along with additional loudspeakers, to create the sound effect. The show used 80 inputs and 38 outputs, with updated software to help automate immersive sound effects. While some immersive systems require major hardware investments, the team developed manual techniques to adapt the live performance within available resources.

“The nature of the show is more rock-oriented, and maybe more intimate than some musicals, and takes place in a city, which by nature is an immersive environment,” Earl said. “The stars aligned — the right student, the recent research, experiences and the desire of all of us to do something like this.”

Cericola had significant creative ownership of the design. Aside from the required elements, much of what the audience heard was his creation. Earl and Smith worked with Cericola over the summer to build a small immersive setup, allowing him to record musicians, experiment with mixing and refining before scaling the systems for McCrary Theatre.

“A lot of what you hear is Brandon’s creation,” Earl said. “Large-scale system implementation like this takes strong project management skills, leadership and mentoring skills, documentation, flexibility, time management, and the ability to know when something isn’t going to work and find an alternative.

“From an audience perspective, I think it will bring them into the ‘world’ that is ‘RENT’ and enhance their experience,” Earl said.

For Cericola, the production represents the combination of the experiences he has had while at ������Ƶ.

“This has been the most challenging project I have taken on at ������Ƶ, and it is a combination of many skills I have learned here,” Cericola said. “To hear the show come to life during rehearsal was exciting and satisfying. It is evidence of my education and time at ������Ƶ.”

Cericola drew on coursework in the Music Production and Recording Arts program, leadership experiences, work study roles with the Office of Cultural and Special Programs and immersive audio research developed as an ������Ƶ College Fellow. He also attended the NAMM Show, an international music industry trade show, where he connected with manufacturers, sound designers and an engineer to discuss immersive audio approaches and set-ups.

For Smith, the production marks a full-circle moment following his sabbatical research.

“The research I did on my sabbatical was my main leaping point for trying to do immersive audio on the McCrary stage,” Smith said. “After hearing Brandon’s and Rick’s setup over the summer, I knew the next step would have to be producing a live musical with a similar setup.”

During his sabbatical, Smith built a scaled-down immersive theatre that was later expanded and installed in Roberts Studio Theatre. The 25-speaker system allows each speaker to be individually assigned and controlled, creating a unique learning space for students.

“It is the only theatre in this area that has an immersive audio system for students to do their sound design work on,” Smith said.

Earl, Smith and Cericola made decisions as a team to ensure the project remained manageable and cost-effective. They said the collaboration shows what is possible when research, creativity and student passions intersect.

“Without all three of us working together, something like this wouldn’t have been possible,” Smith said. “Now we realize what possibilities we have for future performances, not just in the Department of Performing Arts but for Cultural event programs as well.”

The symposium involved presentations from academics and practitioners from across the country. Two of the ������Ƶ students also presented their undergraduate research.

“I learned truly how applicable outdoor education and experiential education can be incorporated into our lives,” said Calista Quirk ’26,��who presented her research titled “Exploring Gender Boundaries in College and University Outdoor Education Programs Across North Carolina.” “I felt unbelievably empowered by how much research can impact a group of people. I truly learned how much of an impact I can have as a single person with a passion for what I do every day.”

Adam Arno ’26 presented research titled ‘Beyond Entertainment: Exploring Humor as a Response to Stress in Outdoor Education Programming.” Arno shared that the experience “gave me a first look into the potential for outdoor education research. It was a special opportunity to present my undergraduate research in front of top names in the field. It also was a chance to get my name out into the world as someone interested in pushing forward research in experiential education.”

While at the conference, students attended sessions and networked with faculty and undergraduates. Sessions challenged them to broaden their view of outdoor experiential education and consider how data and assessment can inform program practice.

Leah Brooker ’27 said that the conference “inspired me to continue asking questions about outdoor education practices, how they can impact others, and how their value can be integrated into a multitude of different disciplines. I learned that the field is multifaceted, ever-evolving, and making exciting advancements toward helping others recognize its importance. This experience motivated me to dive deeper into my undergraduate research.”

Nearly 300 aspiring ������Ƶ College Fellows participated in academic sessions, program receptions, group simulations and interviews during Fellows Weekend. Led by the Office of ������Ƶ, the annual Fellows Weekend invites to campus high school seniors in contention for the university’s signature fellows and scholarship programs.

“Talking with prospective ������Ƶ College Fellows was incredibly energizing,” said Associate Professor Renay Aumiller, director of the ������Ƶ College Fellows program. “Students brought such thoughtfulness, curiosity and openness to every conversation, and it was clear how deeply they were already thinking about learning, collaboration and purpose. Those moments of dialogue and connection are always my favorite part of Fellows Weekend.”

The ������Ƶ College Fellows program is a four-year academic and professional program for students who are passionately committed to exploring the breadth, depth and connections within ������Ƶ College, the College of Arts and Sciences.

There are three branches of the ������Ƶ College Fellows program for the 60 students selected for the cohort: Arts and Humanities Fellows, Mathematical and Natural Sciences Fellows and Social Sciences Fellows. Among other requirements, Fellows must intend to major in one of the many fields within ������Ƶ College, the College of Arts and Sciences and rank in the top 15% of their high school class.

Aumiller said she was struck by both enthusiasm and depth of engagement displayed by students throughout Fellows Weekend, which took place Feb. 6-7, 2026. The weekend also provided an opportunity for prospective families to connect with faculty, staff and current ������Ƶ students in the ������Ƶ College Fellows program.

“I left the weekend feeling inspired,” Aumiller said. “The energy was vibrant, focused and genuinely curious. Students were asking thoughtful questions, listening closely and engaging with one another in meaningful ways. There was a real sense of excitement about learning and being part of something larger than themselves.

“It was a joy to meet so many students and their families and to share the values of the ������Ƶ College Fellows program with them,” she added. “The level of engagement, warmth and enthusiasm throughout the weekend made it a special experience for all of us involved.”

Participants were organized into advocacy teams based on geographic location. Ryu and��her team (of North Carolina 4th Congressional District) met with the offices of U.S. Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis through their legislative assistants and held an in-person meeting with U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee of North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District. In each meeting, Ryu participated in the discussions focused on��STEM education and continued federal funding, through the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DoE), and National Institutes of Health (NIH), to sustain and strengthen the U.S. STEM workforce.

The conversations emphasized that mathematics is foundational to nearly every STEM field, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, climate modeling and advanced manufacturing. While often operating behind the scenes, mathematical sciences provide the analytical framework that enables innovation across STEM fields. Federal support, such as NSF, ensures that students receive high-quality training in quantitative reasoning, data analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving—skills that are increasingly critical in a rapidly evolving economy.

As a faculty member at a primarily undergraduate institution, Ryu highlighted how her NSF-supported research directly benefits students from various STEM majors at ������Ƶ. NSF funding allows faculty to engage undergraduates in authentic research experiences that integrate teaching and scholarship. Through these projects, students gain hands-on experience working with real data, computational models, and collaborative research teams. Many of her former and current students have gone on to graduate programs in STEM, federally funded research positions, or STEM careers in industry and healthcare, contributing directly to the national workforce pipeline.

The meetings also underscored the important role that primarily undergraduate institutions play in educating a diverse STEM workforce, including first-generation students and those from rural or underserved communities. Investments in NSF programs that support undergraduate research help expand access to STEM pathways and ensure that talent from a wide range of backgrounds is represented in the nation’s scientific workforce.

By participating in #MathSciOnTheHill, Ryu helped amplify a collective message from the mathematical sciences community: continued federal investment in mathematics education and research is a strategic investment in the strength, adaptability, and competitiveness of the U.S. STEM workforce.

The Capitol Hill visit highlighted how faculty advocacy can connect classroom and research experiences at ������Ƶ to national conversations about innovation, economic growth, and workforce development. Her Capitol Hill visit was supported by the American Mathematical Society.

At this conference, three ������Ƶ students and two faculty attended and presented.

Student Accomplishments:

• Kelly Donovan ’26, a double major in applied mathematics and statistics, a Lumen Scholar and College Fellow, presented her Lumen project titled “Novel Deep-Sea Coral Imputation Technique: Filling in Missing Data to Further Coral Conservation” in a poster session. Her research is mentored by Assistant Professor of Statistics Nic Bussberg.

• Lisa Kranec ’28,��a double major in engineering and applied mathematics, presented her recent project in a poster session titled, “ Mathematical Modeling of Cardiac Macrophages in COVID-19.” Her research team��is mentored by Associate Professor Hwayeon Ryu and their work has been supported by the����(under Ryu).

• Pagnapech Ngoun ’26,��an engineering major, presented her collaborative research in an oral session titled, “ Mathematical Modeling of COVID-19 Reveals Immune Cell Dysfunction.”��Her research represents recent findings based on a new mathematical model��that accounts for the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the human immune system. Her research team��is mentored by Associate Professor Hwayeon Ryu and their work has been supported by the����(under Ryu).

Faculty Accomplishments:

• Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Keta Henderson gave an invited talk on her collaborative work titled “Analysis of trade-off between dispersal and patch intrinsic growth for a landscape ecological model” in a session “Women in Mathematical Biology”.��Henderson also served as a moderator and co-organizer for the Association of Women in Mathematics Panel: “Shattering the Myths—Hiring Women in Mathematics.” In addition, she participated in a professional development session focused on teaching multivariable calculus using CalcPlot3D and 3D printing. She plans to incorporate these strategies into her MTH 2520 Multivariable Calculus and Analytic Geometry in Spring 2026.

• Associate Professor of Mathematics Hwayeon Ryu��co-organized a special session titled “Women in Mathematical Biology,” in which a total of 16 invited speakers presented a variety of life science questions through the lens of mathematical modeling��to understand complex system dynamics. The goal was to highlight the new developments or advancements along with the diverse group of researchers who drive innovation.��In this session, Ryu presented her recently published paper, “,” partially supported by��������Ƶ Faculty Research & Development Full-Year, Full-Pay Sabbatical Award with Financial Assistance.

“I had a very fulfilling time while at JMM. Althe l presentations I was able to attend, all conversations I had with professors from different programs, and all pieces of feedback I received on my poster were very enriching. I’m very grateful I was able to attend the conference and I’m excited to hopefully attend in the future,” said Donovan ’26.

Participants learned about the��EcoVillage LLC at Loy Farm��proposal process and how the LLC integrates with the existing farm and academic initiatives on site. Presenters also offered learning moments, bumps in the road, and reflections on the EcoVillage’s first two years as a community.��Participants also gained insights on how to potentially kickstart a conversation on tiny house partnerships at their institution.��

The EcoVillage will be available for sophomores through seniors to select during Housing Selection coming up in February for returning students for the 2026-27 academic year.