2020-2021 Student of the Week Profiles
Donovan Cleggett
The impactful research of Honors students comes in all forms, not always involving
beakers and objective data sets. Sometimes the most important insights into our shared
experience are reached through qualitative analysis and interviews of complex human
subjects – a truth highlighted by the work of graduating Honors senior Donovan Cleggett.
This Criminal Justice major is writing his Honors thesis about the experiences of
Toledo police officers during interactions with minority citizens – to see if these
encounters differ based on the officers’ ethnicity and race. Donovan explains, “Unfortunately,
many of the issues within the criminal justice system are deeply rooted and hard to
‘quantify’ or see without a qualitative lens. I hope that through my future work,
I will be able to shed some light on areas that desperately need improving to create
a more just and safe society for all.”
After graduation, in addition to rounding out his thesis research that was hindered
by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Donovan will be working with City Year in Los
Angeles. The nonprofit organization helps under-resourced school systems by pairing
them with graduating college students on a gap year. These graduates then help create
more effective learning environments through hands-on activities and one-on-one time
with the students.
When asked about his favorite element of being in the Honors College, Donovan responded
that his selection couldn’t be narrowed down to one moment. Instead, the JSHC has
granted him enriching relationships and experiences in a hard-working, passionate
environment. Being around like-minded individuals motivated him further, established
friendships, and created cherished memories.
Honors Student Insight: “When I initially began my Honors work in Criminal Justice, I was wary about having
to rely so much on Honors Learning Contracts. However, through the Contracts, I was
able to create much more personal and enriching relationships with many of my professors.”
Hannah Lapoint
On the verge of graduation and excited to start her career, Hannah LaPoint says she
owes a lot to her experience in the Honors College. The specialized courses and enhanced
opportunities she enjoyed in her Environmental Science major as an Honors student
deepened her understanding of the field and showed her what she can do to advance
it as a budding 
professional.
After attending a research conference, Hannah identified a vexing environmental challenge
that offered direction for her Honors capstone project. She is studying the concentration
of the pesticide atrazine as it leeches into an aquifer under an active farm field.
Her research will demonstrate what attributes of the soil affect the flow of the pesticide
into the aquifer and eventually a nearby creek. “The data can then be used in future
agricultural research to find cost-effective methods for preventing runoff into waterways
so that the pesticide doesn’t bioaccumulate in higher trophic levels of the ecosystem,”
she says.
Hannah has accepted a position as a Natural Resources Technician working with the
Ohio Department of Natural Resources after graduation. “Being involved in projects
like the UToledo Student Green Fund and the installation of the Health Science Campus
Tech Park Solar Field, I got to make a lasting impression on this university that
will benefit students long after I am gone,” she said. “That is the whole reason I
became an environmentalist – to leave the planet in a better state than when I found
it.”
Favorite Thing about Honors: “The tight-knit community provided by the JSHC allowed me to get to know my professors
and enjoy potlucks, movie nights, and pumpkin painting with other students through
the Honors Learning Community. It made my experience at UToledo that much better and
helped me form bonds with my peers outside of the classroom.”
Rayan Muhsen
Rayan Muhsen gained more than just grant-writing skills, some Honors credits, and
executive public speaking experience when he took HON 3010 “Community Engagement.”
The Exercise Science major had a philosophical breakthrough then in 
2019 when he learned that making a positive change requires just a few variables:
a problem, passion, and good intentions. Now in the process of finishing his Honors
thesis, this equation is lining up for him to make more positive change through his
research.
Rayan is studying absorbance data related to triglyceride content in skeletal muscles.
He hopes to determine if there is a difference in levels of the lipid among slow and
fast muscles. “There are potential clinical applications to knowing if there is a
difference,” he explained. “For example, if a patient has muscle atrophy due to metabolic
disturbances involving issues with triglycerides after being in a cast, they could
be prescribed a high-fat diet to help their muscles build back to normal size.” Rayan
is excited to see the outcomes of his research, knowing the tangible effects it could
have in the world of medicine.
After graduation, he will earn a Master's degree in Biomedical Science in Medical
Sciences at UToledo. Rayan feels that the Exercise Science curriculum has prepared
him well for this next step and recommends the major to anyone considering medical
school. “The field’s hands-on emphasis is what really made this learning experience
valuable,” he says, “being able to see and practice my passion outside of a textbook.”
Favorite Honors Memory: “My standout academic memory was working on my group presentation in HON 3010. I appreciated
the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the ProMedica Ebeid Center and
about reducing disparities in infant mortality in Toledo.”
Olivia Bias
As an Honors student majoring in Social Work, Olivia Bias’s academic path began relatively
uncharted. She was a little concerned about completing the Honors medallion requirements
at first. But through her Honors experience, Olivia has been able to work closely
with her professors, commit to interesting research, and practice surveying, grant-writing,
collaboration, as well as community presentations!
In her HON 3010 “Community Engagement” course, she partnered with the Wayman D. Palmer
Community YMCA to find solutions for the pre-kindergarten instructional crisis in
the Toledo community. Now in her last semester and working on her thesis centered
on human trafficking, Olivia has had the opportunity to interact with the head case
manager at the Salvation Army's RISE program and the Education committee co-chair
for the Lucas County Human Trafficking Coalition. Olivia’s thesis explores the impact
of human trafficking policies on social work practice through interviews with direct
social service providers. She has concluded such providers should be more familiar
with these policies at the national, state, and local levels. Olivia also suggests
that a more diverse panel of policymakers is needed to draft these rules.
Unsurprising given her scholarly interest in civic involvement, Olivia has also been
an active participant in the Honors Learning Community. She has most cherished the
JSHC trips to see symphonic orchestra performances and musicals. “My favorite was
going to the Stranahan Theater to see Rent,” she said. “The show was sold-out and was the last major school event before the
pandemic shutdowns began. The energy was electric – palpable, even!”
Next Steps: “I will be returning to UToledo to earn my Master’s of Social Work degree in the Fall
and am also working on becoming a licensed social worker.”
John Young
Being an Honors student means more than preparing for a profession. By the time of
graduation, JSHC students are trained to be well-rounded persons positioned to take
an active role in questioning and changing society. With graduation just weeks away,
John Young is ready to leave his mark.
This Political Science major, who will be attending law school in the Fall, has written
his Honors thesis scrutinizing the pivotal issue of data privacy in our increasingly
digital lives. In it, John explores the ways in which both governmental and corporate policies shape
data privacy, how our data is being used by these entities, and the American public’s
attitudes about data privacy. He ultimately concludes that, because of a lack of public
interest and a strong corporate incentive in maintaining the status quo, that data
privacy has been and may remain largely unprotected in the United States.
As an Honors student in Political Science, John benefited from faculty mentorship
on his thesis project rooted in the many Honors Learning Contracts he took in his
courses to earn the JSHC medallion. He relished this opportunity to work more closely
with professors on additional projects and learn more through them, developing in
the process, “great relationships with my faculty which have been quite beneficial
to me,” he said.
John hopes after law school to either become a U.S. Attorney or work as corporate,
in-house counsel for a large company. “Either way, I am very excited to start studying
law this coming Fall, as I have been working towards that point in my academic career
for the past three years!”
Interesting Personal Fact: “I love being on the water in any way possible, and I am even a certified scuba diver!”
Chi-Chi Igwe
“Community engagement” is more than just a class title for Honors students – it’s a way of life. Chi-Chi Igwe embodies this value through and through, a member of several service organizations on campus and an aspiring physician eager to care for those often overlooked by our healthcare industry.
A minority student on the pre-med track, Chi-Chi says, “There are many low-income
and under-served communities who deserve physicians who look like them. When this
happens, the patients see themselves reflected through the doctor caring for them,
which often leads to a better understanding of and treatments for the patients.” The
Biochemistry major added, “While being a minority pursuing a career in medicine is
quite tough, the need for more minority doctors overshadows that in my eyes.”
This sense of overriding purpose clearly animates Chi-Chi’s involvement on campus,
too. She is a Presidential Ambassador, a Senator in Student Government, an Event Coordinator
in the Minority Association of Pre-medical Students, and a member of Toledo Students
for Life as well as the African People’s Association. She’s also an ecstatic member
of the Hot Chocolate Club!
Interesting Personal Fact: “I am a huge advocate for mental health. I've recently been practicing and placing
a bigger emphasis on self-care in my life. I have come to find that discipline is
the best form of self-care, as it takes discipline to eat right, exercise, get work
done, and practice mindfulness.”
Sabrina Cady
Sabrina Cady will admit, Honors hasn’t exactly been what she expected it to be. Fortunately,
she means that in the best way possible! She ended her sophomore year wondering if
Honors was worth it or just amounted to extra work. The capstone project seemed especially
daunting – a culminating research experience to be completed right before 
graduation. Now that she’s in the middle of it, this graduating senior wants anyone
questioning Honors to know it’s not scary at all! In fact, it has given her an opportunity
to critically reflect on the state of her desired profession before entering it.
An Accounting major, something surprising is happening to her field. With advances
in software and technology, the work being done by accountants is evolving. In her
capstone project, Sabrina is attempting to understand the “what,” “why,” and “how”
of these changes – including alterations in licensure exams and everyday accountant
protocols.
Sabrina’s capacity to question the shifting assumptions and goals of her field has
its roots in her favorite Honors course – HON 1010. Dr. Page Armstrong led discussions
there that delved into anything and everything but always connected those topics with
real-world application. Lending hands like these can really help students make huge
impacts in their fields, just like Sabrina is doing today!
Interesting Personal Fact: “With my red hair and blue eyes, I have physical characteristics that only 0.17% of
other people have!”
Onefuwa Akande
Anyone who knows Onefuwa Akande can already sense the crater-sized impact this first-year
student will have on her community. A pre-Psychology major with a pre-med concentration,
she is enthusiastically taking steps toward her desired career as a physician. On
campus and in Toledo, she is an outreached hand for students and healthcare patients
alike.
Once aware of Onefuwa’s active participation in the Food Recovery Network, PERIOD-MEDLIFE,
and the Minority Association of Pre-medical Students, you would think she is already
going above and beyond. These efforts to resist food waste and hunger, challenge taxes
on menstrual products, and to increase the pipeline of minorities into health professions
is just part of the story! The most incredible thing about Onefuwa is her involvement
in a pre-health seminar team. Amidst the pandemic, many meeting spaces were closed
to promote physical distancing and access to medical resources has become strained.
Her team has tenaciously tackled these obstacles and continues to educate over one-hundred
students on issues plaguing the delivery of healthcare services to marginalized populations.
Educational outreach and the work to overcome societal barriers to health simply cannot
stop for a global pandemic.
Fueling this activism, Onefuwa embraces the Honors experience as a way to see past
the surface level of what exists both in college classes and the world. “It’s just
truly inspiring to genuinely learn information, absorb it, and apply it,” she says,
highlighting that Honors classes encourage higher-order thinking.
Interesting Personal Fact: “I am involved in the Zen Buddhist Student Association, where I hold the position
of Treasurer. It is a place of solace and connection, and I love attending our weekly
meetings.”
Sanskar Lamsal
Currently serving as the Vice President for both the Association for Computing Machinery
and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers as well as an Honors Student
Ambassador, Sanskar Lamsal is one accomplished sophomore!
His extensive involvement in campus life reflects the emphasis Sanskar and his Honors
faculty have placed on interpersonal development. “Some of my favorite memories are
in HON 1010,” he said, “a small class based on discussion where we would sit roundtable
to discuss the assigned stories or novels before analyzing them and writing about
them individually. As a result, I was able to advance my written and verbal communication
skills.” These same opportunities for personal growth Sanskar has found in the Honors
sections of his Computer Science and Engineering classes where he has worked closely
with his major faculty.
Though he has a few years left before graduation, Sanskar is already excitedly mulling
over ideas for his Honors capstone project. Whatever shape it ends up taking, he knows
he wants it to be an original idea that will one day help him start a company of his
own. “After I graduate, I want to work for a company that values me and helps me develop
my skills – experience I can eventually use to generate a business idea that would
create a positive change in society,” he said.
Interesting Personal Fact: “I love being outdoors and enjoy nature and wildlife photography as well as biking
and hiking!”
Allie Boyer
While UToledo is committed to the success of every Rocket, Honors students like Allie
Boyer leverage enhanced coursework and unparalleled access to faculty to create their
own growth opportunities. When meeting with Dr. Welivitiya 
Karunarathne to discuss his Honors "Analytical Chemistry Laboratory" course last year,
for example, she unexpectedly secured a position in his lab as an undergraduate researcher!
Honors sections of major classes allow Allie and others to meet with professors in
small groups to complete supplemental lab work and projects. “This has been exceptionally
beneficial in my Chemistry courses because they are usually on the larger side,” she
said. “The Honors sections make it possible to get to know my professors and ask detailed
questions about the course material.”
Outside of the classroom, Allie serves as the fundraising lead for the UToledo Student
Chapter of the American Chemical Society. She also became an Honors Student Ambassador
last year to share the benefits of JSHC membership with prospective students. Through
the Pre-Health Advising Center, she also volunteers at UTMC’s Comprehensive Care Center
taking temperatures and screening incoming patients. “I enjoy helping in any small
way possible during the pandemic,” she said. The experience will serve her well on
her road to medical school before pursuing a career as an emergency room physician.
Favorite Thing about UToledo: “It has to be how the environment here encourages involvement. Both the student body and the faculty are always promoting extracurricular activities, which makes it so easy to get involved!”
David Heuring
Though a student of the past, David Heuring’s purpose aims boldly toward the future.
The sophomore History major aspires to teach the subject in high school after graduation
and is excitedly planning ways to first gain hands-on insight into the field. “Aside
from initially getting some internship experience, I’d also like to travel the world
– visiting historical 
sites to understand more about our past and how it has shaped the present world,”
he said.
As a member of the JSHC, David has taken out Honors Learning Contracts to explore
in-depth concepts that his professors would not have time to address outside of a
personalized setting. These experiences have allowed him to reach across disciplines
and thus appreciate more fully the historical forces that have led us to this moment
in time. “Regarding my time as an Honors student, I am happy to say I have had a wonderful
experience,” he said.
David isn’t merely committed to getting the most out of his classes, though. He is
the President of the Chinese American Student Association and is involved in Levis
Leadership UToledo, the College Democrats, and in LiftOff UToledo as a group leader.
What more will David accomplish as a Rocket only time will tell!
Interesting Personal Fact: “I am an Eagle Scout! My project was to remove trees and bushes that were obscuring
the view of the road from the parking lot at Side Cut Metropark a few years ago.”
Merina Varghese
Growing up, Merina Varghese was always interested in the sciences – particularly anatomy
and physiology. Now, with a goal of attending medical school and becoming a physician,
her longstanding passion for understanding the human form has evolved into a body
of work emphasizing major research and volunteering.
By taking several of her Psychology courses for Honors credit through Honors Learning
Contracts, Merina has gained several professional growth opportunities and found her
mentor in Dr. Cin Cin Tan. Assisting in his research has allowed Merina to further
explore and thus solidify her interests in developmental psychology. “I truly feel
that Honors has provided me with the opportunity to engage in many experiences that
have furthered my knowledge in the field as well as motivated me to pursue my passion
in medicine,” she said.
Also serving as the President of the Red Cross Club and as an American Red Cross volunteer
since high school, Merina is already advancing health outcomes in her community. She
works with other club members and the American Red Cross to support blood drives,
emergency preparedness training, disaster relief, and other initiatives. “To be a
volunteer means to put another’s needs and time before your own, which I believe is
a crucial element in our busy lives,” she said. Merina is also the Secretary of Alpha
Epsilon Delta, a health pre-professional honor society that helps its members gain
exposure to the healthcare field.
Interesting Personal Fact: “I am an avid tea drinker, and I enjoy collecting different kinds of tea from across
the world. I think it’s a great way to relax and connect with loved ones!”
Teja Ravi
As an undergraduate researcher in the Department of Biological Sciences, a pre-med
Honors student, and a competitive member of the traveling club tennis team, one might
wonder when Teja Ravi ever has time to sleep. It’s a common misconception, though,
that driven students cannot participate in activities for fun or to nurture their
mental health. 
Endlessly innovative, Honors students find a way!
“I always talk to peers and incoming students about how pre-health students can still
be academically competitive and get involved in non-medical activities as long as
they can manage their time efficiently,” Teja said. “I make sure to say when they
ask me about how I balance playing a sport with pursuing a competitive, rigorous major
that stimulating one’s mental health is extremely important.” She notes that, by participating
in an activity that excites or relaxes, that student in the end can perform better
in school and in other volunteer or work activities.
To top it all off, Teja is also entering her third consecutive year serving as a student
researcher under Dr. Heather Conti! “Knowing I am a part of the Honors College, Dr.
Conti appreciates my effort and drive to be an active member of the lab experience.
She constantly pushes me to explore new methods and procedures,” Teja said.
Favorite Thing about Honors: “Through the JSHC, I have been given an opportunity to excel in my major and extracurricular
interests, thus advancing my undergraduate experience by paving a way to my future
career in medicine.”
Hannah Myers
An Adolescent and Young Adult Education major with a passion for creative writing,
Hannah Myers started her college career intent on studying neuroscience. This intersection
of interests now finds powerful expression in The Magnus Effect, 
an online journal Hannah publishes annually – the inaugural issue of which appeared
just last month.
“The pandemic forced many writers into their dark caves – either filled with frustrated
creativity or simply in need of a pinch of excitement,” Hannah said. While some might
prefer a fluffy literary magazine filled with escapist fantasy, she opted instead
into risky, experimental, and unhinged compositions. Hannah maintains it’s exactly
this style that’s needed as a relief in these desperate times. The works are inspired
by the genres of absurdist science fiction, suspense, horror, and other “uncomfortable”
styles by writers such as Kurt Vonnegut, Cristina Moracho, Gillian Flynn, and Chuck
Palahniuk.
The value of the Honors experience for Hannah is, after all, its capacity to push
boundaries and promote experimental collaboration. She believes Honors courses should
be required for every student, as they train us not to take for granted what we think
we know and to remember that others were not necessarily taught the same things we
were.
Favorite Thing about Honors: “In my JSHC courses, we’ve done what is mostly classified as ‘learning how to think,’
which includes studying philosophy, questioning the world, and, most importantly,
learning how to solve problems or partner with others.”
Seham Abutaha
While all Honors students must wrap-up their JSHC core courses by the end of their
senior year, for Seham Abutaha, that milestone came unusually early – in high school!
Indeed, she graduated as valedictorian and class president from Toledo 
Early College High School last year having already earned 65 college credits from
UToledo. The only student in her class accepted into the Honors College, she joined
as a TECHS sophomore and began taking Honors courses as a junior. By the end of high
school, she had completed all of her required HON courses on the Gold track.
These courses, Seham says, offered her socially enriching, professionally engaging,
and culturally fulfilling experiences as well as the opportunity to have insightful
discussions with her Honors peers. She even joined the Honors Student Ambassadors
so that she could help guide current and future JSHC students through its curriculum.
“My choice to get involved in the Honors College has been an impactful and eye-opening
experience,” she said. “There is no doubt that the JSHC carries a distinguished legacy
in its efforts to create an experiential learning environment for its students.”
Favorite Thing about UToledo: “UToledo encourages its students to explore every opportunity and to make informed
decisions using their curiosity in order to become the best version of themselves.”
Molly Riordan
Honors students grow in the classroom by acquiring knowledge, in lab spaces pushing
the boundaries of discovery, and in their clinicals and co-ops as aspiring professionals.
But for Molly Riordan, service to the broader campus community has been just as illuminating.
Since her freshman year, the junior Economics major and Data Analytics minor has been
involved in the Christian Leadership Program at Corpus Christi University Parish and
in the Catholic Student Association. Being a part of these organizations has provided
her the opportunity to give back to the Toledo community and make lifelong friends.
“My favorite event I have participated in through CSA is Songfest,” Molly said. One
of the oldest traditions at UToledo, the singing and dancing competition is a philanthropy
event aimed at raising money for a charity. “My freshman year, after months of late-night
practices, we won the co-ed division and CSA reclaimed their first-place trophy for
the second year in a row!”
In addition to being involved with CSA and CLP, Molly is also an Honors Student Ambassador.
“I have enjoyed my time as an Ambassador and getting the chance to connect with incoming
and prospective students about what makes Honors such an amazing experience at UToledo,”
she said.
Interesting Personal Fact: “I used to be a competitive Irish dancer for thirteen years, an experience that left
me with amazing memories and friends. I got the chance to travel around the country
dancing at many shows and competitions, even placing in the top twelve at a major
regional competition.”
Beth Ziegelmeyer
The global pandemic has slowed down a great many things in our daily lives, but it
hasn’t stopped Beth Ziegelmeyer from being busy! In fact, it has inspired the junior
Chemistry student all the more to show the world what science can do to 
make it a better place.
As the Secretary of the UToledo Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society,
she has worked with faculty and students of her department to communicate the importance
of chemistry within UToledo and the surrounding community. She is also the President
of the newly formed student chapter of Clean Water for the World, a group committed
to providing purification units to communities without clean drinking water. “I'm
really looking forward to spreading an awareness of the importance of water accessibility
around campus through the organization,” she said.
Beth’s advocacy at home and abroad was fostered by her one-on-one work with professors
in upper-level Honors Chemistry courses. “The most meaningful experiences in my major
have been completing unique projects in the student-driven Honors sections of my classes,”
she said.
This encouraged Beth to begin research in a lab, independently working on projects
funded by the Office of Undergraduate Research. Her personal favorite involved a chemistry-related
Wikipedia page that she improved by researching the subject and editing the page to
make it clearer. Aside from eventually becoming active in campus organizations, Beth
also began contributing to collaborative work destined for publication.
Interesting Personal Fact: “I was planning on studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy in June, but the trip was unfortunately
cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead, I used the time to paint two wall murals –
the Cleveland one which I finished over Winter Break!”
Kayla Clough
Some soon-to-be graduates struggle with “senioritis” in their last semester, the allure
of a post-collegiate life obscuring opportunities (and responsibilities) in the present.
Nursing major Kayla Clough, however, is not among them. She has instead been using
her final semester to conduct her Honors capstone research, laying the groundwork
for a 
career in healthcare.
Kayla has been working with a local ProMedica hospital as part of a research team
focused on surgical site infections in knees and hips. The team has analyzed data
on the best practices for preventing infections in their operating rooms and will
recommend these measures as a care bundle to ProMedica. “It has been hugely beneficial
for me to see how a real research team works, which is experience I’ll definitely
use in the future,” she said.
More than just an effective collaborator, she is also the President of the Student
Nurses’ Association – a powerful experience that has allowed Kayla to enhance her
leadership skills. Serving in the role has also connected her with student peers and
practicing nurses on a professional level.
“While I am still deciding where to accept a position, I know that I want to eventually
become an operating room nurse or work in an intensive care unit,” Kayla said. “No
matter where I end up, though, I will feel confident with how the Honors College has
prepared me for success.”
Favorite Honors Memory: “My favorite JSHC memory centers on a class trip we took to the Toledo Museum of Art.
It was interesting to hear everyone's different reactions to each piece of artwork.
I loved having the opportunity to interact with like-minded students outside of my
major and in such a fun environment.”
Yaminee Patel
Landing a job with one of the world’s largest companies would be a significant achievement
in any season, but doing so in the midst of a global pandemic is next level. Whether
the odds are long or stacked high, Rockets like Yaminee Patel soar over them and demonstrate
where talent and hard work can take you. In her case, it’s all the way to Amazon’s
Seattle 
headquarters!
Yaminee, an Electrical Engineering major, will join the company’s Robotics Deployment
Engineering team in January after interning with the group over the summer. “I got
to work with a great team there and contribute to some really valuable projects,”
she said. Her new role will focus on project management and capitalize on her technical
training (she designed for her Honors capstone project a device that can determine
whether a baseball player is safe at first base using live audio and cell data) as
well as her leadership experience.
Over the years, Yaminee has participated in several organizations – most notably the
UToledo Engineering Council for a whopping seven semesters! The council functions
as a voice for students at the College of Engineering and hosts community, campus,
and professional events for their peers. She has served on the group’s Campus Outreach
and Professional Development committees in addition to chairing the Member Appreciation
and the New Member committees. “I love the bonds that I have made on the council over
the years – it will always hold a special place in my heart,” Yaminee said. “I look
forward to coming back to speak to the council as an alumna and helping guide the
future engineers at UToledo!”
Next Steps: “I've lived in the Midwest for my entire life, so I'm looking forward to experiencing
a city on the West Coast! I know I am so lucky to have landed an incredible role during
these hard times. I feel blessed to hit the ground running and start my career so
soon after graduation.”
Morgan Inskeep
Morgan Inskeep has spent a fair amount of her time as a Rocket helping others. Through
both extracurricular service and her coursework, the senior Exercise Science major
and soon-to-be Honors medallion recipient has already touched the 
lives of many.
As a member of Delta Rho Tau, a professional physical therapy fraternity, she participated
in a service-learning trip to Mexico through an organization called International
Service Learning. While there, she and her fellow Delta Rho members conducted a physical
therapy clinic for locals and did in-home visits for those that could not come to
the clinic. “There are vast differences between the healthcare systems in the U.S.
and Mexico, so seeing that firsthand was impactful,” she said. “I got valuable experience
working with some amazing patients in multiple settings.”
Instead of combating health challenges abroad, the aim of Morgan’s Honors thesis is
local – centering on the American opioid crisis. She investigates its causes and contributing
factors but also proposes solutions available through physical therapy. Morgan also
implemented as part of the research a survey to understand the impact opioids have
had on the local community. Beyond the potential impact of her work to save lives,
the thesis also gave her an opportunity to work with one of Morgan’s favorite faculty
members as her project mentor – Professor Julie Coyle. “Prof. Coyle is one of my favorite
instructors that I have had at UToledo,” Morgan said. “She is so kind and wants to
see all of her students succeed.”
After graduation in a couple of weeks, Morgan will be moving to North Carolina where
she will continue her education in a physical therapy assistant program.
Interesting Personal Fact: “I was an exchange student in Guatemala for a summer when I was in high school!”
Yash Shingan
When he arrived on UToledo’s campus, Yash Shingan was in search of a sense of belonging.
After just a year, the sophomore Media Communication major has dedicated himself to
creating that same sense of community for others.
Yash serves as the Executive of Marketing and Public Relations for the International
Students Association. “As an international student myself, ISA means a lot to me,”
he said. It helped me make new friends and get access to resources when I was new
in the U.S. and was feeling lost. I want to help provide those same resources and
fellowship for others by serving on the ISA executive board.”
Yash also works with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion as one of their Inclusion
Champions. The group gets together once a month to discuss ways to contribute to a
feeling of connection on campus. “As a queer kid growing up in a not-so progressive
country like India, I know what it feels like to be left out and I want to do everything
in my capacity to ensure someone else doesn't experience that,” he said.
Interesting Personal Facts: “I am involved as well in the Rocket Dhamaka Bollywood Fusion Dance Team, the Free
Pizza Improv group, and the Honors Student Ambassadors. I was also proud to represent
ISA at Homecoming and was excited to win the title of Homecoming King!”
Jose Castillo
Though his last semester at UToledo probably didn’t end up looking the way he thought
it would when he started his undergraduate journey, the future for Jose Castillo is
nonetheless bright. He hasn’t been on campus much this semester 
amidst the global pandemic as a commuter student. But come July, this Mechanical Engineering
major will be starting his job with GE Appliances!
Jose credits landing the position to the co-op experiences that UToledo offers its
students. The value of this kind of professional development relative to UToledo’s
cost was not lost on him when he was selecting a university. “Toledo is my hometown,
so it was close to me, and the tuition is affordable – especially for a commuter,”
he said. “When you combine that with the quality classes and co-op experiences here
in the College of Engineering, it was an easy decision.”
Being in the JSHC additionally provided Jose with constant opportunities to personalize
his education and deepen his expertise through lab work and specialized projects.
“In Honors Physics II, for example, we were paired into groups to present on how physics
can be used to enhance the world around us,” he said. “My group chose refracted and
reflecting light and how fiber optic cables help us transfer data at tremendous speeds.”
Interesting Personal Fact: “I am a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The group has been
a great opportunity to get to know the other aspiring engineers I am in classes with
and it has allowed us to shadow in certain companies.”
Payton Kamer
As one of UToledo’s prestigious Presidential Scholars, Payton Kamer doesn’t let opportunities
slip her by – she seizes them. A sophomore Chemical Engineering major with a minor
in Chemistry, she is involved in the UToledo Engineering Council and the American
Institute of Chemical Engineers, serves on an Engineering student advisory board,
and is a mentor group 
leader for freshmen in her major.
As a Toledoan, attending UToledo has allowed Payton to get more involved in the community
she loves. She has met local leaders as a Presidential Scholar and has had access
to professional mentors. “I really enjoy being a positive representative of the school
and city,” she said. “Every experience here seems to reaffirm that I made the right
choice of where to spend my college years.” Through its mandatory co-op program, she
will be starting her first rotation at BP this Spring – her dream job since high school.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside chemical engineers and learning from their
industry expertise,” she said.
As if she didn’t have enough to keep her busy, Payton also joined the Honors Student
Ambassadors this year! She works with Honors faculty and other students to demonstrate
all that the university and the Honors College have to offer prospective Rockets.
Reaching out to them with video messages, personalized notecards, as well as information
sessions on-campus and online has allowed her to give back to the JSHC for enriching
her college experience.
Ambassador Insight: “It seems like every 7:30 am Friday meeting is a fun story, given the contrast of
people early in the morning. I am not a morning person, and some people in the meetings
– Dean Appel in particular – are always extra cheerful and give my morning brain a
run for its money!”
Alex Martinez
Hailing from one of the largest colleges at UToledo, senior Mechanical Engineering
student Alex Martinez found in the Honors College a cozy counterbalance to large lecture
halls and class participation via clickers. Instead, the JSHC offered 
him a close-knit community emphasizing personalized instruction and camaraderie.
The small class sizes of Honors sections allowed Alex to rotate through his Engineering
curriculum with the same group of close friends and benefit from accessible faculty
mentorship. It’s with these friends that Alex is currently working on his Senior Design
Project – a mobile generator that Toledo Metroparks visitors can hook their bikes
up to and create energy by pedaling. The generator will be able to run small electronics
including phone chargers, computers, and lights.
Outside of the classroom, Alex is proud to serve as a Young Life volunteer leader
and Christian mentor to high school students in his local Petersburg school district
in Michigan. He’s also preparing to get married in December following graduation and
has been busy fixing up his and his fiancée’s first home!
Interesting Personal Fact: “I’m an active outdoorsman and am currently on my way home from a king salmon fishing
trip in northern Michigan!”
Jannet Frias
Originally from Florida, Jannet Frias was nervous coming to Toledo for the first time
– having chosen a university in a brand-new city where she knew no one. “When I first
set foot on campus, however, I felt at home,” she said. “I felt welcomed by the lovely
staff – including Dean of Students Dr. Sammy Spann and a few others from the Honors
College, 
such as Dean Heidi Appel and Josh Martin. I knew instantly UToledo was the best fit
for me and, three years later, I continue to call it my home.”
A Special Education Intervention Specialist major, Jannet initially gravitated toward
UToledo for its selection of education majors. But when she applied here, she was
offered the prestigious Herb Scholarship in recognition of her talents and promise
in the profession. The award, which is made possible through the generosity of Judith
Herb and her family, cultivates the leadership skills of promising educators of tomorrow.
The investment seems to have paid off! Jannet is the Vice President for the Multicultural
Greek Council, President of Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc., a member of Order of
Omega, and a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society.
While this leadership experience has helped prepare her for professional success,
doing so while enrolled in the Honors College has been invaluable. Jannet has been
able to network with education professionals through the JSHC as well as explore more
of Toledo through courses such as HON 2010 “Multicultural Toledo” and HON 3010 “Community
Engagement.” The former, taught by Dr. Carla Pattin, has been her favorite. It was
through this class that she was able to explore Toledo and completed a project working
with Adelante – an area non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Latinos and
offering support services to the community at-large.
Best Thing about HON 2010: “Being able to learn about the city and show my peers what the Latinx community has
to offer here in Toledo was a great experience!”
Kyle Cotner
As an aspiring physician, Kyle Cotner’s undergraduate journey has been defined by
a passion for helping others. He has studiously prepared for a career treating disease
and other maladies, majoring in Biology with a pre-med concentration 
and another in neuroscience alongside a minor in Chemistry. But with medical school
yet in front of him after graduation, Kyle’s dedication to others found powerful expression
through Honors Spring Break service learning trips to Nicaragua in 2018 and Guatemala
in 2019.
“In Nicaragua and Guatemala, we were helping impoverished villages in the garbage
dump communities,” Kyle said. “Seeing the conditions those children are growing up
in is a raw experience that cannot be adequately expressed in words. It struck me
to my core and has propelled me to engage in medical mission trips as a future medical
student and practicing physician – to provide the healthcare these communities desperately
need.”
Shortly before heading to Guatemala, Kyle additionally traveled with a small group
of Honors students to Ecuador on a Winter Intersession course led by JSHC Dean Heidi
Appel. “These experiences provided me an opportunity to witness firsthand how people
in other countries interact with their environments,” he said. The following academic
year, Kyle participated in the UToledo-Salford Exchange Program by taking major classes
at England’s Salford University. He met new people there, visited countries all over
Europe, engaged with their cultures, and joined the Salford University Diving Society
while fulfilling one of his lifelong goals of becoming scuba certified!
“The Honors College has fundamentally shifted the way I view the world,” Kyle said.
“I have been exposed to so many incredible people with differing life experiences
here, and that has propelled my personal growth dramatically over the past few years.”
Favorite Thing about Honors: “My Honors experience thus far has been incredible! I have taken courses that have
opened my eyes and broadened my horizons in a way that is unique to classes offered
through the JSHC.”
Jay Houke
While some college classes rely on instructor lectures where students are mere spectators,
Honors Biology major Jay Houke found something quite different in HON 1010. Jay is
instead encouraged by Prof. Dan McInnis to come to their own conclusions about images
they analyze free from context. Prof. McInnis acts more as a moderator for discussion
and 
facilitates the flow of thoughts in the classroom, so students learn from their peers.
One image the class reviewed was a French magazine cover depicting an African child
soldier. “I was confused why there was such a young boy in a military uniform performing
a salute, especially an African on a French magazine cover, because I had no knowledge
of the origins of the photograph,” Jay said. “After I read the text associated with
the image, I realized that it was produced by the French government to promote nationalist
propaganda about the citizens of countries such as Burkina Faso whom the French have
oppressed, suggesting that they should serve in the French military.”
The frequent feedback to assigned work in Honors classes helps reinforce this creative
independence. In their HON 1010, Prof. McInnis offers his thoughts on student papers
and journal entries scrutinizing images in the textbook. The insight is then shared
by the class during group discussions – as recently happened when they watched Who The #$&% is Jackson Pollock. The film follows a woman who bought a painting at a thrift store which she finds
might have been created by Pollock, a famous artist. “As a class, we reflected on
whether the painting should be worth the $5 it was bought for or the millions of dollars
it was suspected to be worth,” Jay said. “We also discussed what makes art valuable
and how a painting could end up having such a high price!”
Best Thing about HON 1010: “Prof. McInnis always allows his students to express their opinions in a respectful
manner by never judging us and by encouraging a creative atmosphere.”
McKenna Dowd
McKenna Dowd, a junior majoring in Physics with a concentration in astrophysics, originally
joined the Honors College with one particular perk in mind – solitude. The single
occupancy rooms in MacKinnon Hall reserved for JSHC students would allow her to focus
on her studies undisturbed. It didn’t take her long, though, to appreciate some of
the other perks 
of her membership in Honors – its vibrant community and student programming.
Since the Honors College has hosted so many events in MacKinnon, McKenna could pop
in, meet new people, and stay engaged before making the quick trek back to her room
(and homework). The convenience of this balance has allowed her to get the most out
of her college experience. “One of my favorite memories was going to the Toledo Zoo
for Lights Before Christmas with the Honors Learning Community,” she said. “It was
unforgettable!”
McKenna’s introduction to the Toledo community went far beyond fun outings to its
attractions, however, because of her favorite JSHC class – HON 2010 “Multicultural
Toledo.” A native of Medina, the course invited McKenna to reflect critically on the
history and development of Toledo through the eyes of its communities and institutions.
“Seeing on our city walkabouts different cultures and experiencing what felt like
entire worlds I didn’t know existed outside my campus grounds was so impactful,” she
said. “I learned so much and grew to love Toledo even more.”
Interesting Personal Fact: “I am a part of the UToledo Orchestra as well as a member of the Ritter Undergraduate
Observing Team through the Department of Astronomy and Physics.”
Chandler Leeka
Though he always thought he’d find himself at a larger university, German major and
junior Chandler Leeka ultimately 
attended UToledo for the outsized support and attention he would enjoy from the faculty
in a smaller program. The opportunity to work closely with his instructors was then
amplified by his enrollment in the Honors College, given its emphasis on student-driven
research tailored to their unique interests.
“Being an Honors student provides experiences that you can’t get anywhere else – like
Honors courses, it’s really nice to be able to have classes that challenge your perspective
and expand your worldview,” Chandler said. “For the most part, there aren’t many pre-existing
Honors sections available in my major, but that means I get to pursue Learning Contracts
and get the most of my experience.”
He added, “I have a strong interest in LGBT+ history, and that pairs well with the
courses I’ve taken. For a lot of my cultural courses, for example, I try to approach
them though an LGBT+ lens.” In his “History of German Literature” course, Chandler
studied the history of German LGBT+ works through an additional project that converted
the course to one counting for Honors credit.
Favorite Honors Course: “It’s a hard choice, but it would have to be HON 1020. Professor Alysha Cook was great
and having a class size of about 10 was a welcome change of pace – since that is actually
on the larger side of classes I’ve experienced in my major. Even though it was Spring
2020, and we had a very odd semester, it still was amazing.”
Branigan Lyczkowski
Branigan Lyczkowski attended UToledo for many of the same reasons other Engineering
students do – notably the mandatory co-op program familiarizing them with their anticipated
careers and potential employers before graduation. The values of hands-on learning
and widening one’s community have, however, come to define Branigan’s time at UToledo
more than most!
She is a member of several professional and cultural organizations, such as the Roy
and Marcia Armes Engineering Leadership Institute and the Presidential Ambassadors.
She has developed in these groups a comfort talking to CEOs and university donors
as well as a commitment to setting lofty goals for herself – not to mention an expanding
resume! She is also part of the Filipino American Association on campus.
Membership in the Honors College has further given Branigan the opportunity to explore
the Toledo area and learn about the diversity, local art, and different cultures that
make it thrive. Having her experience all of this in the company of likeminded students
with the same critical thinking skills and desire to learn, Honors has helped change
her perspective on the world.
Not surprisingly, Branigan identifies HON 2010 “Multicultural Toledo” taught by Dr.
Carla Pattin as her favorite Honors class. It challenged her to think deeper about
an array of topics surrounding us in everyday life. One of her favorite things the
class did was analyze clips from Disney films and discuss the problematic portrayal
of some of the characters – such as Belle’s responsibility for redeeming the abusive
Beast. They also walked around campus and analyzed how accommodations for disabled
students could be improved. “Challenging my beliefs and letting myself grow has been
one of the biggest and most beneficial lessons I have learned from the JSHC,” she
said.
Favorite UToledo Opportunity: “The Filipino American Association has become a second family to me, as they have taught
me that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a group stronger – that
learning and accepting everyone’s unique qualities is important.”
Bailey Holmes-Sparks
Hello, Rockets! I’m the new Honors Communications Intern who will be writing about
some of our amazing JSHC students and alumni this semester in The Medallion, but first I’d like to introduce myself. I'm a senior in Communication Studies, a
resident advisor at Parks Tower, and I’m on the executive board for the Residence
Halls Association as well as the Student 
Broadcast Association. I’m very active in campus life, especially in the Honors community!
Before this, I was an intern in the UToledo Office of Marketing and Communications,
where I worked from August 2018 until last semester. I wrote news, features, and preview
stories for UToledo News as well as for the university’s news website. I also directed all news programming
and updates at WXUT 88.3, the student broadcast station.
My favorite part of being an Honors student is the community. All of my best friends
at college are people I met and lived with during my time at MacKinnon and Tucker
Halls. Even though we all live separately and are pursuing our own goals now, I know
we’ll be friends for life.
Beyond that, working to graduate with the Honors medallion in my major has been a
welcome challenge to the limits of my creativity. Without many courses in my field
offered specifically for Honors credit, I have had the opportunity to generate some
engaging Learning Contracts. They test my knowledge and skills, sometimes in more
than one class a semester, and I really appreciate that.
And now, being an Honors Communication Studies student has also presented me with
the amazing opportunity of this internship!
Favorite Honors Class: “I’ve enjoyed every JSHC class I’ve taken, but my favorite has been Dr. Barbara Mann’s
HON 2030 Multicultural Literatures: North American Experience course. It really opened
my eyes to how different perspectives are around the world from what we’ve grown up
being taught in the United States. It also inspired me to earn my Intercultural Competency
Certificate, which I completed last Spring. Thanks, Dr. Mann!”
Nick Huss
Having attended nearly every Rocket home football game since 2012, Nick Huss’ enrollment
at UToledo after high school might have seemed an inevitability. But when it came
time to select a college destination, this aspiring physician and 
emerging student leader considered his options carefully. His hometown university
ultimately did not disappoint. Nick was accepted into the Bacc2MD medical school pipeline
program, was offered a Levis Leadership UToledo scholarship (among others), and was
won over by an Honors College that emphasizes hands-on learning.
Nick says he owes his involvement in Dr. Heather Conti’s lab studying the fungus Candida albicans to the networking connections created by the JSHC. “The best part of being involved in a lab is that you can use the knowledge learned through your courses and apply it to real-world issues,” he said. It’s in these enhanced classes that Honors students like Nick build valuable relationships that eventually lead to invitations for professional development. “They are generally smaller, so you are able to interact more with other motivated students as well as your professor,” he said. “This fuels meaningful conversation and personal growth.”
Just now starting his sophomore year, Nick is already a leader on campus. He became
an Honors Student Ambassador earlier this year, helps promote equal access to success
on campus as a member of the student organization Inclusion, and even cofounded a
group dedicated to enjoying hot chocolate!
Favorite Honors Class: “It has definitely been HON 1010 with Professor Dan McInnis. We explored various visual
media to gain a more in-depth understanding of them, ranging from funny commercials
to memes. We had thought-provoking conversations about society and the impact it has
on each person through visual media.”