UNIVERSITY OF IOWA HONORS PROGRAM ORIENTATION GUIDE - SUMMER 2021 - Honors at Iowa
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UNIVERSITY OF
IOWA HONORS
PROGRAM
ORIENTATION
GUIDE
SUMMER 2021
SUMMER 2021 02
TABLE OF CONTENTS
03
WELCOME TO HONORS
CONNECT WITH THE
By Dr. Emily Hill
04
OUTSTANDING OUTREACH
By Erin Bughman & Eleanor Abbott HONORS PROGRAM
06 A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF HONORS
ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
07 FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCES University of Iowa
By Kyler Johnson Honors Program
08 A PRIMETIME PRIMER
By Priyanka Srinivasan, Rubye Ney & James Transue
@uiowahonors
10
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
honorsatiowa.
By Oliver Willham
wordpress.com
12 REFLECTION: RAGGED INDIVIDUALISM
By Jayne Mathis Sonia Beltz & Airiana Mohr
Publications Editors
13 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
By Isabella Holaday
Jacob Sammon
15
BALANCING PRE-MEDICAL EDUCATION Editorial Support Specialist
By Sam Eliasen
Thomas Duong & Lydia Guo
17 HONORS COURSE OFFERINGS
By James Davis, Lauren Sanyal, & Sonia Beltz
Design Editors
19 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
By Olivia Tonelli & Airiana Mohr
Holly Blosser Yoder
Staff Advisor
22 CONTRACTING COURSES AT IOWA
By Jenny Cape
23 HONORS PROGRAM FAQ
By Jacob Sammon
25 MEET THE HONORS STAFF
By Mackenzie Anderson & Erin Bughman
28 MEET THE WRITERS
03 SUMMER 2021
WELCOME TO HONORS
glimpse at what it takes to be a suc-
cessful honors student. You will learn
about our curriculum—which consists
of both coursework and experiential
learning. Some of the articles give
personal accounts of what it is like to
be a first-year honors student when it
comes to Honors Primetime, course-
work, community, scholarships, and
even roommates. And lastly, you will
be introduced to some of the friendly
faces of University Honors—the pro-
fessional staff, outreach ambassadors,
and peer mentors.
The Honors Program staff and I look
forward to seeing you in the hallways
of Blank Honors Center in August. Over
the past academic year, there was ex-
tensive remodeling to our Honors Stu-
dent Center (located on the third floor).
There are a variety of new study spaces
and furniture ready for you to get some
work done or take a break with a friend
in between classes. Additionally, there
are state-of-the-art classrooms and
study spaces on the fourth floor as well
as all the professional staff offices—so
Emily Hill please make sure to stop by and say
hello!
Please feel free to contact me by
email (emily-d-hill@uiowa.edu) or
phone (319-335-1684) with any ques-
tions you may have about the Univer-
sity Honors Program. Also, you can
direct questions on anything related to
the Honors Program experience to hon-
Dear Incoming Honors Students, support you along the way. Wheth- ors-program@uiowa.edu.
er through making a connection with
Congratulations! You made it to sum- yourself, discovering your academic With Kindness,
mer orientation, and you are about to passions, or connecting to a communi-
begin your exciting academic journey ty of motivated peers and talented fac-
at University of Iowa. The University ulty, the University Honors Program can
Honors Program welcomes you into provide you a platform of resources to
our community! help you arrive at your future destina-
The tagline for our program is Make tion. Emily D. Hill, PhD
Your Connection—and we are here to The articles in this guide give you a Interim Director, UI Honors Program
SUMMER 2021 04
OUTSTANDING OUTREACH
Connecting to Prospective Students Virtually
By Erin Bughman & Eleanor Abbott
W
hich dorm is best? Where are
the best study spots? Is it worth
it to bring a car to campus? All
of these questions spinning around
in prospective students’ heads seem
too troublesome to ask professional
staff yet too simple to put in an email.
Luckily, the Honors Outreach Ambassa-
dors—a group of honors students who
serve as a resource to current and in-
coming students—have given prospec-
tive students the chance to have these
questions, and many more, answered
through their personalized emails.
Prior to the pandemic, most of the
outreach the ambassadors did for pro-
spective students was done in person.
Ambassadors attended Hawkeye Vis-
it Days and gave tours of both Daum
and Blank Honors Center to admitted
students. This provided incoming stu-
dents with insight into the Honors Pro-
gram and life as a college student.
However, the pandemic caused a halt
in much of the outreach the ambas-
sadors previously did. With in-person
events canceled and Blank Honors
Center closing, all of their outreach
was focused online with Instagram
lives, takeovers, and virtual informa-
tional roadshows. In order to expand
their outreach, the ambassadors sent
personalized emails to prospective stu-
dents. These emails detailed some of
their favorite experiences in the Honors
Program and showed the impact that
the program has had on them. Many
chose to write about why they chose
Honors at Iowa and their favorite op-
portunities within it.
Delaney McDowell, a teaching assis-
tant for the Honors Outreach Ambassa- Pictured: A group of first-years on their way to Kinnick Stadium during On Iowa! in 2019.
dor class and third-year ambassador, Provided by: Sydney Clarkin.
05 SUMMER 2021
“Incoming Honors students shouldn’t worry about
missing too much because orientation is online this year.
They will still be able to experience Iowa to the fullest
once they are on campus in the fall.” - Renee Mittelberg,
Honors Outreach Ambassador
states, “We want to make sure [pro-
spective students] have that student
perspective before they come to the
University of Iowa.”
Each ambassador was paired with
around 25 prospective honors stu-
dents based on the similarity of their
chosen areas of study. Pairings were
made to be as close as possible, but
if the students had questions about
other majors or minors they were re-
directed to the ambassador with the
best expertise. The ambassadors then
sent out emails providing their own
background and experience with the
Program. These messages gave pro-
spective students an outlook on topics Pictured: An honors orientation small group session from 2018.
such as Honors Primetime and Honors
First-Year Seminars.
Ambassador Kim Lybrand says, “I best for first-year students, while oth- Honors-exclusive classes and first-
think it shows the [prospective] honors ers requested to meet with their am- year seminars are a great chance to
students that the Program cares and bassadors over Zoom. meet students in the honors commu-
wants to reach out and help their stu- Due to the pandemic, other events nity. “Welcome to Honors” advising
dents.” shifted to a virtual format, including sessions and one-on-one peer mento-
The emails encouraged prospective Honors Orientation. Honors Orienta- ring are available to give students the
students to reach out to their assigned tion shares information to new honors advantage of a peer perspective in
ambassadors with any questions they students about campus resources, adjusting to campus life. Additionally,
had regarding Honors, the University program requirements, and class reg- the Honors Program hosts Primetime,
of Iowa, or college life in general. Am- istration. While the shift to online ori- which allows honors students to ar-
bassador Anna Luria, says, “The emails entation may have discouraged some rive on campus early and meet staff
help put a face to the program and not students about their ability to form con- members ahead of time and, during fall
just a face of a pro-staff member. It’s nections before the year starts, they semester, ambassadors join pro-staff
someone that they can relate to. I think will have plenty of time to do so once members in visiting all first-year sem-
it’s really nice connecting to someone the year begins. inars.
who is your age and thinks about col- Former Honors Outreach Ambassa- Although some of what the outreach
lege in the same way that you do.” dor Renee Mittleberg says, “Incoming the ambassadors typically do greatly
These messages sparked many con- honors students shouldn’t worry about changed due to the pandemic, ambas-
versations between students and their missing too much because Orientation sadors effectively adapted to reach-
ambassadors. Some reached out with is online this year. They will still be able ing out to prospective students and
simple questions about further explain- to experience Iowa to the fullest once will continue to assist in guiding them
ing seminars or what dorms are the they are on campus in the fall.” through their first semester at Iowa.
SUMMER 2021 06 BRIEF OVERVIEW OF HONORS 12 S.H. HONORS COURSEWORK IN FIRST FOUR SEMESTERS IN PROGRAM Honors Primetime 1 s.h. Honors First-Year-Seminar 1 s.h. General Education Courses (Rhetoric, Interpretation of Literature, Principles of Chemistry) Honors Contract Course: A non-honors class contracted for honors credit 12 S.H. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING BEFORE GRADUATION Honors in the major (departmental requirements) Research/Independent study Study Abroad Interships Writing Fellows Service Learning Experiential Coursework
07 SUMMER 2021
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCES
A Program with Paths for All
By Kyler Johnson
C
oming into the University of Iowa as
a first-year student holds its chal-
“It was wonderful to be Velamuri said having brought in an
abundance of transfer credit, she
lenges. Every student will make the surrounded by equally faced difficulty finding how the honors
transition, installing into a new com- coursework would fit into her schedule.
munity and, oftentimes, leaving behind
motivated students in Ultimately, Velamuri said working with
old expectations for new ones. As new these difficult classes.” Honors Program staff was extremely
honors students begin to plan their helpful for her individual situation.
journey here at Iowa, the scope of op- - Lindsey Metzger “Holly Yoder was a very helpful advisor
portunities and paths to embark on are for me in making sure I can graduate
nearly endless, and as first-year honors Primetime, Metzger still made sure to with university honors,” Velamuri said.
students, the class of 2023 discovered engage in course material and utilize “The [Honors] Peer Mentors were also
the first year is by no means a one-size- resources offered by the Honors Pro- immensely helpful in learning about ex-
fits-all situation. gram. periential learning credit.”
Radha Velamuri, a biomedical scienc- Taking Principles of Chemistry and Velamuri, who is engaged in an
es and epidemiology major, started her Foundations of Biology as honors on-campus research position analyzing
honors experience with Honors Prime- courses, Metzger began to tackle hon- major depressive disorder, acquired ex-
time, establishing some of her first col- ors coursework requirements with periential learning credit for her work in
lege connections in a three-day semi- which incoming first-year students will the lab, satisfying the second required
nar on a subject totally different from become familiar. element for earning honors credit.
her major. “It was wonderful to be surrounded Whereas Velamuri seized this chance,
“My entire [Primetime] class got along by equally motivated students in these Metzger and Sinclair both said they
really well,” Velamuri said. “It was nice difficult classes,” Metzger reflected. thought it best to hold off before diving
to meet and get to know many of the “Honors classes are smaller and have into experiential opportunities.
people who were going to be living in a constructive and collaborative envi- Although all three students ended up
Daum with me too.” ronment when you not only work close- with varying credit, experience, and
Noah Sinclair, another honors student ly with classmates but the professor as relationships with a variety of Honors
who took part in Primetime, found that well. I’ve met some of my best friends Program staff, at the end of their first
living in Daum and getting to invest in through the Honors Program.” year, their opinions all aligned in the
that community was one of his favorite Sinclair also engaged heavily in sense of community felt from the pro-
parts of Honors Primetime. coursework, completing his honors gram. Velamuri is looking forward to
“I got to meet some of my best friends coursework requirements in his first cultivating these relationships through-
during the early move-in,” Sinclair said. semester. Taking Honors Rhetoric, out her undergraduate years. Metzger
“Even though being social isn’t exactly Principles of Chemistry, and an honors enjoys being challenged by peers she
my thing, it was very easy to meet new engineering course, his sentiments in has met through Honors. Sinclair found
people.” regards to finding people and commu- himself in a tight-knit community where
That being said, not all honors stu- nity were akin to Metzger’s. people look out for one another.
dents will take part in either Primetime While Metzger and Sinclair were able For incoming first-year honors stu-
or the community within Daum, and to flourish in these honors courses dents, while one path cannot fit what
these students can be just as success- during the normal academic school everyone experiences in the University
ful. Take public health major Lindsey year, Velamuri ended up only having her of Iowa Honors Program, with the sup-
Metzger, for example. Despite not liv- seminar at Honors Primetime count for port of the honors community, every-
ing in Daum nor having participated in honors coursework in her first year. one can find their path.
SUMMER 2021 08
A PRIMETIME PRIMER
By Priyanka Srinivasan, Rubye Ney, & James Transue
H
onors Primetime is a three-and-a- Paper, In Print: Writing, Sharing, and
half-day long course for first-year
“When I got the Publishing Our Work at Iowa. Like Go-
honors students to explore inter- email about what my gerty, he noted, “My students were
ests they may not have considered be- committed, they were there to learn
fore in a small group setting. Students Primetime was about I and to participate, and they were eager
build relationships with one another, to get to know each other. The class
their professors, and Iowa City be- was like ‘oh no’ because went off without a hitch.”
fore classes start. On the final day of One of the students in Khalastchi’s
Primetime, every class presents a brief
I knew I was going to Primetime section was Kit Andrews,
overview of what they did throughout be out of my comfort an English and creative writing major.
their course. Past Primetime offerings Andrews’s main takeaway was what
have included a wide range of topics to zone. But my professor they’d learned about writing-related ex-
fit any interest, such as Eating Local: tracurriculars on campus. “Primetime
Mapping Food Sources From Ancient was really awesome, gave me an idea for the future of what
Rome to Iowa City, IA, How Do Birds exactly I’ll be doing and how to get in-
Work? and Doing Politics.
she made everyone feel volved. It made me less anxious about
Kate Cavanagh decided to enroll in so comfortable.” the whole process, and it made it all a
Primetime to get settled into the Uni- lot easier for me to comprehend and
versity and to meet new people before compartmentalize,” they said.
classes started. Her course, Standup
- Kate Cavanagh However, Khalastchi regretted that
Comedy: the Why and the How, taught his students could not exchange chap-
by Megan Gogerty, was far from her ini- is why she loves Primetime so much. books of their writing at the end of the
tial expectations. She tries to abate students’ fears by class as he would normally have done
Prior to Primetime, students fill out an creating a sense of camaraderie within in person, but his reflection on the
interest survey to match with a course their class. On the first day, she told her course was positive.
offered but do not actually select the students they were now part of “The Andrews, meanwhile, is eager to put
course. “When I got the email about Gang”, meaning they were to smile at what they learned from Khalatschi’s
what my Primetime was about I was each other around campus and get to course to use finding extracurriculars
like ‘oh no’ because I knew I was going know one another. to join in the future. “It was a great op-
to be out of my comfort zone.” Humor In addition to building relationships portunity,” they said, “I thought it was a
can be a vulnerable topic for anyone, and learning how to perform, Gogerty blast, and I’m glad I did it.”
especially a group of nervous teenage feels it is equally important to teach her Kyler Johnson, also a participant in
strangers. students about the UI campus. She of- Honors Primetime “wanted to attack
“But my professor was really awe- fers tips like how to do their laundry and the school year” after his return from
some, she made everyone feel so how the Cambus routes work to make Belgium. Johnson had been an ex-
comfortable,” said Cavanagh. Her pro- students feel a little more comfortable change student there for a year and
fessor, Megan Gogerty, has offered a during their first weeks on campus. was ready to dive deep into everything
Primetime course for several years, but Cavanagh reflected on her relation- about the UI experience.
this was her first experience teaching a ships in “The Gang” saying, “It helped a Still not completely set on a ma-
standup comedy course. lot that first week. When everyone was jor, Johnson looked to his Primetime
“One of the great things about Honors kind of rushing around, I was able to be course, “Creative Writing: Remember-
Primetime is that the students start a little more calm knowing that I had ing Stories of our Lives”, with Professor
out terrified because they’re coming to people to talk to or hang out with.” Tameka Cage Conley as a way to test
college,” said Gogerty. But their trans- In 2020, Professor Daniel Khalastchi the waters in the creative writing major.
formations are evident to her, which taught a Primetime section titled On “As soon as I got to Primetime and
09 SUMMER 2021
we got talking as a group and started active participant in everything, which 20 minutes from campus, Cavanagh
creating and crafting and just produc- I think comes from that success with felt that Primetime introduced her to
ing a lot of cool ideas and pieces, yes, Primetime and that attack mentality.” things about college she didn’t even
it affirmed everything that I had kind of His experience in those three days know she didn’t know and gave her a
gone into thinking about the creative changed Johnson outside of the class- head start on her first year at the UI.
writing major…And I told my academic room as well. The friendships he de- Primetime may be the confi-
advisor…‘I found my thing.’” veloped in his small Primetime class dence-booster you need coming into
Johnson still feels the effects of his have stuck with him, creating new the school year, as Johnson put it,
Primetime class. Sharing his writing “traditions” that make campus feel like “When you allow yourself to take that
in Primetime gave him the confidence home. confident step forward, in the class-
to do so in his creative writing courses All three students wholeheartedly rec- room, in Primetime, wherever, it really
and helped accelerate his involvement ommend Primetime to incoming stu- makes that experience ten times more
on campus. “I feel like I’m a much more dents. Even though she grew up only powerful.”
Pictured: Students lead a discussion during an international relations-themed Primetime session. Provided by: Thomas Duong.
First Day Second & Third Day Fourth Day
Students jump right into their first ses- The second and third days have students The final day consists of students from
sion with their college professor. They spend the majority of their class time each topic presenting their findings to
introduce themselves to others in their with their professor learning and en- other groups in a symposium to ensure
session as well as learn about what their gaging with their topic. These days may that all Honors students get a taste for
specific topic will consist of throughout also include taking field trips around what each group learned.
the rest of the week. Students also at- campus, such as visiting the art library
tend a welcome event in the afternoon. to get some inspiration for a project that
the students will create.
After each day’s sessions conclude around 5 p.m., the students are encouraged to participate in various events hosted by the
Honors Program including trivia and board games.
SUMMER 2021 10
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Do You Really Hate Your Roommate?
By Oliver Willham
L
iving in the same room as someone that little bit of shame already goes a
is a unique experience. If you’ve nev- “Just respect the long way.
er done it, you might think it could
be challenging. And if you have done
space and the people Little things that bother you a bit, like
fleas on a dog, are also going to come
it, you know it is challenging. Some- living in it. Take care up. These aren’t the important issues.
times they will leave your favorite bowl Maybe your roommate always uses a
in the sink covered with leftover ramen of your hygiene and paper towel to dry their hands when
sauce and partial noodles. Sometimes you want them to use the hand towel
you will leave your dirty underwear out clean the room for you bought specifically for dorm use.
when their partner comes over. That’s
just the reality of living five feet away
everyone in it. Chore Maybe it makes you feel like they don’t
appreciate the work you put in to get
from someone for a year while gaining lists will help with that towel. Maybe you think it’s waste-
the freedom of college life. Everyone ful, and it irritates you that they can’t
comes from different experiences be- that, so you each use the hand towel like everyone else.
fore living on campus, and it is import- This is the time to become like a seal—
ant to have an easy and short guide have responsibilities. the ones with all that soft silky blub-
on how to deal with the inevitable con-
flicts that emerge between two room-
Even doing ber—and let that stuff slide off your
back. When you’re living with a room-
mates. Or if you’re living alone, how do something like a love mate, try to let go of what you can
you live on a floor with the same num- without making a big fuss. If you can
ber of people required to run a small language test could adjust without making a big change to
circus or a large book club? your life, at least try to stick it out.
The most important thing to remem- help you get along, This roommate I had during my first
ber is that both of you are just trying to
live your lives. Unless you get a truly
and you’ll probably year liked walking back from the show-
er wearing a towel, and only a towel,
hellish roommate (and if you do, talk to be set!" and put on his clothes in our room.
your Resident Assistant [RA], they are The problem was that I also liked to be
there to help you have a fun time your - Laxmi Annapureddy, in our room around the same time he
first year), you can be confident your took his shower, meaning I was there
roommate is not trying to make your Resident Assistant when he got back and had to clothe
life a living hell. This leads to the first himself. Potentially, this could have
thing you should do: Cool off! Don’t try like passive-aggressive attempts to been a major problem in our relation-
to start something when you’re still communicate your feelings. It can be ship. Turning away for a minute while
upset. Make sure you think through difficult or intimidating to talk to some- he got dressed seemed terrible at first,
exactly what caused you to feel the one, but that is the very reason it is im- but as the semester went on, I just got
way you do and then take the time to portant. If you let the little things that used to it. In fact, it became a kind of
communicate it to your roommate. really bother you bottle up inside, it’ll shared joke in our friend group. I won’t
Cool off, then communicate. Talking sour the entire relationship. Remem- lie and say I miss it, but it never both-
about issues openly is the best ap- ber if someone admits to being wrong, ered me that much.
proach to any problem you encounter as Slater RA Kyle Jones says, “no one More on showering: the one thing you
in your living situation. There is noth- should shame them further.” When might be reading this article for. It can
ing that sours any relationship quite they already know they’re in the wrong, seem like showering in those commu-11 SUMMER 2021 Pictured: A triple in Daum Residence Hall. Photo courtesy of University Housing & Dining. nal showers would be “disgusting,” another moment in your day. you each have responsibilities. Even “terrible,” or “another bad adjective.” There might be other problems with doing something like a love language That’s not really the case. As long as hygiene from you or your roommate. test could help you get along, and you wear shoes and have a moderate Sometimes you aren’t lucky enough to you’ll probably be set!” Whatever you sense of balance, it’s not that bad. I get someone who showers every day. do, remember to clean up anything you would recommend flip flops over heels That is something that may require RA throw up on before it gets set in there. or dress shoes, just to make sure your intervention, as Hillcrest RA Laxmi An- The final thing is that your RA is the feet get clean. Truthfully, it can be hard napureddy had to deal with. “One resi- greatest resource you’ll have on cam- to get naked and shower in an unfa- dent told me her roommate didn’t like pus. They are always there for you miliar place, and that feeling shouldn’t showering daily, rarely did laundry, and to talk to. If you are having problems be diminished. You might be a bit un- generally did not smell pleasant. An- with someone on the floor or even comfortable the first couple times you other resident’s roommate threw up in your roommate, they are there to lis- walk down the hallway to shower, but her own bed and slept in the dry vom- ten. Even if venting about it is all you nearly everyone there is having that it for three weeks before washing her need to do, they are ready to help you same feeling. You are all in it together. sheets. Just respect the space and the out. Talk to them whenever you have Try to talk to some of them about it, I’m people living in it. Take care of your hy- a problem. Trust me, they want you to sure they’ll feel the same way. It will be giene and clean the room for everyone talk to them. No RA would be an RA a little awkward until it becomes just in it. Chore lists will help with that, so without wanting to help people.
SUMMER 2021 12
RAGGED INDIVIDUALISM
By Jayne Mathis
M
y problem is that I think I’m smart.
All the evidence seems to sug-
gest it: I’m a straight-A honors
student, at least competent in social
situations, and usually good for a witty
one-liner. I think a lot, and I think hard.
I’m most comfortable when it’s just me
inside my own head, and that has made
me a pretty independent person.
The thing about this mindset though,
which I’m sure my fellow alleged intel-
lectuals can relate to, is that the mo-
Jayne Mathis
ments when I think I’m the most smart
are the moments when I’m the most
stupid. Once I’m convinced that I only
need my own two feet to stand on,
that’s usually when the rug gets pulled
out from underneath them.
If there’s one thing I’m really, really bad feeling this depressed and anxious. small! If you spaced out in the middle
at, it’s asking for help. I’m just not used Fortunately, despite my efforts to beat of a lecture and suddenly the profes-
to it. If I had a motto for learning any- the idea back with my “Anti-Mortify- sor is putting you in small groups, ask
thing growing up, it would have been: ing-Ordeal-Of -Being-Known Stick,” I did your groupmates what the instruc-
“If at first you don’t succeed, think end up going home and talking things tions were. Then it might not seem so
about it for five more minutes and you’ll through with my parents. And you know scary to hang back a few minutes af-
probably figure it out.” And that works what I learned? Reaching out to people ter class to ask a few questions about
out fine when what you’re trying to fig- when you need help…is a good thing. an assignment. Maybe you’ll get bold
ure out is, “What is seven times eight?” I know. Shocker. You’ve never heard enough to actually go to their office
However, it is not fine when your prob- that one twelve billion times before. hours. And with all this “talking to facul-
lem is: But this isn’t just some Helpful Tip That ty” business under your belt, you might
“I had my second mental breakdown You Should Try To Make Your Life Eas- even set up an appointment with your
in a week because I’m reminded of my ier. You can’t make it through life all academic advisors outside of the oblig-
crippling fear of failure. I also had a by yourself. You are not smart enough atory timeframes. And if the panic still
real in-person conversation for the first to get through college all by yourself. attacks (because frankly, it’s just like
time in three days, only to be afraid to Nobody is that smart. You have to ask that sometimes), maybe you’ll be able
text my family that I want to drive home for help. If there was that kind of per- to call up someone you trust without
for the weekend. But do I really need to son, you’d think they’d be in the Hon- a fifteen-minute crisis of indecision. I
bother them about all that?” ors Program. If being shining stars of promise that reaching out is so much
If you sit there and think about that scholastic genius really meant that we easier than it seems, and once you do,
issue for another 5 minutes you just can easily lone-wolf it through these the things that paralyze you now will
might find another thing to add to the four-ish years, why would we need that look so much smaller.
list of concepts to be overwhelmed by. extra help? You don’t have to scratch and claw
It sucks because usually after crying If you want to avoid the giant mental and stagger to pull yourself up. You just
you feel better. But this time, you can’t breakdown that forced this epipha- have to grab the hand that’s already
stop. It feels like you will never stop ny on me, practice getting help. Start reaching out.13 SUMMER 2021
SAY “I DO” TO ICRU
Undergraduate Research
By Isabella Holaday
The University of Iowa Honors Program is filled with sharp minds who seek
out knowledge, value complex ideas, and wrestle with difficult questions. One
way undergraduate students can delve deeper into those curiosities is by get-
ting involved with ICRU (Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates). How-
ever, the number of possible ways students can get involved with research can
seem overwhelming. Below are five steps you can follow to help you navigate
your search for research opportunities.
ONE: Find your passion
Research can be very specific, and it is not fair to ask stu-
dents to know exactly what mechanism or molecule or dis-
ease they want to study. Third-year undergraduate lab assis-
tant and ICRU Ambassador Saul Ocampa Landa suggests
thinking broadly. In other words, ask yourself what you want
your research to look like.
A few formats Ocampa Landa listed include:
- Benchwork with chemicals and pipetting
- Working out in a field for a geology lab that travels to
different places
- Interviewing and computer work for communications
research
- Coding or robotics for engineering
Pictured: Saul Ocampo Lamda analyzes data for his research
opportunity. Provided by: Saul Ocampo Lamda.
TWO: Find potential mentors
When trying to find a mentor, having more than one faculty help direct you to another faculty member who is equally
member in mind is beneficial in case your number one ends interesting and more compatible. Melinda Licht, Program
up not being a match, which is okay! Create a list of multiple Coordinator of ICRU reassures, “Your faculty members and
faculty members in whose work you are interested so you teaching assistants, those people are really your best friends
have several options. If you are struggling with creating a in this kind of thing because they know the departments, and
list, ask around! they know who is doing work in their fields.”
If you are having trouble finding a mentor, professors willSUMMER 2021 14
THREE: Self-advocate
It might seem intimidating to reach out to professors, espe- possible mentor to know each other better.
cially if you have never met them in-person. Don’t fret! Pro- If a mentor you’re serious about working with is not able
fessors love talking about their work and their research! Visit to hire you just yet due to certain circumstances, don’t fear!
them during their office hours or email them asking if you Ask if you would be able to join any research group meet-
can talk with them about their research. This is the time to ings, read supplementary literature or past research find-
express your interest and enthusiasm. ings, or do anything that would prepare you for when you are
“Self-advocacy is huge,” adds Licht. “That’s how you get able to join their research team. Having a solid foundation
opportunities, going around telling people ‘This is what I am and understanding of the groundwork will only benefit you
interested in.’” Meeting with a professor before popping this when the time comes.
question is a vital sub-step that allows both you and your
FOUR: Decisions and interviews
Once you gather information about different research proj-
ects, evaluate them. Ask yourself how much time you are
willing to commit to this research project. Do you want to get
paid or receive academic or Honors credit? Generally, for the
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), three hours per
week equates to one semester hour.
In choosing a mentor, consider how well you communicate
with them. Effective communication ultimately leads to a
deeper connection and a relationship built on trust. Ocam-
pa Landa also points out that “allowing yourself to be men-
tored, allowing yourself to make mistakes and learn from
[your mentor] and grow from them is important.”
You are not usually expected to have any experience in
research. Walking into an interview without past research
experience is common! Communicate any concerns to
your potential mentor if you are not sure. More importantly,
demonstrate your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Pictured: Saul Ocampo Lamda prepares a sample for research in
his lab. Provided by: Saul Ocamo Lamda.
FIVE: Start!
Once you’ve received a research opportunity, you might be honors.uiowa.edu/experientiallearning.
wondering how to receive Honors credit for your experience. Sometimes, undergraduates who are pursuing honors in
First, you’ll need to communicate this to your mentor. their major are required to write an honors research thesis.
To receive honors credit, students are required to com- As you embark on your research journey, you will find your
plete a pre- and post-experience questionnaire and a narra- uncertainty emerging into unwavering confidence. Your CV
tive submission form as well as enroll in a honors research and resume will make you a distinguishable candidate for
opportunity course that indicates involvement on their de- future opportunities, and as Licht puts it, you will be “open-
gree audits. You will be eligible to indicate your involvement ing that door to the next steps.” Experiencing and being a
on your degree audit by registering for a research-specific part of research at the University of Iowa will not only help
course such as the Honors Research Practicum (HONR: you discern your career interests but also equip you with life-
3994). However, a student cannot get paid and receive cred- long skills needed to work, learn, and thrive.
it at the same time. Specific information can be found at15 SUMMER 2021
BALANCING PRE-MEDICAL
EDUCATION
Tips for Pre-Medicine Students
By Sam Eliasen
P
re-medicine is a popular academic ity to incorporate.
track at the University of Iowa. With While students have a specific
Carver College of Medicine contin- course load that must be finished to
uously ranking in the top 25 medical apply to medical schools, they should
schools for primary care, opportuni- feel comfortable with exploring their
ties for involvement in the medical non-medical interests in their academ-
community are abounding. Even the ic downtime. Lamarche advises stu-
University of Iowa’s infamous Kinnick dents to take a step back and focus on
halftime wave connects a seemingly their real interests when considering
disjointed sports culture to a commu- their plans. He even argues against
nity of medical excellence in Iowa City. the popular notion that pre-medicine
Medical schools in general, however, students have to be working towards
have the capacity to seem daunting a major in the hard sciences.
and mysterious, even to pre-medicine
students. After all, they’re highly selec-
Mason Lamarche “One of the biggest misconceptions
that I’ve seen,” he says, “is that some-
tive, intensive, and rigorous. Typically, one in [pre-medicine] has to be work-
an undergraduate degree, a pre-med- (17BS) is a third-year student at Iowa’s ing towards a STEM degree. In my
icine program, hours of job-shadow- Carver College of Medicine; right now, experience, it’s best to study what you
ing, and a hefty amount of medical he’s working toward an MD with a spe- like and to let that shine through your
involvement stand between a new stu- cial focus in pathology. Reflecting on application. [Medical schools] like to
dent and entrance to a Medical Doc- his time at Iowa, both as an undergrad- see uniqueness.”
torate (MD) program. Additionally, no uate and in medical school, he particu- Lamarche notes that “typical”
aspiring medical student can forget larly notes how honors courses helped pre-medicine degrees such as biology,
about the seven-hour Medical College prepare him for a future in healthcare. chemistry, or human physiology are
Admissions Test, also known as the “Being in Honors was definitely help- helpful in preparing for school, but he
MCAT. ful,” he says. “Honors sections of also points out that pertinent natural
Amidst all this potential stress, stu- classes like chemistry or biology are sciences will be covered in depth in
dents should not have to feel alone. particularly helpful in test prep.” any medical program.
In fact, the Honors Program can help Lamarche encourages undergrad- “Do what you love,” he advises. “If
carry some of the burden of medical uate students in Honors to take ad- that’s chemistry or biology, then go for
school preparation. Specifically, hon- vantage of these classes when their it. If it’s not, then don’t feel pressure.
ors sections of required pre-medicine schedules allow for it. They provide a You can still get into med school with
classes can provide a smaller learning closer learning environment with more a different degree.” He even notes that
environment and build a foundation opportunities for one-on-one engage- veering from the beaten path may help
for things students will need in the ment. Generally, they also engage with to make someone a more interesting
future including the MCAT and initial course materials at a deeper level, applicant.
classes in medical school. touching on topics that general sec- This movement towards a more ex-
Honors alumnus Mason Lamarche tions may not have the time or capabil- pansive set of academic courses isSUMMER 2021 16
even reflected in the undergraduate
degrees of students in top US medi-
cal schools. In a survey by US News,
about 26% of students at schools like
Harvard, Vanderbilt, and the University
of Washington held a bachelor’s de-
gree in non-scientific areas of study.
This category is actually just over 2%
larger than that of students with de-
grees in physical sciences.
However, this phenomenon isn’t just
for far-away places with fancy names.
Hawkeyes are also doing what they
love and are being surprised by the
medical intersections in traditionally
non-medical areas of study. Evange-
line Scheibe (21BS, 21BA) completed
degrees in biochemistry and English
while on the pre-medicine track at the
University of Iowa. During her time at Photo courtesy: University of Iowa Office of Strategic Communication.
the university, she was the president
of the undergraduate chapter of Mé-
decins Sans Frontières (Doctors with- and medicine, she notes that balance icine student pursue an additional
out Borders), an assistant at the car- is always key. Since declaring her dou- English degree, they are consistent in
diovascular metabolic research lab, ble major, she’s been more content in their recommendation to find balance
and a University of Iowa Healthcare both fields of study. Unexpectedly, her and fulfillment. Pre-medicine should
pharmacy employee. English studies have also made her be an enjoyable track, and both of
As a student, she’s a competitive ap- more equipped for a career in health- these students advise against check-
plicant for medical schools and will be care. ing off boxes on an application. Pro-
applying in the next admissions cycle. “Communications tactics that I’ve grams like Honors allow students to
Scheibe declared a second major in learned in English have been useful place some of the pre-medicine cours-
English during her sophomore year at in labs and classes. The blending is es in built-in curricula, allowing them
Iowa, when pre-medicine and STEM helpful.” Scheibe also comments on to use their time more effectively, and
course loads were piling up around the professional medical environment, more personally.
her. Though she loves biochemistry from her perspective in the pharmacy. Scheibe closes with some advice for
“One thing that I’ve noticed is that undergraduates: “Don’t sacrifice the
doctors are kind of notorious for not things that you enjoy, even when it’s
being able to communicate well. It’s hard to maintain balance. You have to
downplayed how big of a part of med- make time for friends. Sometimes, you
icine [communication] is. If you can’t have to give someone a tattoo.”
communicate a diagnosis, there’s real-
ly no use.”
She continues: “I expected [biochem- Pre-medicine is just one of
istry and English] to be two different the many pre-professional
things, but they’re not. I’m happy to be programs at the University
learning skills as opposed to just accu- of Iowa: students embarking
mulating a portfolio. Writing has been
easier, and it’s been valuable to know
on tracks like pre-law and
how to take information and express it pre-dentistry can find their
Evangeline Scheibe succinctly to people.” passions in the Honors
Though Scheibe and Lamarche do Program too!
not recommend that every pre-med-17 SUMMER 2021
HONORS COURSE OFFERINGS
Honors at Iowa offers a vast array of courses for students to fulfill
their coursework requirements while diving into fascinating topics
and developing new skill sets. Below are just a few of the courses that
honors students can engage in during their first year on campus!
HONORS FIRST-YEAR SEMINARS (HONR:1300)
By James Davis
H
onors First-Year Seminars, one of
the signature perks available to
honors students, saw just as much
disruption as other classes in the
2020-2021 school year. But with the
University of Iowa forecasting a fall
2021 semester with much more in-per-
son learning, professors are preparing
for a return to these beloved seminars.
The Energy Future, an Honors First-
Year Seminar taught by Professor
David Murhammer is one of those re-
turning in the fall after a turbulent year.
Murhammer’s seminar, which focuses
on how humanity will supply itself with Pictured: Julian Wemmie, one of Professor Carol Severino’s students, used as inspiration for a piece
energy in the near future, tasked stu- in her seminar. Provided by: Julian Wemmie.
dents with designing their own off-grid
sustainable housing. They offered a is Carol Severino, who teaches Bicy- Covid…I got some of the best travel
massive variety of ideas on both sci- cles, Kayaks, and Snowshoes: Writing writing ever!” For her, teaching such a
entific form and aesthetic function. About Travel. Although the sparsity personal passion in such an intimate
Murhammer is always impressed by of travel during the pandemic led to a space was “a soul-nourishing experi-
the research and creativity the stu- lack of “conventional” travel writing in ence,” and getting to enjoy it with moti-
dents demonstrate. “It amazes me the spring 2021 version of the class, vated and curious students was a wel-
how much they’ve learned,” he com- Severino’s students adapted to cir- come shake-up to her routine.
mented. To him, that diversity and rig- cumstances and took to the challenge. The Energy Future and Bicycles, Kay-
or shows just how well inquisitive stu- She said her class wrote about “not aks, and Snowshoes are only the tip
dents take to niche topics in Honors traveling, or longing to travel, or being of the iceberg when it comes to Hon-
First-Year Seminars, even on subjects very bored in their home, or driving ors First-Year Seminars. Many more
outside their usual fields of study. around their city looking for some- course offerings are available for stu-
Another professor ready to return thing to see and do, or their jobs during dents to explore.SUMMER 2021 18
HIGH ABILITY STUDENTS AND WELLNESS
(HONR:2600:0004)
By Lauren Sanyal
F
or honors students at the Universi- “Whatever program and what they need to do to be healthy.
ty of Iowa, higher-level classes and Too often, students don’t have a place
elevated expectations can really you’re in, sometimes to do that. “Whatever program you’re
take their toll. A new Honors Special in, sometimes self-care and learning
Topics course offering has opened self-care and learning about what it is and what it means to
up for high-ability students interested about what it is and you is often put on the back burner, es-
in learning more about taking care of pecially if you’re a high achieving stu-
themselves while succeeding aca- what it means to you is dent,” Hill said.
demically. High Ability College Stu- The class functions in a seminar
dents and Wellness, created by Univer-
often put on the back format with readings, podcasts, and
sity of Iowa Honors Program Assistant burner, especially if videos from homework filtering into
Director Dr. Emily Hill, will focus on the discussions in class. Hill commented:
ways in which ability interacts with you’re a high achieving “I’m not big into lecturing. Sometimes
wellness. student.” you have to do that as an instructor, but
Hill is excited that honors students I am much more of a fan of the honors
have access to a two-credit honors education style where you are cultivat-
class that provides a place to think
- Dr. Emily Hill, ing knowledge all together. I really see
about and discuss wellness, self-care, Interim Director it as an active learning atmosphere.”
HONORS PUBLICATIONS: PITCH TO PRINT (HONR:2900)
By Sonia Beltz
B
elieve it or not, this publication is Publications offers hands-on experi- experience in journalism or writing re-
just one of the many created by the ence in interviewing, writing, editing, quired. Honors students in all fields
student writers in Honors Publica- and everything in between, as well as have brought their unique perspec-
tions: Pitch to Print every semester. bringing students closer to the honors tives to the Honors Publications team,
Students are guided through the pub- community at the University of Iowa. featuring articles on everything from
lication process from the very begin- Student writers for Honors Publica- student athletes to music majors in re-
ning idea of an article through seeing tions come from all majors, fields, and cent publications.
their finished products in print. Honors backgrounds, and there is no previous
Students interested in these or any other Honors course
offerings can find more information on MyUI.19 SUMMER 2021
ANDREW WILLARD’S GUIDE TO
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Everything You Didn’t Know
By Olivia Tonelli & Airiana Mohr
H
onors at Iowa has a unique cur-
riculum composed of two require-
ments—12 semester hours of
honors coursework and 12 semester
Debunking Common Misconceptions:
hours of experiential learning—intend-
ed to foster learning in ways not limit-
1.) The duration of an experience does not always
ed to a traditional classroom setting. correlate with the level of impact.
The second component, experiential
learning, is noted as “learn by doing” 2.) Internships can be done part-time: students
on the Honors website and degree
audits and is designed to promote
should not worry about working 40 hours per
growth through personal experiences. week.
Dr. Andrew Willard, the Experiential
Learning Director for the University of 3.) The word “internship” does not need to be in
Iowa Honors Program, said the goal of
experiential learning is to incorporate
the title for a job to count as an internship.
the application of practical knowledge 4.) Students do not need to search for “elite”
and skill included in the program’s mis-
sion statement as an integral part of a opportunities at well-known companies: there
student’s education in a way that they
can earn credit for.
are many opportunities right here in Iowa City.
“Experience is everything we do; not
just in college but in our lives,” Willard Earning honors in the major, which of- go abroad the following summer or
commented, adding that he wishes ten involves research, allows students later. Internships may require a certain
more students would think about it to earn all twelve hours of experiential grade level or educational background,
during their first year. learning. Research itself—whether in a but there are possibilities for those
Willard also mentioned that options student’s major or not—can also earn who want to get started early.
for completing the experiential learn- experiential learning credit. Becoming The main ways students earn credit
ing requirements include many things involved with research can seem like are through the pursuit of honors in
honors students are already likely to a daunting process but can be fairly the major, study abroad, research, and
do. While some choose to complete simple. internships, but with the requirements
this component during their third and Outside of research, many students constantly adapting to students’
fourth years of study, students may will study abroad or obtain an intern- needs, there are many opportunities
seek to start this process earlier, al- ship either during the summer or for to accredit their valuable experiences
lowing them to spread out their expe- a semester. While studying abroad that are not widely known.
riences and network throughout their typically does not occur during a stu- One recent addition is “service learn-
college career. dent’s first year, they may be able to ing.” Willard explained that “last fall,SUMMER 2021 20
the Honors Program decided [they] vice learning” and other categories of to pause and fully appreciate her ex-
needed to have a real category for stu- experiential learning will complete a perience. She found the assignments
dents who do volunteer work because reflection process. The reflection as- quite beneficial: “I had worked and
they’ve never had a good way to earn signments allow students to maximize worked for weeks that summer, and it
experiential learning credit for it.” So, the value they find in their experiences was good to pause and be like, ‘Okay,
the Honors Program has created the through completing a pre-question- what actually happened?’”
“service learning” category to give stu- naire, post-questionnaire, and a narra- Other changes to experiential learn-
dents a way to make their volunteer tive submission. ing have occurred due to the pandem-
experiences count. “I thought [the narrative submission] ic. New virtual study abroad programs
“What we’d like the students to think was really valuable, and it flowed out of and remote internships have arisen,
of is the following: they want to turn me easier than I thought it would,” ex- and Willard believes these are great
their volunteering into service learn- plained Julia Morrison, a second-year opportunities. “In the long run, [virtu-
ing,” advised Willard. He explained neuroscience major. After working as al study abroad] will be a good thing
that students participating in facul- a certified nursing assistant last sum- because it’s cheap, and there are stu-
ty-mentored research, as well as “ser- mer, the reflection process allowed her dents who want to get a feel for being
There are so many opportunities to earn honors experiential
learning credit during your time at the UI. Read about these
students’ experiences to help inspire your own path!
RESEARCH
By Julia Fout
E
lizabeth Janey, (BS 21) has been in- Program gives me that accessibility
volved in research since her fresh- or drive to be involved with things like
man year. Janey graduated with a research.”
Bachelors of Science in psychology In 2019, Janey presented research on
in May and is now looking to apply to swimming movements in developing
an eagerly-awaited graduate program. genetically autistic mice at the Fall Un-
For Janey, research allows her to “think dergraduate Research Festival. Having
critically, come up with new ideas, and been involved in research since her
be curious about what [she is] doing.” first year as an undergraduate, Janey
She believes research has given her was involved in more than one as-
the space to put “coursework into re- pect of the research. For this project, Elizabeth Janey
ality,” through which she has found a Janey was there from the start, which
potential career path. allowed her to help develop and follow
She notes that being an honors stu- the hypotheses, methods, and data your undergraduate years.” She lists
dent was a “motivating factor” for her analysis as they progressed. team cooperation and communication
involvement in research since she Janey remarks, “[Research] gives you skills as well as her experiences work-
wished to complete an honors thesis a lot of skills. You learn a lot of new ing independently in a professional en-
project to attain departmental hon- things that you are not learning in the vironment among the ways research
ors. Janey says, “being in the Honors classroom which are pertinent to after has enhanced her education.21 SUMMER 2021
WRITING FELLOWS
By Erin Bughman
T
he Honors Writing Fellows pro- ing with professors. Fellows program, Good said, “While
gram, which began at the University Those who work as fellows receive fellowing is an individual practice, con-
of Iowa in 2003, assigns employed experiential learning credits through necting with students and other Fel-
writing fellows to 10-12 students. the Honors Program, in addition to lows has been such a great experience
Fellows are paired with certain class- gaining the experience of this mentor for me. I would absolutely recommend
es whose professors decide to work role. Good, who plans to teach fiction anyone apply, because it’s a great way
with the Writing Fellows program. at a college level, is using this position to get involved in the writing commu-
The writing fellows provide feedback as a learning opportunity. nity.”
on two papers per student and meet “Fellowing has been the most impact-
with them to discuss their writing and ful experience in my college career. It
ideas. has helped me grow as a leader and
Satori Good, an English and creative communicator. As a future teacher, I
writing major, has been fellowing for feel a lot more comfortable with this
four semesters. Good says, “Writing experience under my belt,” Good said.
Fellows [promotes] revision as a cru- Students who serve as writing fel-
cial aspect of writing, because first lows come from a large range of ma-
drafts are never our best drafts.” jors and interests. In turn, the Writing
The Writing Fellows program not only Fellows program aims to reach a large
benefits students’ revision process scope of courses and students within
Satori Good
through the help of peers, but also the University. Students can apply to
provides honors students who work be writing fellows starting in the spring
as fellows with ample experience of of their first year.
mentoring students and correspond- In reflection of the Honors Writing
in a different environment even if they ever, do not include a strong reflection
can’t afford it. With virtual programs,
“There are students component in their syllabus, which is
they can afford it,” said Willard. who want to get a feel required for a class to qualify as hon-
Students can also find opportunities ors experiential coursework. In spite
for experiential coursework on the for being in a different of this, Willard recommends students
Honors Program website, which are contact him to see if their experience
classes they can take to earn experi- environment even if can count.
ential credit. Classes are added to the Ultimately, there is a lot for honors
list of experiential coursework all the
they can’t afford it. students to take advantage of when
time, and Willard is open to hearing With virtual programs, considering their best experiential
about other courses that could count learning options. While the range of
toward experiential learning credit. For they can afford it,” opportunities can seem daunting, the
example, “many students in the Col- Honors staff is always willing to help
lege of Nursing or the College of Ed- - Andy Willard, students. Willard encourages students
ucation have practicum courses that to chat with him about ideas they have
are, in fact, like internships,” explained Experiential Learning or to help them find things they may
Willard. Many of these courses, how- Director want to be involved with.You can also read
