FSU Honors in the Major program celebrates faculty mentorship with inaugural faculty reception

The Florida State University Honors Program hosted its inaugural Honors in the Major (HITM) faculty reception, recognizing faculty members who mentor undergraduate students in undertaking independent and original thesis-based scholarship.

The event celebrated the faculty mentorship that plays an integral role in students’ HITM experience.

“We are grateful for the dedicated faculty who mentor undergraduate researchers,” said Michael David Franklin, associate director of the HITM program. “This celebration is a chance to recognize the time and expertise the faculty invest in shaping future scholars and professionals through the honors thesis project.”

HITM students assemble and work with a faculty committee to select a topic, develop a prospectus, complete a written document based on their original scholarship or creative project and ultimately defend their project orally before their committee.

Currently, 220 students and 168 faculty members participate in the HITM program. By working closely with faculty, students develop professional relationships that help foster their growth as researchers and future professionals.

“Our Honors in the Major students take control of their learning and explore topics beyond what is required,” said Carrie Ann Baade, Department of Art painting and drawing area head and professor. “This can lead to innovative thinking, original research and creative problem-solving. Honors students are not just conducting research, they are redefining how we approach knowledge and creativity.”

HITM projects cover a variety of topics and have explored early detection of Alzheimer’s, the role of artificial intelligence in health care, the impact of pet ownership on mental health, the effect of music on memory and more.

“Honors in the Major allows students to think critically about their research,” said Andrea U. De Giorgi, a professor of classics and an expert in Roman urbanism who has worked at excavations in Italy, Turkey and Jordan. “It opens the door to professional research, allowing them to take a scholarly interest and develop it into something meaningful.”

HITM is open to any FSU student who has been admitted to their major and meets eligibility requirements. The program provides an opportunity for students to incorporate the knowledge and skills learned throughout their undergraduate career into a senior project.

“In our department, Honors in the Major makes students feel like real artists and academics, doing things that matter — not just in the real world, but in research and culture production,” said Daniel Luedtke, assistant professor and area head of printmaking and book arts in the Department of Art.

At the end of the semester, participants defend their theses before faculty committees. Students who successfully defend their thesis and complete HITM are recognized by the distinction of graduating “with honors,” which is designated on the students’ transcript and degree.

For more information about the Honors in the Major program, visit honors.fsu.edu or contact Associate Director Michael Franklin at HITM@fsu.edu.

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