Student Spotlights
Meet several Honors Students and hear what they thought about the program:
Sarah Burzin
Major: Criminal Justice and Psychology
Minor: Sociology
Hometown: Ivoryton, Conn.
What do you enjoy most about the University?
I enjoy the class size and friendly faculty and staff. When looking at other universities, I knew I wanted to attend a college where I could get to know my professors and vice versa. The faculty and staff at the University care about the students and want to help them succeed. The Univeresity of New Haven is a diverse campus community, and I think that is important.
Why did you select your major and decide to attend the University of New Haven?
I chose to study criminal justice because I want to make an impact on the lives of others. I have always been fascinated by the justice system and the intricacies of the legal system. I added psychology to my studies because I am interested in the way people think and the reasons behind the motive of a crime.
What has been your favorite class at the University?
My favorite class has been adolescent development, a psychology course taught by Professor Allison Geballe. This class embodied experiential education. We had to interview and write about an adolescent we knew. I also liked Professor Geballe’s teaching style, which was very interactive. Her class was never boring.
What has been your most memorable moment at the Universtiy and why?
My most memorable moment was winning my first tennis match as a college athlete. I felt like the hard work of me and my teammates had paid off. It made me proud to be a Charger. the University of New Haven is installing new tennis courts at North Campus, which will allow the team to practice on campus instead of having to go to Yale or a park to practice.
What does a University of New Haven education mean to you?
A University of New Haven education is a quality education. When I receive my diploma, I will be proud to be a University of New Haven graduate. I plan to pursue a career in counseling in an elementary school to help at-risk children. When future employers see that I received my degree from the University of New Haven, I know they will think fondly of the University and, hopefully, of me as well. A University of New Haven education is a holistic education, and I am so lucky to be a student at the University of New Haven.
Additional information abut Sarah:
Last summer, I traveled to Israel on Birthright for 10 days. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life. My sister will be visiting the University of New Haven this August.
Samantha Moul
Major: Psychology
Minor: Sociology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology
Hometown: North Attleboro, Mass.
What do you enjoy most about the University of New Haven?
The close-knit community is what I enjoy most, particularly our ability to come together as friends for many incredible causes. St. Jude’s Up ’Till Dawn is one of the most incredible experiences on campus. For this event, we raise money all year to donate to St. Jude’s Research Hospital and have a finale event in February in which we stay up all night, playing games, singing and having fun together as an en- tire community. Last year, the University alone raised $87,000 for the families of St. Jude’s. This example is simply one of many ways in which our entire campus of athletes, Greek life members and everyone in between continuously unite to make the world a better place. The respect and appreciation for our opportunities to impact our global community is a quality that all of the University students share. A friendly, helping hand is always extended toward you from friends, classmates, faculty and staff.
Why did you select your major and decide to attend the University of New Haven?
Starting at a young age, I knew that psychology was something I wanted to pursue. The ability to understand other people has always intrigued me. My decision to enter the forensics field was one that was not so easily decided. Despite my love for psychology, I fell in love with the endless array of crime shows on television. I wondered how I could use my love of psychology to help the criminal justice system and the rehabilitation of those in it. With the help of my parents, I discovered the field of forensic psychology and knew from there that if I wanted to receive the best education possible that the Universtiy of New Haven was the best next step. My campus tour gave me an immediate sense of community and, from that point, I knew this was where I belonged. My choice to attend the University of New Haven was the best decision I’ve ever made.
What has been your favorite class at the University of New Haven?
My favorite course has been a special topics honors course, the psychology and sociology of social inequality, which was taught by Professor Patrick McGrady and Professor Rachel Torello. This course developed my ability to analytically examine the world around me and the diverse advantages and disadvantages we all face based on race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, etc. Our use of articles, pop culture, stimulating class discussion and a field trip to the Museum of Tolerance in New York City, opened my eyes to so many opportunities for the world to change for the better. Our ability as a class to speak maturely and openly about so many different topics made for one of the greatest learning experiences I have ever had. The course, and specifically Professor McGrady’s powerful teachings, inspired me to pursue a minor in sociology and even begin research on an honors thesis pertaining to the injustices and difficulties faced by the transgender community at the institutional and social levels.
What has been your most memorable moment at the University of New Have and why?
My most memorable moment at the University of New Haven was being initiated as a sister of the Del- ta Phi Epsilon sorority. Rushing first semester my sophomore year was a result of my roommate asking me to accompany her, and the rest is history. The welcoming environment created by the sisters truly allowed for everyone to be who they are, and receiving my bid was far more exciting than I could have imagined. While pledging with an incredible group of 10 girls, I realized what Greek life here at the University was all about- serving our community, finding leadership roles on campus, developing our professional skills and growing as individuals. The moment I was initiated and became a sister was symbolic of so much more than joining a sorority. That moment gave me more than 60 women by my side to help me become the person I am and taught me that the quiet and shy girl I had been was no match for the outgoing, courageous leader I would become. The friends I met through Delta Phi Epsilon, both in and out of Greek life, have allowed me to become a better person. Receiving my letters I had worked so hard for and being initiated was the most powerful moment I have experienced here.
What does a University of New Haven education mean to you?
As the first member of my immediate family who will graduate from a four-year institution, I can say that my prestigious University of New Haven education means more to me that I can truly describe in words. The University of New Haven has one of the best forensic psychology pro- grams not only in the Northeast but in the nation and I feel honored every day to know I am not simply passing tests but being given the tools to develop a life long love of learning and an ability to think critically. The opportunities that have been provided to me through the University of New Haven and its reputation will allow me to pursue a master’s degree in forensic psychology and a Ph.D. in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. I plan to work with children who are victims of crime and develop treatments for both the child perpetrators and their victims.
Additional information about Samantha.
I am a member of the University’s cross country and track and field teams. I serve as executive assistant of the Undergraduate Student Government Association. This summer, I am a part time intern/volunteer at Bradley Hospital, a children’s psychiatric institution, in Providence, R.I.
Timothy Muyano
Major: Criminal Justice and Legal Studies
Concentration: International Justice and Security
Hometown: Meriden, Conn.
What do you enjoy most about the University of New Haven?
The thing I enjoy most about the University of New Haven is the amazing people. From students, to faculty, to friends, I have never felt so welcomed and comfortable at a place then I do here. I have made life long friends who have shown me what it means to be a good stu- dent, friend and leader. The University of New Haven experience would be nothing without the strong and supportive student body as well as the committed faculty and staff. Education is a blessing, and the people at the University go above and beyond by caring for you as a person.
Why did you select your major and decide to attend the University of New Haven?
I decide to attend the University of New Haven as a criminal justice major because of its nationally recognized and prestigous Henry C. Lee College. I knew from my first visit that the academic programs combined with the opportunity to expand my horizons through co-curricular activities was a recipe for success. I have always wanted to help people and be a leader in the community, which is why I initially had an interest in criminal justice. Moreover, the University’s emphasis on public service really solidified my desire to do so and showed me the avenues I could use to achieve this goal.
What has been your favorite class at the University of New Haven?
My favorite class has been legal research and writing taught by Professor Karen Redlich. This course is what drove me to apply to law school and showed me that I have what it takes to become a lawyer. However, most importantly, this class helped me realize that I truly love the law and all the work that it entails. Moreover, Professor Redlich really challenges her students and truly cares about their development. She continually utilized hands-on exercises as she is a big believer in experiential education, an aspect of the course that I enjoyed the most.
What has been your most memorable moment at the University of New Haven and why?
My most memorable moment at the Universtity of New Haven was giving my final presentation for the President’s Public Service Fellowship. After a long summer of hard work, we were given the opportunity to share our experiences with the campus community and reflect on our development as a leader. It was at that moment I realized I had the potential to make a difference on my campus, in my local community and in the world. This moment marked the culmination of my Fellowship experience and was very rewarding.
What does a University of New Haven education mean to you?
A University of New Haven education means being able to take what I have learned in the classroom and translate it back into the world. The University places a tremendous importance on giving back and making the world a better place, no matter which academic program you are a part of. A University of New Haven education is one that not only motivates you to go out and make the world a better place but also allows you to inspire others to go out and do the same.
Timothy Earley
Major: Forensic Science, Biology and Biotechnology
Minor: Mathematics
Concentration: Forensic Science and Biology
Hometown: Wallingford, Conn.
What do you enjoy most about the University of New Haven?
One of the best aspects of the University of New Haven is the Tuscany Campus located in Prato, Italy. I can say with great confidence that this program altered the course of my life. It ignited a new passion in me for exploring and learning about other cultures and ways of life within me, altering the direction of my life. It also provided countless opportunities I never dreamed I’d be able to experience.
Why did you select your major and decide to attend the University of New Haven?
I’ve always known I wanted to study science. As a child, I was always excited by the idea of discovering something no one else had ever seen before or that would revolutionize the way we look at the world. When I learned what a forensic scientist was, I instantly fell in love with the idea. It allows one to make new discoveries ever day, while also making a huge difference in people’s lives by bringing justice to those who deserve it and exonerating those who are falsely accused. From there, the University of New Haven became the obvious choice. Its reputation as one of best forensic science programs in the nation along with its proximity to home meant there really wasn’t another choice. Once arriving on campus, I began to expand upon my interest in biology and the life sciences and eventually decided to pursue my other scientific passions beyond forensics by adding majors in biology and biotechnology.
What has been your favorite class at the University of New Haven?
My favorite class has been an honors introduction to criminal justice course taught by Dr. David Schroeder. I took this class my freshman year and it directly resulted in my studying abroad a semester later due to the professor’s strong advocacy for the program. The course also taught me valuable research skills, which I use in virtually all of my courses. Finally, the fact that the course was run primarily as a seminar with open discussion meant that a free flow of ideas throughout the room was always taking place. This setup fostered a unique learning environment rarely seen in a first-year course.
What has been your most memorable moment at the University of New Haven and why?
My most memorable moment at the University of New Haven was the day I spent in Viareggio, Italy, with the University Tuscany Campus Director Kevin Murphy and a group of friends. We traveled to the coastal town for their Carnevale celebration, which consisted of a parade and fireworks on the beach at the end of the day. The exact moment I revisit most often in my mind is looking out over the water and seeing the explosions reflecting back off the surface and the beach dimly lit by the resulting flashes. The fact that I had the chance to experience that moment is all thanks to the University, the encouragement from a professor to go abroad, the relative ease of applying to study abroad and the dedication of the Tuscany staff.
What does a University of New Haven education mean to you?
A University of New Haven education means learning from some of the world’s top professors, collaborating with talented and innovative peers and gaining real-world experience in the form of research, internships and time spent abroad. It means leaving this institution with knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
Additional information about Timothy.
I am an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. I have dysgraphia, a learning challenge that affects the thought-to-paper transaction while writing. It had a major effect on me when I was younger, but as I have grown older I have come to conquer the challenge. My battle with dysgraphia has shaped my studies more than anything else. It taught me a level of perseverance that has carried me far in life. This never-say-die attitude is a hallmark of everything I set my mind to, from research to laboratory experiments. My inspiration is Leonardo da Vinci, who once said, “It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” This, coming from a man who studied everything from painting to engineering to astronomy to cartography, is an idea that I try to embody in my life. I do not sit back and wait for opportunities to float my way. I go out and find the opportunities myself. I am the fourth member of my family to attend the University of New Haven. My maternal grandfather (class of ’71) and father (class of ’86) both pursued engineering degrees at the University of New Haven, and my older brother graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminal justice in 2015.
Shirley Duong
I would encourage those who are interested in the Honors Program to go for it! Joining the Honors Program was one of the best decisions I made and I believe that all honors students, who continue with the program until their senior year, leave UNH with more than the experiential education that is promised by the university.
Major: Psychology
Minor: Math
Hometown: Alhambra, CA
Why did you apply to the Honors Program?
Of the many organizations on campus, the Honors Program stood out to me, as a community that would challenge me academically and help prepare me for a future in graduate school. In addition, the financial incentive of participating in the program was very appealing.
What was your favorite aspect of the Honors Program?
I enjoy the wide range of opportunities that the program offers to enhance students’ academic experiences at the University of New Haven. One of the things that I really appreciate is the variety of Honors courses that are offered during the Fall and Spring semester. I particularly enjoyed taking a couple of special topics courses this past Spring semester, because it allowed me to explore subjects outside of my primary field of study. The special topics courses I took explored more narrow aspects of two broad subjects, and I was able to focus on and learn about specific themes that I was interested in. Another feature of the Honors Program that I value is the requirement of a senior thesis because it allows students to pursue research related to a strong interest or passion in their major. This experience is advantageous in many ways; for example, students get to work closely with a faculty member and apply the skills they learned in their courses to an activity beyond the classroom.
What did you do for your thesis research? What led you to the topic?
For my honors thesis, I plan to pursue research that takes a mathematical approach to human behavior. I am interested in determining how to quantify and predict behavior using mathematical models, which understandably sounds impossible because human behavior is incredibly unique and always changing. Currently, I am interested in applying catastrophe theory, which describes how a system can undergo sudden immense change, to sudden violent group behaviors. I had been interested in connecting math and psychology for a while, but I had trouble finding that link – until I met with my academic advisor, Dr. Salvaggio. She introduced me to the idea of modeling behavior using catastrophe theory and since then, I have been researching literature to accompany my senior thesis.
What are your plans for the future?
After my undergraduate years, I plan on attending graduate school to study social psychology and conduct research that would aid in the development of community prevention programs in low-income, urban areas.
Do you have any advice for students interested in the Honors Program?
I would encourage those who are interested in the Honors Program to go for it! They should apply to be in the program because in addition to its academic focus, there are many fun activities and opportunities to serve the community. Joining the Honors Program was one of the best decisions I made and I believe that all honors students, who continue with the program until their senior year, leave the University of New Haven with more than the experiential education that is promised by the university.
Lauren E. KircherMajor: Marine Biology
Minor: Psychology and Theater
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Why did you apply to the Honors Program?
I was an Honors student in high school. I thought the Honors Program here could offer me unique opportunities.
What was your favorite aspect of the Honors Program?
I really enjoyed the team-taught courses. They provided an opportunity to integrate two different areas of study into one topic.
What did you do for your thesis research? What led you to the topic?
I researched the sublethal behavioral effects of fluoxetine on zebrafish (Danio rerio). I was previously interested in behavioral studies. I had seen coloration change behavior in fish while helping a graduate student work on his research. That prompted me to look further into the topic.
What are your plans for the future?
I will begin a Ph.D. program in Integrative Biology at Florida Atlantic University in the fall.
Do you have any advice for students interested in the Honors Program?
The Honors Program is a great opportunity and students should make sure to take advantage of all that the program has to offer. In order to make the Honors courses fit into your schedule, try taking ones that fulfill core requirements or apply to your major. Your thesis will be difficult to get through, but handing it in is the best feeling.
Stephen Shephard
I wanted to enhance my educational experience with more diverse, engaging, and challenging courses, as well as seize unique opportunities to increase my social and cultural awareness.
Majors: Forensic Science; Chemistry
Hometown: Westmoreland, NY
Why did you apply to the Honors Program?
I wanted to enhance my educational experience with more diverse, engaging, and challenging courses, as well as seize unique opportunities to increase my social and cultural awareness.
What is your favorite aspect of the Honors Program?
It’s a tie between the obscure, fun courses that bring their own special challenges (ex: Figure of Jesus, Fan Culture/Fiction) and the special off-campus trips (ex: Shakespeare in the Park, touring the state capital judicial system, trips to the PEZ Factory).
What are you going to do for your thesis research? What led you to that topic?
My thesis research involves using various forensic instrumental methods to see whether or not different black pen inks can be distinguished from one another on a global scale. I wanted to choose a thesis topic that could not only potentially open the doors to a lasting development in the field of forensic science, but also would require training with analytical instrumentation that I have never worked with before. It’s all about having some sort of effect on the future, whether it’s lofty (like the future of STEM itself) or just on a personal level (plenty of research skills gained that can be used in future careers).
What are your plans for the future?
I intend to go to graduate school to pursue my Master’s in an area of forensic science, immediately after I graduate with my Bachelor degrees. If possible, I would also like to concurrently acquire an internship in a forensic or chemical laboratory. Regardless of what my future holds, I also know I want to keep radio as a part of my life, among other things. I could be a community volunteer DJ on a college radio station, or I could work on promotions at a larger radio station. With the experiences I have had at the University of New Haven, especially in the Honors Program, I know the possibilities for my future are limitless.
Do you have any advice for students interested in the Honors Program?
1. Definitely do it! This is one of those programs that offers you incredible opportunities that only a small group of students at the University of New Haven get to enjoy.
2. Apply every semester that you are able. If you don’t get in one semester, don’t sweat it. Persistence is admirable, and when you finally get into the program, it will all be worth it.
3. Join Honors Student Council! HSC is a relatively small student organization that helps plan activities geared towards honors students and various campus-wide activities, including academic scavenger hunts, Green Week, the annual International Food Festival, and more.