Honors Students Present at National Collegiate Honors Council Conference
Published: May 25, 2023 | Author: Clare-Estelle Perkins | Read Time: 2 minutes
This past fall, Southern Utah University students Paige Mitchell and Marta Mohedano-Jurado attended and presented at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in Dallas, Texas. These two students are excellent representatives of SUU’s Honors Program and presented the research they completed for their honors capstone projects.
During this conference, both Mitchell, a biology major, and Mohedano-Jurado, a psychology major, disseminated their honors capstone projects fulfilling the honors capstone requirement for graduating with honors at SUU. Both projects have an emphasis on mental health.
Mitchell's project studied SUU student leadership and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heather Garcia, director of Student Involvement and Leadership, served as Mitchell's mentor. Focusing on the well-being of the individuals who administer mental health care during times of stress, Mitchell hopes her study can start the conversation of how we can create an environment where student leaders can help but also can get help.
Mohedano-Jurado's project investigated perfectionism and its effect on the mental health of SUU students. Dr. Kirsten Graham, assistant professor of psychology served as Mohedano-Jurado's mentor for her capstone project and played a very impactful role throughout the study. Mohedano-Jurado, being from Cordoba, Spain, won a diversity and inclusion scholarship.
“If you can address perfectionism, then you might be able to address depression, anxiety, and eating concerns,” said Mohedano-Jurado.“Perfectionism might be the root cause for a lot of people and addressing that may be more beneficial. This is why studying perfectionism, especially right now, in college students, is very valuable.”
It is a proud moment for the Honors Program that both Mitchell and Mohedano-Jurado were accepted to this competitive national conference and both of their projects represent research they conducted with SUU students. Throughout the week, both students attended honors student and faculty presentations, learned from various interdisciplinary research topics, and attended related events. This is the first time in years that two of SUU’s honors students were accepted to present at this conference.
The SUU Honors Program provides an interdisciplinary academic experience for motivated learners to enhance their education through innovative curriculum and involvement in a community incorporating SUU’s best faculty members and students.
Tags: Honors Program