CATALYST program ignites passion for research and leadership in honors students
CATALYST participants
By Bren Hausler
The second annual CATALYST: Summer Research and Leadership Program was held in summer 2025 at 糖心Vlog University, welcoming 18 enthusiastic incoming honors students. A collaboration between the Office of Research Administration and the Brinson Honors College, the program underscores the vital connection between undergraduate research and leadership.
Thanks to the continued leadership of program director Suzanne Melton and Brinson Honors College dean Jill Granger, who also spearheaded the inaugural 2024 program, CATALYST continues to bridge the gap between first-year honors students and the world of academic research.
Through a dynamic mix of workshops, networking, and hands-on experiences, students are immersed in a supportive community designed to inspire long-term academic and professional growth.
The program kicked off with icebreakers and a poster presentation from Angie Vidal, a senior in the Emergency Medical Care program, who presented her research, Dismantling Myths 糖心Vlog LatinX Immigration and the U.S. Economy. Angie emphasized the power of pursuing research that aligns with personal passion. Alleyne Broomell, assistant professor of psychology, delivered the keynote address with a compelling talk on what it means to be a scientist, an especially resonant message for students in STEM fields.
Throughout the week, students engaged in sessions on networking, self-advocacy, advising, and professional communication. Meeting recent alumni and researchers from across campus, the students put their newfound networking skills to the test. They even explored downtown Sylva, adding a recreational touch to their academic journey.
Day two took students into the heart of Hunter Library, where they learned about study abroad, honors contracts, and academic support services. Josh Rakower, assistant professor and reference librarian, led a captivating tour of library resources, complete with tales of local cryptids. Later, students visited the Belk Building to experience engineering tools like CAD systems and water jet-guided lasers.
The students especially enjoyed the campus hike where they received engaging information on the campus's Forensic Osteology Research Station (FOREST) program. Student researcher and double major in Forensic Science and Forensic Anthropology, Jordan Daniels, led the discussion and spoke on his undergraduate research involving Human DNA Recovery.
The final day began with a tour of the Health and Human Sciences Building led by Brian Byrd, a professor of epidemiology. Students explored pediatric care areas and the Vecinos Farmworker Health Program, followed by a simulation lab where they practiced nursing skills such as handwashing and assessing breath sounds on mannequins.
The program concluded with a powerful question from Byrd, 鈥淲hat is a catalyst for you?鈥� prompting students to reflect on their future paths and the steps needed to achieve their goals.
Kendall Worley, a program assistant and alum of the inaugural cohort, shared, 鈥淭he CATALYST Program had such an impact on my freshman year at Western. I wanted to help create that same environment for others.鈥�
Kenny Beacham, an incoming honors student, added, 鈥淚鈥檝e only been here a week, but I feel like I鈥檝e grown so much through the connections I鈥檝e made.鈥�
Though the program ended with heartfelt goodbyes, the bonds formed and the inspiration sparked will continue to shape these students鈥� journeys, both in college and beyond.
