Honors

Emerging healthcare professional Alexis Marcotte is a dedicated Honors scholar, a curious global explorer, and a voice for compassionate health care. Her Honors Thesis investigated factors that influence quality of life in skilled nursing facilities, inspired by her work in a nursing home.

Balancing roles in several student advocacy groups and SFU's track team, Honors student Jayden Foster is making the most of his Saint Francis experience—embracing wellness, leadership, and learning as he prepares for a future in Public Health.

Kaitlyn’s Honors thesis examines the perceived benefits of the HUGS trip, where OT students work with disabled children while gaining clinical and personal insights. She evaluates how this service-learning experience supports both professional growth and personal development. “It’s a chance to see how these experiences shape compassionate caregiving.”

Cole Weiland, a third-year Chemistry major at Saint Francis University, has thrived in the Honors Program through hands-on research in cytochrome c oxidation and acid mine drainage remediation. As SGA president and an Eagle Scout, he’s also led campus initiatives and maintained strong community ties. Looking ahead to medical school, he values the mentorship and opportunities the program has provided.

Highlights from the 2025 President’s Awards Convocation held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center.

Profile: Honors Student Veronica Crum is a communications major with a passion for creative writing and mental health advocacy. Her thesis is a fantasy novel exploring themes of psychology, generational trauma, neurodiversity, and self-discovery through a protagonist grappling with a powerful prophecy.

Profile: Honors Student Toby Cree is a chemistry major with a passion for Green Chemistry. Toby’s thesis explores sustainable approaches to nanoparticle synthesis, specifically focusing on gold nanoparticles and fluorescent carbon dots.

Profile of Honors Student Ava Rhoads, a double major in Aquarium and Zoo Science and Psychology, with minors in Biological Diving and Animal-Assisted Healthcare and Education. She has a full plate, but she thrives on the challenge.

Profile of Honors Student Gavin Ross, a chemistry major pursuing minors in history, mathematics, and Spanish. For his thesis project, he is exploring the sustainable use of mechanochemistry in metalation. He enjoys engaging with peers in the program who bring diverse perspectives to the table.

Profile of Honors Student Natalie Vogt, a junior biochemistry major with a pre-veterinary concentration, who is currently researching the effects of caffeine on cataracts in cow eyes. Last year, she completed a directed readings course, exploring the ethics of mortality and cancer’s impact on patients and families, presenting her findings at a research symposium.