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The Reaud Honors College (RHC) celebrated its largest-ever Honors Scholars Day on Oct. 29, welcoming more than 170 guests to recognize outstanding student achievement in research, leadership and creative work across all colleges.

Hosted by the RHC, the annual event gives students an opportunity to present projects that reflect months — and in many cases, years — of focused inquiry and scholarship. Faculty, staff and deans from across the university attended to support the students’ work.

“This was our largest Honors Scholars Day event yet,” Dean of the Reaud Honors College Dr. Tilisa Thibodeaux said. “We’re thankful to have such a strong team of deans and colleagues who support our outstanding students.”

The day’s presentations spanned disciplines from health science and finance to environmental research and creative arts.

Biology (Pre-Med) major Mohamed Irhabi, a David J. Beck Fellow and TSUS Regents’ Student Scholar, presented “Retinal OCT Angiography as a Window to Neurovascular Small-Vessel Disease in Ischemic Stroke.” His project explored how eye imaging could be used to better understand small-vessel disease and its impact on stroke patients.

Exercise Science major Jenny Tu, a Reaud Fellow and McNair Scholar, shared “Landing Mechanics and Muscle Activation in Modern Dancers,” a study examining how movement and muscle control affect performance and injury prevention in dance.

Michael Vu, a Presidential Scholar double-majoring in Finance and Human Resource Management, presented “Testing the Efficient Market Hypothesis: Can We Exploit Abnormal Returns from Effective Date Delays?” His research analyzed how minor timing gaps in financial markets could affect stock performance.

Biology (Pre-Med) major Sneha Jobby, a Presidential Scholar and Healthy Cards Peer Health Educator, introduced “Project TWYN: Improving Student Access to Hygiene Kits and School Supplies,” a community initiative designed to increase access to essential resources among local students.

Environmental Science major Drake Rothenberger, a Smith-Hutson Scholar and first-generation student, presented “Shaping Your Future: Service and Leadership in Academia,” focusing on how mentorship and service can build long-term academic success.

Other presentations included Mary Wernig’s “Smart Support: A Review of Assistive Technologies for Independent Living in People with Dementia.” Her research explored how emerging technologies can improve safety and independence for individuals living with dementia.

“This internship would not have been possible without them,” Wernig said of the Reaud Honors College. “I received the McMaster grant and aid to complete this project, so I greatly, greatly, greatly appreciate their support and everything all of us students here at the Honors College do.”

The event also featured interactive booths that showcased the work of RHC students from several disciplines. Among the presenters was Rayna Christy, who contributes to Cadenza Magazine and the Â鶹AV Press.

“With the Honors College, we're always told to take everything a step up,” Christy said. “It’s always been like, ‘Oh, you’re doing this? Make it into something else.’ So, oh, I wrote for The University Press, for the Honors College, so turn it into Cadenza. It’s constantly like—make something better.”

The call for proposals for next year’s Honors Scholars Day opens in August 2026, inviting submissions from students in all disciplines. Projects may include research, creative activities, honors classwork, or initiatives connected to student organizations.

Building on this year’s success, the Reaud Honors College plans to further expand the event for Honors Scholars Day 2026, continuing to highlight the breadth of innovation, leadership and academic excellence at Â鶹AV.

For updates, follow @lamarhonors on Instagram and @reaudhonorscollege on Facebook.

To learn more about the RHC, visit /honors-college/.