The Honors Institute at Naugatuck Valley Community College hosted presentations of student works on December 5, 2014. Organized by the NVCC Honors Institute Advisory Committee under the guidance of Associate Professor of Management, Robyn-Jay Bage, the event featured students’ research that will earn them honors credits for their independent work throughout the semester.

The Honors Institute at NVCC is a program of study that allows students to complete their degrees with an “honors” designation, becoming members of a community of excellence. Honors students participate in college-level research and independent study and have direct access to faculty mentoring and networking opportunities. Students take higher-level courses equaling up to 20 additional hours of work each semester.

Biology major Carlos Cardenas presented a project on the Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy. He plans to study medicine to become a doctor. “No matter what we want to be, we have to understand the economy,” said Carlos referring to how his project relates to his major and career plans. 

Christian Buckley chose a project on Women’s Wage Disparity as part of his Human Resource Class. He noted that this is important information for us all, especially someone interested in social issues.

Claire Dignan, an aspiring International Studies major worked with Spanish professor Anne Mattrella to trace the history of modern Spain back through 700 years of Moorish occupation. Her project showed the legacy of the Moorish civilization. Dignan reported she learned a lot about Spain and strengthened her desire to pursue a career in international studies.

Grusha Ahluwalia, also a student of Professor Mattrella, presented a project on El Yunque, the only rainforest in North America. According to Grusha's research, our interest in El Yunque as a tourist attraction and the use of the land for commercial activities has had severe adverse effects on the ecosystem.

Associate Professor Bage commented with great pride in the event saying, “The showcase is the culmination of a semester-long research project, developed by the student in partnership with a dedicated member of the faculty. It's awesome. The energy and sense of accomplishment in the room are palpable."

The Honors Advisory Committee is composed of faculty and staff whose positions enable them to advise students in the pursuit of this prestigious academic designation. In addition to Associate Professor Bage, the committee includes John Harding, Associate Professor English; Debra Litwinko, Professor Mathematics; Kathy Murphy, Professor Nursing; Joan Arbusto, Registrar; Linda Stango, Director of Admissions; Bernd Mattheis, CAPSS Director; and Bonnie Goulet, CAPSS Counselor.

Students entering NVCC and current students are eligible to apply for the Honors Institute. More information can be found by contacting any member of the advisory committee or visiting http://www.nv.edu/Offices-Departments/Administration/Academic-Affairs/itemId/1839/The-Honors-Institute. Click here to Download an application.