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Research

Honors Students participate in various research programs and studies throughout their time at UNCW, frequently getting involved with undergraduate research and presenting at regional and national conferences for their disciplines.

Learn more about our undergrad research center, CSURF

Early engagement in research

First-Year Research Experience

The First-Year Research Experience was launched in 2018 as a program for first-year students to work one-on-one with faculty on various research projects. While not exclusive to the Honors College, many Honors students participate annually in FYRE.

That kind of faculty passion for working with students is not something you find everywhere, but it's one of the best parts of UNCW.

Whether or not a student participates in FYRE, there are many opportunities throughout a student's undergraduate career to work in labs or conduct a directed independent study for class credit. Some students even publish research as co-authors with faculty during or after their undergraduate careers.

Thesis Thursdays

Thesis Thursdays with Sarah Bischoff

As an Elementry Education Major, Bischoff focused her thesis on English Language Acquisition in Kindergartens in a classroom in Ethiopia

Thesis Thursdays with Tim Fanelle

As a Computer Science and Pyschology Major, Fanelle focused his thesis on using computer vision to map a 3d space and plan nonobstructive routes.

Thesis Thursdays with Kylie Wright

As a double major in Biology and Philosophy, Wright's thesis focuses on the study of toxic compounds found within Cyanobacteria (type of algae) popular in the U.S.

Thesis Thursdays with Holly Wilson

As a Nursing Major, Wilson focuses her thesis on nursing perspectives of LGBTQ+ care in the obstetrics setting.

Honors Thesis

All Honors students complete an honors thesis during their final semesters at UNCW.

This project is an independent inquiry, where students work closely with a faculty supervisor of their choice to investigate a phenomenon or problem that interests them.

This project looks different in every major:

  • It might be a survey of consumers to evaluate attitudes regarding a certain marketing strategy.
  • It might be a data analysis of the stomach content in hundreds of flounder in water with different salinity levels.
  • It might be critically evaluating the message and narrative in a TV show and how it impacts viewers.
  • It might be a literary analysis of modern or classical texts.
  • It might be the production of a film, the writing of a manuscript, or the showcase of an art exhibition.

Regardless, students complete this passion project as the capstone Honors experience. It also serves as a great preparatory experience for graduate school, for those students who pursue it.

Learn more about the thesis

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