Category: Uncategorized

Professor Cornfield is offering a student position to help with his research on how party debates frame national issues. The research would help provide context for transcripts of the 24 presidential debates held in 2015-2016 and the 14 in 2019-2020, as well as examining secondary sources to promote robust research.

This position would be of incredible value to students of political communication or a similar discipline, providing an opportunity to gain experience in qualitative research and writing, as well as data compilation.

The research assistantship entails an average weekly commitment of 7-9 hours with the option of earn 3 credit hours (must complete an Honors Contract). To apply, email your resume/cover letter to corn@gwu.edu

Did you know GW has a student-run food pantry to support members of the GW community with food, kitchen appliances, hygiene products, and even interview attire? You can request access to the store via this app, and there are no background checks or requirements to become a shopper– the store just asks that shoppers be mindful of others when shopping and understand that the Store is prioritized for individuals experiencing food insecurity.

The Store has two locations, District House B Level in Foggy Bottom (canned goods as well as produce, dairy, and vegan food items) and West Hall B202 on the Vern (canned goods, pasta, dry goods). Both locations are open 7am-11pm, seven days a week.  The Foggy Bottom location is closed during stocking times on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 11am to 1pm, however students will be notified after food delivery and stocking has been completed.

Spread the word and remember to be respectful of others when using The Store. If you’d like to help out, you can fill out this interest form to volunteer with The Store, or set up a donation of non-perishable food, school supplies, interview attire, and personal hygiene products by emailing gwstore@gmail.com

Welcome to campus, UHP sophomores! We are so excited to get to know you more in person this year, and we’ll be kicking it off with a dinner just for you on August 26, 2021 at 5PM ET. The dinner will be located in the Grand Ballroom in the University Student Center on Foggy Bottom– if you plan on attending, please RSVP below by August 9, 2021.

Our dear seniors of the class of 2021– we are so sad to see you go, but so excited to see where you go. And we would like to celebrate you before you do. Please join us on May 15, 5PM EST. Wear something formal (regalia if you have it!) and bring your family and friends as well as a drink for toasting (if you’d like to).

Professor Kung will introduce the evening with some encouragement to the class, and then the UHP faculty and staff will join and discuss how delightful it’s been to share the past four years with you all. After that, we will present a slideshow, give you all an opportunity to toast each other, and then give you the opportunity to visit with faculty, staff, and fellow students in breakout rooms.

Join The Celebration

A quick note: Professor Mark Ralkowski has another graduation event to attend immediately following our main ceremony, and will be unable to be present as we shift to the breakout room time. But he still wants to congratulate you personally! If you’d like to join his breakout room, he will be hosting one later at 8PM ET. Join him here.

Greetings, UHP community. I am writing to share some personal news. Over the summer, I will be leaving my role at GWU and the University Honors Program. I’ve accepted a teaching job at a high school in Maryland, where I will be teaching Literature/Humanities. While I’m excited for the new chapter, I am sad to leave this wonderful, intellectually-omnivorous community of learners. 

My last day at GW will be Friday, June 4, so I will still be around in the short term. We’ll have more info about filling my position soon, but for now, I cannot emphasize enough: you are in amazing hands with Brianna, who – as you all know – is completely fabulous and has been a joy to co-advise you all with. And I know the rest of the wonderful UHP staff – Eydie, Josh, Dr. Kung, and the faculty – will continue to take excellent care of you. I’ll still be hanging out on Linkedin and hope we can all connect there (please add me if you haven’t!) 

Students, it has been a joy to watch you grow and become such amazing people. I have been consistently inspired, from day one. This may sound mushy, but I mean it: I want you to never doubt your greatness. If ever you’re feeling down – or perhaps anxious about what’s to come – know that you are enough and beyond. The thoughtfulness, care, dedication, and hard work that I’ve seen from the UHP cohort is nothing short of inspiring. I sleep more soundly knowing the world will soon be in your hands. 

Just promise me that you’ll remember to take care of yourselves. Drink lots of water. Get 7-8 hours of sleep. Eat your veggies. Turn off your phone from time to time. Enjoy your hobbies. Go outside. Adopt some plants. Remember to have fun (seriously – even science agrees with me on that.) And in the words of the estimable poet Mary Oliver, “Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.”

I hope to ‘see’ many of you at the graduation celebration on May 15 (and hopefully before!)  

Always omnivorous, 

Ben

UHP Peer Advisor Bios & Contact Information

Welcome, prospective honors students! Peer Advisors are excited to answer your questions and share their experiences about the University Honors Program and beyond. Check out their bios and contact information below. 

To speak with a Peer Advisor, please reach out to them by email. They are happy to chat with you, set up a time to speak by video conference, and/or refer you to additional resources.

Please reach out to uhp@gwu.edu if you have any additional questions.

Abby Guen

Email: abby_guen@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: International Affairs (Development, Economics Concentrations)

Minor: Political Science

Study Abroad: Santiago, Chile

Extra-Curriculars: GW MotherFunkers A Cappella, GW STAR Tour Guide, GW Women in Economics, Work Study, Off Campus Internships

Can talk more about: Elliott School, Study Abroad, the Performing Arts Community, internship searching, Four-Year Planning

Alicia Harris

Email: aliciah@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Environmental Studies, Political Science

Minor: Geographic Information Systems

Honors Housing: West Hall (first-year honors housing) 

Research experience: briefly a Research Assistant for the Geography Department doing a mapping project in India

Can talk more about: Literally anything! I live and breath residential life, but I also am very familiar with the music program and I know a fair amount about greek life

Alyssa Misiewicz

Email: amisiewicz@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Majors: International Affairs, Political Science

Minor: Spanish and Psychology (potentially)

Extra-Curriculars: International Affairs Society, College Democrats, PAD (pre-law frat) 

Can talk more about: Elliott School, time management, political involvement

Andrew Butt

Email: andrewbutt@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: International Affairs (Asia) and Chinese Language and Literature

Minor: Religion

Extra-Curriculars: Student theatre, Forbidden Planet Productions, Resident Advisor on the Mount Vernon Campus

Can talk more about: Living on the Mount Vernon Campus, connecting first years with the Foxhall/Foggy Bottom/wider DC community. Four-Year Planning

Bridget Carl 

Email: bridgetcarl@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Majors: Public Health, Economics

Honors Housing: West Hall (first-year housing)

Research experience: Fall 2019 Research Assistantship in environmental economics

Can talk more about: On-campus employment, being a STEM student, taking intellectual/academic risks

Brittney Ho (Peer Advisor Leader) 

Email: brittneyho@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Majors: Journalism and Mass Communication (School of Media and Public Affairs)

Minor: Communication

Honors Housing: District House (upper-level housing) 

Can talk more about: Work-life balance within UHP, finding community, transition from the suburbs into a city, internships

Caroline Clough

Email: cclough@gmail.gwu.edu

Major: International Affairs and History

Can talk more about: Elliott School, Four Year Planning, Double Majoring, and living in D.C.

Christina Peitler 

Email: chrispeit23@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: History

Minor: Creative Writing

Extra-Curriculars: Band, Roosevelt Institute 

Can talk more about: Classes, student life, DC, the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

Claire Shelby

Email: claireshelby@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major: BS in Business: International Business and Business Economics & Public Policy

Minors: French and Philosophy

Extra-Curriculars: Delta Sigma Pi Co-Ed Professional Business Fraternity – Senior Vice President; Club Gymnastics member; GWSB First Year Development Program Mentor; GW STAR Tour Guide; GWSB Ambassador

Can talk more about: Business school, traveling more than 2,000 miles from home (California!), alternative fraternity and sorority life, making friends and connections, prioritizing what matters most, keeping in touch with family members, organization skills

Daniel Kassl (Peer Advisor Leader)

Email: danielkassl@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Political Science

Minor: History

Can talk more about: D.C. living, course registration, undergraduate research, Peer Advisor Leadership

Declan Duggan

Email: Declanduggan@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: International Affairs

Extra-Curriculars: I am a member in Sigma Iota Rho, GW’s gender inclusive international affairs honors society, I am also a member of strategic crisis simulation, and I write opinions for the Hatchet.

Can talk more about: The Elliott School, first-year honors program classes, navigating the four year plan, getting involved on campus, adjusting to college life.

Emma Stopek

Email: erstopek@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Political Science

Minor: French

Extra-Curriculars: Forbidden Planet Productions, Greek Life, GW Star (Student Admissions Representative) 

Can talk more about: Future planning, which classes to take, housing and social life, work-study 

Emma Westcott

Email: ewestcott@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Major: Business Administration – Marketing

Minor: Music

Extra-Curriculars: Radio Show Host and Music Blog Columnist at WRGW, GW’s campus radio station; gear manager for the Student Music Coalition

Can talk more about: Switching majors/minors and/or switching home schools, four year planning, getting involved with music on campus, resolving roommate conflicts, adjusting to life in DC, living far from home.

Hailey Scatchard

Email: hmscatchard@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Majors: International Affairs, Economics

Study abroad: Paris with IES Abroad, Fall 2019

Research experience: research assistantship my sophomore year, where I worked on a paper about the sharing economy

Honors Housing: West Hall freshman year, District Hall sophomore and junior year

Can talk more about: managing career development and schoolwork!

Hope Ledford

Email: hopeledford@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: Political Science

Minor: Statistics, Criminal Justice

Extra-Curriculars: IGNITE @ GW (Director of Internal Affairs); GWU Phi Alpha Delta (pre-law fraternity) 

Can talk more about: Internships, Federal Work Study, adjusting to city life, scheduling / organization

Jack Bentley

Email: jbentley23@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major: Business Administration and Math (double degree)

Minor: Philosophy

Can talk more about: anything about freshman student life, music, video games; also, I can talk more about the Philosophy Club, and my experience as a Copy Editor at Current Magazine, and Web & Content Editor at Poptized Magazine

Jack Conway

Email: jconway11@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Majors: Political Science and Finance .

Honors Housing: West Hall Freshman Year

Can talk more about: Double majoring across schools. I can also talk about what it is like to live in West Hall.

Jennifer Schoppman

Email: jenschoppmann@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Psychology

Extra-Curriculars: Mock Trial

Can talk more about: Pre-law, mock trial, LGBT issues, mental health resources, coffee spots in DC (very important), the DC food scene.

Jo Evard

Email: jse@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Peace Studies and Political Science

Minor: Sustainability

Honors Housing: Lived in West Hall this year and will be living on the District floor next year!

Research experience: I did a Research Assistantship about climate change and its impact on companies with Sanjay Patnaik last semester 

Can talk more about: Transitioning from different academic environments, LGBTQ+ community presence on campus, political atmosphere on campus, opportunities available to honors students, the general atmosphere of both GW and the UHP, tips for living in West Hall, the pros and cons of the dining plan, cooking with dietary restrictions, general DC activities, and anything to do with my majors! 

Jonas Pearce

Email: jspearce@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: Political Communications

Can talk more about: I love advising all things school related- especially integrating into the GW community. Being from Utah, I understand how crazy a transition it can be to be from living in your parents house to being with 3 other people in DC.

Jordan Bachman

Email: jordanbachman@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Political Science, French

Extra-Curriculars: STAR Tour Guide, Executive Recruitment Board for Kappa Alpha Theta

Can talk more about: Adjusting to life away from home (especially for students not from the East Coast), finding a community, time management/balance 

Lilly Swank

Email: alexandralswank@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: International Affairs and Economics 

Extra-Curriculars: Rookie Chair on the Women’s Club Rugby Team, Brother in Alpha Phi Omega community service frat 

Can talk more about: (Considering) changing majors, LGBT issues, adjusting to life in DC from suburbs, exploring student orgs, mental health support, finding the cheapest food on and off campus (vital)

Liz Szafranski

Email: eszafranski@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major: Geography and Biology

Research experience: I do research in the geography department studying Siberian informal road network changes and threats

Can talk more about: I took a gap year before starting college and worked for the Americorps. I’m passionate about sustainability, food systems, climate justice, plants, and anything to do with the outdoors and nature. I also volunteer as an EMT with GW EMeRG, and I am a guide with GW TRAiLS

Mary Oehler

Email: moehler@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major(s): Archaeology and Biological Anthropology

Minor: Classics (potentially)

Study abroad: Summer excavations to Ireland (4 weeks) and Israel (6 weeks)

Honors Housing: West Hall (first-year housing) and District (upper-level housing)

Can talk more about: Taking classes off-campus (i.e. at the Smithsonians), my experience in a professional Anthropology Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Theta (social sorority, where I’m in charge of education workshops), and volunteering at the National Museum of Natural History. 

Matthew Stauder 

Email: mstauder@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: BA – International Affairs (International Development); BS – Economics

Extra-Curriculars: March for Our Lives GW, GW Interfaith Council; off-campus faith-based organization, homeless outreach

Can talk more about: Four-Year Planning, choosing Honors Classes/Professors and creating a schedule, GW student life, greater DC engagement

Megan Greenstein

Email: megangreenstein@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Major(s): Political Communication

Minor(s): Art History, Philosophy

Study Abroad: GW Global Bachelor’s Program – Queen’s University Belfast, Bond University – Australia

Extra-Curriculars: DC Through a Lens (photography org), Philosophy Club, Wooden Teeth (literary magazine)

Can talk more about: Global Bachelor’s Program, Four-Year Planning, applying to the SMPA, Origins / Philosophy, studying abroad, the honors program community (the best thing about GW!) 

Meilian Kurlas

Email: mkurlas@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Biomedical Engineering

Extra-Curriculars: Engineers without Borders, George Hacks, Cherry Tree, SEASSPAN mentor, Clark Scholars program

Can talk more about: STEM majors/programs, taking honors courses as a STEM student, stepping out of your shell in college as an introvert

Mikaila Loughlin

Email: loughlinm2024@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: Psychology & Cognitive Neuroscience

Minor: Sociology & Criminal Justice

Can talk more about: answering questions about the uhp, helping construct four-year plans, chatting with prospective and incoming uhp-ers, giving advice/input regarding courses and professors, and being a friendly face you can come to with any questions whatsoever 🙂

Morgan Drake

Email: mgdrake19@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Major: Nutrition Science (Pre-Med)

Minor: Public Health

Research experience: Nutrition Education, Health Policy research, Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, chronic disease, HIV, and public health broadly; FIESTA4HOPE 

Extra-Curriculars: Pi Beta Phi Vice President of Member Experience; One Tent Health volunteer; Little Friends for Peace volunteer; GW American Medical Women’s Association Advisory Committee; GW student admissions 

Can talk more about: Contract courses, pre-health track, course planning

Nicky Cacchione (Peer Advisor Leader) 

Email: nickycacchione@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major: International Business

Minors: Spanish & Philosophy

Study abroad: Buenos Aires Argentina for half a semester (this semester)

Honors Housing: Didn’t live in Honors Housing, but was a Vernie! 

Can talk more about: Internships/career goals, financial aid, GWSB, and mentorship experience in the UHP Peer Advising program, Beta Theta Pi, and the First Year Development Program in the School of Business. 

Nina Bell

Email: ninabell@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: Neuroscience

Minor: Biology

Research experience: Research Assistant studying the vestibular system in the Neurology Department at GW SMHS 

Honors Housing: West Hall, District House

Extra-Curriculars: Alpha Chi Sigma (chemistry fraternity) (Social Chair), First-Gen United (Peer Mentor), Biology Learning Assistant, Nu Rho Psi, Red Cross volunteer, hospital volunteer

Can talk more about: Pre-Health, Four Year Planning, STEM research, finding balance

Parker Blackwell

Email: Pblackwell33@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Major: Archaeology and Classical and Near Eastern Studies

Research experience: Completed independent research on Global Art Crimes in in Fall 2021 and currently researching illicit Antiquity trade in Africa

Honors Housing: I lived in West Hall my freshman year and loved it. I was very close with the people on my floor, and when the weather was nice, I’d do as much of my homework outside as possible.

Extra-Curriculars: Member of Delta Iota Gamma (Archaeology fraternity), Student Rights and Responsibilities Panelist, Member Eta Sigma Phi (Classics Honors Society)

Can talk more about: Exploring student orgs, utilizing advisors and making the most of office hours, and the self-discipline of self-care

Perry Santos

Email: perrysantos@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Major: Political Science & English

Research experience: research assistantship through the UHP

Extra-Curriculars: GW Philippine Cultural Society (Administrative Officer), GW Funkers A Cappella, CCAS 1001 (Peer Mentor/Teaching Assistant)

Tommy Naum

Email: nauma2@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major: Biology (Molecular)

Minor: Philosophy

Can talk more about: Anything pre-med/STEM-related, adjusting to a city campus, UHP classes, finding extracurriculars that mesh with your interests, applying for org executive boards/internships/volunteer opportunities, and learning to organize a balanced college schedule (academically and socially).