"Mutually beneficial": Faculty mentors help grow student Honors Program

According to its webpage, the School of Public Health-Bloomington (SPH-B) Honors Program, "provides a rich college experience for motivated, academically talented, and engaged students." But what does that mean? What opportunities are available? Who can participate?

And—perhaps most importantly—why?

For Maresa Murray, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Applied Health Science, the answer is clear: "I love the way that this program is structured, so that self-motivated students can excel and explore their dreams."

That level of connection was critically important to both Dr. Murray and the SPH-B Honors Program student she first began mentoring in the months before COVID-19.

"Our relationship has remained a constant source of excitement and inspiration," she elaborates, "helping us stay connected in pursuit of her goal to reduce African American infant mortality rates as an obstetrician.

"This program has been absolutely wonderful!"

Zachary Schlader, associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology, notes that mentoring students in the Honors Program aligns perfectly with his goals as both a researcher and educator. 

"The mission of our lab is to elevate our trainees through research and education in environmental physiology," Dr. Schlader says, "and a goal of our lab is to open doors to new and exciting career prospects for students. This program is a perfect avenue to accomplish this mission, as students are bright and motivated to learn!"

Indeed, the SPH-B Honors Program requires rigorous academic work, a commitment to conduct research in cooperation with SPH-B faculty, and successful presentation of their research at a departmental open house or recognized conference. Benefits of the program include unique research opportunities, the development of leadership skills, growth through extracurricular service, and the nurturing of relationships with reputable researchers throughout the school. Graduates also receive an SPH-B Honors Program notation on their official IU transcript, as well as a graduation honor cord to wear and cherish.

While it is clear that both faculty and students benefit from connections forged in the SPH-B Honors Program, Marco Ajelli—professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics—perhaps puts it most succinctly: "Hosting SPH-B Honors Program students has been mutually beneficial. When undergraduate students conduct hands-on research, they are immersed in a collaborative environment that includes students, postdoctoral fellows, researchers, and faculty. This has greatly contributed to enhanced learning and improved opportunities for all."

The numbers don't lie: In spring 2024, about 20 program participants will graduate with an Honors Program notation on their transcript—up from a total of 17 in spring 2023.

Despite all their hard work and dedication in growing the SPH-B Honors Program each year, SPH-B leaders Kathy Finley and Angela Taylor are quick to express that the faculty-student partnerships formed in the program are integral to its success. The program promises students the opportunity to expand their knowledge, take on new challenges, broaden their horizons, and form important relationships. The participation of dedicated SPH-B researchers and educators is critical to its growth—and that growth shows no signs of slowing down.

For more stories about SPH-B student and faculty excellence, visit go.iu.edu/48bx.