Research Independence
Students develop research questions, evaluate sources, and establish evidence-based directions.
Mentorship · Honors
Honors Research & Mentorship
Supporting Independent Inquiry and Creative Exploration
Through Honors faculty mentorship, I support students in developing independent, research-driven projects that connect their academic interests with creative practice.
The emphasis is on student development: building the confidence and skills to investigate complex questions, take ownership of creative decisions, and communicate findings through meaningful outcomes.
01
My Approach to Honors Mentorship
My mentorship is grounded in individualized advising, research guidance, conceptual development, critique, and iterative feedback. I help students transform broad interests into focused research questions, identify appropriate methodologies, and establish meaningful project goals, then challenge assumptions and encourage experimentation as the work progresses.
As projects develop, I gradually shift from structured guidance to greater student ownership. Rather than providing solutions, I ask questions that encourage students to investigate alternatives, articulate their reasoning, and direct and evaluate their own work.
Students engage in an iterative process:
- 01Inquiry
- 02Research
- 03Experimentation
- 04Analysis
- 05Refinement
- 06Presentation
02
Student Development & Learning Outcomes
Honors mentorship supports four areas of student development:
Critical Inquiry
Students examine assumptions, synthesize information, and evaluate alternative approaches.
Creative Decision-Making
Students translate research into purposeful design strategies and independently refine their solutions.
Communication & Presentation
Students articulate their findings, explain their decisions, and present cohesive research or creative outcomes.
03
Selected Honors Student Work
The following projects demonstrate the range of independent inquiry and creative exploration supported through Honors mentorship. Students are credited as the creators of their work.
Misconceptions About User Experience Design and Why There Is No Universal Definition
Evan GallagherEvan investigated the evolving definition of user experience design and the misconceptions surrounding the role of the UX designer. His research examines UX research methods, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the relationship between design, technology, and human experience, ultimately arguing that effective UX is a collaborative process requiring researchers, designers, engineers, marketers, and other contributors.
Demonstrated Student Development
Demonstrated the ability to investigate competing definitions of UX, synthesize interdisciplinary perspectives, and communicate a research-supported argument.
SOUR: Artisanal Sourdough Bagels
Brooke SquicciariniBrooke developed a comprehensive brand identity and packaging system for SOUR, an artisanal sourdough bagel concept centered on natural, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. The project translates research, competitive analysis, and brand strategy into a cohesive visual system encompassing identity, typography, packaging, messaging, and detailed brand standards.
Demonstrated Student Development
Demonstrated the ability to connect research and competitive analysis with brand strategy, translating findings into a cohesive identity and packaging system.
EcoSpore: A Research-Driven Marketing Strategy and Regenerative Packaging System
Hannah KasprzakEcoSpore explores how design can address single-use waste in national parks through regenerative, mycelium-based packaging. The research-driven project combines sustainability and circular-design principles with market strategy, brand identity, product development, packaging prototypes, distribution, and a return system designed to return used packaging to the earth.
Demonstrated Student Development
Demonstrated the ability to investigate an environmental problem and integrate sustainability research, market strategy, and packaging innovation into a comprehensive design proposal.
04
Evidence of Mentorship & Impact
My contribution as a faculty mentor is individualized guidance: helping students refine questions, evaluate evidence, and test ideas through critique and revision. The research, design decisions, and finished work shown above belong to the students.
Together, these projects show students moving from guided learners to independent researchers and creative problem-solvers, practicing the research literacy, critical reflection, and creative judgment that prepare them for advanced academic work and professional design practice.
05
Honors Teaching & Mentorship Record
My Honors teaching contributions include Honors Capstone I, II, III, and Honors Forum. Across these courses, I provide individualized mentorship that supports students at different stages of their academic and creative development.
| Academic Year | Course | Mentorship Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 2020, 2021, 2023–2025 | Honors Capstone I, II & III (HON 400, 401, 402) | Individualized research and capstone development |
| 2020, 2021, 2023–2025 | Honors Forum | Presentation of capstone research |