Honors Students Take Learning to Next Level at Annual Research Conference

On Wednesday, April 29, Middlesex Community College hosted the 15th annual Commonwealth Honors Program (CHP) Research Conference. At the event, Middlesex honors students presented and discussed their research projects with the community.

“Opportunities like these are essential for developing presenting skills, especially for those planning to pursue research post-undergrad,” said Lorelei Donato, an MCC liberal studies student of Arlington. “I have struggled my whole life with public speaking and presenting so I appreciate any opportunity to improve. I also think it's incredibly beneficial to see the work of my peers, as I have gotten to know some of them through the honors program. It was very exciting and inspiring to see what they have been working so hard on.”

Donato presented on The Institution of Rowing: Examining Race Class and Gender. A Dual Enrollment student on her high school’s rowing team, her research was inspired by what she has experienced firsthand. In the honors program, she enjoys working with course content that is both challenging and engaging, as well as with professors who have helped develop her research and writing skills.

A paralegal studies student, of Lowell, Claude Msowoya believes the program offers many productive opportunities for learning, developing and growing. During the conference, he presented on “Apartheid, Segregation and Racism in Literature.” Passionate about the topic, he wrote a poem to share his personal story.

“I chose this topic specifically because I have experienced segregation in life – even in this day and age – but as an African I have always thought that literature has been a strong tool in fighting different sorts of oppression,” Msowoya said. “In the African political scene, a lot of writers have been exiled because they have used literature to fight wars that weapons cannot fight. These opportunities help propel student engagement as well as give us practical experience when it comes to presenting high level material in high-pressure scenarios.”

MCC’s CHP offers students the opportunity to work with dedicated faculty and participate in seminar-style classes to improve their research techniques and present their work. Through this experience, students attend special events and activities, while sharing ideas with peers, faculty and staff.

Required for every honors course, students are expected to present their research projects at a conference before graduating. After selecting a topic, students develop a research question and use both primary and secondary sources to guide their project. The goal is to hone students’ research, analysis and organization skills, according to Binnur Ercem, MCC’s Professor of Sociology & Cultural Anthropology and Director of the CHP.

“This event highlights the exceptional work our honors students have accomplished,” Ercem said. “It is an opportunity not only to recognize their achievements but also to foster a vibrant intellectual community where ideas can be exchanged and celebrated. We are proud to recognize the academic achievement, creativity, and intellectual curiosity of our honors students.”

Learn more about MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program.