91ÁÔÆæ

Coming up in the Honors College

• 09/04: Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement Co-Curricular Programs Fair
• 09/05: Grand Challenges Forum: Joshua Ellis, M.D., MPH (’12)
• 09/05: Honors Organizations Fair
• 09/07: Honors Ambassadors Application Deadline

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ANNOUNCEMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES    

Grand Challenges Forum
The New Grand Challenges Forum encourages students to think critically, discuss openly and learn unequivocally. The New Grand Challenges Forum offers students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the local community a time to hear a wide range of lectures dedicated to a compelling theme. Fridays from 1-2 p.m. in the Honors College Commons.

Friday, September 5, 2025 
Joshua Ellis, M.D., MPH (’12) Attending Faculty Physician and Clerkship Director of
Emergency Medicine at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
"When Every Second Counts: Lessons from the ER and the Journey to Becoming a Healer" *This talk will take place in CEMO Hall

Friday, September 19, 2025 
Paul Carrese, Ph.D. Founding Director, School of Economic and Civic Thought and Leadership
"Civic Education for Our Constitutional Order"

Friday, October 24, 2025 
Robert Proctor, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Connecticut College 
"Cicero’s Rhetoric, Political Violence, and the Collapse of the Roman Republic" 

Friday, November 7, 2025 
Robert Satcher, M.D., Ph.D. Former NASA Astronaut
Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedical Oncology,
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
"Space Exploration, Space Tourism, and the Future of Space Travel"

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Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement Co-Curricular Programs
Learn about programs and plan your academic career as part of the the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement (HCCE) on Thursday, Sept. 4  from 4-6 p.m. in the Student Center South Ballroom. All students of all majors are invited. 

Chance to win door prizes including a $200 gift card!
Follow @uh_hcce on Instagram to learn more about Co-Curricular Programs at UH

Honors Organizations Fair
Join us this Friday, Sept. 5th in the Honors College Commons at 2 p.m. for the Honors Student Organization Fair! Come meet student orgs like the  Honors Ambassadors, Debate Team, Honors Theatre, Honors Mentors and so many more! Whether you're new or looking to get more involved, this is your chance to connect, explore, and find your place in the Honors community.

Honors Ambassador Application
The application to join the 2025-2026 Honors Ambassadors cohort is now open!. Honors Ambassadors promote the Honors College in a variety of ways, including organizing and assisting with events such as college fairs, college tours and Open Houses. They also represent the Honors College at Cougar Preview and help guide incoming students during the Scholars Invitational.

Learn more at: To apply complete and submit all supplemental documents requested by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Sept 7, 2025. Late and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Learning Abroad Fair
Who’s abroad? Coogs abroad! Now’s the time to start planning your summer or semester abroad and find the program that fits your academic goals. With Learning Abroad, you can earn course credit, stay on track to graduate, and explore the world at the same time. Stop by on Wednesday, September 10 in the Houston Room, Student Center South
from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. No registration required.

WCL Internship Application for Fall 2025
Each semester, the World Cultures and Literatures (WCL) program awards at least THREE scholarships supporting students to do internships at a cultural institution in Houston. Scholarships will carry an award of $1000.00 to support an 8-10 week internship during the Fall or Spring semester. Students who have demonstrated interest and achievement in World Cultures and Literature's Program coursework as well as continued interest in matters related to language, literature, art, culture, and film are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have taken a WCL course or will be enrolled in a WCL course for the upcoming semester.

by September 10, 2025. Notifications of the scholarship award and internship assignment will be made by the following week. Contact Mohan Ambikaipaker at mambikai@central.uh.edu for more information

ALL-ACCESS MEETING: PURSUING THE MD/PHD TRACK
Honors students interested in combining a passion for medicine with scientific research are invited to explore the MD/PhD track during a virtual session hosted by the Council on Honors Education (CoHE) on Thursday, September 11 at 4 p.m. This panel discussion will feature a leading MD/PhD researcher and recent CoHE honors alumni currently in or recently graduated from top MD/PhD programs. They will discuss the application process, compare the MD/PhD experience with traditional medical school, offer strategies for financing the program, and outline career opportunities in academia, the NIH, and the pharmaceutical/biotech industries. The session will be moderated by Dr. Alexander J. Lazar, Professor of Pathology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and will include an open Q&A . CLICK ON LINK TO JOIN THIS VIRTUAL MEETING

Getting Started in Research Webinar
Learn the ins and outs of applying to undergraduate research programs offered by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards in this webinar presented by Livia Garza and Katie Welsh of OURMA! Registration is required, .
Dates:
ʉۢ September 16, 2025 at 4-5 p.m.
ʉۢ September 26, 2025 at 2-3 p.m.

Applying to Ph.D. Programs in STEM Webinar w/ Dr. Richard Meisel
Learn how you can prepare for and apply to graduate programs in the life sciences and STEM with appication expert Dr. Richard Meisel, associate professor in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry. Registration is required, .
Webinar will take place on September 19, 2025 at 2-3 p.m.

The Houston Undergraduate Law Review - Become a Staff Writer
The Houston Undergraduate Law Review is now accepting applications for Staff Writers for the 2025-2026 school year! As the 91ÁÔÆæ’s premier undergraduate law review, the Houston Undergraduate Law Review accepts students of all majors interested in legal research and discussion to publish in the print and online journal. Writers will form a strong foundation to launch themselves into competitive research programs, build an understanding of the academic legal research process, discuss legal developments, grow technical writing skills, and create connections with professors and peers at UH and the law center.

Applications are open until September 21, 2025. . If you have any questions, please email us at hulrsecretary@gmail.com

Join the UH Policy Debate Team 
The Houston Policy Debate Team is now recruiting new members! Join the team and win arguments the smart way!
 
No experience needed, and open to all undergraduate students of all majors. Learn skills that last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just curious, there's a place for you here. Learn more at: If you are ready to apply, by October 15, 2025.

Or contact Dr. Garner (ragarne2@central.uh.edu) about taking the Debating Policy course –Debating Policy - HON 4397-01 (21822) Wed. 4-5 p.m. this semester!

Fly Your Experiment to 10,000 Feet - Space City Rocketry, UH
The Space City Rocketry team at the 91ÁÔÆæ is recruiting new payload leads for the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) Payload Challenge at the 2026 Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC). They are seeking STEM researchers with project ideas that could benefit from rocket testing. Whether it is a sensor prototype, material test, biological experiment, or a novel recovery system - if it can fit in 4-5 lbs. and survive flight, it's a candidate! If you have an experiment idea or want to discuss possibilities, complete the linked form or send a description of your scientific or technical objectives to aiaacoogs.uh@gmail.com.

Volunteer for Project Sunshine!
Project Sunshine is a national nonprofit organization aiming to deliver the healing power of play to children with medical needs. At the 91ÁÔÆæ, our chapter proudly partners with local hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, such as Texas Children's and Ronald McDonald House, to facilitate passionate, dedicated, and capable volunteers and provide meaningful volunteer experiences.

Volunteers will have various opportunities, including Here to Play, a program where volunteers will be given the opportunity to gain in-hospital volunteer experience with the children. The UH chapter will also participate in various different activities such as Kits for Play, where volunteers come together and assemble fun, hands-on activity kits that are later distributed to children in hospitals. More opportunities to come!

Please visit our website at for more information, and contact us at: uhprojectsunshine@gmail.com

Fall 2025 LAUNCH Services
The Learning Advancements for Undergraduate Cougars of Houston (LAUNCH) office is offering several back-to-school services during the fall 2025 semester. Located on the second floor of the Student Service Center 1 building, LAUNCH will offer peer tutoring beginning the first week of classes, along with peer-assisted study sessions for select STEM and business courses. LAUNCH also offers academic coaching on subjects such as time management and test anxiety reduction, with appointments available through the UH Navigate app. Additionally, LAUNCH is hosting a Math Mania workshop series and a success series this fall. Visit the to learn more, and email with any questions.

Foundations in Digital Humanities - Undergraduate Micro-credential
This micro-credential in the Digital Humanities program introduces students to the concepts and competencies that are core to digital humanities work, preparing students to plan and implement their own project or participate in an ongoing digital humanities research project. This program is available to active 91ÁÔÆæ undergraduate students interested in research or with an idea that incorporates an element of digital scholarship. Students who complete the Micro-credential in the Digital Humanities badges gain access to the full range of services and infrastructure offered by the Digital Humanities Core facility and become part of growing cohorts supported by the HPE DSI and UH Libraries, aimed at nurturing new research and scholarship. For more information, contact dhcf@central.uh.edu.

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TRAVEL & SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Interested in teaching English or conducting a research project abroad for a year? Consider applying to the Fulbright US Student Program! to schedule an appointment to discuss more.

2026 Schwarzman Scholars
Schwarzman Scholars is a fully-funded, one-year master's degree and leadership program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. The curriculum is focused on three multidisciplinary pillars: Leadership, China, and Global Affairs. Once completed, all Scholars receive a Master's Degree in Global Affairs. Schwarzman Scholars receive a world-class education through interactions with foreign ministers, political leaders, cultural luminaries, and entrepreneurs. Eligible applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in any field by August 2026, be 18-28 years of age, and possess English proficiency. Submisson deadline is September 10, 2025 at 2 p.m. CST. Program dates are August 2026 - 2027

2026-2027 Luce Scholars Program
The Luce Scholars Program is a yearlong opportunity for emerging leaders to deepen their
ties and understanding of Asia's countries, cultures, and people. The 13-month-long program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Northeast, Southeast, or South Asia. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and graduating seniors, recent graduates, or young professionals. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent by the start of the Luce Scholars orientation in late June. Submission deadline is September 15, 2025. Program dates: June 2026 - July 2027

EIT Graduate Research Projects at the University of Oxford
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Provides fully-funded doctoral (DPhil/PhD) study at the University of Oxford, where students directly contribute to progressing an EIT project. Spanning AI, Generative Biology, Pathogens, Chemical Biology, Economics, Correlates of Immunity and Plant Biology, tackle global challenges through cutting-edge technology, offering graduate students the chance to collaborate with world-leading experts to develop innovative solutions. Submission deadline is October 1, 2025 (First Rolling Deadline) Learn more and apply at:

2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars is a multidisciplinary, multicultural graduate scholarship program at Stanford University, where each scholar received up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies in any of Stanford's seven schools. Scholars form a supportive community with one another while engaging in experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world. To be eligible for the 2026 application cycle, applicants must be concurrently or have preemptively applied and be accepted/enrolled in a full-time Stanford graduate degree program, and have earned a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing in January 2019 or later. Learn more and apply at: Submission deadline is October 8, 2025 at 3 p.m. CST

2026 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans provides merit-based funding for New Americans, immigrants and children of immigrants, who are poised to make significant contributions to US culture, society, and academia. The fellowship offers recipients up to $90,000 towards their graduate education over the course of one to two years, including tuition and a stipend to the Fellow, and entry into the lifelong alumni community. To apply, applicants must be 30 years old or younger, planning to start or continue an eligible graduate or professional degree program in the U.S. in the 2026-2027 academic year, and be a New American. about what qualifies for the New American status. Deadline to apply is October 30, 2025 at 1 p.m. CST

Princeton in Asia Fellowship
Princeton in Asia fosters mutual appreciation and cross-cultural understanding between the United States and Asia through immersive work fellowships in host organizations and communities. As of now, 60 fellowships in 16 countries and regions are anticipated for the 2026 cycle. College seniors, recent graduates, and candidates with master's degrees are encouraged to apply for a 2026 PiA fellowship starting August 27, 2025. Virtual information session details can be found on the Submission Deadline is November 1, 2025

2026-2027 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals Program
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals is a year-long fellowship funded by the German Bundestag (parliament) and the U.S. Congress. For over 40 years, the CBYX program has provided participants the opportunity to study and work in Germany. Participants will live in Germany attending language school, taking university or trade/technical classes, and completing an internship in their prospective career field. Applicants for the Young Professionals program must be U.S. citizens, 18.5 – 24 years old, have a high school diploma, and should have clear career goals and some relevant work experience in their desired career field. Interested students will need to request an application to confirm their eligibility. Submission deadline is November 1, 2025

The Lafayette Fellowship
Marking the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence and in celebration of French-American friendship, the Lafayette Fellowship will fund one year of master’s level study in France for up to 30 outstanding American students. The initiative partners with 15 of the top French higher education institutions that offer programs across STEM, humanities and social sciences, and arts disciplines, either in French or entirely in English. Additionally, fellows will participate in the French-American Leadership Program, an immersive leadership development experience, and receive a €1,500 monthly stipend along with coverage of other program-related costs. Applicants must be 27 years old or younger and possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.7 GPA. The awarding of the scholarship is conditional upon admission to one of the partner institutions. by November 30, 2025 at 10:59 pm CST

2026 Carnegie Mellon University Rales Fellows Program
The Carnegie Mellon University Rales Fellows Program is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of STEM leaders and drive innovation by increasing access to a life-changing graduate education. Over 100 graduate STEM programs at Carnegie Mellon University are eligible for this program, which supports both master’s and Ph.D. students. Fellows receive tuition and a stipend for up to two years of their admitted graduate program. In addition to the financial award, Fellows benefit from personalized career advising, mentorship, and leadership development. Eligible Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient, be pursuing an eligible graduate (master's or Ph.D.) in a STEM discipline at CMU, and received a Federal Pell Grant or need-based financial aid as an undergraduate, or are a first-generation college student. by December 15, 2025 at 10:59 pm CST

2026 FAPSE Journalism Program
The Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FAPSE) Journalism program is a fully-funded, two-week fellowship program in professional ethics and ethical leadership that approaches the study of professional ethics by examining the actions and choices of German and international journalists in covering and enabling Nazi policies. The program takes place in Germany and Poland at the sites of Nazi history, allowing Fellows to benefit from the power of the place and immersive, contextual learning. All program costs are covered, including travel, lodging, and food. Eligible applicants must possess an undergraduate degree and has experience or plans to work as a journalist. by January 4, 2026 at 10:59 pm CST

2026 Truman Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. An eligible applicant must be a full-time junior-level student at a four-year institution pursuing a bachelor's degree during the 2025-2026 academic year, in the upper quarter of their class, and a U.S. citizen. A competitive applicant has an extensive record of public and community service, has outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, and is committed to a career in government or elsewhere in public service, as defined by the Foundation. Applications must be submitted as a campus nomination - please contact Dr. Ben Rayder (btrayder@central.uh.edu) if you are interested in applying for this scholarship. Submission Deadline is February 3, 2026

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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Research for Aspiring Coogs in the Humanities (REACH) Program
REACH is a year-long introductory research program where students in humanities disciplines connect with existing research projects at the 91ÁÔÆæ. From October 2025 to May 2026, students will participate in a minimum of 6-7 hours of research activity per week and attend OURMA webinars and bi-monthly check-ins. REACH participants receive a $1,500 scholarship split between the fall and spring semesters and three points towards the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement transcript designation. Learn more and APPLY HERE. Deadline to apply is September 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity - Åžen Lab, UH Biology and Biochemistry
The Åžen Lab has openings for volunteer and paid College Work-Study positions available and is looking for motivated sophomore and junior undergraduates to explore the molecular motions of biomolecules using a mix of unconventional and and cutting-edge tools. Students will have the chance to build a strong foundation in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-performance computing, quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, and thermochemistry - while turning your research into a senior thesis and scientific manuscript. Majors in computer science, physics, electrical and computer engineering, or mechanical engineering are a great fit, along with students who are comfortable with Linux OS and excited to learn interdisciplinary approaches to biological questions. Interested students can email an unofficial transcript and a brief (max. half-page) statement of purpose describing their motivation and future goals to Dr. Mehmet Åžen (msen@uh.edu). Learn more about the Lab here:

Community Health Promotion Lab Internship
The Community Health Promotion Lab conducts several research projects aimed at promoting health, well-being, and health equity, with a focus on diverse communities. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Craig Johnston (Associate Professor), Dr. Tracey Ledoux (Associate Professor), and Dr. Aliye Cepni (Research Assistant Professor). Duties include attending weekly research meetings, maintaining regular communication with study participants, and assisting with data collection and entry. Exceptional interns may have the opportunity to contribute to peer-reviewed journal manuscripts and scientific conference abstracts. To be eligible, you must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and ability to commit 6-8 hours per week during 2025 fall semester.

Complete application form at: Application closes September 5, 2025

2025 IFoRE Virtual Conference - Call for Submissions
The 2025 International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE) is accepting submissions for the virtual conference's student research competition. Students are encouraged, but not required, to connect their research to the conference theme, "Science and Society: Crafting a Vision for a Sustainable Tomorrow." Students must submit a short video, a slideshow, and an abstract, along with participating in a Zoom meeting with judges before the conference. Accepted submitters are required to register for the conference to confirm their participation. Submission Deadline is September 5, 2025. The conference will run from October 30 - November 1, 2025. Learn more and

Undergraduate Research Opportunity - Vicens Lab, UH Biology and Biochemistry
The Lab of Dr. Vicens is seeking a highly motivated undergraduate researcher to join a dynamic team focused on advancing computational approaches in structural biology. Their work leverages cutting-edge AI, including deep learning and diverse neural networks, for RNA structure prediction and design. This researcher will develop AI models, manage computational pipelines, assist with maintaining lab workstations, and collaborate with lab members on research projects and data analysis. This position is paying $13/hr for 12-15 hrs/wk. Applicants must have a strong foundation in computer science, bioinformatics, or a related skill. Two years of computer science experience with a focus on AI-based strategies is preferred. To apply, email both Dr. Quentin Vicens (qvicens@central.uh.edu) and Dr. Nivedita Dutta (ndutta2@central.uh.edu) with a cover letter and attached CV. Learn more about the Vicens Lab HERE, submission deadline is September 15, 2025.

Undergraduate Research Intern Opportunity - UH-Sequencing Core
The UH-Sequencing Core is seeking interns to assist in their research that focuses on the intersection of cancer genomics and immunology, with a focus on the discovery of cancer-specific neoantigens arising from gene fusions and other tumor-specific alterations. Interns joining the team will gain experience in both bioinformatic analysis and molecular biology techniques, contributing to translational research that advances our understanding of tumor-immune interactions and informs the development in next-generation cancer treatments. This position expects 20 hrs/wk. Applicants must major in biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology. To apply, please send an email of interest to Dr. Preethi Gunaratne (phgunara@central.uh.edu) that includes research interests and a resume. Learn more about the UH Sequenceing Core Lab , submission deadline is October 31, 2025.

Undergraduate Researcher - UH Biomedical Engineering Lab Position
KumarLab is a dynamic lab investigating peptide-hydrogel (biomaterial/drug) therapeutics from design (computational) to in vitro and in vivo studies. The lab is seeking dedicated and reliable undergraduate research students, including freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, who are interested in translational research, particularly computational AI/ML and in silico tools for drug design and pre-clinical animal studies. The students will be required to learn computational and molecular design software packages, assist with a range of chemical synthesis and molecular binding to cell culture studies, or be trained and assist with specific animal surgeries and care of the animals. The expected workload is 9-12 hrs/wk. Contact Dr. Vivek Kumar (vkumar24@cougarnet.uh.edu) with any questions and to apply.

Cancer Metabolism/Chemical Proteomics Research Assistant
Dr. Thomas Hanigan is looking for undergraduate students to conduct research at the intersection of cancer biology, metabolism, and drug discovery. The research focuses on investigating enzymes involved in inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) and their role in cancer, to develop selective, first-in-class inhibitors. Students will gain experience in chemical proteomics, medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry techniques. Students should dedicate at least two afternoons per week (preferably consecutive), amounting to at least 10 hours per week in the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, students are expected to continue research during the summer (8 weeks) and are encouraged to apply for PURS/SURF funding. To apply, send a single PDF file containing a cover letter, CV, and reference information from a lab/course instructor to (thanigan@central.uh.edu).