蘑菇短视频

The third annual CATALYST: Summer Research and Leadership Program welcomed 18 incoming 蘑菇短视频students representing a variety of academic majors and interests.

A collaborative initiative between the Office of Research Administration and the Brinson Honors College, CATALYST introduces students to the transformative power of undergraduate research and leadership,  two touchstones of the Honors College experience.

Created three years ago through the vision and leadership of Suzanne Melton, program director, and Jill Granger, dean of the Brinson Honors College, CATALYST was designed to help students discover opportunities for academic exploration while building confidence, leadership skills, and meaningful connections before their first semester begins. Through interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and hands-on research resource experiences, the program inspires students to see themselves as future scholars, leaders, and innovators.

Building Connections and Community

The three-and-a-half-day program, held June 23 to 26, 2026, began with icebreakers and community-building activities that helped students connect with one another and form friendships.

The opening keynote address was delivered by Patrice Brown, assistant professor in the College of Fine and Performing Arts. Brown shared her personal academic journey, discussing both the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way. She also provided students with a unique perspective on what research can look like within the arts, broadening their understanding of the many ways research and leadership can intersect across disciplines.

Throughout the program, students participated in sessions focused on self-advocacy, networking, and professional development. These discussions equipped students with practical strategies for navigating college and building relationships with faculty mentors. Networking lunches and dinners brought students together with former participants, researchers, faculty members, and alumni from across the institution, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about academic and professional success.

The program also emphasized the importance of balance and well-being. Informal game nights gave students an opportunity to relax, have fun, and strengthen connections with their peers.

Learning Through Hands-On Research Resources 

The second day of the program focused on immersive experiences designed to introduce students to undergraduate research across multiple disciplines.

Students attended a session led by Honors Advisor Colin Townsend, who explained the value of honors contracts and demonstrated how office hours can help students build relationships with faculty and discover research opportunities. Participants then visited the Belk Building, where they explored engineering technologies and learned about equipment available to students, including advanced design and manufacturing tools.

At Hunter Library, assistant professor and librarian Josh Rakower guided students through an interactive tour highlighting the library's extensive research resources. Rakower kept students engaged by sharing stories of local cryptids and demonstrating how library resources can support investigations into a wide range of topics and interests.

Students also explored the role of research in business through a hands-on laboratory experience in Forsyth. There, they learned about ethical applications of artificial intelligence and how emerging technologies can be used to analyze trends and support informed decision-making.

One of the day鈥檚 highlights was a campus hike with a discussion led by graduate student Jordan Daniels, who facilitated a conversation surrounding WCU鈥檚 Forensic Osteology Research Station (FOREST). Daniels, a recent 蘑菇短视频graduate now pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in biology, emphasized his research on human DNA recovery and engaged students in a discussion about forensic science, answering questions about the field and the role of biological research in forensic investigations.

Exploring Research in Health Sciences

The final day of CATALYST began with a session highlighting study abroad opportunities before students boarded the Cat Tram and traveled to the Health and Human Sciences Building.

There, Brian Byrd, professor of epidemiology, led an interactive laboratory experience focused on mosquito surveillance and public health research. Students gained firsthand experience using microscopes to identify mosquito species and observe different stages of mosquito development. The activity provided a glimpse into the fieldwork and laboratory analysis conducted by Byrd and his student researchers.

The experience illustrated how scientific research can have a direct impact on public health and gave students a deeper appreciation for the investigative process that drives discovery and innovation.

Looking Ahead

As the program came to a close, Byrd left students with a powerful question: 鈥淲hat is a catalyst for you?鈥� The question encouraged participants to reflect on their future goals, the opportunities available to them, and the steps they can take to achieve success.

For many students, the program's impact was both immediate and meaningful.

Beyond introducing participants to research opportunities and leadership development, CATALYST helped students build confidence and form connections that will support them throughout their college careers.

Incoming Honors student Ava Shadick reflected on the value of the experience:

鈥淭he CATALYST program provides an excellent opportunity for incoming freshmen to build meaningful connections with faculty, become familiar with valuable campus resources, and thrive both academically and personally.鈥�

For Jax Marsh, the program highlighted both the challenges and rewards that lie ahead:

鈥淢y biggest takeaway from CATALYST is that the Honors College is going to be a challenge, but one that benefits me along the journey. I've already found friends within the Honors College, and we will be able to help each other succeed in college as well as be there for each other when things get tough. I believe that all of us will come out of those situations more knowledgeable and stronger than before.鈥�

Similarly, incoming Honors student Kati Chalecki shared how the program reshaped her expectations of college life.

鈥淏efore experiencing CATALYST, I thought I was going to be alone for all four years of college and that I'd be afraid to ask for help," she said. 鈥淎fter meeting so many intelligent people my age and talking with future professors, I learned just how wrong I was.鈥�

Although the three-day program ended with heartfelt goodbyes, the connections formed and lessons learned will continue long after the experience concludes. Students left CATALYST with new friendships, valuable relationships, and a deeper understanding of how leadership and undergraduate research can shape their academic journeys.

For these 18 incoming students, CATALYST was more than an introduction to college; it was the spark that ignited a passion for discovery, growth, and possibility. Through research, leadership development, mentorship, and community-building, participants gained tools that will help them succeed at 蘑菇短视频and beyond. 

As they begin their first year on campus, they do so with curiosity, confidence, and a network of peers and mentors ready to support them every step of the way.