By Sloane Barlow
The Honors Research Scholars Program provides early research opportunities to Honors College students. Funded primarily through donor support, these scholars serve as research assistants to faculty mentors in every field around Michigan State’s campus.
“The Honors College at MSU is really a leader in the undergraduate research space,” said Assistant Dean Justin Micomonaco in a previous interview. “Nearly 70% of our students participate in undergraduate research before they graduate.”
These research scholars are making impactful contributions to their fields of study while continuously learning. From engineering to human medicine to sustainability, these students are building strong futures on campus.
Reshaping transportation of the future
For international student Dhruv Kekin Toprani, the Honors Research Scholars Program opened doors to make his aspirations a reality.
“Being surrounded by driven peers and dedicated faculty gave me the confidence to take on serious research as an undergraduate,” Toprani said. “It created a space where curiosity wasn’t just encouraged – it was expected.”
Toprani is a third-year Honors student from Dubai studying computer engineering and electrical engineering, with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation.
This past academic year, he worked as a Wielenga Research Scholar at the MSU Smart Sensing Lab with faculty research mentor Daniel Morris, an associate professor in the College of Engineering. In Morris’ lab, Toprani researched autonomous race cars and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in order to develop safer, smarter systems.
“The Honors College has been pivotal throughout this journey,” Toprani said. “It opened doors that are the most commonly found challenges for undergraduate students: funding, mentorship, and most importantly, a culture of ambition.”
Toprani plans to continue his research journey as a graduate student with a focus on autonomy, robotics, and computer vision systems, to help build systems that are both “socially responsible and human-aware”.
Empowering renewable energy projects
For Daniel Horowitz, the Honors College is a launchpad for numerous undergraduate research opportunities, starting with Honors Research Scholars.
“The Honors College has provided me with invaluable opportunities for research, mentorship, and growth, and I am profoundly grateful for the donors who have made this journey possible,” Horowitz said.
Horowitz, a third-year Honors student from Chicago, is studying applied engineering sciences and pursuing three minors: energy, business, and environmental studies and sustainability.
As an undergraduate team lead in MSU’s Energy Values Lab, Horowitz developed a passion for creating innovative and efficient solutions to make renewable energy transition more attainable. With the help of faculty research mentor Doug Bessette, an associate professor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Horowitz built a database of opposition and support for renewable energy projects.
“By shedding light on the often-overlooked challenge of local organized opposition to these projects, our research aims to empower key stakeholders to address these concerns more effectively and accelerate the adoption of renewables,” Horowitz said.
With the support of the Honors Research Scholars Program – and more specifically, as a Karen and Sarah Evans Scholar – Horowitz was part of publishing Energy Values Lab’s first journal article. In addition, he delivered an MSU Ignite Talk, and presented at research symposiums UURAF and MidSURE.
Donors provide direct funding for scholars
The Honors Research Scholars Program also contains specific funds, created by donors, that support different groups of scholars. These funds include the Wielenga Research Scholars, the Schoenl Research Scholars Addressing Dire Needs Overseas, and the Maguire Research Scholars.
Every $4,200 funds a new research position, supporting a student for 10 hours of paid work each week during the school year.
In just one year, student Dora Lei has already made extensive contributions to her field of study with the support of the Wielenga Research Scholars.
“This program was by far the most real and impactful step in not only introducing, but really immersing me in the world of research, and I am eternally grateful for all the lessons I was able to learn,” Lei said.
Lei, a fourth-year Honors College student from Rochester Hills, Mich., is studying human biology with a minor in integrated learning. She is the chief operations officer of the Student Papers in Academic Research Collaborative, MSU’s student-run research journal.
This past year, Lei spent her time as a Wielenga Scholar working in a clinical study with faculty research mentor Jill Slade, an associate professor in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. In this study, Lei researched the health outcomes of prescribed exercise on hypertension and cardiovascular health in post-menopausal females.
“I am excited to have the privilege of serving as an advocate for undergraduate research and creative expression through my many involvements on campus, which I would not be able to continue without the tremendous kindness of support from Dr. Wielenga and the opportunities that the Honors College has provided every step of my undergraduate career,” Lei said.
Click here to fuel student discovery and make an immediate impact on the Honors Research Scholars Program.