Honors Scholars Day highlights student research and achievement

Lamar University students showcased their research, creative projects and academic achievements during the 2026 Honors Scholars Day, hosted by the Reaud Honors College on Oct. 14 in the Setzer Student Center Ballroom.

The annual event drew more than 115 guests, including prospective honors students, university faculty, staff, students and industry and community partners.

"All six academic colleges were represented as student presenters shared a specific talk or hosted a booth in various disciplines," Dr. Tilisa Thibodeaux, dean of the Wayne A. Reaud Honors College said.

Projects spanned science, engineering, health care, technology, fine arts and public service, highlighting academic and extracurricular opportunities available to honors students.

Biology student Sneha Jobby presented research examining a potential pathway for preserving corneal nerve density, while Mary O'Malley discussed screening residual solvents in over-the-counter analgesics. Computer science student Nirbhik Neupane showcased "CloseGrade: AI Sales Coach," a project exploring applications of artificial intelligence in sales training.

Other projects addressed regional issues, including exercise science student Kayla McKinley's research on health care and housing resources in Southeast Texas and a digital repository of regional resiliency resources developed by Judson Ripper and Matthew Ard.

Students also highlighted experiential learning opportunities, including academic experiences in Taiwan, medical and dental service-learning trips, participation in the National Model United Nations program in New York City and study abroad in Italy.

This year's event also introduced the Outstanding Presenter Awards, recognizing Alexey Soukhodolets, a biology and pre-medicine student; Layali Abusaleh, a chemical engineering student; and Jobby, a biology and pre-optometry student.

"This year was our first time to award three students as 'best presenters' for their dynamic and interactive discussions," Thibodeaux said.

Soukhodolets presented a review of modern immunotherapies, while Abusaleh discussed her undergraduate research experience in a presentation titled "From the Lab to the Podium."

In addition to individual research, the event featured student organizations and leadership programs, including the Reaud Leadership Institute, Honors Student Association, Lamar University Hispanic Society and Circle K International.

Honors Scholars Day provides an annual opportunity for students to share their academic work, develop presentation skills and engage with the university and surrounding community.

To learn more about the Reaud Honors College, visit https://www.lamar.edu/honors-college/.