Coming up in the Honors College

• NOW: Join the UH Policy Debate Team - All students of all majors!
• 10/10: Demystifying the Literature Review Webinar
• 10/14: Honors College Pitch Party - Learning Abroad/Away
• 10/30: GCF: Farfel Lecture Series featuring Steven Pinker

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

*Just added to the GCF*
Farfel Lecture Series featuring Steven Pinker
Join us for The Farfel Lecture Series featuring Steven Pinker, world-renowned
cognitive scientist & bestselling author. His  talk, “When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life,” will take place on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at Cullen Performance Hall.
*Reserve your FREE ticket now: https://cph.evenue.net/events/farfel-lecture-series

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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Book Launch
Professor Hayan Charara's debut novel book launch is Sept. 30 at  7 p.m. at Basket Books & Art, in Montrose. The novel, Hush Little Children, follows a couple who fears for their unborn child as irrational tension and violence ratchet up against their community. The event will include a reading, book signing, drinks, and dessert. More info is available at: www.hayancharara.com/events

The Future of Natural Gas Symposium
Texas has significant energy needs as the state population and industry grows. How will natural gas fit in? Join us for a timely and thought-provoking symposium exploring the evolving role of natural gas in a low-carbon world. Featuring energy leaders, policymakers, and academic experts, this high-profile event will examine natural gas through the lenses of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), liquefied natural gas (LNG), electrification, and sustainability. Key topics include the Gulf Coast’s role in global energy transitions, innovation in methane mitigation, and the changing ESG and policy landscape.

This symosium will take place on Oct 09, 2025 in the Student Center South - Theater from  6 -  8 p.m. Learn more and get your FREE Tickets HERE

The Honors College Pitch Party 
You’re invited to the Honors College Pitch Party on Tuesday, October 14,  4 p.m.
in the Honors College Commons. Stop by and learn more about the many 
Honors College 2025-2026 travel opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to learn more and start planning your journey! All majors are welcomed.  RSVP HERE

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: http://uh.edu/debate If you are ready to apply, CLICK HERE by October 15, 2025.

Farfel Lecture Series featuring Steven Pinker
Join us for The Farfel Lecture Series featuring Steven Pinker, world-renowned
cognitive scientist & bestselling author. His  talk, “When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life,” will take place on Thursday, Oct 30 at 7 p.m. at Cullen Performance Hall.
*Reserve your FREE ticket now: https://cph.evenue.net/events/farfel-lecture-series

Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees (PAIR)
Looking to make a meaningful impact in the community? PAIR (Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees) connects volunteers with refugee youth in Houston through tutoring, mentorship, and service. Volunteer with us this semester — no prior experience needed, just a heart to serve!  Learn more by filling out the Volunteer Interest Form

Fly Your Experiment to 10,000 Feet - Space City Rocketry, UH
The Space City Rocketry team at the University of Houston 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 University of Houston, 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 https://uhprojectsunshine.wixsite.com/2025 for more information, and contact us at: uhprojectsunshine@gmail.com

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TRAVEL & SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Honors College Learning Abroad Opportunities

The GalápaGo! Research-Based Learning Abroad Program involves spending approximately one month supporting faculty-led research projects in the Galápagos Islands. To prepare for this immersive experience, students will be required to enroll in BIOL 4302 GalápaGo! Research Based Learning Abroad for the spring semester where they will be studying and discussing the theoretical and experimental background of these projects. Additionally, the Galápagos Islands will be used as a case study to explore key topics in geology, evolutionary biology, history, and conservation. TRAVEL DATES: May 29 - June 23, 2026 LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

Connecting Coastal Resilience: From the Greater Houston Area to The Netherlands brings together students to explore how flood-resilient infrastructure is designed, funded, built, restored, and improved. Before traveling abroad to The Netherlands, students are required to enroll in ENGI 4198: Connecting Coastal Resilience offered during spring semester. This course introduces students to the Greater Houston Area’s cultural, political, financial, and technical approaches to resilience through assigned readings, meetings with local experts, and site visits to locations such as the Houston Ship Channel. TRAVEL DATES: May 18-27, 2026 LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

Development, Conservation, and Health in the Dominican Republic is for students who want to dive deep into the fascinating intersection of politics, sustainability, and real-world environmental challenges. This learning abroad trip offers a chance to study the lush natural wonders of Las Terrenas. From its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to its tranquil mangrove wetlands and powerful natural springs, you'll engage in hands-on, community-driven research, exploring how local environmental issues collide with political and economic forces, both on a national and global scale. Enrollment in HON 4397, ENRG 4397, or POLS 3396  for Spring 2026 is required. TRAVEL DATES: May 27 - June 8, 2026  LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

This Global Bioethics: Engaging Rome with the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics & Human Rights learning abroad trip is designed to engage students with critical issues in bioethics and medical humanities from a global, cross-cultural perspective. We  are collaborating closely with our partners at the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights, supported by the School of Bioethics at the Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum and the Faculty of Law at the European University of Rome. Students will need to be enrolled in Global Bioethics HONS 3397H in Spring 2026. TRAVEL DATES: May 15-24, 2026 LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

Freedom of Conscience in Central Europe: Germany, Czech Republic, Poland
This trip is a cultural tour of central European cities— Berlin, Munich, Prague, and Krakow highlighting historical and cultural landmarks. It includes engagement with figures of political courage like Vaclav Havel, Martin Luther, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and visits to sites such as the Berlin Wall, Munich’s medieval castles and cathedrals, Prague’s Old Town, and historic Krakow. Open to all undergraduates of all majors! No course enrollment necessary!  TRAVEL DATES: May 17-28, 2026 LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

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, these projects 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: https://www.eit.org/scholars/graduate

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: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/ Submission deadline is October 8, 2025 at 3 p.m. CST

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports fellowships for outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time, research-based masters and doctoral degrees in STEM, including STEM education. Each fellowship provides three years of support over a five-year period, including a yearly $37,000 stipend and $16,000 cost of education allowance. The proposal deadline varies by discipline - please visit the website for additional information. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by October 27-30, 2025 at 5 p.m.

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. LEARN MORE HERE about what qualifies for the New American status. Deadline to apply is October 30, 2025 at 1 p.m. CST

2026 PPIA Fellowship Program
The 2026 PPIA Fellowship offers a fully funded, rigorous graduate school preparation experience through the Junior Summer Institute. This six-week summer program, hosted at top graduate policy schools nationwide, equips students with graduate-level preparation, essential knowledge, skills, and networks to excel in public service careers and advanced education in public and global affairs. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to public service, cultural awareness, and uplifting diversity in the field. Undergraduate juniors with an expected graduation date between December 2026 and August 2027 are eligible to apply.
LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by  November 1, 2025

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 PiA website. 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. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE 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. LEARN MORE AND APPLLY HERE 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. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE 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. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by January 4, 2026 at 10:59 pm CST

2026 Boren Awards
The Boren Awards fund the intensive study of language and culture abroad in locations that are critical to U.S. national security. Undergraduate scholars and graduate fellows have the option to either apply for a Regional Flagship Language Initiative or self-identify their own study program. Boren Scholars can receive up to $25,000 and fellows up to $30,000 in awards. Recipients are eligible for exclusive opportunities and preferential consideration for federal government jobs. All applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years or older at the time of the national application deadline, and remain matriculated in a degree program at a U.S. post-secondary institution for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE  Boren Fellowships Submission Deadline: January 21, 2026 or 
Boren Scholarships Submission Deadline: January 28, 2026

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. LEARN MORE ABOUT TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP HERE Submission Deadline is February 3, 2026

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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Demystifying the Literature Review Webinar
Join Dr. Rikki Bettinger and Livia Garza from the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards to learn what a literature review is, why it's important for your research, and tips to get started. Webinar will be held on October 10, 2025 at 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Registration is required, REGISTER HERE

2026 Baylor College of Medicine SMART Program
The BCM Summer Undergraduate Research Training (SMART) Program provides frontier-level, biomedical summer research projects for undergraduates in a supportive environment with supplemental educational activities. Projects will span the spectrum of biomedical science, including projects in bioengineering and computational biology. This program will offer a compensation package of approximately $5,400 - either full salary or a combination of salary and allocation for housing or travel. Eligible applicants must be continuing students at a U.S. university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. First-year applicants must have prior research experience. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE.  Application opens October 2025.

A Study of Problem Solving
You are invited to take part in a research study led by Drs. Scott Savage and Zelma Oyarvide Tuthill from the University of Houston’s Sociology Department. Looking for undergraduate female student volunteers 18 years of age or older who are interested in coming to a laboratory on campus and interacting with others via computer in an effort to earn money. The choices people make when interacting will affect their earnings. The study is very simple and it should cause no discomfort, anxiety, or embarrassment.
 
Participants who complete the study will receive a minimum of $20, with a chance to earn up to $10 more based on their performance. To qualify as a participant you must be an undergraduate, female student with a desire to earn money. All parts of this study will remain anonymous and no one will be able to identify your responses as coming from you. If interested, fill out the contact form HERE Contact project director Scott V. Savage svsavage@uh.edu with any questions. 

Apply now to the 2026 Energy Scholars Program! 
The Energy Scholars Program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to work on a year-long energy-related research project under the direction of a UH faculty mentor. Participants receive a $6,000 scholarship to work on their project part-time (6-7 hours/week) in the spring and fall semesters and full-time in the summer.

Students of all disciplines are encouraged to apply, but must have a project related to energy or sustainability. Scholarships will be awarded to continuing sophomore-and-up undergraduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by November 3, 2026

Apply now to the Spring 2026 Provosts's Undergraduate Research Scholarship (PURS) 
PURS provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to participate in a semester-long research project under the direction of a UH faculty mentor. Recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship to conduct part-time (6-7 hours/week) research with their faculty mentor and two points toward the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement transcript designation.

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors of all majors with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by November 3, 2025