“The conference connects Quinnipiac honors students to scholarships, to activities that push the boundaries of standard education, and to a community of curious students and faculty passionate about learning,” said Melissa Kaplan, administrative director of the Quinnipiac honors program.

She has brought Bobcats to national honors programs for 10 years.

Eve Behrens ’27, DPT ‘30, a health sciences studies-doctor of physical therapy 3+3 accelerated dual-degree major, Kayla Collins ’27, DPT ‘30, a health sciences studies-doctor of physical therapy 3+3 accelerated dual-degree major, Sara Wessland ’26, MS ‘27, an accelerated dual-degree biology, molecular and cell biology 3+3 accelerated dual-degree major, Gabriella Zocchi ’27, a psychology major and Kaplan hosted a panel highlighting the trailblazing work of the Quinnipiac honors students called “Honors Student Leaders as Agent for Change: Meeting the Challenges to DEIA through Collaboration and Community.”

In addition, Melody Saboori ’28, a political science major, and Jessica VanOss ’27, a finance and economics double-major presented their research titled “Hear the Silent Crisis: Maternal Mortality in Pennsylvania” and “Empowering the Community: Creating and Teaching Financial Literacy as a Quinnipiac Presidential Public Service Fellow,” respectively.

“I was able to discuss my project, share its future direction, and receive thoughtful questions and feedback that helped me further develop my ideas. Engaging with individuals from different backgrounds enabled me to think from new perspectives and strengthen the impact of my work,” VanOss said.

Students also had the opportunity to hear from unique keynote speakers — women’s rights activist and scientist Emily Calandrelli and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman. Both speakers shared inspiring and uplifting ideas that had a lasting impact on the honors students.

“At the end of Emily Calandrelli's address, I felt like I would be going back to Quinnipiac as a different student, leader, and person than when I left just a couple of days prior,” said Zocchi.
After their return to campus, the conference attendees shared their experiences with other students in the honors program.

At the annual 60 Second Student Lectures event hosted on the Mount Carmel Campus on November 13, the presenters highlighted stories, experiences and takeaways from the trip.

“I think my education and my experience at Quinnipiac would look very different without having the honors program as a part of my journey,” Zocchi said.