American Society of Criminology – Brigette Rosenberg

Back in November, I presented a further developed version of my honors thesis at the American Society of Criminology annual meeting. It was my first time presenting on a panel, and I loved getting to share my work and connect with scholars in the field. I met the Director of Program Evaluation for New York City’s Department of Corrections, and my research advisor and I hope to collaborate with them on research in the future. I also connected with faculty from Northeastern University ahead of beginning my master’s there in Fall 2026. I am so grateful to the Honors Program and the CSSME for making this opportunity possible! – Brigette Rosenberg

2025 Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Biennial Conference- Jessica Sullivan

Through the generosity of the Honors Program, I was privileged to travel to the 2025 Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Biennial Conference, November 10th-13th. During this conference, I presented my research poster, “Zooplankton as Indicators of Ecosystem Health: Baseline Assessments in Tampa Bay.” With the help of multiple URI grants, this research was conducted with Dr. Rebecca Waggett and outlines physical water parameters (chlorophyll, nutrients, temperature, and salinity), zooplankton abundance and diversity, and egg production rates of Acartia tonsacopepods at three designated sample locations in Tampa Bay. The research represents a baseline comparison for future tropical storm or red tide events.

Throughout the conference, I was able to network with experts in the field of coastal and estuarine sciences, as well as meet other undergraduate and graduate students researching similar topics. This gave me a chance to practice presenting in front of professionals, as well as receive feedback on my research and presentation techniques from accomplished judges. The conference was incredibly beneficial to me as a student looking to make connections with graduate and internship programs, as well as provided me with invaluable presentation experience. I am incredibly grateful to the Honors Program for this opportunity.

Jessica Sullivan

 &Juliet 

On February 11, 2026, students from the Honors Program at the University of Tampa attended a performance of & Juliet at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. The trip gave students the opportunity to experience live theater so close to campus.

Unlike a traditional adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, & Juliet begins where Shakespeare’s original play ends. The musical opens with William Shakespeare writing the tragic ending, only for his wife, Anne Hathaway, to interrupt and challenge the fate he has given Juliet. Dissatisfied with the lovers’ deaths, Anne proposes a completely new storyline, and the audience watches the revised story unfold as she and Shakespeare humorously argue over what should happen next.

In this reimagined version, Juliet chooses not to end her life after Romeo’s death. Instead, she sets off on a journey beyond Verona with friends from the original play, along with several new characters introduced in the musical. Their travels take them to Paris, where Juliet experiences new friendships, parties, and possibilities that expand her world far beyond what she once knew. Honors hosts many fun events just like this throughout the year, giving students opportunities to explore the arts, attend cultural events, and experience learning outside of the classroom.