The Washington Center – Michael Harder

Michael Harder at The Washington Center

Michael Harder (Political Science, Class of 2017) sent the following update on his internship at The Washington Center in Spring 2017:

The Washington Center program comprises an internship, an academic seminar, and a LEAD colloquium, all in the heart of Washington, D.C. The program has been both intellectually demanding and remarkably rewarding. My internship as an analyst with Izar Capital Group, a merchant bank located one block north of the White House, has called upon the financial and political knowledge obtained inside UT classrooms. I am also enrolled in an academic seminar titled “The Anatomy of Entrepreneurship” in which I am creating a business with other young professionals from around the world. In addition, The Washington Center has provided a large and diverse group of guest speakers and workshops in order to maximize the networking effect so prevalent in Washington, D.C. Ultimately, The Washington Center has established a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world application of such knowledge.

Conferences – Florida Collegiate Honors Council Conference in Jacksonville

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Three Honors students, Nola Berish, Melisa Blasky, and Lauren Twele, presented some of their research at the Florida Collegiate Honors Council Conference in Jacksonville, FL on February 25th.  In addition to presenting their research, the three students participated in deliberative democracy forums, saw other Honors students from across the state present their research, explored the Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art, and enjoyed several unique ethnic dining experiences.

Harvard National Model United Nations – Michael Hartman

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Thanks to the UT Honors Program, I had the opportunity to travel to Boston this past weekend to take part in the 63rd Harvard National Model United Nations Conference. For four days, I represented Ghana in the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. In my sessions, we discussed solutions to the issue of protecting UNESCO cultural heritage sites during armed conflict. Instead of escalating the conflict by recommending peacekeepers be stationed around buildings and museums, Ghana pushed for increased evacuation funding and a task force to help return seized black-market artifacts to the country of origin. Working with delegations representing countries such as Russia and Australia, I was able to help pass a detailed resolution that aims to solve this global issue.

Outside of the sessions, I was able to explore the city, including visiting the Boston Common, Fenway Park, and Boston University. Through a stipend from the Honors Program, my fellow UT delegates and I were able to experience a variety of great food at restaurants throughout the area. I met students from schools ranging from Venezuela to China, and although no one from UT won an award, I feel confident that each Spartan came away with new knowledge, friends, and an appreciation for international diplomacy.

Michael Hartman, Head Delegate – HNMUN 2017