Honors Students Celebrated
Undergraduates from Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy undergraduates examined everything from consumer behavior and supports for dyslexic students to whether Hawai’i is truly a paradise as part of their senior thesis research projects.
Fourteen graduating seniors—Maggie Flores, Lilah Goldberg, Jackson Gordwin, Annika Holliday, Luke Incardona, Hana-Lei Ji, Alexandra Kahn, Katherine McDonnell, Sarah Mouzai, Danielle Nevett, Adrienne Scheide, Maya Vuchic, Carly Winick and Binhau Wu— were recognized during a faculty meeting and poster session for completing the rigorous honors sequence, which requires a 3.5 grade point average by the end of winter quarter during their junior year.
The program also includes taking the classes Advanced Research Methods and Senior Honors Seminar and a research project.
“Their work is grounded in theory and relevant to a host of applied issues,” said David Rapp, the Walter Dill Scott Professor and director of undergraduate education, who teaches the Senior Thesis Seminar. “Their projects reflect topics that are core to SESP and offer important and timely contributions to research and policy. I’m impressed with and very proud of their work.”
Riley Griffin, a learning sciences graduate student, served as the teaching assistant. Susan Olson, associate dean for student affairs, coordinated the program and several faculty members served as advisors, including Lilah Shapiro, associate professor of instruction and the Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence, who worked with six of the 14 honors students.
Several students turned in award-winning work. Wu’s research looking at the social identity and perception won Top Oral Presentation at the Chicago Area Undergraduate Research Symposium, one of the largest annual undergraduate research conferences in the country. Scheide won third place for her poster presentation of her research looking at how parents cope with children who require long stays in the hospital at the Undergraduate Research Expo.
Read more about the students and their senior honors projects:
Maggie G. Flores, Malibu, Calif.
Studied: Learning and Organizational Change; Business Institutions
Advisors: Elizabeth Norton, Associate Professor, School of Communication; James Spillane, Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Professor of Learning and Organizational Change
Thesis: “Reading Between the Lines: The Experiences of Dyslexic Students in Higher Education”
Flores studied 10 dyslexic college students across various universities to understand their academic, social, and institutional challenges. She identified three main themes: barriers in the system, personal coping strategies, and emotional impacts. Key issues included difficulties navigating support systems, the cost of assistive tools, and stigma around disability. Students often felt their extra efforts went unnoticed but showed resilience by viewing dyslexia as a strength and forming supportive communities. Flores calls for better support through simpler processes, faculty training, and inclusive practices that go beyond legal requirements. "This topic holds a special place in my heart, and I’ve gained a profound understanding of myself throughout the year," said Flores, who struggles with dyslexia. "I thoroughly enjoyed talking with other college students who also have dyslexia."
Lilah Goldberg, Boulder, Colo.
Studied: Human Development in Context, Global Health
Advisor: Lilah Schapiro, Charles Deering, McCormick Distinguished Professor of Instruction; Claudia Haase, Associate Professor of Human Development and Social Policy
Thesis: “Not Just Sweet Treats: Exploring the Perceived Socio-Emotional Experiences of Celiac Disease through the Lens of French and Italian Gluten-Free Bakery and Restaurant Employees”
About: Goldberg was awarded an International Senior Thesis Research Grant from the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs to explore how food service workers in gluten-free bakeries and restaurants in Paris and Rome interact with the celiac community. Through interviews with 19 gluten-free establishments, she found that employees often form close, trusting relationships with customers and gain a deep understanding of the emotional toll of living with celiac disease. Her research suggests gluten-free spaces can foster community, care, and inclusion and offers insights for improving food service practices around dietary accommodations. At Northwestern, Goldberg served as a DeBerry Civic Scholar and a Summer Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Institute for Policy Research. After graduation, she is moving to Atlanta to work as a Strategist at BCG BrightHouse.
Jackson S. Gordwin, Chandler, Arizona
Studied: Learning and Organizational Change
Advisor: Sepehr Vakil, Associate Professor of Learning Sciences
Thesis: “A Different World: How Black Men at Northwestern Perceive Their Academic and Social Belonging”
About: Gordwin served as president of Strive, Northwestern’s club for Black men and volunteered with Black Men LEAD, a partnership between Evanston Township High School and Northwestern. For his senior thesis, he interviewed Black male undergraduates about their academic and social experiences to see how mentorship, student groups, and institutional programs affect their sense of belonging. He found that despite diversity efforts, challenges remain and emphasized the importance of listening to Black male voices. After graduation he plans to attend Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law. But first he'll spend the summer traveling the country, visiting Major League Baseball stadiums.
Annika U. Holliday, Portland, Ore.
Studied: Learning and Organizational Change, Entrepreneurship
Thesis: “Willingness to Pay for Eco-Labeled Products: A Study of Green Seal Certification and Consumer Trust”
About: Holliday surveyed 853 U.S. consumers about paying more for Green Seal-certified products like detergent and eggs. Most were unwilling to pay extra, showing price often outweighs eco-friendly intentions. Education about environmental issues was the biggest factor influencing willingness to pay. Younger and liberal consumers were more open to paying more, while trust in eco-labels was higher among older, educated, liberal individuals. Overall, trust was low due to concerns about greenwashing. Her findings suggest that improved education, transparency, and stronger labeling standards are needed to boost sustainable purchasing. Holliday served as a Northwestern tour guide for three years.
Luke Incardona, South Orange, NJ
Studied: Social Policy, Statistics
Advisors: Simone Ispa-Landa, Associate Professor of Human Development and Social Policy; Mesmin Destin, Professor of Human Development and Social Policy
Thesis: “How Northwestern Students Perceive Socioeconomic Status”
About: Incardona, who has long been interested in economic justice, interviewed Northwestern students about their experiences related to social class at college. Students from all backgrounds were able to recognize that their social circles were often stratified by class. Lower-income students attributed this to underlying characteristic and experiential differences between students of different class backgrounds, whereas higher-income students attributed this mainly to circumstance. His research addresses how social class influences the way students see themselves, their peers, and their identities. After graduation he'll be working as a technical consultant for a small accounting and consulting firm based in Chicago next year.
Hana-Lei Ji, Waikoloa, Hawai‘i
Studied: Social Policy and Cognitive Science
Thesis: “Stories from ‘Paradise:’ Conceptions of Race, Colonialism, and Indigeneity by Hawai‘i-Raised College Students on the Continental United States”
About: Ji, the legislative lead for the Hawai’i State Youth Commission and a commissioner for nearly three years, looked at how young Hawai'i-raised people think about race, identity, and colonialism, emphasizing the need to question the idealized image of Hawai’i as a “paradise” and reshape dominant stories. At Northwestern, she was president of Supplies for Dreams, a 2022-23 DeBerry Civic Scholar, and a member of Students Organizing for Labor Rights.
Alexandra Kahn, West Palm Beach, Florida
Studied: Learning and Organizational Change, Legal Studies
Advisors: Lilah Shapiro, Charles Deering, McCormick Distinguished Professor of Instruction; Dan P. McAdams, Henry Wade Rogers Professor of Psychology and Professor of Human Development and Social Policy
Thesis: “Experiences of Younger Sisters of Eating Disorder Patients”
About: Kahn interviewed younger sisters of women with eating disorders and found this group is often overlooked in treatment. Her research highlighted the need for more support for siblings during recovery, showing the importance of addressing all family members’ needs. She found the research project valuable because it “gives students full ownership of something that you see through from the very beginning to the very end.” At Northwestern, Kahn was first two-time co-chair of Mayfest Productions, the group that puts on the Dillo Day festival which drew more than 12,000 people. She was a music touring intern with Creative Artists Agency in New York City and worked as an intern for Park Avenue Artists, which shepherds the careers of established and emerging artists. After graduation, she plans to move to New York and will be working in the music industry.
Katherine McDonnell, Menlo Park, Calif.
Studied: Learning and Organizational Change and Psychology; Design Innovation Certificate
Advisors: Alexandra Solomon, Lecturer; Lilah Shapiro, Charles Deering McCormick Distinguished Professor of Instruction
Thesis: “Perceptions and Experiences of Attraction in College Students”
About: McDonnell explored how college students of different sexual identities define and think about attraction. She found that those with non-traditional identities often create new ways to understand attraction, while straight men tend to evaluate relationships using different values. Her study highlights how identity shapes how people view love and connection. At Northwestern she was co-president and human resources director for Student Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations (SCNO). For her practicum, she worked as a product manager and game developer for TimeWalk.org.
Sarah Mouzai, Chicago
Studied: Pre-Law Social Policy & International Studies
Advisors: Lilah Shapiro, Charles Deering McCormick Distinguished Professor of Instruction; Jessica Winegar, Professor of Anthropology
Thesis: “Martyrdom, Media, and Mobilization: The Role of Digitally Mediated Martyrdom Narratives in U.S. Protest Movements”
About: Mouzai analyzed Instagram and TikTok content to study how protests like Black Lives Matter and pro-Palestinian activism use social media to create powerful stories around figures such as George Floyd and Hind Rajab. These figures are often portrayed as martyrs, especially during key political moments, with themes of resistance, innocence, and vulnerability. Mouzai’s research shows digital platforms don’t just spread these narratives—they shape public understanding of social movements. At Northwestern, she worked as an Atrocity Prevention Intern with the U.S. Bureau of Conflict & Stabilization Operations She was also an advocacy intern for Rebuilding Alliance, where she led an campaign highlighting water rights issues in Palestine and the Navajo Nation. She also interned with Intern with the Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts and the United Way of Metro Chicago.
Danielle Nevett, Rockville, MD
Studied: Social Policy, Psychology
Thesis: “‘I Can Be Feminine and Also Be an Athlete’: The Impact of Sports Participation on Gender Expression and Self-Perceptions of Collegiate Female Athletes”
Advisors: Lilah Shapiro, Charles Deering McCormick Distinguished Professor of Instruction; Dan P. McAdams, Henry Wade Rogers Professor of Psychology and Professor of Human Development and Social Policy
About: Nevett interviewed 18 varsity female athletes at Northwestern to study how sports affect their views on gender identity. She found female athletes often struggle to balance femininity with their athletic role. Rather than conforming to societal expectations, they redefine femininity in ways that feel authentic. Despite stereotypes and pressure, her work suggests these athletes develop a strong appreciation for their bodies, strength, and roles on their own terms. Nevett spent her quarter-long practicum internship at APS & Associates, a lobbying and research firm founded by alumna Alexandra Sims-Jones.
Adrienne Scheide, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc.
Studied: Human Development, Psychology, and French
Faculty Advisors: Terri Sabol, Associate Professor of Human Development and Social Policy; Lauren Tighe, Research Assistant Professor.
Thesis: “When Home Becomes a Hospital Room: The Intersection of Caregiver Expectations, Lived Experience, and Child Interactions during Extended Hospital Stays”
About: Scheide interviewed 12 caregivers to learn how parents cope when young children are hospitalized with serious illnesses like cancer. Many felt unprepared and overwhelmed, often receiving vague or unhelpful support. Caregivers also felt dismissed by medical staff and had to advocate strongly for their children’s care. “Simple comforts—like familiar toys and games—helped improve the hospital experience for both parents and children,” Scheide said. Her work highlights the need for clearer communication, better emotional support, and more personalized care during long hospital stays. At Northwestern Scheide founded Rural and Small Towns NU and worked for nearly four years for Northwestern Multicultural Student Affairs as a student supervisor. She successfully nominated her high school teacher for the Morton Schapiro Award.
Maya Vuchic, Madison, New Jersey
Faculty Advisors: Sneha Kumar, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Social Policy; Karrie Ann Snyder, Associate Professor of Instruction, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
Thesis: “Beyond Risk: The Influences of Changing Social and Physical Contexts on the Health Behaviors of Undergraduate Students”
College changes students’ social circles and gives them more control over their health. Vuchic’s study of 67 students and 20 interviews found that early college students’ health beliefs were shaped mostly by friends, while behaviors were influenced by parents and roommates. As students progress, roommates and close friends become key influences on both beliefs and behaviors. Though students know health matters, lack of time is the biggest barrier. Many continue health habits from their parents, and friendships often form around shared health values. This supports peer-based health programs and encourages colleges to help students find time for healthy routines. At Northwestern Vuchic was named a Student Laureate by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois for her work in community and civic engagement. After graduation, she's moving to Boston to work with the Lynn Community Health Center.
Binhao Wu, Shanghai, China
Studied: Social Policy, Psychology; Minor in Legal Studies
Faculty Advisors: Wendi Gardner, Associate Professor of Psychology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Mesmin Destin, Associate Professor of Human Development and Social Policy
Thesis: “‘Who and What Is ‘East Asian’? Who Gets to Decide?: Similarities in the Perception of the East Asian Group Across Identity Content and In-group Membership”
About: Wu, whose research won Top Oral Presentation at the Chicago Area Undergraduate Research Symposium, studied how ethnic and racial identity shapes perceptions of others in the same or different groups, focusing on East Asian and White populations. Participants completed tasks like selecting images that looked East Asian and judging traits linked to East Asian identity. Wu found that ethnic-racial identity influenced thoughtful, written responses but not quick, automatic ones. This suggests that being part of a group raises awareness of group traits, while identity mainly affects reflection when given time to think. Wu, president of the Psi Chi Honor Society, willm be pursuing his doctorate in psychology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Carly R. Winick, Highland Park, Ill.
Studied: Social Policy, Psychology
Advisor: Lilah Shapiro, Charles Deering McCormick Distinguished Professor of Instruction; and William Revelle, professor of psychology
Thesis: “Lives Interrupted: A Mixed-Methods Study of Psychological, Ideological, and Community Responses to Mass Shootings in the United States”
About: On July 4, 2022, a gunman opened fire at a parade in Winick's hometown, Highland Park, Illinois. Using her experience working at the Personality, Motivation, and Cognition Lab at Northwestern, she interviewed 10 residents—some present, some not—to understand how the shooting affected their mental health, personalities, community bonds, and views on guns. Winick was able to analyze quantitative data from the Synthetic Aperture Personality Assessment from the PMC Lab to investigate aggregate changes in personality traits and pro-gun control ideology after mass shootings at both the state and national levels. Her statsitical analysis showed a significant decrease in compassion in Texas following state-level shootings, but no significant changes in pro-gun control ideology. In contrast, interviews revealed enduring psychological effects, altered sense of safety, and a reinforcement of gun beliefs, regardless of physical proximity to the event. Most strongly supported stricter gun laws, especially after learning the shooter’s father had helped him acquire a weapon. Winick emphasized the need for stronger gun control and long-term mental health support for victims after mass shootings, along with the importance of using individual narratives to inform recovery efforts and gun policy advocacy. After graduation, she plans to move to New York and is applying for jobs in policy and legal spaces.