Coming up in the Honors College

• 10/23: International Film Series: Caesar Must Die
• 10/24: Grand Challenges Forum: Robert Proctor, Ph.D.
• 10/27: How to Build a Resume for a Career in International Affairs
• 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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Coogs for Energy Hackathon
The Coogs for Energy Hackathon returns November 21–22, 2025, hosted by the Division of Energy and Innovation, led by the Energy Transition Institute, and sponsored by ExxonMobil, Honda, and the Glenn Bailey Foundation.

This multidisciplinary competition challenges students from across UH to form teams, tackle real-world energy problems, and pitch innovative solutions. Participants will receive mentorship from industry experts and compete for cash prizes: $6,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $1,500 for third. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE  to secure your spot. Deadline is October 21, 2025.

Critical Language Scholarship Info Sessions
Do you want to immerse yourself in a new language and culture over the summer? Join in on these CLS virtual information sessions to learn more about the Critical Language Scholarship and its application process! Register for the information sessions here
CLS: General Information Session - October 23, 4 p.m.
CLS: Short Answers Information Session - October 29, 3 p.m.
CLS: Personal Statement Information Session - November 5, 4 p.m.

Book Talk & Coffee Hour - Slavery and Religious Conversion in Portugal's Indian Empire by Stephanie Hassell, Ph.D.
You are invited to a public lecture by Dr. Stephanie Hassell (Clemson University) on Thursday, October 23 from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Honors College Commons. Dr. Hassell’s book Slavery and Religious Conversion in Portugal’s Indian Empire, 1500-1700  will be the subject of a lunchtime talk. Refreshments will be provided. Following that, students are welcome to attend a coffee hour to get to know Dr. Hassell at 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. in Agnes Arnold Hall Rm. 210

Special Literary Event - Glass Mountain Magazine
 Join Honors Professor Hayan Charara this Thursday, October 23, at 4 p.m. in the Roy Cullen Reading Room (2nd Floor) for a special literary event. Come out and hear Addie Tsai, whose novel is a modern retelling of Frankenstein, Therí Pickens’ debut poetry collection, which explores Black storytelling and Hayan Charara's debut novel which dives into tragic loss and blind faith in a time of crisis. **All students, faculty and staff are invited!

International Film Series: Caesar Must Die
Shakespeare like you never saw it. Inmates in a maximum-security prison in Rome, Italy stage a stripped-bare version of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.It's up to the audience to discern when the inmates are playing Shakespeare and when they are playing themselves.

Presented by CLASSHonors and the Institute for Global Engagement, you're invited on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 5:30 - 8 p.m. inthe Honors College Honors Commons. RSVP Here

How to Build a Resume for a Career in International Affairs
Students interested in pursuing a career in international affairs, broadly defined, often do not know how to build a CV geared towards such a career. Panelists will address this puzzle by sharing their professional experiences, expertise, and insights regarding the range of relevant opportunities available to UH students including the Institute for Global Engagement, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards, the ROTC program, and the UH international Affairs Internship Program. This event will take place on October 27 at 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. in Melcher Hall Rm. 118. LEARN MORE HERE. 

Baylor College of Medicine SMART Program Information Session Webinar
Join in on this information webinar session on Wednesday, October 29 at 4:30 p.m. to learn more about the Baylor College of Medicine SMART progam and how it can benefit undergraduate researchers in STEM!

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. REGISTER HERE for this webinar.

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

Get Paid to Attend Graduate School Tuition Free!
Become a GEM Fellow, join the premier organization supporting highly merited individuals pursuing graduate degrees in applied science and engineering funded by leading corporations, government laboratories, top universities, and top research institutions. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by November 14, 2025

2025 UTMB JSSOM Premedical Conference
Join the UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine Office of Admissions & Recruitment on November 15, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Health Education Center (HEC) - UTMB Galveston Campus for this one-day conference is designed to support and inspire prospective applicants to medical and physical assistant (PA) programs. This conference offers resources, mentorship, and guidance to help prospective applicants take the next step with a full day of workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. $30 registration is required. REGISTER HERE.

Ignite Fellowship- Teach for America
Want a meaningful, paid leadership experience that fits into your semester? Teach For America Ignite is avirtual tutoring fellowship where you’ll work with a small group of K–12 students during their school day, helping them build confidence and academic momentum. At the same time, you’ll develop transferable skills incommunication, problem-solving, and facilitation which is the kind of leadership that shows up in every field. Ignite is a consistent commitment with real impact, plus coaching and training to help you succeed. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by November 19 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

* *There will be a Ignite Fellowship Application Workshop on October 23, 5-6:15 p.m. CT. REGISTER

Applying for Summer Research Opportunities Webinar
Join the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards for this webinar on November 21 at 2 - 3 p.m. to learn more about how you can conduct research over the summer! Webinar topics will include: the benefits of a summer research experience, identifying opportunities both on - and off -campus, and preparing a competitive application. Registration is required, REGISTER HERE

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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

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

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 November 10-14, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Fulbright UK Summer Institutes
The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes are three- to four-week programs for US undergraduate students to explore the culture, heritage, and history of the United Kingdom while experiencing higher education at a UK university. There are six participating universities with different focuses on a specific historical, cultural, or subject-related theme. Applicants must be US citizens with a passport, have a minimum 3.6 GPA, and have at least two years of undergraduate study remaining after completion of the program. Submissions to apply open on  November 11, 2025. Submission Deadline is  February 2, 2026. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

2026 Critical Language Scholarship
The Critical Language Scholarship, a program initiated by U.S. Department of State, is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program aimed to increase the number of Americans studying foreign languages critical to national security and preparing students for national competitiveness. American undergraduate and graduate students will spend eight to ten weeks over the summer studying one of nine critical languages in a country that predominately speaks the chosen language. Some languages require additional study prior to the program. Eligible applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, at least 18 years old, and enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE. Deadline is November 18, 2025 at 7 p.m. CST.  for Summer 2026.

DAAD RISE - Germany & Professional Research Internships
DAAD RISE aims to promote the exchange of students to Germany in the fields of natural science, engineering, and life sciences. RISE Germany offers summer research internships in Germany for undergraduate students by carefully matching them with doctoral students and researchers whom they assist and who serve as their mentors. RISE Germany undergraduate participants will enhance their knowledge through hands-on research, gain international experience, and discover Germany's unique research landscape. RISE Germany is open to international students and U.S. citizens who have at least sophomore status. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by November 30, 2025 at 4:59 p.m. CST 

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

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

Salk Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
The Salk Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (Salk SURF) is a transformative 9-week program designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to scientific research and professional development in STEM. The program will kick off with a virtual SURF immersion week composed of training and soft skills development, followed by 8 weeks of in-person hands-on research and mentorship at the Salk Institute. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a continuing student entering junior or senior year at an accredited institution, be pursuing a STEM or related degree, possess a minimum 3.0 overall GPA and minimum 2.5 GPA in science courses, be committed full-time to the program requirements, and be eligible to work in the U.S. Salk Institute is located in San Diego, California. Submission Deadlineis  December 7, 2025. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE