Coming up in the Honors College

• 02/06: Grand Challenges Forum: Scott Crider, Ph.D.
• 02/06: Programs & Fellowships: Learn Language and Culture Abroad Webinar
• 02/10: Deadline: Freedom of Conscience in Central Europe: Germany, Czech Republic, Poland Learning Abroad trip

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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, February 6, 2026
Scott Crider, Ph.D.
Professor of English, University of Dallas
"Bottom's Freedom in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Friday, February 13, 2026
in collaboration with CLASS Honors
Helen Kapstein, Ph.D
Professor of English, John Jay College, The City University of New York
"When Oil Seeps Into Art: The Humanities Confront Petroleum's Power and Politics"

Friday, February 20, 2026 
Jason Casellas and Jennifer -Clark  Co-authors, Governing Texas
and Debbie Harwell -Editor, Houston History
"From a Republic to the Leading State of the United States"

Lyceum Lecture Series
The Lyceum Initiative hosts a Lecture Series each academic year, focused on a theme of special interest to its mission. The theme for 2026 is "The Declaration at 250!" Each talk in the 2026 Lecture Series will focus upon one of the fundamental principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence, signed by delegates to the Continental Congress in July of 1776.

February 27, 2026
"We Hold these Truths to be Self-Evident..." 
Natural Rights and a New American Republicanism
Dr. Lisa Pace Vetter
Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

March 27, 2026
"To Secure these Rights Governments are Instituted..."
State Constitutionalism and the American Republics
Dr. John Dinan
Professor and Chair of Politics, Wake Forest University

Programs & Fellowships: Learn Language and Culture Abroad Webinar
Immersing yourself in a new language and culture abroad is your goal, but how do you get there? Join UH Learning Abroad and The Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards on February 6, 2026 at 2-3 p.m. in discussing various programs and fellowships that can provide structure, funding, and more for your travels. Registration is required. REGISTER HERE

Undergraduate Research Day Poster Online Workshop
Applying to present at Undergraduate Research Day? Learn how to use the required template during this online workshop on February 11, 2026 at 12-1 p.m.  Learn morea about creating your research poster for a successful submission! REGISTER HERE

Drafting a Research Proposal Webinar
Learn how to create a significant and clear proposal to secure the research opportunity you want during this webinar on February 17, 2026 at 4-5 p.m. Guest Speakers: Dr. Nicolas Jacobsen & Dr. Lesli Vollrath, Honors College REGISTER HERE

Apply to Be an Honors Retreat Counselor!
Join us in welcoming new Honors students at the 2026 Honors Retreat! As a Retreat Counselor, you'll help create a warm and inclusive environment at Camp Allen in Navasota, TX. Retreat Counselors also help head up student groups, encourage participation in activities, offer insight at workshops, and generally make the new students feel a part of the Honors College. The retreat takes place on Thursday, August 20 – Friday, August 21, 2026. Be a part of this exciting experience and help incoming students feel at home in the Honors College! LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by February 27.

2026 Undergraduate Research Day - Call for Submissions
Undergraduate Research Day, hosted each spring by OURMA, brings together hundreds of visitors to celebrate the work of undergraduate researchers across all disciplines who showcase their work in poster presentations. Poster submissions are now open for the 21st annual Undergraduate Research Day, which will be held on April 9, 2026, in the M.D. Anderson Library. Any currently enrolled UH student or fall 2025 graduate who conducted a mentored research project since spring 2025 is welcome to submit a faculty mentor-approved poster. Please read all requirements on the presenter information webpage before submission.LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by March 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Harris Fellows Summer Internship
The Harris Fellows Program offers University of Houston students a 10-week, full-time summer internship with Harris County government offices from June 1 to August 7. Fellows gain hands-on experience serving the residents of the nation’s second-largest county by assisting with constituent services, research, policy analysis, and special projects, while applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. The program is open to juniors, seniors, and recent graduates from all majors who are in good academic standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Participants may earn 3–12 upper-level credit hours and receive a $6,000 stipend upon successful completion of program requirements. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by April 6, 2026. For more information, email Jessica Ruland O’Connor at jlruland@cougarnet.uh.edu with any questions.

Mentors Needed - Ballots & Belonging
In partnership with the Annette Strauss Institute at the University of Texas at Austin and the Houston Endowment, Ballots & Belonging is a new civics education program beginning at Austin High School during the spring. We are seeking undergraduate students who are interested in mentoring first-generation high school students, passionate about public service, and eager to gain leadership experience.

Our goal is to increase first-generation citizen representation in the voting polls and get high school students excited about civic engagement and advocacy. We aim to equip these students with the necessary tools to advocate for their families and help foster a sense of belonging and community. FILL OUT THE APPLICATION HERE Applications will be open until mentor positions are filled. If you have any questions, please email Adithi Nythruva (anythruv@cougarnet.uh.edu ) or Ana Frausto-Leija (afrausto@cougarnet.uh.edu).

Interested in Global Affairs, The Alexander Hamilton Society
The Alexander Hamilton Society is a non-partisan student organization dedicated to fostering healthy discussion on U.S. foreign, economic, and national security policy. By providing educational programming that supports the intellectual and professional development of future global leaders. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, AHS aims to encourage thought-provoking engagement on foreign policy imbued with the perspective of strong and principled American leadership in global affairs. we ask: so… do you think you can fix American foreign policy? Get involved by filling out the Interest Form HERE For questions, email:  alexanderhamiltonsociety.uh@gmail.com

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TRAVEL & SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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 Sumners At-Large Scholarship
The Sumners Foundation is offering the At-Large Sumners Scholarship to rising juniors with 4 semesters remaining in their undergraduate work. Scholarships are up to $40,000 paid in $10,000 increments in spring and fall semesters for the junior and senior year in an accredited college or university in Texas or Oklahoma. Sophomores in their second semester in Spring 2026 are the ideal candidate. A minimum 3.5 GPA is required and must be maintained to retain the scholarship. Eligible applicants must be a U.S. citizen, and a permanent resident of certain qualifying U.S. states. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by February 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. CST

Hertog Foundation Summer 2026 Fellowships
The Hertog Foundation offers several fellowships in summer 2026 for students who seek to influence the intellectual, civic, and political life of the United States to study politics and policy in Washington, DC. These programs include Political Studies, Constitutional Studies, War Studies, and Security Studies. Participants of all programs will receive stipends and housing. Program dates, eligibility, and application requirements vary between programs - visit their website to learn more. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by February 24, 2026

FSE+MOE English Teaching Flagship Awards - Fulbright Taiwan
The Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (FSE) is in cooperation with Taiwan's Ministry of Education (MOE) to help achieve the bilingual policy goal through programs like ETF and ETF+. Grantees in the ETF program may solo teach or co-teach with Taiwanese teachers in elementary schools, junior high schools, or universities with support from local coordinators and professional advisors. Applicants for the ETF programs must be U.S. citizens. Review individual eligibility requirements for ETF and ETF+. Interested students should contact Dr. Ben Rayder (btrayder@central.uh.edu). LEARN MORE AND APPLY by March 1, 2026

Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF)
Each year, the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) places around 1,200 Americans into French public schools to work as English language teaching assistants for 12 hours a week for seven month periods. Assistants will receive a stipend and health insurance during their contract stay. TAPIF alumni gain access to scholarships with partner universities in the U.S. and France for MA and Ph.D. studies. Eligible applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid passport, be 20-35 years of age, have completed at least three years of higher education, and be a native English speaker with intermediate proficiency in French. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by March 15, 2026

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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Nanotechnology REU - Northwestern University
The Northwestern University International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Nanotechnology program. Participants will work full-time on a nanotechnology research project, access world-class equipment and facilities, enjoy research seminars and field trips, enhance their public speaking and technical writing skills, and participate in team events. Participants receive a $6,300 stipend and airfare, a meal plan, and dormitory housing. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years-old, majoring in engineering or the sciences, and have at least one year left in their undergraduate degree program. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by February 9, 2026

Summer Research Opportunities Program - Michigan State University
The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) at MSU provides undergraduate students from across the U.S. with an 11-week research collective to advance their future studies in STEM and social sciences disciplines. In this program, participants will participate in intense research activities and other supplemental opportunities like presentations, seminars, and workshops. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least two semesters of an undergraduate program, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be a U.S. citizen. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HEREby February 10, 2026.

Houston Experience for Advancing Research and Training - University of Houston
Funded by the American Heart Association (AHA), the UH Houston Experience for Advancing Research and Training (UH-HEART) program engages rising juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds in hands-on cardiovascular research and professional development. Up to five AHA research fellowships will be awarded for this 10-week, full-time summer experience under the direction of UH faculty. Fellows receive a $6,000 stipend, hands-on research and enrichment activities, and travel support to attend a national conference. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by February 23, 2026

Cardiovascular Undergraduate Research Experience - University of Houston
Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the UH Cardiovascular Undergraduate Research Experience (UH-CURE) program supports rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in cardiovascular research spanning community-engaged and population-based studies, as well as basic, translational, and applied science. Up to ten NIH research fellowships will be awarded for a 10-week, full-time summer experience under the mentorship of UH faculty. Fellows receive a $6,000 stipend, hands-on research and enrichment activities, on-campus housing at UH, round-trip travel to and from UH at the start and end of the program, and travel support to attend a national conference. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by February 23, 2026

Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Experience - Michigan State University
Participants in this training program will be selected and trained in areas of reproductive biology and developmental sciences and participate in career development workshops to prepare them for graduate school. The opportunity to attend the annual conference of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) may also be available. Travel, lodging and a monetary stipend will be provided to the selected students. Preferentially, juniors or rising seniors are invited to apply, and students are encouraged to select a research program of interest. Applications should be sent as an email attachment to Laurie Felton (ljfelton@msu.edu) by February 26, 2026. Learn more about the program HERE

2026 Houston Early Research Experience (HERE) - Houston's Environment
The Houston Early Research Experience (HERE) is a two-week workshop intended to orient first- and second-year students to the fundamentals of conducting research. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, students will discuss academic topics, broaden their professional network, and learn how to ask the right research questions. HERE recipients are awarded a $1,000 scholarship and two points toward the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement transcript designation. Applicants must currently be in their first or second year at UH or not plan on graduating before Spring 2028, and have a minimum 3.5 GPA. All majors are eligible to apply, and no prior research experience is required. Students may apply to both HERE and SURF in the same year. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by March 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) provides funding for undergraduates to participate in a focused, full-time, 10-week research experience under the direction of a UH faculty mentor. SURF recipients are awarded a $4,000 scholarship and three points toward the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement transcript designation. Applicants must be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors graduating in Fall 2026 or after. Students of all disciplines with at least a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to apply. Students may apply to both HERE and SURF in the same year. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by March 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.