Honors Spotlight

Honors Spotlight - MTSU

5.0 (2)
Society & Culture
Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Honors Spotlight, the official podcast of MTSU’s Honors College! Host Robin Lee chats with standout students, faculty, and alumni about adventures, discoveries, and the bold ambitions shaping our Honors community. Tune in for stories of creative theses, global experiences, and personal growth—plus exclusive behind-the-scenes insights for prospective Blue Raiders and curious listeners alike.

Jun 2

Refashioning Fantasy: Reimagining Game of Thrones with Alina Caldwell

What if Game of Thrones looked entirely different? In this episode of Honors Spotlight, studio art major Alina Caldwell reimagines one of the most iconic fantasy worlds through the lens of fashion, culture, and storytelling. Her creative thesis, “Refashioning Fantasy,” revisits the costumes of HBO’s Game of Thrones, drawing inspiration not from the screen, but from George R.R. Martin’s original texts and the real-world cultures that shape how people dress. Alina shares how geography, climate, and social identity influenced her redesigns for nine major families and regions in Westeros, and why color, texture, and practicality matter far more than we often see on screen. From rethinking the portrayal of the Dothraki to tackling the challenge of designing for the austere Iron Islands, she reveals the research, creativity, and problem-solving behind each illustration. Along the way, the conversation explores the role of costume design in visual storytelling, the pitfalls of fantasy clichés, and how thoughtful design choices can deepen our understanding of character and culture. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, fashion, or creative scholarship, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how art can reshape the stories we think we know. (Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.) Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors For more information, visit ⁠honors.mtsu.edu⁠.

19 min
May 5

Can ChatGPT Balance the Books? - Luis Esmurria

Accounting and AI might seem like an unlikely pair — but according to honors student Luis Esmurria, tools like ChatGPT are already reshaping the field. In this episode of Honors Spotlight, Luis shares findings from his thesis on how large language models are influencing accounting education, from personalized learning benefits to ethical concerns around accuracy, transparency, and rapidly changing tax regulations. We explore: Why ChatGPT’s accessibility has accelerated its impactHow students use AI both responsibly and irresponsiblyWhy accounting remains a people‑centered profession despite automationThe gaps in university AI policiesHow educators can integrate AI in ways that support, not replace, student learningLuis also reflects on how researching AI has changed his own perspective as a future accountant — and what’s next for him after graduation. A thoughtful, timely conversation for students, educators, and professionals navigating the future of learning and the future of accounting. (Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.) Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors For more information, visit ⁠honors.mtsu.edu⁠.

23 min
Apr 21

More than a Meal - with Truvell Haddox

This episode of Honors Spotlight shines a light on finance major Truvell Haddox, whose commitment to service goes far beyond single volunteer events. For the past three years, Truvell has spent nearly every month preparing and delivering meals to food‑insecure and unhoused communities across Middle Tennessee. He shares how faith reshaped his understanding of success, why consistent service matters more than one‑time gestures, and the powerful relationships formed along the way. From monthly outreach in three cities to holiday food distributions and hopes of expanding into Kentucky, Truvell’s story is one of compassion, resilience, and purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how small, steady acts of kindness can transform lives, including your own, this conversation is for you. If you’d like to help support or donate to The Remnant Church and its outreach efforts, please contact the church directly for more information. (Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.) Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors

19 min
Apr 7

THESIS: Beneath the Surface - with Batoul Sawas

In this episode of Honors Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with Batoul Sawas, senior psychology major, Honors ambassador, and award‑winning student researcher. Batoul shares how her multicultural background, campus leadership roles, and research experiences shaped her Honors thesis: Beneath the Surface, an in‑depth exploration of how parenting styles, self‑esteem, and the Big Five personality traits intersect in the lives of college students. Batoul also opens up about her work in mental‑health advocacy, from supporting elderly caregivers through Black Mental Health Village to delivering depression‑prevention interventions through Meharry Medical College’s HBCU wellness project. Together, Robin and Batoul explore what mental‑health resources college students need, what coping strategies actually work, and what it means to “enjoy being in the process of becoming.” If you're curious about research, psychology, or student well‑being (or just need a dose of encouragement), this episode is for you. (Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.) Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors RESOURCES: Subscribe to the SOAR newsletter: urc.mtsu.edu/soarofficers/ Follow the URC on LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/undergraduate-research-center/posts/?feedView=all Counselling Services: counseling.mtsu.edu/services/ URECA: https://urc.mtsu.edu/ureca-overview/ Honors College Scholarships: https://honors.mtsu.edu/scholarships/

27 min
Mar 24

The Narrative Power of Halo Reach – with Sarah Huffman

In this episode of Honor Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with Buchanan Fellow and English major Sarah Huffman to explore her Honors thesis, Halo Reach: Humanity's Desperation in the Face of Adversity." Sarah dives into the emotional and narrative depth of Halo: Reach, examining how the game uses storytelling, environment, and player psychology to portray the indomitable human spirit in the face of inevitable loss. Together, Robin and Sarah discuss dramatic irony, false hope, Noble Six’s unforgettable final stand, and how video games can function as powerful works of literature. Sarah also shares her personal journey from rediscovering gaming to analyzing one of the most beloved entries in the Halo franchise. And she reflects on how themes of perseverance and resilience resonate far beyond the screen. Whether you're a longtime Halo fan, a storytelling enthusiast, or simply curious about the growing field of game studies, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how interactive media can shape our understanding of hope, sacrifice, and what it means to keep fighting. Music sample from Halo: Reach – Overture, by: Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori (Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.) Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors

17 min
Mar 10

AI, Social Media, and Depression - Featuring Joshua Wheaton

In this episode of Honors Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with 2025 MTSU Computer Science graduate Joshua Wheaton to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, social media, and mental health. Joshua’s Honors thesis, “Using AI to Identify Depression on Social Media,” examines how machine learning models can detect linguistic signals of depression in online posts—particularly on platforms like Reddit, where anonymity often encourages honesty. Together, Robin and Joshua unpack why this research matters, what the data reveals about how people express emotional distress online, and the ethical challenges of using AI to flag potential mental‑health concerns. He walks us through his work with logistic regression, LSTM, and BERT models and the surprising limitations of existing datasets. Then he explores what it would take to build tools that genuinely support early detection. The conversation also looks ahead: How might AI assist clinicians? Could social platforms integrate mental‑health safeguards responsibly? And what does the future hold for technology designed to help people feel seen rather than surveilled? (Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.) Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors For more information, visit ⁠⁠honors.mtsu.edu⁠⁠, or ⁠counseling.mtsu.edu.⁠

17 min
Feb 24

Victoria Grigsby’s Honors Experience

In this episode of Honors Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with Victoria Grigsby, a first‑generation college student whose journey from a small Tennessee town led her to become one of MTSU’s distinguished Buchanan Fellows. Victoria shares how she navigated the transition to university life, found her academic passions, and embraced opportunities within the Honors College. A double major in political science and German, she reflects on the mentors, challenges, and transformative moments that shaped her MTSU experience. It’s an inspiring conversation about resilience, community, and the power of embracing new possibilities. (Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.) Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors For more information, visit ⁠honors.mtsu.edu⁠.

20 min
Feb 10

LYON HALL: An Honors Living and Learning Community

What makes Lyon Hall, the Honors College living and learning community at MTSU, such a special place to call home? In this episode, host Robin Lee sits down with Amy Korstange (Associate Director of Residence Life), Nana Adu (Area Coordinator for Lyon Hall), and Kera Reynolds (Honors alumna and former Lyon Hall resident) to explore the unique opportunities and experiences this community offers. From application deadlines and fees to the day-to-day realities of living on campus, our guests answer common questions and address student concerns with insight and warmth. Whether you’re considering applying or just curious about Honors housing, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to live and learn in Lyon Hall. (Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.) Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors For more information, visit ⁠honors.mtsu.edu⁠ and mtsu.edu/housing.

25 min

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Welcome to Honors Spotlight, the official podcast of MTSU’s Honors College! Host Robin Lee chats with standout students, faculty, and alumni about adventures, discoveries, and the bold ambitions shaping our Honors community. Tune in for stories of creative theses, global experiences, and personal growth—plus exclusive behind-the-scenes insights for prospective Blue Raiders and curious listeners alike.

Creator

Honors Spotlight - MTSU
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

23
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Honors Spotlight - MTSU
Show Website

Honors Spotlight