Honors Spotlight

Honors Spotlight - MTSU

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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.

4D AGO

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
JAN 27

Inside Airport Ops: An Honors Thesis in Action with Mahi Ramesh

Honors student and aspiring airport director Mahi Ramesh takes listeners inside her summer internship at the Boise Airport, where she worked hands-on across departments—from project management and operations to environmental systems and emergency response. In this episode, Mahi shares how being the only intern at a major U.S. airport taught her independence, precision, and leadership under pressure. She opens up about meeting Boise Airport’s director, learning what it truly means to lead with humility, and how the experience shaped her long-term goal of running an airport one day. 🎧 Tune in to hear how this MTSU Honors College student turned an internship into a life-changing takeoff for her aviation career. #MTSUHonors #AviationLeadership #BoiseAirport #HonorsSpotlight (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.

29 min
JAN 13

AMBASSADOR TAKEOVER: Inside the Honors College Experience

In this special episode, the MTSU Honors College ambassadors take the mic to share their stories, advice, and campus tips. From what first drew them to the Honors College to their most memorable class experiences, they open up about the surprises, challenges, and proudest moments of their Honors journey. Listeners will hear about insider recommendations for underrated campus resources, hidden study spots, and favorite places to recharge between classes. The ambassadors also dish out survival tips for parking, scheduling, and navigating student life—plus the apps and routines that make it all easier. Whether you’re curious about Honors coursework, looking for ways to get involved, or just want to know the best places to eat on campus, this episode is packed with practical advice and authentic student perspectives. Tune in to discover what makes the Honors College experience at MTSU so rewarding! (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.

48 min
12/30/2025

NUTRITION: Mindful Meals & Meaningful Goals with Lena Eccles

As the holiday season winds down and a new year begins, it’s the perfect time to reset, refocus, and rethink your relationship with food. In this year-end episode of Honors Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with Lena Eccles — a senior Nutrition and Food Science major, Buchanan Transfer Fellow, Honors Ambassador, and associate editor for Collage: A Journal of Creative Expression. Lena shares what it’s really like to study nutrition and dietetics at MTSU, the path to becoming a registered dietitian, and how science-based nutrition can transform the way we eat and live. You’ll also hear practical tips for college students, a few surprising nutrition facts, and even a quick, healthy recipe to kickstart your wellness goals for the new year. Whether you’re passionate about health or just looking for some inspiration to eat better and feel better, this episode is the perfect listen to start 2026 on the right note. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and YouTube — and learn more about the Honors College at honors.mtsu.edu Nutrition and Food Science Contacts: elizabeth.ann.smith@mtsu.edu tess.swastek@mtsu.edu Shout-outs: Dr. Liz Smith Ginny Bogle Dr. Lisa Shepherd Dr. Janet Colson RECIPE: Base - 1 cup of cooked bite-sized whole grain pasta ¼ cup of quartered cherry tomatoes ¼ cup of chopped cucumber 1 tbsp of red onions or shallots (this depends on your preference) ½ cup of chickpeas (or other choice of legume) 1 tbsp of chopped dill Dressing - ½ cup of plain greek yogurt ½ tbsp of olive oil (you can add more if you want a smoother dressing) 1 tsp of dijon mustard Instructions: cook pasta, chop vegetables, combine/mix dressing, combine dressing and "salad", add salt and pepper to taste, enjoy! (recipe should take 15 minutes) (Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.) Thanks for joining us. Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors

22 min
12/16/2025

Meet Your Honors Dream Team: Judy, Laura, and Emilee

In this special episode of Honor Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with the powerhouse trio behind MTSU’s Honors advising team: Dr. Judy Albakry, Laura Clippard, and Emilee Buckmeyer. From thesis triumphs to Reddit-fueled student questions, we pull back the curtain on the people who guide, cheer, and occasionally rescue students through their academic journeys. Hear how each advisor found their way to the Honors College, what they love most about working with students, and the quirky hobbies and heartfelt stories that make them unforgettable. Whether you're a first-year student or a seasoned senior, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and a few unexpected laughs (Connect Four, anyone?). Topics include: · What advising really offers beyond course planning · Tips for navigating thesis projects and fellowships · Honors housing, scholarships, and financial aid myths · Personal journeys, favorite podcasts, and study abroad dreams Tune in to discover how these advisors turn academic advising into a transformative experience—and why Honors at MTSU is more than just a minor.

48 min
12/02/2025

GIVING TUESDAY - Investing in Excellence: How Gifts Shape Honors Students' Lives

It’s Giving Tuesday—and we’re spotlighting the power of generosity in action. In this episode of Honors Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with Katie Enzor from MTSU’s Development Office and Johari Hamilton and Honors alumna to demystify endowments and explore how gifts of all sizes are transforming student lives in the Honors College. From personal stories to practical insights, we’re breaking down how endowments work, why they matter, and how you can be part of something lasting. 🎓 Real stories. 💡 Big impact. 💙 One student at a time. (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.

29 min
11/18/2025

GILMAN SCHOLAR Spotlight: Renee Tettah in Senegal

In this episode, host Robin Lee sits down with Renee Tettah, an MTSU Honors student, political science major, and recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, to share her unforgettable study abroad experience in Senegal. Renee opens up about what it was like to step into a new, but semi-familiar, culture, study a new language, and build connections that reshaped how she sees the world. From moments of challenge to personal growth, her journey highlights the courage it takes to step outside your comfort zone—and the rewards that come with it. (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
11/04/2025

Inside the Lab: Tatyana Martinez & Ian Wilson's REU

This episode of Honors Spotlight takes you inside the world of undergraduate research with MTSU Honors students Tatyana Martinez and Ian Wilson. Through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, they spent the summer working in the Microbiome Ecology Lab, where they studied snake fungal disease—a serious threat to wildlife health. Hosted by Robin Lee, this conversation explores: · What it’s really like to be part of an REU · The highs, challenges, and surprises of hands-on research · Why their work matters for both science and the environment · Advice for other students considering research opportunities Whether you’re curious about microbiology, thinking about applying for an REU, or just want to hear how students push beyond the classroom, this episode will leave you inspired. (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. RESOURCE LINKS: Undergraduate Research Center: https://urc.mtsu.edu Undergraduate Fellowships Office: https://honors.mtsu.edu/ufo/ Career Development Center: https://www.mtsu.edu/career/

40 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

16
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Honors Spotlight - MTSU
Show Website

Honors Spotlight