On April 10, 2026, students presented as part of the 2026 Honors Thesis Symposium, an annual occasion for undergraduate students in the J. N. Andrews Honors Program to present their senior capstone thesis. Each student gives a 25-minute presentation with around five minutes for questions afterward. There were 12 students in this year's cohort, separated into three divisions in varying academic categories: one for the humanities, one for biology and chemistry, and one for engineering, math and physics. The general public was invited to attend and view the presentations. Many faculty, parents, friends and students attended this event as well as the students taking the course Research Pro Seminar.
The event ran from 1:30-3:30 p.m., giving the four student researchers ample time to present and answer questions. Soren Oster (junior, exercise science) presented at the 1:30 p.m. slot, with his research titled “Evaluating Metal Stability and Corrosion in Total Knee Arthroplasty Prosthesis.” When asked about how he felt about the thesis presentation, he stated, “[It was] definitely stressful for sure, but after a bit, I realized I spent so much time with the material I’m presented on, I probably know the most about it than everyone else. Definitely scared, but finished confident.” Ryan Hayes, professor of chemistry, advised Soren on his project and commented that he “was a blast to work with.”
Jay Johnson, professor of physics and engineering, oversaw three of the presenting students that Friday. “I thoroughly enjoy working with these three students,” he said. “I get excited for when the Symposium comes around, and your students’ research can get published and defended…. They’ve all been to meetings, talking to experts, so when the time comes for their defense, they’ve been prepared and vetted by experts. It’s always a pleasure to guide their research.”
One of Johnson’s mentees was student Braeden Peterson (senior, physics and mathematics), whose project was titled "Correlation Analysis of Ionospheric Scintillations and Their Drivers.” When asked to comment on his presentation, he stated, “It was definitely stressful because it’s a large part of the Honors requirements, but it was also very fulfilling. It felt really good to have an end cap on all the time and effort that has gone into my research.”
Humanities student Karis Lyons (senior, digital communication) had a unique experience, saying, “[There were] many mixed emotions, but I was rather excited to present my research. I had been very stressed trying to get the presentation ready in time so it was a relief to have it all done and over with. I had been stressed, so it was a relief to have it all done and over with. I’m very thankful to my friends who gave me encouragement. Sure I was nervous, but I knew the material.”
The event was held at Buller Hall, with the presentations taking place in three separate rooms on the second floor and refreshments below. The Honors program student workers graciously volunteered their time to set up a sandwich bar and drinks for any visitors and students who attended the event. Throughout the event, friends and family were able to embrace the presenters afterward in appreciation of the hard work they had put in. With many of the Honors faculty and students attending the defenses of areas not in their field of study, it demonstrated a care for learning and overall knowledge.
Perhaps the comment that exemplified the atmosphere came from one of the presenters, Etien Balorda (junior, biology), who said that “It was stressful until I did it. When I actually did the presentation, it was a lot of fun.” That appeared to be the theme throughout the event: stress but sequential catharsis. Let us appreciate our friends who undertake the responsibility of research and the gracious faculty who aid in their endeavors.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.