Three UCF College of Health Professions and Sciences students are recipients of the UCF Honors Undergraduate Thesis (HUT) Scholarship. The Burnett Honors College partners with the academic colleges and regional campuses in sponsoring HUT scholarships. These $1,000 scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis within each college or campus and are available every fall and spring semester to all eligible students enrolled in HUT credit hours.
Honors Undergraduate Thesis is UCF’s most advanced undergraduate research program. It is designed to assist juniors and seniors develop their own independent research project under the direction of a thesis advisor and faculty thesis committee.
Eric Han
Health Sciences, Senior
“For the past year I have been conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the association between dietary inflammation (how our diet contributes to chronic inflammation) and cancer outcomes (cancer recurrence, all-cause mortality, and cancer-specific mortality.) The thesis is titled ‘The Relationship Between Inflammatory Diet Score and Cancer-Specific Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.'”
“I would not have been able to accomplish this without all the support I have had within the College of Health Professions and Sciences, particularly through my mentor Dr. Eunkyung Lee, who has mentored me and worked with me every step of the way to help me develop as an undergraduate researcher.”
Hanya Irfan
Health Sciences, Senior
“My project, ‘Associations Between Shame and Guilt, Self-Esteem, and Health Risk Behavior Among Undergraduate Students,’ examined the associations between shame, guilt, self-esteem and health risk behavior among university populations. I have always been passionate about the association between psychology and health, and this process allowed me to investigate this relationship further.”
“Without the help of my incredible thesis mentor, Dr. Suha Saleh, my thesis would not have been possible. I would like to extend my gratitude to my committee member, Dr. Katia Ferdowsi, for providing her time and attention to this project. Lastly, I would like to thank my dear parents for inspiring my interest in health, and my sisters for their constant love and fun.”
Jaskiran Bains
Health Sciences, Senior
“The research question of my thesis is: ‘What are the barriers that contribute to poor oral health in individuals with ASD?’ The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to identify barriers to dental care and oral health challenges in patients diagnosed with ASD.”
“I want to thank my thesis chair, Dr. Jeanette Garcia. Dr. Garcia’s encouraging advice and constant faith in me plays an instrumental role in my success — beyond even the scope of my thesis. Lastly, I want to thank my three lifelong cheerleaders — my parents and brother. Words cannot express how thankful I am. Without their love and support I would not be able to chase my passion for learning and contributing to the dental field.”
