Middlesex College Students Shine at Northeast Regional Honors Council Conference

The Northeast Regional Honors Council hosted their annual conference where six Middlesex College students presented their honors research. Two of the presenting students, Mariela Flores and Victor Gil, were awarded the Scholarship for Equity and Access (SEA) Award. The award is given to presenting honors students belonging to a traditionally underrepresented group.  

Gil, who is graduating in May with a degree in business administration, was shaped by his research in the Princeton Transfer Scholars program to shift his academic focus from business to sociology. He used data to identify the correlation between the number of social media platforms and perceived knowledgeability of monkeys. 

“This research project opened my mind up to sociology,” said Gil. “Marketing and sociology deal with the study of human interaction, so I can see myself succeeding in either field.” 

He hopes to transfer to an ivy league school to become a sociology researcher and future non-profit leader. 

Flores, graduating in December, plans to pursue psychology, human resources, or neuroscience. She hopes to use her education to create pathways for underrepresented students – particularly first-generation, low-income, or Hispanic students – access opportunities for personal and professional development. 

“To traditionally underrepresented students, I would say this: do not let the limitations placed on you define your future,” said Flores. “This experience reminded me that success is not reserved for a select few; it is attainable for anyone willing to pursue it with determination and support.” 

This year’s conference theme, “Haven of Honors”, showcased individuals cultivating innovative, upstanding, and impactful leaders. This was the first year that Middlesex College students were selected to participate through the competitive application process. 

“I am continually inspired by our students’ drive to think with such creativity and lead with purpose,” said Honors Program Coordinator and Professor of Natural Sciences Claire Condie. “Our Honors students are not only representing our institution with distinction but also paving the way for future students to follow.” 

Congratulations to the student presenters: 

• Aarzoo Brahmbhatt, “Philosophy as Therapy” 

• Mariela Flores, “The Epicurean Surgery: Fostering Well-Being Within the Campus Community” 

• Victor Gil, The Socially Aware Homo Sapien: Social Media and Conservation 

• Shreya Karmokar, Psychology: “Sleep versus Concentration: A Correlation Study” 

• Rimo Matthew, Microplastics: A Growing Threat to Human Health 

• Gurleen Saran, “Love Me, But Not the Lasagna” 

“The accomplishments of our Honors students at the Northeast Regional Honors Conference reflect the very best of Middlesex College: intellectual curiosity, creativity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to excellence,” said Dean of Liberal Arts Timothy Hack. “We are extremely proud of their achievements and grateful for the outstanding leadership that helped showcase their talents on a regional stage.”