Nearly 30 Berkeley College Honors students presented compelling research on complex social justice issues during the annual Honors Scholars Research Symposium. The event, held Aug. 5 – 6, provided a platform for students to hone their critical thinking, presentation, and academic writing skills by exploring topics like gun control, the American health care system, and artificial intelligence’s impact on art.
According to Pattie Cowan, Director of the Honors Program, the quality of the students’ work was exceptional. “The Honors scholars this year went above and beyond in the scope of their research and presentations,” Cowan said. “This Symposium was no exception,” she added, highlighting the students’ ability to consistently challenge the program’s expectations.
The symposium featured both a virtual session and a poster presentation. Virtual presentations covered diverse topics, including mental health and social media, sustainable fashion, and the gig economy. The in-person poster session delved into social justice issues, including effective gun control legislation, human trafficking, and an intriguing question posed by student Gabriel Pereira: “Has Art Lost Its Soul in the Age of AI?”
Three Honors scholars—Christian Benito, Andre Krzyzanowski, and Gabriel Pereira—will have the opportunity to present their posters at the Middle States Commission for Higher Education (MSCHE) Annual Conference in Philadelphia this December. This prestigious conference will allow the students to showcase their research to leaders in higher education.
An Honors Recognition Ceremony on August 8, 2025, celebrated the top-performing students from the 2024-2025 academic year. Awards were given for best presentations, theses, and papers. Notable award recipients included:
- Best Title: Gabriel Pereira for “Has Art Lost Its Soul in the Age of AI?”
- Best Honors Social Justice Papers: Elvira Bronaes for her paper on online health perceptions and Olivia Wolski for her work on American healthcare.
- Best Honors Theses: Andre Krzyzanowski for his thesis on the psychology of conspiracy theories and Sofia Tosca for her research on technology’s impact on culture.
The symposium and awards ceremony highlighted the dedication and academic excellence of Berkeley College’s Honors students, showcasing their potential to become future leaders and thinkers in their respective fields.
