Honors Spotlight

Refashioning Fantasy: Reimagining Game of Thrones with Alina Caldwell

What if Game of Thrones looked entirely different? In this episode of Honors Spotlight, studio art major Alina Caldwell reimagines one of the most iconic fantasy worlds through the lens of fashion, culture, and storytelling. Her creative thesis, “Refashioning Fantasy,” revisits the costumes of HBO’s Game of Thrones, drawing inspiration not from the screen, but from George R.R. Martin’s original texts and the real-world cultures that shape how people dress. Alina shares how geography, climate, and social identity influenced her redesigns for nine major families and regions in Westeros, and why color, texture, and practicality matter far more than we often see on screen. From rethinking the portrayal of the Dothraki to tackling the challenge of designing for the austere Iron Islands, she reveals the research, creativity, and problem-solving behind each illustration. Along the way, the conversation explores the role of costume design in visual storytelling, the pitfalls of fantasy clichés, and how thoughtful design choices can deepen our understanding of character and culture. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, fashion, or creative scholarship, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how art can reshape the stories we think we know. (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 [https://honors.mtsu.edu/].

Can ChatGPT Balance the Books? - Luis Esmurria

Accounting and AI might seem like an unlikely pair — but according to honors student Luis Esmurria, tools like ChatGPT are already reshaping the field. In this episode of Honors Spotlight, Luis shares findings from his thesis on how large language models are influencing accounting education, from personalized learning benefits to ethical concerns around accuracy, transparency, and rapidly changing tax regulations. We explore: * Why ChatGPT’s accessibility has accelerated its impact * How students use AI both responsibly and irresponsibly * Why accounting remains a people‑centered profession despite automation * The gaps in university AI policies * How educators can integrate AI in ways that support, not replace, student learning Luis also reflects on how researching AI has changed his own perspective as a future accountant — and what’s next for him after graduation. A thoughtful, timely conversation for students, educators, and professionals navigating the future of learning and the future of accounting. (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 [https://honors.mtsu.edu/].

More than a Meal - with Truvell Haddox

This episode of Honors Spotlight shines a light on finance major Truvell Haddox, whose commitment to service goes far beyond single volunteer events. For the past three years, Truvell has spent nearly every month preparing and delivering meals to food‑insecure and unhoused communities across Middle Tennessee. He shares how faith reshaped his understanding of success, why consistent service matters more than one‑time gestures, and the powerful relationships formed along the way. From monthly outreach in three cities to holiday food distributions and hopes of expanding into Kentucky, Truvell’s story is one of compassion, resilience, and purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how small, steady acts of kindness can transform lives, including your own, this conversation is for you. If you’d like to help support or donate to The Remnant Church and its outreach efforts, please contact the church directly for more information.   (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

THESIS: Beneath the Surface - with Batoul Sawas

In this episode of Honors Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with Batoul Sawas, senior psychology major, Honors ambassador, and award‑winning student researcher. Batoul shares how her multicultural background, campus leadership roles, and research experiences shaped her Honors thesis: Beneath the Surface, an in‑depth exploration of how parenting styles, self‑esteem, and the Big Five personality traits intersect in the lives of college students. Batoul also opens up about her work in mental‑health advocacy, from supporting elderly caregivers through Black Mental Health Village to delivering depression‑prevention interventions through Meharry Medical College’s HBCU wellness project. Together, Robin and Batoul explore what mental‑health resources college students need, what coping strategies actually work, and what it means to “enjoy being in the process of becoming.” If you're curious about research, psychology, or student well‑being (or just need a dose of encouragement), this episode is for you. (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   RESOURCES: * Subscribe to the SOAR newsletter: urc.mtsu.edu/soarofficers/ [https://urc.mtsu.edu/soarofficers/]  * Follow the URC on LinkedIn   linkedin.com/company/undergraduate-research-center/posts/?feedView=all [https://www.linkedin.com/company/undergraduate-research-center/posts/?feedView=all]  *  Counselling Services: counseling.mtsu.edu/services/ [https://counseling.mtsu.edu/services/] *  URECA: https://urc.mtsu.edu/ureca-overview/ [https://urc.mtsu.edu/ureca-overview/] *  Honors College Scholarships: https://honors.mtsu.edu/scholarships/ [https://honors.mtsu.edu/scholarships/]

The Narrative Power of Halo Reach – with Sarah Huffman

In this episode of Honor Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with Buchanan Fellow and English major Sarah Huffman to explore her Honors thesis, Halo Reach: Humanity's Desperation in the Face of Adversity."  Sarah dives into the emotional and narrative depth of Halo: Reach, examining how the game uses storytelling, environment, and player psychology to portray the indomitable human spirit in the face of inevitable loss. Together, Robin and Sarah discuss dramatic irony, false hope, Noble Six’s unforgettable final stand, and how video games can function as powerful works of literature. Sarah also shares her personal journey from rediscovering gaming to analyzing one of the most beloved entries in the Halo franchise. And she reflects on how themes of perseverance and resilience resonate far beyond the screen. Whether you're a longtime Halo fan, a storytelling enthusiast, or simply curious about the growing field of game studies, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how interactive media can shape our understanding of hope, sacrifice, and what it means to keep fighting.   Music sample from Halo: Reach – Overture, by: Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori (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