From left: Scholars Kathryn Bolick, Lucia Park and Chi Vu sit on a panel moderated by Greg Brown, Luther Hodges Scholars faculty adviser, at the 2026 Spring Research Fair.
What does it take to complete a yearlong honors thesis? As the Luther Hodges Scholars program celebrates 10 years, students and faculty share five lessons every scholar should know before beginning the thesis journey.
- Ask for Help: “I feel that a lot of the time while doing research, a lot of people feel that, oh, I’m doing this on my own. I can’t ask for help because nobody knows my question the way I know my question. Nobody knows my research the way I know my research, which is, of course, how a lot of researchers think. Throughout the thesis program I learned the importance of leaning on others when I need help and to be very appreciative of the village I have around me.”
— Raven Heyward
Luther Hodges Scholar, Class of 2026; Recipient, Luther Hodges Research Excellence Award
- Build a Strong Network: “Have a really good relationship with your adviser and with the Luther Hodges program. Building those relationships is incredibly valuable because, as a student, it can be difficult to know which faculty member is the right fit for your interests. The people within the program can help connect you with mentors and opportunities you might not find on your own.”
— Adhithi Ramprakash,
Luther Hodges Scholar, Class of 2026
- Follow Your Curiosity: “Some experiences that may seem small or unrelated at the time can end up shaping your interest or your future in very unexpected ways. You never know where a single experience might lead. What started out as volunteering for me eventually became the foundation of my
honors thesis, and it was one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. Biggest advice is to just stay curious, follow your interest and believe that connections between your experiences will eventually reveal something over time.”
— Chi Vu,
Luther Hodges Scholar, Class of 2026; Recipient, Luther Hodges Research Excellence Award; Sustainable Carolina Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Sustainability Research
- Jump-Start Your Research Journey: “Use your junior summer to really dive deep into your topic. Read as much literature as you can. The more you read, the more you’ll find yourself asking questions. Write down those questions because they’re often the first questions you’re asking about a topic. That’s how you learn about the paradigm of the field, challenge broad assumptions, and develop questions that guide your research throughout your time in the program.”
— Kathryn Bolick,
Luther Hodges Scholar, Class of 2026
- Embrace the Unknown: “At its heart, research is an act of curiosity. It invites students to explore a question, follow evidence where it leads, and remain engaged even when the path forward is unclear. Through that process, they learn to think critically, navigate complexity and trust their own capacity to contribute insight and understanding. Those are qualities that serve them not only as researchers but as leaders.”
— Kim Allen,
Executive Director of Education Initiatives, Luther Hodges Scholars
Rising sophomores applying to UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School as a business administration major or minor are eligible to apply to become a Luther Hodges Scholar. The application process begins in early summer each year. Learn more about the program and application process today.