- November 21st, 2022
November 2022 Honors College Student of the Month
Aurora Baker
Home College: College of Arts & Sciences
Major: Environmental Science
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Honors College Involvement: University Honors Programs, Randall Research Scholars Program
University and Community Involvement:
Student Researcher in the Forest Dynamics Lab Treasurer of the Forest Stewards Guild, Intramural Sports Manager for Randall Research Scholars Program, Honors College Advisory Board Alternate representing the Randall Research Scholars Program
Why Honors?
The experiences I have gained through the Honors College, and specifically the Randall Research Scholars Program (RRSP), are some of the most beneficial I’ve had at the University of Alabama. My freshman year, being part of the Honors College gave me the opportunity to meet new people through the various events and through intramural sports within the program. Now, in my sophomore year, I have taken on the role of intramural sports manager within RRSP. I organize the different teams and make sure to promote fun as well as unity, so that current freshmen can make the same long-lasting connections as I was given the opportunity to do. I am also an alternate for the Honors College Advisory Board, which meets biweekly to promote inter-communication between the various programs of the Honors College. Once a month, the board meets with Luoheng Han, the Interim Dean, to discuss ideas for future ventures. One such venture has been preparing for Homecoming Week, which I assisted with by finding a designer for the pomp. Furthermore, RRSP has helped me to become involved in undergraduate research, as early as my first semester of freshman year. I am now an undergraduate student researcher in the Forest Dynamics Lab, where I have found a passion for working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). I am currently working on a research project using GIS, the coding language R, and data provided by The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). My favorite part of the Honors College, however, is the “small college” feel it contributes to campus. Even surrounded by over 38,000 other students, I feel valued and a part of something grand.
Click here to complete the Student of the Month Self-Nomination form for a chance to be featured!