As we wrap up our 2025 Spring Semester, our senior Honors students are anxiously and excitedly preparing for graduation! All Honors students are expected to complete a thesis project related to their major or minor. This past Friday April 11th, our seniors presented their projects at the Honors Senior Thesis Defense event. Our cohort of students, ranging from different majors, educational interests, and plans, all provided interesting and thought-provoking presentations. As many of us wonder about the thesis project process, we were interested in exploring what exactly makes a good thesis presentation. Sarah Maria, the Director of the Honors Program, is also an instructor for HON 399, a workshop-based course where seniors draft and revise their thesis projects. Read below to learn more about the insights and tips she provided!
The purpose of the Thesis Defense presentation is to showcase research and articulate why it matters. Students also highlight how they arrived at their specific research question and how they executed the work. While the thesis paper is a long form of exploration, with a summary of ongoing research, points, counterarguments, and deep dives of analysis, the presentation showcases a small slice of the process, giving more insight into why their question and analysis matters in a larger scope. Students present to an audience that is invested in this work and the success of students, like peers, professors, and staff.
A good thesis presentation needs to be flexible, while still centering on the significance of the thesis question and research. Presenters should help the audience understand the context of the topic and draw connections to the outcomes of this analysis. Curiosity and commitment should shine throughout the presentation as students highlight the importance of their passion.
Sarah Maria provided wonderful insights and tips on what students should think about throughout this academic project!
- Rehearse in a variety of ways (prepare for different kinds of audiences!)
- Give verbal cues to the audience (help them move through the presentation with you without becoming reliant on the slides – don’t read off your slides!)
- Do more with less – narrow in your topic to make a larger and more complex statement
- Keep your overall purpose in mind – what’s the outcome and what do you want your audience to takeaway
For future students, Sarah Maria reminds them that it is okay to have anxiety about this academic project, but to also remember that Honors faculty and staff are there to guide them through this process. Let go of some troublesome habits as college students (like time management!) and imagine the thesis project as a process that requires devoted and commitment to write consistently. Work in a mindset that imagines ongoing education and discovery!
Although preparing for your senior thesis might seem daunting, students are supported throughout their journey. Your professors and Honors community is here to support you! Bidding farewell to this wonderful group of students is never easy, but we are extremely proud of all their accomplishments. We are sincerely grateful to these students who truly embodied the Honors Program and showcased the value of an Honors Program education!