Honors College

Hello everyone! My name is Seth Thomas and I am a third-year student studying Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, a Chemistry minor, and a minor in Political Science with a focus in Environmental and Energy Politics. I am from Reno, Nevada, a high desert area that has frozen snowy winters and 95-degree summers. Growing up in a place where rain and trees are scarce, I instantly fell in love with Oregon’s natural beauty. I went to Damonte Ranch High School in Reno where I participated in a diverse set of activities from varsity athletics to being the President of my school’s Chapter of the National Honor Society, to being a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) where I was a five-time state champion and two-time national top ten finisher. I was also engaged in many activities outside of high school, including being the President of my local 4H club and raising and showing rabbits at local and national competitions.

After touring and applying to schools from coast to coast, I finally decided on OSU and the Honors College was a major part of that decision. The massive amount of research that takes place at Oregon State is one of the main reasons that I chose to attend OSU. The Honors College takes undergraduate research at OSU to the next level by opening more doors for their students and requiring a thesis project that allows us to contribute something back to the academic community.

The honors college provides so many different opportunities to experience new and amazing things. One of these opportunities that has greatly affected my life is the Honors College study abroad programs. I have had the opportunity to attend programs in both London and France with interactive classes run by honor’s professors. I have also studied abroad with the university and was able to take classes and do research in Tanzania this last fall.  These programs have helped me connect more deeply with other honors students and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The community the Honors College Community is one of my favorite parts of being at OSU. As soon as I arrived I got involved by becoming the president of the West Hall (Honors Residence Hall) council and hosting events within the Honors living learning community. Last year I was the President of the Honors College Student Association, a member of the Honors Student Leadership Circle, and a representative for ASOSU.

If you have any questions about the Honors College, studying abroad, getting involved on campus, or just OSU in general don’t hesitate to contact me!