Katherine Mejia Reyes

• Represented UCNJ at HACU 29th Annual National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education held in Washington D.C., where I got the opportunity to advocate to elected officials in the name of students enrolled in Hispanic Serving Institutions.
• Presented at UCNJ's Honors Symposium in the fall semester of 2022 and 2023. In 2022 I focused on the history and perception of women during the period of the witch trials. I explored how concepts of misogyny and religion influenced the persecution of women who challenged the social norms and gender expectations of the time. In 2023 I presented, alongside a peer, about my experience in Princeton University's Transfer Scholars Initiative program. Through this presentation I was able to inform and answer questions from staff, faculty, and students about the program, its benefits, and encouraged eligible students to apply.
• Participated in Phi Theta Kappa's Honors In Action project. This research project focused on the art of play, with the purpose of investigating and exploring how nostalgic play has a positive influence on the well-being, both mental and physical, of college students. I actively contributed in the planning, organizing, and carrying out of multiple events related to nostalgic play in the UCNJ Cranford campus during the 2023 fall semester, as well as assisting in the writing portion of the research.
• Participated in PTK's College Project for UCNJ. For this project I co-hosted a podcast episode focusing on the options and career paths available for students after graduating from community college. The first half of the episode consists of an interview with a post associate's counselor who talks about the different steps someone can take after graduation. The second half focuses on key information about the transfer process, tips for choosing the right school, and how to make the overall transferring process easier.
• Led and hosted a workshop for UCNJ students with the goal of informing them about scholarships available to them. I researched and constructed a powerpoint presentation about the various scholarships offered to transfer students through Phi Theta Kappa. Through this workshop, members and non-members of PTK were able to learn more about scholarships available to them, how to apply, and asked any questions that they might have had.
• Participated in the NJ Junior Achievement High School Heroes program offered at the Barack Obama Green Charter High School. This was a volunteering opportunity to visit local elementary schools and serve as teacher assistants for teachers from local schools.

Recipient of the New Jersey Student of the Year award, given by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges to students in recognition of their academic excellence, character, inspirational success, and service to their communities.