The Holster Scholars Program
2026 Fall Symposium
Friday, September 25
Konover Auditorium, Dodd Center
Storrs Campus
#UHLevent11509
Check back closer to the event to download a printable version of the program, including photos and biographies of the 2026 Scholars, project descriptions, and information about the Holster Scholars Program.
(See below for an accessible/all-text version of the program’s content.)
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Presentation Schedule
(Tentative)
Introduction (2:30 p.m.)
DR. VIN MOSCARDELLI, Director of UConn’s Office of National Scholarships & Fellowships and Coordinator of the Holster Scholars Program
Session #1: “Biology & Behavior” (2:40 p.m.)
ALISSA CHRISTENSEN, Subjective Time Estimation in Rats
AILEEN LIU, Investigating Gαf Function in Spermathecal Secretory Cells for Sperm Storage in Female Drosophila melanogaster
– Q&A –
NADIA RATIB-EIXARCH, America(n) First: American-ness, Immigration Policy, and the Latino Gender Gap
MAYA VALLEJO, Does Music Help or Harm the Ear? An Analysis of Hearing Tests and Noise Exposure Levels
– Q&A –
– BREAK –
Session #2: “Past and Present” (3:55 p.m.)
THEJA SURESH NAGAN, Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising and the Historical Construction of Women as Consumer Patients in the U.S.
PHILLIP PURCELL, State Energy Control and Economic Strategy in the 1980s Debt Crisis: A Case Study of Mexico & Argentina
KYLIE KIEFER, Scientific Innovation and War: From Chemical Weapons in WWI to AI in Modern Conflict
– Q&A –
Closing Comments (4:40 p.m.)
DR. JENNIFER LEASE BUTTS, Associate Vice Provost for Enrichment Programs | Director of the Honors Program
About the Holster Scholars Program
The Holster Scholars Program is a selective enrichment opportunity for curious Honors students that supports a select number of motivated students interested in independent research the summer following their first year. Holster projects are in-depth, individualized learning experiences. Beyond some basic requirements, projects are self-designed. Now in its 16th year, the Holster Scholars Program is made possible by a generous gift from Robert (’68) and Carlotta (’68) Holster.
Applications, due in early November, are reviewed by an interdisciplinary committee of faculty and staff who then invite about a dozen students to enroll in a one-credit proposal development seminar in the spring. Finalists spend the first half of the spring semester refining their proposals before submitting them mid-semester. At that point, the committee reviews the proposals and interviews the finalists before naming the new cohort of Holster Scholars. Scholars conduct their research over the summer under the guidance of a faculty mentor and then present their research to the university community at the Holster Scholars Research Symposium in the fall.
In addition to receiving individualized mentoring, the Holster Scholars provide peer support to each other as they develop their projects. After their first year, Scholars have the opportunity to serve as peer mentors to new Holster Scholars and are encouraged to pursue additional research and enrichment opportunities, including (but not limited to) those offered by the Office of Undergraduate Research (e.g., IDEA, SURF, SHARE, and Change Grants; the Health Research Program, and the BOLD Scholarship), the Division of Student Affairs (e.g., the Leadership Legacy Experience and various Student Life Awards), and the Office of National Scholarships & Fellowships (e.g., Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Udall, and Fulbright).
Meet the 2026 Holster Scholars
Alissa Christensen ’29 (CLAS), from Upton, MA, is pursuing a double major in psychology (B.S.) and English (B.A.). In high school, Alissa served as Vice President of the National English Honor Society, President of the Podcast Club, and was a member of the National Honor, STEM, and French Societies. In addition to her community involvement, Alissa was awarded her school’s English Medal, the Smith College Book Award, and the Faculty Recognition Award. One of Alissa’s proudest accomplishments was creating a project to raise awareness for those with ocular disorders to honor her father who suffers from Cone Dystrophy. This initiative contributed to her receiving the Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award for her commitment to social justice and community leadership. At UConn, Alissa works in the Markus Lab, where she studies behavioral and social psychology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the gym, and spending time with her loved ones.
Project: Subjective Time Estimation in Rats and Humans
Mentor: Prof. Etan Markus, Dept. of Psychological Sciences
Kylie Kiefer ’29 (CLAS) from Orlando, FL, is a STEM Scholar and pre-med student in the Special Program in Medicine (SPiM) double majoring in molecular & cell biology and history with a minor in writing. In high school, she was a National Merit Finalist, vice president of the Marine Club, member of the Honor Court and National Honor Society, and captain of her swim team. She served as an Athlete Representative for the Florida Swimming House of Delegates and worked as a research assistant where she collected and organized clinical data. At UConn, she is a member of the Division I Swim and Dive team, where she swims breaststroke and individual medley. When she’s not in the classroom, library, or pool, Kylie enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching movies, reading, and crocheting.
Project: Scientific Innovation and War: From Chemical Weapons in WWI to Artificial Intelligence in Modern Conflict
Mentor: Prof. Charles Lansing, Dept. of History
Aileen Liu ’29 (CLAS) from Storrs, is a pre-medical student pursuing a degree in molecular & cell biology. In high school, she tutored students through Schoolhouse and her school’s peer tutoring center in math, science, and SAT preparation. She was a varsity swimmer and tennis player, a member of the Math Honor Society, volunteered at American Red Cross blood drives, and shadowed healthcare professionals through an internship at Windham Hospital. At UConn, she volunteers at Covenant Soup Kitchen, WAIM (Windham Area Interfaith Ministry), and a free clinic through the Medical Clinic Club, supporting food access, clothing distribution, and healthcare assistance for local families. She is also involved in Step Into Med, serves as a UNIV 1784 facilitator, and conducts research in the Sun Lab studying Drosophila reproductive biology. In her free time, she plays piano and flute and enjoys reading.
Project: Investigating Gαf Function in Spermathecal Secretory Cells for Sperm Storage in Female Drosophila melanogaster
Mentor: Prof. Jianjun Sun, Dept. of Physiology & Neurobiology
Theja Suresh Nagan ’29 (CLAS), from Avon, is a pre-medical student and STEM Scholar pursuing dual degrees in molecular & cell biology (B.S.) and human rights (B.A.). In high school, Theja developed her interests in advocacy and public education by founding and leading a HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter and serving as president of her school’s UNICEF and Amnesty International. She loved getting involved in her local community, teaching swim lessons, volunteering as an EMT, mentoring student volunteers at Hartford Hospital, and organizing Stop the Bleed training sessions. At UConn, Theja serves on the executive boards of the South Asian Women Empowerment Association and the Healthcare Economics Society. She is currently assisting Dr. Sara Silverstein with her forthcoming book and is fascinated by the historical intersections of medicine, ethics, and society. Outside of class, Theja enjoys swimming, trying new cafés and boba flavors, thrifting, and spending time with friends and family.
Project: Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising and the Historical Construction of Women as Consumer Patients in the United States
Mentor: Prof. Sara Silverstein, Dept. of History
Phillip Purcell ’29 (CLAS) from Brooklyn, is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in economics. At Killingly High School, Phillip was captain of his tennis and soccer teams, a member of the jazz and symphonic bands, and served as Class President and student representative to his district’s Board of Education. Outside of school, he volunteered as a religious education teacher and Unified Sports helper. Phillip is a naturally curious person and enjoys engaging with diverse perspectives through civic involvement. As a Presidential Scholar at UConn, he serves as Buckley and Shippee Hall Council President and is a fellow with the Democracy and Dialogues Initiative at the Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute. He is also a member of UConn’s Club Ultimate Frisbee Team. In his free time, Phillip enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing the trombone, biking, and exploring nature.
Project: State Energy Control and Economic Strategy in the 1980s Debt Crisis: Mexico and Argentina
Mentors: Prof. Mark Healey, Dept. of History and Dr. Jennifer Schaefer, UConn Libraries
Nadia Ratib-Eixarch ’29 (CLAS) of North Stonington, is a Presidential Scholar in the Special Program in Law (SPinL) pursuing a degree in political science. She graduated from Wheeler High School as valedictorian and received the Harvard Book Award. At UConn, Ratib-Eixarch has served as a Bennett Research Assistant to Prof. Matthew Singer of the Dept. of Political Science as well as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant to Prof. Matthew Hughey of the Dept. of Sociology. In her free time, Nadia has dedicated herself to refining her ballet technique. She has attended prestigious ballet summer programs at some of America’s largest companies—including American Ballet Theater and Boston Ballet—placing in the highest levels the last two summers she attended. Nadia enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family.
Project: America(n) First: The Latino Gender Gap in Relationships with Americanness and Conservative Immigration Policy
Mentor: Prof. Virginia Hettinger, Dept. of Political Science
Maya Vallejo ’29 (CLAS), from Glastonbury, is a Stamps Scholar pursuing a dual degree in mathematics and chemistry, with a minor in music. She graduated as class scholar from Glastonbury High School, where she was President of the Glastonbury Youth Symphony and completed an advanced research mentorship with UConn Health’s Cell Biology Department. Maya has served her community as a volunteer with Connecticut Children’s Hospital and Camp Sunrise. As a violinist, she shares her love of music by teaching at a community youth arts camp and volunteering as first-chair violinist for Glastonbury Youth Services children’s musical production. At UConn, Maya is a first violinist with UConn’s Symphony Orchestra and tutor with Math Motivators and the UConn Q center. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics or chemistry and hopes to combine research, teaching, and service in her future career. Outside the classroom, Maya enjoys reading science fiction, crafting fiber arts, and spending time with family and friends.
Project: Does Music Help or Harm the Ear? A Unique Analysis of Hearing Tests and Noise Exposure Levels
Mentor: Prof. Erika Skoe, Dept. of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences
Return to the Holster Scholars Program homepage.