Honors Program Profile Gavin Ross

Jumping In: The Journey through Honors

A Profile of Gavin Ross, Second-Year Honors Student

For Gavin Ross, a chemistry major, pursuing minors in history, mathematics, and Spanish, the decision to join the honors program at Saint Francis didn’t happen immediately. “I didn’t know about the honors program  until I was contacted by a few professors who encouraged me to join,” he says. But once he heard about the creative opportunities and the chance to customize his education, he was sold.

Gavin’s honors program experience has been defined by both academic and social growth. He cites his time in HNRS 101 and his work on his thesis as key. “Meeting all the other honors students has probably been my favorite part so far,” he says, noting how much he enjoys engaging with peers who bring diverse – and sometimes opposing – perspectives to the table. Taking advantage of the honors early registration benefit has also been a bonus, especially for a busy student managing multiple responsibilities. Gavin is currently working on a thesis that explores the sustainable use of mechanochemistry in metalation, a project he is “double-dipping” to fulfill both his chemistry and honors thesis requirements.

In his research, Gavin applies mechanical energy rather than traditional methods to introduce metals into ligands, aiming to create a faster, more eco-friendly approach. “The idea is to reduce time, energy, and resource costs, making it more sustainable,” he explains. By focusing on this approach, Gavin hopes to demonstrate the broader applicability of mechanochemical methods in organometallic chemistry—a field that could benefit from greener practices.

Outside the lab, Gavin holds an impressive repertoire. The president of both the Spanish and chess clubs on campus, he is also involved in other chemistry-related research projects. When Gavin is not studying or leading club meetings, he’s preparing for his upcoming directed readings course, where he’ll examine the psychological impact of mythology on society. “I’m looking forward to exploring mythology’s influence on media, culture, and even how we think about ourselves,” he says.

Reflecting on his experience, Gavin advises future students who are considering the honors program to “put yourself out there.” The honors program is an environment where students from all disciplines can learn from one another, and seizing those connections is vital. “Other honors students won’t always be in your major, so having access to different ideas and perspectives has been great. Reach out and take the chance to expand your creativity and thinking.”