Harvard Grads Inspire: A Look at Class of 2024 Thesis Projects

With graduation season in full swing, we often find ourselves reflecting on the incredible achievements of graduating students. Harvard University recently shared profiles of several exceptional graduating seniors from the Class of 2024 who undertook impressive thesis and independent projects. We're sharing these topics as a source of inspiration for future college students.

Passion Projects

Many prospective college students engage in passion projects, whether it's independent research in a field of study they love or community service initiatives. While the level of expertise will naturally differ between a graduating college senior and a high school student, exploring the types of projects undertaken by current Harvard students provides valuable insight into the kind of intellectual and community exploration that universities like Harvard value.

Here's a glimpse into the fascinating projects these Harvard seniors tackled:

  • Isabella's Personal Journey: In a deeply personal project, Isabella sought to gain a deeper understanding of her parents' experiences as Vietnamese refugees, exploring their memories and childhoods.
  • Ben's Robotic Innovation: For his senior capstone project, Ben focused on designing a robotic hand attachment specifically for spacesuits. This innovative design aims to help astronauts perform tasks with greater ease and reduce the fatigue caused by traditional suit gloves.
  • Daniel's Exploration of Diasporic Connections: Daniel's thesis delved into the fascinating world of diasporic connections, bridging the spiritualities of West Africa, Afro-Cuba, and African Americans.
  • Malak's Research in Oral Health: Malak's research project focused on a scientific exploration: the "Expression of Free Fatty Acids and Their Receptors on Oral Neutrophils in Oral Lichen Planus."
  • Francisco's Modular Design: For his capstone project, Francisco channeled his creativity into building a unique modular bicycle frame. This ingenious design allows for adjustments in size and shape to fit people of all heights, even accommodating children as they grow.
  • Kris's Empowering Work: Kris described the experience of writing "Nihil de Nobis, Sine Nobis: A Trans-Feminist, Community-Driven History of Autism and Disability Acceptance" as an "incredible" journey.

These projects showcase the diverse range of intellectual pursuits and impactful endeavors that universities like Harvard foster. Top universities value students who are curious and have the initiative to delve into new topics. So, if you have an area of interest, ignite that spark!  Start exploring and developing your expertise. Not only will it enrich your college application, it will also become the foundation for lifelong learning.  Who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one presenting groundbreaking research at a school like Harvard!

Need Guidance?

If you're navigating the intricate world of college admissions, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Selective Admissions. We offer comprehensive college counseling services to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your future.