The Honors House is Physically Closed
But we are Virtually OPEN
Please know that we are here for you
McBride Honors Program
Explore Your World
Celebrating 40 Years!
Interested in Joining McBride? We are Now Accepting Applications!
Applications are due on February 17th, 2021. If you want to learn more, attend one of our upcoming virtual information sessions (more details will be posted at a later date)
The McBride Experience
The McBride Honors Program has the feel of a small liberal arts college–right here, in the heart of one of the foremost science and engineering universities. Nurturing the full potential of Mines students for over forty years, the program develops core skills in effective communication, problem solving, leadership, creativity and critical thinking. Through McBride, students get a well-rounded education that emboldens learning across disciplines and with diverse people by integrating the liberal arts with that of science and engineering.
Students in McBride will experience student-centered and collaborative learning alongside their professors in small, unique classes that are developed specifically for the program. Seminar discussions and innovative academic activities are designed to encourage curiosity, dive deeply into our humanity, tether our socio-technical understanding, and explore our world in all of its complexity.
Our emphases on experiential education, global exploration, and student-driven experiences culminate in the capstone practicum where students design their own learning adventure according to their passions and goals. This close-knit community of creatively minded and highly motivated individuals make McBride a place to call home and to enjoy a truly transformative educational experience.
Upcoming Events Schedule
| Event Title | Event Details |
| McHalloween Pumpkin Party (In-Person) | October 29th (4:30PM – 6:30PM) |
| McCommon Read – Discussion (Virtual) | November 5th (5:30PM – 7:00PM) |
| McOpen House (Virtual) | November 9th (8:00AM – 9:30AM, 2:00PM – 4:00PM) |
| McOpen House (Virtual) | November 19th (8:00AM – 9:30AM, 4:00PM – 6:00PM) |
Student Showcase
The Student Showcase features some of the creative, interdisciplinary, and exceptional work of our students which emerges from unique learning experiences.
HNRS 425: Explorations in Politics, Policy, and Leadership - John Whately
Course Theme: Foggy Lenses, Foggy Mirror: Ambiguity and Clarity in Mass Media
Project Link: The Rainbow Airwaves – PDF
HNRS 435: Explorations in Culture, Society, and Creative Arts - Scott Marshall
Course Theme: Soul Food: Plating our Cultural Narratives
Project Link: The Cookbook – Website
HNRS 435: Explorations in Culture, Society, and Creative Arts - Emma Braun
Course Theme: Soul Food: Plating our Cultural Narratives
Project Link: Food As Power – Podcast
Project Description: Works Referenced
HNRS 445: Explorations in Science, Technology, and Society - Colin Gilgenbach
Course Theme: Thermo Human Dynamics—Heat, Energy, and Time
Project Link: The Heat Death of the Universe – Website
My project showcases four variations on a common theme of thermodynamic heat death. I imagine the ideas of heat death applied to the staggering scope of the life of the universe, in order to force the viewer to step outside of the human timescale.
To showcase this project, I created a website which takes the viewer from the start of the universe to the projected end of the universe. I use changing colors to give a sense of the average temperature of the universe, and a graph overlay to allow the viewer to gauge the progress of the universe and the inevitability of thermodynamics. Into this backdrop, I insert dialogues between characters living their lives on each of these time and length scales. In essence, I juxtapose the inevitable process of thermodynamics with the experiences of life that can take place despite this.
Throughout the project, I use time units which are scaled to the era represented. This demonstrates the fractal nature of the Universe, and emphasizes the possibility of life to persist at extremely low temperatures and extremely long timescales. There are certain parallels that run through each timescale, such as uncertainty about the future and inability to comprehend the sheer scope of the Universe.
This project attempts to subvert the purely negative views of thermodynamic heat death, by suggesting that life could continue long after humans are gone.
HNRS 445: Explorations in Science, Technology, and Society - Gillian Burnham
Course Theme: Thermo Human Dynamics—Heat, Energy, and Time
Project Link: The Chaos Collection – PDF
Description: Art Statement – PDF
HNRS 445: Explorations in Science, Technology, and Society - Shannon Keohane
Course Theme: Thermo Human Dynamics—Heat, Energy, and Time
Project Link: Contrived Blooms Luminesce – PDF
News
McBride Honors Program is Now Accepting Applications!
The McBride Honors Program is accepting applications for the new 2021 cohort! Drop by one of our virtual open houses to talk with current McBriders on 11/9 (8:00-9:30am, 2:00-4:00pm) or 11/19 (8:00-9:30am, 4:00-6:00pm) at bit.ly/McOpenHouse and...
Many McBriders joined us for a great McAl Fresco Snack and Chat!
The McAl Fresco Snack and Chat was a success! Along with our snacks and chatting, McBriders used their artistic prowess to decorate tiles.
Events
Virtual Study Abroad Fair
Dreaming of your next big adventure? Find your helluva journey and learn more about how to study abroad at the Virtual Study Abroad Fair on Thursday, 10/22, from 4PM - 6PM. Registration is required to attend.
Disability Technologies: Ethical Pitfalls and Social Responsibilities
Join us for a Daniels Fund Public Lecture on October 5th at 6:00PM - 7:30PM, where Ashely Shew from Virginia Tech will discuss Disability Technologies: Ethical Pitfalls and Social Responsibilities! Title: Disability Technologies: Ethical Pitfalls and Social...