In the heart of many undergraduate academic journeys lies a pinnacle moment, representing years of learning, exploration, and dedication: the senior thesis. Crafting a senior thesis allows students to get involved in a rewarding process of exploring new challenges that leave a lasting impact on their lives.
The senior thesis is a research project, typically between 30-130 pages in length, that students undertake in their final year of study. Yasmine Bazos ’24, a History and Literature concentrator, said this experience allows students to “come away from your four years of studying with one product of your own that requires intense research.” Indeed, the senior thesis holds prominence in the Harvard experience as it allows students to explore intellectual interests, engage in scholarly works, and showcase their cumulative years of education.
For Bazos, her journey began with a spark of interest ignited by distinguished Harvard professor Maya Jasanoff’s course on the British Empire. This curiosity transformed into a thesis exploring the history and contemporary implications of the opium wars. She delved into the historical, cultural, and geopolitical ramifications of the opium trade. As Bazos shared the transformative impact of her thesis, she said, “It’s an incredible opportunity to think about your work ethic, your work patterns, and how you personally think and operate.”
Each thesis allows students to immerse themselves in topics they are passionate about and contribute their unique perspectives to the academic discourse. Chuby Uche ’24, a Government concentrator, shared the role of the thesis as “a culmination of trying to explore something that you were passionate about…or expand upon something already pre-existing.” Through his thesis on health policy during COVID-19, Uche shed light on crucial societal issues while adding his own impactful additions that enriched the academic conversation.
Crafting a senior thesis is undeniably a challenging, long journey. Uche mentioned it is filled with many late nights, meetings, workshops, and more. However, Grace Coolidge ’24 articulated that “overcoming these hurdles ultimately instills a profound sense of confidence and accomplishment, paving the way for future success.” As a concentrator in History with a secondary in Art, Film, and Visual Studies, Coolidge, motivated by a passion for understanding the intricacies of war and activism, focused her thesis on Harvard student protests in the late 1960s surrounding the Vietnam War.
Uche shared that the thesis demands “spend[ing] as much time [as] you can in terms of planning.” Coolidge’s experience likewise reinforced his statement as she recalled her proactive approach to researching, planning, and meeting with department members to discuss her plan. “I started over the summer and started my research pretty early. Thank God I did because the process would have been way more hectic if I hadn’t,” she said. For most seniors, early preparation and consistent dedication are vital in managing a thesis.
Ultimately, although the senior thesis is an arduous process, it leaves a permanent mark on students’ lives and shapes their intellectual trajectories. Jacob Bueller ’24, an Astrophysics concentrator, shared insights in his thesis journey which involved designing and testing components for a new X-ray telescope currently under proposal. He shared, “It’s one of the experiences that I’m definitely most glad I had. I definitely learned a lot..” Coolidge seconds this, explaining, “It’s the biggest time commitment you can have in your hands, but it’s also the most rewarding process.” Essentially, these seniors all agree that all their dedication will feel rewarding when crossing the finish line. As Bazos articulates, “It’s a really worthwhile experience that you don’t get in many other aspects [of your college career].”
At the end of the senior thesis, students have the opportunity to write an acknowledgments section. This section highlights all the professors, mentors, and others who guided students in their thesis writing process. Uche highlighted that the “most rewarding thing” was his ability to form closer relationships with his mentors. He also shared his acknowledgments section, comparing it to “a whole novel” because of the number of individuals he wishes to thank for their support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the process.
This transformative experience equips them with the skills and tools to navigate the many challenges they will experience both personally and professionally. Overall, the senior thesis establishes a lasting impact on intellectual and personal development. For those considering pursuing a senior thesis, Uche said, “I highly recommend doing it… It’s a feeling that you’ll never forget.”
Mishelle Wiewiora ’27 (mwiewiora@college.harvard.edu) is inspired to one day leave her scholarly mark.