YSU honors student expands leadership, research experience through national editorial role
Student Spotlight
Youngstown State University student Nadia Zarbaugh has built her college experience around academics, leadership, service and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
A biological sciences major on the BaccMed track major from Poland, Ohio, Zarbaugh is a member of the Sokolov Honors College. She also serves as a student member of the YSU Board of Trustees and is involved with organizations including the American Medical Women’s Association, American Medical Student Association and Sight for All United.
Her involvement now extends nationally after being selected as an associate editor for UReCA: The National Collegiate Honors Council Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, a nationally recognized undergraduate journal published by the NCHC.
“I am very honored to have been selected as an associate editor as this journal is well-known for undergraduate students across the country,” Zarbaugh said. “I feel grateful that they value my opinion to review and edit potential submissions for the journal.”
Through the position, Zarbaugh reviews undergraduate scholarship, participates in academic publishing training and collaborates with student editors from institutions across the country. The experience has also helped her strengthen skills in communication, critical thinking and scholarly evaluation.
Her role began with a summer editorial retreat in Montana, where associate editors participated in intensive training and collaborative workshops focused on reviewing submissions across a variety of disciplines and creative genres.
The retreat also extended beyond traditional academic training. Editors participated in experiential learning activities in Glacier National Park and other natural areas, giving them opportunities to build relationships with peers while learning in unfamiliar environments.
For Zarbaugh, those experiences reinforced the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone.
“I think experiential learning opportunities like this are super valuable for college students because it exposes you to new perspectives and new networks you may have never found,” she said. “Although it may be scary at first, you always end up gaining at least one thing that is beneficial for your future.”
Participants also completed a volunteer service project at Glacier National Park, helping with environmental cleanup efforts that support wildlife conservation. Park rangers later shared information about the park’s history and ecology, allowing the editors to combine service, learning and professional development during the retreat.
Beyond reviewing submissions, Zarbaugh said the position has allowed her to connect with students and faculty outside YSU while gaining experience that can carry into future academic and professional opportunities.
Mollie Hartup, director of the Sokolov Honors College, said Zarbaugh’s selection reflects the value of taking advantage of opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom.
“Nadia’s appointment provides a rare opportunity to contribute to the national conversation surrounding undergraduate scholarship while developing professional skills that will serve her well in the future,” Hartup said. “Experiences like this demonstrate how honors students can apply their learning in real-world settings, expand their perspectives and build networks that extend far beyond campus.”
Zarbaugh’s experience also reflects the opportunities available to YSU students through the Sokolov Honors College to connect academic learning with research, leadership, service and professional development.
By taking what she has learned at YSU into a national editorial setting, Zarbaugh is building skills, connections and experience that extend well beyond campus while representing Youngstown State University within a broader undergraduate research community.
Her experience demonstrates how YSU students can turn classroom learning and campus involvement into opportunities to contribute, lead and grow on a national level.