HONORS STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Honors College has an official voice for students of which you should be aware: the Honors Student Advisory Committee (HSAC). This group works towards connecting students with faculty and staff to foster communication, influence Honors College policy, and take action items related to a host of the academic and social opportunities in the Honors College. HSAC meets every Monday from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
Please contact HSAC@honors.utah.edu for more information. You may also contact Dominic Pecoraro (D.Pecoraro@Honors.Utah.Edu), the HSAC advisor with questions.
Apply to HSAC

Diya Rao
PresidentDiya Rao
PresidentDiya Rao is a fourth-year psychology and health, society and policy student at the University of Utah Honors College. She has been involved in the Honors Student Advisory Committee since her freshman year and served as the president-elect during the academic year 2023-2024. She hopes to work with the committee to actively learn about the student body’s needs and collaborate on shared goals. When she’s not at school or work, you can always find Diya either playing pickleball or traveling!

Ethan Hepworth
Director of AdministrationEthan Hepworth
Director of AdministrationEthan Hepworth is a third-year political science student at the University of Utah. This will be his third year in HSAC, and he has loved his experience. He also sings in the U’s Chamber Choir, participates in ASUU as an Assembly representative, and actively participates in the Hinckley Institute’s internship programs. He is excited to meet and work with everyone this year!

Ferne Chirachanakul
Recruitment AmbassadorFerne Chirachanakul
Recruitment AmbassadorFerne Chirachanakul is a second-year student who was born in New Jersey and grew up in Utah. She is currently majoring in biology (with an emphasis on neurobiology) and minoring in chemistry and psychology on the pre-medical track. After graduating, she aspires to attend medical school and pursue a career in radiology/neurology. Outside of academics, Ferne loves to figure skate, hang out with her friends, and is a food enthusiast (specifically boba and Korean corn dogs). Ferne is absolutely delighted to serve as the recruitment ambassador for the Honors Student Advisory Committee in hopes of encouraging more students to apply for HSAC, publicizing future HSAC events, and representing the students and faculty of the Honors College.

Anika Rao
President-ElectAnika Rao
President-ElectAnika Rao is a second-year student from Salt Lake City, Utah, who has been involved with the Honors Student Advisory Committee since fall 2023. She is honored to have been elected to serve a two-year term as president-elect and, subsequently, president of the HSAC. Anika is majoring in political science and quantitative analysis of markets & organizations with a minor in philosophy. She is also involved with the Hinckley Institute of Politics as a forum host, the Honors College as a peer mentor, and the Business School’s Management Consulting Club leadership. Outside of academics, Anika is active in local politics and loves to travel, read, listen to podcasts, and spend time outdoors.

Vivek Anandh
Director of Campus AffairsVivek Anandh
Director of Campus AffairsVivek is a junior studying Computer Science. He has been a part of HSAC for the past two years and has enjoyed his time here. He served on the Improvement Committee last year and this year and is working with the Outreach and Engagement Committee as the Director of Campus Affairs. Some hobbies Vivek enjoys are cooking, investing, and hiking with his golden retrevier.

Dayanara Ruiz
Events ChairDayanara Ruiz
Events ChairDayanara Ruiz is a third-year student from Boise, Idaho. She is double-majoring in psychology and criminology with minors in the Honors Integrated Human Rights and Resources, as well as human development and family studies. Dayanara plans to attend graduate school for child psychology. Outside of academics, she loves research, shopping, and traveling.