Outstanding University Honors Graduates 2026
Meet Claire Brimhall, Henry Tullis,
and Ben Tischner
and Ben Tischner
Article by Aspen Wooley | Photos by Grace Heaton
The Honors Program is pleased to announce the Outstanding Honors Graduates of the 2026 graduating class: Claire Brimhall (August ’26), Henry Tullis (August ’26), and Ben Tischner (June ’26). Each year, the Honors Executive Committee selects students for this distinction who embody the mission of the Honors Program:
“The Honors Program mission is to develop student disciple-scholars from across the university who will become broad thinkers, creative problem solvers, and influential leaders by cultivating academic excellence, a community of scholars, interdisciplinary thinking, and skills of inquiry.”
Claire, Henry, and Ben are excellent representatives of this year’s Honors graduating class. Like their fellow students, they are dedicated to academic excellence and to serving as disciples of Jesus Christ. Each has cultivated many talents in their pursuit of knowledge and have demonstrated a commitment to interdisciplinary learning and leadership in their fields.
Claire Brimhall is graduating with a degree in International Relations. Claire was drawn to this major because of her interest in foreign policy and economics. In discovering international relations, essentially an economics and political science double-major, she discovered the discipline made for her. Her thesis, titled “God’s Will or Man’s? The Power of Religious Rhetoric in Shaping Domestic Wartime Policy Preferences,” offered her opportunities to go to Europe and really put her learning into practice. The findings were consistent with her hypothesis that voters disregard their religious ideals when it comes time to vote. Claire will be attending BYU’s Public Administration master’s program in the fall, specializing in non-profit management.
Henry Tullis is graduating from BYU’s Applied and Computational Mathematics Emphasis (ACME) program, with a focus on Mathematical Biology. “I really love math, enough to spend a lot of free time thinking about it and doing it...” he said. “Biology is really fascinating to me as well...Both fields can be applied to make improvements in people’s lives.” While working on his thesis, he applied these disciplines together. His thesis is titled, “Hemophilia Through a Fractal Lens: Screening for Clotting Factor Deficiencies Using Fibrin Structural Patterns.” His research focuses on blood screening methods to improve access to treatment for patients with hemophilia. “My thesis has definitely taught me that discovery is hard work and a craft, and that sometimes you have to settle for small steps.” Henry will be working as a research assistant for the next year before completing a PhD in either math, computational biology, or bioengineering.
Ben Tischner is graduating with a degree in Organ Performance, and a minor in Scandinavian studies. Growing up playing the piano led him to a love for the organ, making his decision to study it in college an easy one. Ben’s studies have become a part of everything that he does, including his thesis research. His thesis is titled “A Danish Romantic Organ Voice: The Music of JPE Hartman and the Marcussen & Søn Organ.” As Ben has searched for post-graduation opportunities, he has found opportunities to play this music on the very organs he researched. “I’ll get to spend all summer practicing what I’ve been researching for my thesis!” he exclaimed. He will attend BYU in the fall for an organ master’s degree, after spending the summer at an organ internship at the Cathedral of Stockholm.
Want to learn more about these students in their own words? Keep reading for our Q&A about their experiences here at BYU!
Claire Elizabeth Brimhall
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Major: International Relations
What is your favorite memory from your time in the Honors Program?
I loved one of the Unexpected Connections classes I took that was called “Agency and Determinism.” It combined humanities with biology and evolution, and we basically got to talk about all the research being done on whether or not free will exists… both the philosophical and religious perspective…say that it does exist. It was so fascinating! For my Leadership Development Experience, I got the chance to go to London and work for the Church [of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] in their humanitarian office. One of the things I got to do was develop my own project proposal for the Church to give about $50,000 to a charity that helps special needs kids. It’s a really niche charity, but my little sister has a really specific type of cerebral palsy and there’s a specific type of care that was really helpful for her. I was able to find a charity in London and help the Church develop the funding proposal to fund them and help kids like my sister.
What were some of your favorite moments at BYU?
I am a massive football fan, and my friends and I would camp out for a week for football or basketball games. I think two of the best moments, one was rushing the field for the Utah game, and then for basketball we were in the front row and painted ourselves blue. It probably took two hours to wash it all off!
What event inspired you the most during your time at BYU?
The Religion Department hosts an annual symposium where students submit essays or do artwork and present them if selected. I did this twice and was able to present two essays I wrote. I presented at a conference two months ago and that was super, super cool to have a space that encouraged me to deep dive into a gospel topic. I think that it’s really unique to BYU that you get the chance to do that. This experience was really inspiring, and I love that BYU does such a good job of integrating faith and learning.
How has the mission of the Honors Program shaped your goals? How do you anticipate it shaping the rest of your life?
I think it shaped me to be an engaged learner. I think my thesis definitely showed me that, because it’s one of those things where you can do it for a requirement, or you can do it to actually learn and contribute something. I love that it really gives you the chance to contribute something in academia, to research something that really matters, and get close to faculty who know how to do it. It has changed the way that I view a lot of what I do.
Who has been your biggest inspiration while at BYU?
My thesis advisor is Dr. Doug Atkinson, and he’s been such a huge support right from the get-go when I was in his class. I told him I was in the Honors Program, and immediately he was willing to set up weekly meetings with me and talk over not just my research, but also my reactions to it and how it applied in different places. He’s encouraged me to publish at different places and opened so many doors. He’s just been so encouraging and positive about everything. And then, I had a religion professor named Brother Meade, and he was my Eternal Families professor. I got really close to him…he let me sit in his office for hours at a time just to answer questions that have been really hard for me in the gospel. He’s an example of what it means to minister to the one and take time one by one.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Someone told me when I got back from my mission, “just say yes!” I think that’s how I’ve ended up in so many of the programs and opportunities I have, even things that I don’t fully know what they are. And I just say, “Yes, that sounds cool. Yes, I’m going to join that club. Yes, I’m going to show up to that event.” Just show up! You never know what chances you’re going to be offered. There are so many doors that we don’t even know exist that can be opened if we just say yes.
What’s one thing you would tell a recently committed Honors student?
Get to know the faculty! Get to know your professors! They’ve all been such big role models for me, and they have so much knowledge. I think people don’t realize just how willing professors are when you’re a student to meet with you and just talk about world events or gospel questions that you have. They have office hours for a reason. I’ve never had a professor who hasn’t been willing to meet with me and discuss questions I have, even if it’s not related to their classes. That’s opened my mind to so many different career paths I could take. Especially in the Honors Program, when the classes are so small and you can be so close with the professors, go ask them questions and figure out why they do what they do. They have so much to offer.
Major: International Relations
What is your favorite memory from your time in the Honors Program?
I loved one of the Unexpected Connections classes I took that was called “Agency and Determinism.” It combined humanities with biology and evolution, and we basically got to talk about all the research being done on whether or not free will exists… both the philosophical and religious perspective…say that it does exist. It was so fascinating! For my Leadership Development Experience, I got the chance to go to London and work for the Church [of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] in their humanitarian office. One of the things I got to do was develop my own project proposal for the Church to give about $50,000 to a charity that helps special needs kids. It’s a really niche charity, but my little sister has a really specific type of cerebral palsy and there’s a specific type of care that was really helpful for her. I was able to find a charity in London and help the Church develop the funding proposal to fund them and help kids like my sister.
What were some of your favorite moments at BYU?
I am a massive football fan, and my friends and I would camp out for a week for football or basketball games. I think two of the best moments, one was rushing the field for the Utah game, and then for basketball we were in the front row and painted ourselves blue. It probably took two hours to wash it all off!
What event inspired you the most during your time at BYU?
The Religion Department hosts an annual symposium where students submit essays or do artwork and present them if selected. I did this twice and was able to present two essays I wrote. I presented at a conference two months ago and that was super, super cool to have a space that encouraged me to deep dive into a gospel topic. I think that it’s really unique to BYU that you get the chance to do that. This experience was really inspiring, and I love that BYU does such a good job of integrating faith and learning.
How has the mission of the Honors Program shaped your goals? How do you anticipate it shaping the rest of your life?
I think it shaped me to be an engaged learner. I think my thesis definitely showed me that, because it’s one of those things where you can do it for a requirement, or you can do it to actually learn and contribute something. I love that it really gives you the chance to contribute something in academia, to research something that really matters, and get close to faculty who know how to do it. It has changed the way that I view a lot of what I do.
Who has been your biggest inspiration while at BYU?
My thesis advisor is Dr. Doug Atkinson, and he’s been such a huge support right from the get-go when I was in his class. I told him I was in the Honors Program, and immediately he was willing to set up weekly meetings with me and talk over not just my research, but also my reactions to it and how it applied in different places. He’s encouraged me to publish at different places and opened so many doors. He’s just been so encouraging and positive about everything. And then, I had a religion professor named Brother Meade, and he was my Eternal Families professor. I got really close to him…he let me sit in his office for hours at a time just to answer questions that have been really hard for me in the gospel. He’s an example of what it means to minister to the one and take time one by one.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Someone told me when I got back from my mission, “just say yes!” I think that’s how I’ve ended up in so many of the programs and opportunities I have, even things that I don’t fully know what they are. And I just say, “Yes, that sounds cool. Yes, I’m going to join that club. Yes, I’m going to show up to that event.” Just show up! You never know what chances you’re going to be offered. There are so many doors that we don’t even know exist that can be opened if we just say yes.
What’s one thing you would tell a recently committed Honors student?
Get to know the faculty! Get to know your professors! They’ve all been such big role models for me, and they have so much knowledge. I think people don’t realize just how willing professors are when you’re a student to meet with you and just talk about world events or gospel questions that you have. They have office hours for a reason. I’ve never had a professor who hasn’t been willing to meet with me and discuss questions I have, even if it’s not related to their classes. That’s opened my mind to so many different career paths I could take. Especially in the Honors Program, when the classes are so small and you can be so close with the professors, go ask them questions and figure out why they do what they do. They have so much to offer.
Jason Henry Tullis
Major: Applied Computational Mathematics (ACME)
Hometown: Fayetteville, and Prairie Grove, Arkansas
What is your favorite memory from your time in the Honors Program?
I took The Art of Transformative Storytelling from Mat Duerden and Jamin Rowan. What a transformative experience! It was electrifying and unifying each time we presented stories we had experienced or retold, and each time we listened to the stories of others.
What were some of your favorite moments at BYU?
Meeting my fiancée at a poster competition, deep conversations with roommates, everybody shouting and honking for hours after a particular BYU win, laughing trying to finish assignments with friends when the library speakers start blasting music, attending a conference and making some fast friends, getting helped by generous peers through countless math assignments, and devotionals and forums from so many amazing spirit-guided speakers.
What event inspired you the most during your time at BYU?
I have to go back to that storytelling class. Even though the class was a structured environment, sharing our stories created a powerful spirit of unity that I had never seen within another student group. It made the group project that followed incredibly seamless - but more than that, it made me more curious about my fellow students and more optimistic about humanity itself.
How has the mission of the Honors Program shaped your goals? How do you anticipate it shaping the rest of your life?
The Honors Program has helped me to engage with rigorous academic experiences, better connect with and understand myself and other people, and made me think about the social and ethical implications of my future career choices and work. What do I want to be remembered for in my life? How should I use my talents for good, inside and outside of my future career? What great questions remain unanswered in my life? The Honors Program has helped me to refine myself as a person and envision a future for myself of disciple scholarship.
Who has been your biggest inspiration while at BYU?
My grandfathers LaMond Tullis and Gary Farwell are two individuals who have deeply inspired me. Grandpa LaMond is a great example of faith; he inspired me to take a closer look at my family history and fed my curiosity at a young age. My grandpa Gary has an infinite capacity for humor, isn't afraid to speak up to solve problems, and is first to the rescue when a family member is in need. Both were accomplished students because of consistent hard work. Both love their families very much.
What is the best advice you've received?
I've been given a lot of good advice from parents, teachers, church leaders, and friends. My last mission companion taught me very powerfully that true hope has to be founded in Jesus Christ. He is the only one that won't someday disappoint us. My fiancée Abigail has taught me to always choose to see others with grace and charity instead of anger or negativity. I'm still working on both of these things, but this is some of the advice that has made a big impact on me.
What's one thing you would tell a recently committed Honors student?
Honors will be hard. Sometimes you might have to take classes you don't really think will be applicable. But try to do your best, even and especially in those situations - sometimes the greatest benefit will come from unexpected places. There's a lot of value to going all in on things, and in learning to appreciate what you might not find applicable or interesting at first.
Hometown: Fayetteville, and Prairie Grove, Arkansas
What is your favorite memory from your time in the Honors Program?
I took The Art of Transformative Storytelling from Mat Duerden and Jamin Rowan. What a transformative experience! It was electrifying and unifying each time we presented stories we had experienced or retold, and each time we listened to the stories of others.
What were some of your favorite moments at BYU?
Meeting my fiancée at a poster competition, deep conversations with roommates, everybody shouting and honking for hours after a particular BYU win, laughing trying to finish assignments with friends when the library speakers start blasting music, attending a conference and making some fast friends, getting helped by generous peers through countless math assignments, and devotionals and forums from so many amazing spirit-guided speakers.
What event inspired you the most during your time at BYU?
I have to go back to that storytelling class. Even though the class was a structured environment, sharing our stories created a powerful spirit of unity that I had never seen within another student group. It made the group project that followed incredibly seamless - but more than that, it made me more curious about my fellow students and more optimistic about humanity itself.
How has the mission of the Honors Program shaped your goals? How do you anticipate it shaping the rest of your life?
The Honors Program has helped me to engage with rigorous academic experiences, better connect with and understand myself and other people, and made me think about the social and ethical implications of my future career choices and work. What do I want to be remembered for in my life? How should I use my talents for good, inside and outside of my future career? What great questions remain unanswered in my life? The Honors Program has helped me to refine myself as a person and envision a future for myself of disciple scholarship.
Who has been your biggest inspiration while at BYU?
My grandfathers LaMond Tullis and Gary Farwell are two individuals who have deeply inspired me. Grandpa LaMond is a great example of faith; he inspired me to take a closer look at my family history and fed my curiosity at a young age. My grandpa Gary has an infinite capacity for humor, isn't afraid to speak up to solve problems, and is first to the rescue when a family member is in need. Both were accomplished students because of consistent hard work. Both love their families very much.
What is the best advice you've received?
I've been given a lot of good advice from parents, teachers, church leaders, and friends. My last mission companion taught me very powerfully that true hope has to be founded in Jesus Christ. He is the only one that won't someday disappoint us. My fiancée Abigail has taught me to always choose to see others with grace and charity instead of anger or negativity. I'm still working on both of these things, but this is some of the advice that has made a big impact on me.
What's one thing you would tell a recently committed Honors student?
Honors will be hard. Sometimes you might have to take classes you don't really think will be applicable. But try to do your best, even and especially in those situations - sometimes the greatest benefit will come from unexpected places. There's a lot of value to going all in on things, and in learning to appreciate what you might not find applicable or interesting at first.
Benjamin Tate Tischner
Major: Music Performance - Organ
Hometown: Rochester, New York
What is your favorite memory from your time in the Honors Program?
I took an Unexpected Connections class, the foodprints class, by Dr. Rex Nielsen and Dr. Jenn Nielsen. I had a custodial job at the Cannon Center, and we were learning in this class about food waste and how to be more sustainable in our approach to consumption. As I was working, I realized that all of this food that people didn’t eat, I was throwing away. This class really helped enlighten me on the problem of food waste around the world. I was going to meet with some of the administrators and help this food get recycled, and discovered BYU has a food recycler at the Cannon Center. This gets used for compost around campus. It was great having two inspiring professors and seeing what I was learning in the classroom play out in real life. I was able to make a meaningful change and impact on my community. That was probably the most memorable experience from being in the Honors Program, seeing those unexpected connections play out in real life.
What were some of your favorite moments at BYU?
I love going to football games and basketball games. It is just awesome to be together with 30,000+ people in one place cheering on my team. That’s something that I’ll always keep with me. Another thing would be Study Abroad programs, I think that BYU does a phenomenal job with them. I’ve been lucky enough, after this summer, to have participated in four Study Abroad programs. Each one has been awesome and incredibly meaningful.
What event inspired you the most during your time at BYU?
I try to go to devotionals, and it’s always been an impactful experience. One that was particularly meaningful was about art, by Janalee Emmer in March of 2021. Her devotional was titled, “The Transformative Power of Faith and Art.” I remember being there in person. It was just post-COVID, so it was limited-we had to get tickets to go. I got a ticket and was able to be there in person. I just remember the feeling of being on campus and in the Marriott Center listening to the devotional and feeling, “Wow. I feel so blessed that my learning at BYU is informed by study and by faith. I can bring my faith in God and Christ with me into the classroom.” That devotional has stuck with me and reminded me of that blessing.
How has the mission of the Honors Program shaped your goals? How do you anticipate it shaping the rest of your life?
The first thing I think of about the mission is interdisciplinary learning and connections. Interdisciplinary thinking has been one of the biggest missions of the Honors Program that shaped my education. I study music, and so I’m usually neck-deep in thinking about music all the time in my studies. Having the opportunity to be pushed to do things outside of my discipline, whether that be through an Unexpected Connections course about food sustainability and climate change or writing a Great Questions Essay that blends things together, it’s important in my education to be well-rounded. I not only need to focus intently within my own discipline, but I need to gain knowledge outside of it that can help inform what I do. The Honors Program has taught me to not only be honest in doing my schoolwork, but that it’s important to seek to do everything I can to the best of my ability. I shouldn’t short-change myself and my education.
Who has been your biggest inspiration while at BYU?
My professors have really inspired me and pushed me to work hard and be diligent. In the music program, I’ve been able to work closely with some of my professors and lesson teachers. Two of my professors that come to mind are Dr. Don Cook, who retired last year, and Dr. Neil Harmon. They have always pushed me to be better and do my best work. I’m grateful for that expectation, and their support when I don’t live up to the expectations they have for me or that I’ve set for myself. I’m grateful for all of my professors that have pushed me to be excellent, but also have pushed me to stay faithful and remember what’s most important in life and my education.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Something that’s been helpful for me is the advice that it’s ok to take a break every once in a while. I sometimes find myself spread too thin between the classes I’m trying to take and the work I’m trying to do. Between spending time with my family, participating at church, training for a triathlon, and practicing the organ, it’s so easy to feel burnt out. So, I think knowing that it’s ok to work hard and then rest, that’s been particularly helpful advice to me. Like most Honors students, I’m striving for academic excellence, and it’s very easy to push myself beyond my own limits. There is an old German idiom that says, “I’ll rest when I’m dead,” and I always feel like I can just sleep later. But I can sleep eight hours a day and feel okay about that, or I can go watch a movie and hang out and not feel bad about it.
What’s one thing you would tell a recently committed Honors student?
It’s sometimes easy to get caught in being complacent about your education: just doing the minimum to scrape by, not doing the readings, or not focusing during class and focusing on other things. I’ve really gotten a lot out of my education when I’ve been diligent and put in work. Even what other people might not see, like the effort I put in on my own time when nobody’s watching. I think that comes down to having integrity about the work I do. If you go to class, pay attention and do the readings, you’ll really get a lot out of the education you’re receiving. I would really tell them not to take that for granted: not to take school for granted, not take their classes for granted. We’re getting a world-class education, and if we put in the work, we’re really going to get a lot out of it that will benefit us for the rest of our lives.
Hometown: Rochester, New York
What is your favorite memory from your time in the Honors Program?
I took an Unexpected Connections class, the foodprints class, by Dr. Rex Nielsen and Dr. Jenn Nielsen. I had a custodial job at the Cannon Center, and we were learning in this class about food waste and how to be more sustainable in our approach to consumption. As I was working, I realized that all of this food that people didn’t eat, I was throwing away. This class really helped enlighten me on the problem of food waste around the world. I was going to meet with some of the administrators and help this food get recycled, and discovered BYU has a food recycler at the Cannon Center. This gets used for compost around campus. It was great having two inspiring professors and seeing what I was learning in the classroom play out in real life. I was able to make a meaningful change and impact on my community. That was probably the most memorable experience from being in the Honors Program, seeing those unexpected connections play out in real life.
What were some of your favorite moments at BYU?
I love going to football games and basketball games. It is just awesome to be together with 30,000+ people in one place cheering on my team. That’s something that I’ll always keep with me. Another thing would be Study Abroad programs, I think that BYU does a phenomenal job with them. I’ve been lucky enough, after this summer, to have participated in four Study Abroad programs. Each one has been awesome and incredibly meaningful.
What event inspired you the most during your time at BYU?
I try to go to devotionals, and it’s always been an impactful experience. One that was particularly meaningful was about art, by Janalee Emmer in March of 2021. Her devotional was titled, “The Transformative Power of Faith and Art.” I remember being there in person. It was just post-COVID, so it was limited-we had to get tickets to go. I got a ticket and was able to be there in person. I just remember the feeling of being on campus and in the Marriott Center listening to the devotional and feeling, “Wow. I feel so blessed that my learning at BYU is informed by study and by faith. I can bring my faith in God and Christ with me into the classroom.” That devotional has stuck with me and reminded me of that blessing.
How has the mission of the Honors Program shaped your goals? How do you anticipate it shaping the rest of your life?
The first thing I think of about the mission is interdisciplinary learning and connections. Interdisciplinary thinking has been one of the biggest missions of the Honors Program that shaped my education. I study music, and so I’m usually neck-deep in thinking about music all the time in my studies. Having the opportunity to be pushed to do things outside of my discipline, whether that be through an Unexpected Connections course about food sustainability and climate change or writing a Great Questions Essay that blends things together, it’s important in my education to be well-rounded. I not only need to focus intently within my own discipline, but I need to gain knowledge outside of it that can help inform what I do. The Honors Program has taught me to not only be honest in doing my schoolwork, but that it’s important to seek to do everything I can to the best of my ability. I shouldn’t short-change myself and my education.
Who has been your biggest inspiration while at BYU?
My professors have really inspired me and pushed me to work hard and be diligent. In the music program, I’ve been able to work closely with some of my professors and lesson teachers. Two of my professors that come to mind are Dr. Don Cook, who retired last year, and Dr. Neil Harmon. They have always pushed me to be better and do my best work. I’m grateful for that expectation, and their support when I don’t live up to the expectations they have for me or that I’ve set for myself. I’m grateful for all of my professors that have pushed me to be excellent, but also have pushed me to stay faithful and remember what’s most important in life and my education.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Something that’s been helpful for me is the advice that it’s ok to take a break every once in a while. I sometimes find myself spread too thin between the classes I’m trying to take and the work I’m trying to do. Between spending time with my family, participating at church, training for a triathlon, and practicing the organ, it’s so easy to feel burnt out. So, I think knowing that it’s ok to work hard and then rest, that’s been particularly helpful advice to me. Like most Honors students, I’m striving for academic excellence, and it’s very easy to push myself beyond my own limits. There is an old German idiom that says, “I’ll rest when I’m dead,” and I always feel like I can just sleep later. But I can sleep eight hours a day and feel okay about that, or I can go watch a movie and hang out and not feel bad about it.
What’s one thing you would tell a recently committed Honors student?
It’s sometimes easy to get caught in being complacent about your education: just doing the minimum to scrape by, not doing the readings, or not focusing during class and focusing on other things. I’ve really gotten a lot out of my education when I’ve been diligent and put in work. Even what other people might not see, like the effort I put in on my own time when nobody’s watching. I think that comes down to having integrity about the work I do. If you go to class, pay attention and do the readings, you’ll really get a lot out of the education you’re receiving. I would really tell them not to take that for granted: not to take school for granted, not take their classes for granted. We’re getting a world-class education, and if we put in the work, we’re really going to get a lot out of it that will benefit us for the rest of our lives.