Coronat Scholars are granted automatic admission to the Renée Crown University Honors Program as they are admitted to Syracuse University. The Honors Program boasts unique coursework, additional funding opportunities, and a deep connection to a bright community through professional development and social events. To complete the Honors Program, students must complete a research thesis that supports and complements their undergraduate experience.

A thesis in Honors requires the development of mature professional and academic skills. Although a thesis seems daunting, Honors provides resources, guidance and mentorship to ensure students are successful in their endeavors. Each student is also supported by a faculty member of their choosing who helps move the project forward.

Espinel's interest was first sparked by an early interaction with the professor who is now her thesis advisor, leading her to think about how personal experiences with crime shape national perceptions in the U.S. Her research interests and focus extended to Latin America after she learned about the region's disproportionately high crime rates through a previous research experience in her sophomore year at Syracuse.

Jessie Trudeau, a professor in the Political Science Department, serves as Espinel’s thesis advisor. Espinel and Trudeau have worked together for two years, researching corruption in Brazil. This sustained commitment to intellectual growth and shared interests has made the pair a powerful team. Espinel’s completed thesis will also be read by Erin Hern, associate professor in the Political Science Department, who will provide final feedback before the thesis is submitted for completion to Honors staff.

Leveraging existing data from Vanderbilt University, Espinel is leaning into quantitative and qualitative analysis to synthesize her findings. Although the project is still ongoing, Espinel is excited to reach the end of the process and successfully graduate with honors.

Espinel will present her completed thesis project to the Honors community on April 29. She anticipates being surrounded by and celebrating with her community of Coronat Scholars. She hopes her work around violence and feelings of safety answers the question, “is perception enough?”