Leonetti/O’Connell Honors Research Program
Honors Research: Where Curiosity Becomes Contribution
A Marlborough original, the Leonetti/O’Connell Honors Research Program offers a unique opportunity for students to pursue independent, in-depth research in the sciences, social sciences, or humanities. Students create and explore original research questions, developing meaningful scholarship that contributes to their fields of interest.
Honors Research - By The Numbers
28
years since the program launched
80
Honors Research students gave TEDxMarlborough Talks to their peers
5
Honors Research students presented at professional conferences during the 2024-2025 school year
3
Honors Research students have been published in academic journals and books during the 2024-2025 school year
Driven By Passion. Guided By Experts.
Students are paired with Marlborough faculty and expert mentors—locally and globally—who support them through every step of the research process. Collaborations have included partnerships with:
- Local Institutions: USC, UCLA, CHLA, LMU
- National Partners: Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Georgetown
- Global Connections: World Bank, London School of Economics, University of Manitoba, University of Sydney
Real Research. Real Impact.
This is more than just a school project. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry, learning to:
- Develop original research questions
- Conduct literature reviews and data analysis
- Apply research ethics and methodology
- Present findings through writing and public speaking
Many students go on to publish or present their research, independently or with their mentors, at professional conferences and in academic journals.