News from The Mahurin Honors College

Meet Josiah Watson, a first-year student on the Hill whose journey to Western Kentucky University (WKU) has already been marked by resilience, curiosity, and a drive to make a difference. Hailing from Madisonville, KY, Josiah is a first-generation high school graduate and a first-generation college student with a double major in political science (Potter College of Arts & Letters) and biology (Ogden College of Science & Engineering). Though he initially thought WKU might not be the right fit, the university’s comprehensive aid package and unique opportunities quickly made it feel like home. “I always thought WKU wasn’t for me. It felt like stepping down,” he admits, “but once I got here, I realized there are so many hidden gems that don’t always get the attention they deserve.”

Josiah’s love for biology began outside the classroom during his work as a conservation and ecology staff member at a summer camp in Bullitt County in his sophomore and senior year of high school. “A lot of what I do is with wildlife, and I particularly love snakes,” he shares. This passion has motivated him to complete the prerequisites for herpetology, a field he hopes to merge with his interest in wildlife conservation policy. Over summer 2025, he will be returning to Bullitt County as their ecology and conservation director.

His dedication extends globally as he plans to focus his honors Capstone Experience/Thesis (CET) on disparities in snakebite envenomation. “The U.S. sees about five deaths annually from snakebites, but India experiences around 50,000. Why is there such a broad disparity?” he questions, demonstrating his commitment to addressing this significant issue. While he suspects it may be related to healthcare infrastructure and access, he’s also thinking about this issue from a research equity standpoint.

Josiah’s interest in political science stems from a pivotal moment in the 2019 gubernatorial election, where he witnessed the power of educators, Kentucky’s largest voting bloc. “I’ve been hooked since seventh grade,” he says. His focus has shifted from non-partisan systems to advocating for wildlife conservation policy through partisan campaigning. “My passion for conservation and my livelihood is being threatened, so I’ve got to fight and advocate. Hopefully, one day, I can go back to just playing in the dirt.”

Beyond academics, Josiah’s leadership is evident through his roles as a student member of the Honors Development Board and as a recently selected member of the FBLA Collegiate National Council (Future Business Leaders of America) – a role in which he will directly support the officers of FBLA chapters in their mission and programming. He also enjoys helping peers discover their strengths, whether through tutoring or guiding them into various niches of policy work, and he keeps a healthy social calendar for various individual meetings with his friends and acquaintances who are part of his diverse interest groups.

As a member of the Catalyst Cohort, Josiah has found a supportive community at WKU. One memorable moment was when his class was invited to their instructor’s home for a quiet workspace following Election Day – a much-needed mental health break as Josiah had stayed awake until the early hours of election night following the results. “Catalyst is definitely a big part of what I love about WKU,” Josiah shares.

While he acknowledges challenges with time management and the frequent late night, he credits mentors like Lindsey Houchin for pushing him toward opportunities, even when they feel daunting. “When Lindsey says ‘jump,’ I say, ‘how high,’ even if I’m terrified beyond my life,” he laughs.

While graduation is still a few years away, Josiah envisions a future where he can combine his love for biology and policy by working with the U.S. Forest Service at Land Between the Lakes. His time at WKU has been a journey of growth and discovery, from exploring his passions for wildlife conservation and political advocacy to stepping into leadership roles that empower others. Josiah’s ability to adapt, persevere, and embrace new challenges reflects his commitment to making a meaningful impact in both his field and his community. His story is a testament to the opportunities available at WKU and the determination it takes to make the most of them.