April 28, 2016
This week marks Virginia Wesleyan College’s 11th Annual
Undergraduate Research Symposium. This year’s Symposium features four days of
presentations that showcase students’ research from a variety of disciplines.
Undergraduate research speaks to the heart of Virginia Wesleyan’s
liberal arts tradition. By independently developing a research problem to
investigate, studying scholarly literature, conducting a research study, and
presenting findings, student-researchers develop critical, independent thinking
skills. In addition, student-researchers contribute to the body of knowledge in
their fields. Virginia Wesleyan College recognizes the work of these
student-researchers as well as their contribution to our liberal arts
community.
The Symposium began with a Kickoff Event on Monday, April 25th.
This event brought together the entire campus in a celebration of the liberal
arts. It featured Virginia Wesleyan’s top student-researchers: Ms. Madison
Thomer (English), Ms. Ashley Jens (Psychology), and Ms. Joanna Clark (Chemistry).
These students were selected by faculty committees from each division to represent
their divisions. The Kickoff Event also included a keynote speaker, Dr. Martine
Kei Green-Rogers ‘02, a Virginia Wesleyan graduate in Theatre.
Each day this week, we celebrate research across the divisions: On Tuesday April 28th, there were the Humanities Division's featured research presentations; on Wednesday April 27th, there were the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division's featured research presentations; and today, Thursday April 28,, there are the Social Sciences Division's featured research presentations
The week culminates with Virginia Wesleyan College’s annual Academic Fair on Friday, April 29 from 3-5:30 p.m. in Hofheimer Library. This event features a wide array of student work from all disciplines at all levels, including the Model UN, theatre performances, 3-D printing with Mathematic students, study away experiences, internships, and research. We applaud the participating students for their academic achievements.
I'd like to recognize the faculty mentors who have carefully guided students
all year long and the Lighthouse Crew. In addition, many individuals have worked
behind the scenes, hosting workshops, selecting grant recipients, and
organizing events. They include members of the Undergraduate Research Committee,
the Lighthouse staff, and the library staff. Special thanks to:
Dr. Soraya Bartol, Director of Undergraduate ResearchMs. Sue Erickson, Director of Hofheimer Library
Dr. Stephen Hock, Divisional representative for Humanities
Mr. Stephen Leist, Research Librarian
Dr. Taryn Myers, Divisional representative for Social Sciences
Mrs. Christine Pritchard, Administrative Assistant
Dr. Philip Rock, Divisional representative for Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Ms. Amy Rush, Deputy Director of the Lighthouse
Dr. Sara Sewell, Executive Director of the Lighthouse
Ms. LaShay Wyatt, Director of Career Development and Internship Program
Mr. Steven Young, Assistant Director of Career Development and Internship Program
Information about the Lighthouse’s programs is available on Virginia
Wesleyan’s website at http://www.vwc.edu/academics/
