Candler Lowe, Campus Carrier Deputy News Editor
The 16th annual Symposium for Student Scholarship, which showcases student research and creative presentations, is growing.
The event, which took place on Tuesday, had its largest participation to date. It was so large this year that many sessions had to be moved to the Cage Center in order to accommodate for student’s posters and presentations.
According to Provost Kathy Richardson, the past two years have had higher admission rates than in the past. She hopes that applications and submissions will continue to rise in numbers.
“We have capacity here to spread out a lot of sessions throughout the day,” she said. “I think it has such great learning capacity. I’m very happy at the growth, and I anticipate more growth.”
Research presented included a study of gender in young adult literature, the use of 3D printing in math education, and an analysis of paternal stress following a NICU stay.
The symposium also honors those who have received research scholarships. Anne Lewinson, associate professor of anthropology, said that it is a chance for many students to show the work that they have done to the world and to familiarize others on campus.
“I think it is valuable for other students to know what others are working on,” Lewinson said. “Students do some really impressive work, and that’s a really good model.”
However, showcasing research is not the only perk. The symposium also offers the chance to practice giving professional presentations.
“It is an incredible experience and something that differentiates you when you leave here,” dean of students Debbie Heida said. “It helps you get into graduate school and helps you get jobs.”
Richardson said that the event provides useful experience that will be put to good use in the future.
“It is a great experience to learn how to present your work,” Richardson said. “It is great preparation for graduate school applications, professional school applications and career preparation, whatever field one sees themselves going into after graduation. Having this trial is in and of itself a great learning experience.”
Although the event takes place in the busiest month of the school year, Richardson thinks that it is important to pause and honor students and their faculty mentors who have helped them accomplish so much, a task that, she mentioned, is both concrete and symbolic.
Richardson also said that the event speaks to the head, heart and hands of Berry.
“The day is a wonderful celebration of student achievement,” Richardson said. “I hope over the next several years that more and more students will take advantage of the opportunity to share their research and their creative pieces.”