Graduate research takes spotlight at annual symposium

This article features an event that occurred in the past.

The scholarly research of Western Carolina University’s graduate students will be on display during the 20th annual Graduate Research Symposium on Thursday, March 22, at A.K. Hinds University Center.

Approximately 60 students representing academic programs such as biology, physical therapy, English and public affairs will present their research from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some of the topics to be addressed are “Effectiveness of a 12-Week Evidence-Based Balance Program on Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults,” “The Effects of Rhododendron on Salamander Communities in the Nantahala Mountains” and “An Assessment of Students’ Environmental Sustainability Literacy at Western Carolina University.”

Participating students and their faculty sponsors will be honored at a reception beginning at 5 p.m. in the Grandroom of the University Center. At that time, Best Research Awards will be given to symposium presenters who also entered the Graduate Research Competition, which is a complementary activity to the symposium that allows students to submit research results for blind review and ranking by WCU faculty members.

Topics addressed by students who submitted entries in the competition include “The Entry Experiences, Challenges and Mediating Strategies of Public School Superintendents,” “Self-Regulation by Kindergarten and First-Grade Students with ADHD” and “Scientific Education Visual Imagery.”

Also during the reception, winners of the Graduate Assistant Teaching Award, Karen Nicholson Thesis Award and North Carolina Research Recognition Award will be announced, plus two WCU faculty members will be honored for outstanding service and scholarship.

The symposium and competition are sponsored and hosted by Graduate School and Research at WCU. To obtain a detailed schedule of presentations, contact the Graduate School at 828-227-7398.