2018 Student Scholar Symposium: Lipscomb research on display
Kasie Corley |
Lipscomb University held the seventh annual Student Scholars Symposium on April 12, with over 300 undergraduate and graduate students participating in the interdisciplinary event.
The symposium provides students a forum to present their scholarly work via oral presentations, poster presentations, musical performances, theater performances, poetry readings and readings of other creative writing. The event allows students from all departments and majors to participate.
“It was such an exciting and enjoyable celebration of our students’ achievement in all disciplines,” said Florah Mhlanga, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. “The symposium once again reflected Lipscomb’s commitment to faculty mentored student research and creativity.”
“Needless to say, the symposium was brilliantly organized! I couldn’t be more proud of our students. Not only were their presentations outstanding, the presenters were knowledgeable, poised and professional; I was blown away! Bravo to all student presenters, faculty mentors and all who helped to make the event such a tremendous success,” said Mhlanga.
Research is fundamental to academic growth and success. Its quality is a measure of any institution of higher education. Lipscomb is proud to have earned designation by the Carnegie Foundation as a national doctoral level institution (R3). The designation, currently awarded to only seven percent of schools nationally, accelerates the research and development conducted at Lipscomb.
“I am most proud of the fact that the Student Scholars Symposium is now not only a tradition at Lipscomb, but a growing one,” said provost W. Craig Bledsoe. “The papers presented increase both in number and quality each year, as does the range of the topics and ideas discussed.”
The variety of topics presented at the symposium highlights its interdisciplinary nature. Over 180 presentations, performances and posters spanning such fields as chemistry and biochemistry, nutrition and kinesiology, computing and technology, business, English and modern languages, ministry and worship, nursing, pharmaceutical sciences, biology, engineering and psychology, provided attendees the opportunity to experience a plethora of topics, research and recommendations for future growth and development in academia.
Timothy Wallace, associate professor of computing and technology, mentored several students who presented. “It is my perspective that the event was an important experience for our students at a time when they are beginning to connect into the professional and academic driven world, where research, communications, and publication are a significant means of building credibility and awareness" said Wallace.
His students, Gregory Araujo, Abdulhafz Alawi and Ben Alden received the Outstanding Presentation Award for their session. Their presentation title was “BlockChain Technology in Online Voting.”
“Providing a strong platform for students to express their creative ideas and projects acts as a testament to how much Lipscomb supports its students. Considering all the excellent presentations that occurred at the symposium, it's an honor to receive the reward for our paper. Thanks to my professors and symposium organizers for the amazing experience,” said Araujo.
Natalie DuBoise’s presentation, “Active vs Passive Portfolio Management,” provided a detailed assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of both methods of investment management. “I definitely enjoyed writing it, as this is a subject that seems to come up a lot in the finance world and in the job I will be working after graduation,” said DuBoise, a College of Business student.
Students from the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering designed and developed an off-road vehicle to compete in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Baja SAE Maryland event April 19-22. Testing and analysis of the vehicle resulted in their focus to rework the front suspension system and driver cabin. The massive improvements will be put to the test at the competition in Maryland.
“Working on Lipscomb Motorsports has been incredible,” said Zach Potts, student in the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering. “Not only does it offer students a unique engineering challenge, but it also lets us get our hands dirty and see our designs come to life.”
“I find that a lot of school projects are about developing a solution, with little to no follow through. For us, we have to follow through! All our hard work has paid off and we have a sweet off-road vehicle to prove it,” said Potts.
Lipscomb University aspires to stand in the front ranks of the great educational institutions of the world by faithfully sowing seeds to grow and thrive in the hearts and minds of students seeking to shape their faith and future. This is accomplished through integration of Christian faith and practice with academic excellence.
To learn about degree options, visit our website at www.lipscomb.edu.