Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photo by Kristen Smith

Celebrating new student research

By Kristen Smith

Virginia Wesleyan College will be running two academic programs this spring.

The first, an undergraduate research symposium, will be held from April 19-27. The second program, an academic fair, will take place following the Spring Convocation on April 28. Both events will be held in the Batten Student Center.

“There are two different agendas,” said Dr. Sara Sewell, assistant professor of history. “The research symposium is designed to do high-level research. The academic fair is designed as an opportunity to recognize students’ work, both academically and professionally.”

The research symposium is a new endeavor at VWC.

“Our aim is to offer students the opportunity to conduct research as well as present their research in a professional environment,” said Sewell. “During the research symposium, students from a variety of disciplines will present their work over nine days.”

Sewell added, “The research symposium is especially important for underclassmen because it provides them with the opportunity to learn about conducting research from students who have previously done such work. In conjunction with this new initiative, we are offering grants to students both to fund their research and to present their research at off-campus venues.”

The symposium will also produce an annual publication featuring students and their work.

The academic fair will take place after the Honors Convocation and 2006 Spring Fling. The fair consists of departments selecting the best projects from participating students. The winners will be awarded $600 each in prizes. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Student Research: Explorations of the Natural World.”

The celebration will spotlight the math and science divisions. Speakers, posters and student presentations will be provided.

“The academic fair is another new tradition at VWC,” said Sewell. “Its aim is to recognize outstanding student scholarship, which could include the creative arts, internships, and research. The academic fair, in particular, will provide underclassmen with the opportunity to learn about the kinds of scholarship they could pursue in future years, talk first-hand with upperclassmen about how to conduct scholarship, and meet the entire VWC community, including board members, donors, and alumni.”

After the academic fair, the audience can ask questions, view student projects and talk to students directly about their work.