Student Success Blog

2023 CEHD Student Research Symposium Recap

George Mason University College of Education and Human Development Logo with title "Student Research Symposium 2023" and a lightbulb graphic made of colorful gears

Over 45 students shared their research at the 2023 College of Education and Human Development Student Research Symposium held on April 20 at Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center. The symposium included six Oral Presentations and 41 Poster Presentations reflecting scholarship at all levels, from undergraduate through doctoral study, and disciplines within the School of Education, the School of Kinesiology, and the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management.

In its first year in person since the start of the pandemic, the annual symposium hosted over 100 guests committed to supporting and furthering student research. According to Caroline Masakayan, Student Enrichment Coordinator for the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the renewed interest in the symposium reflects Mason’s strong commitment to valuing research. 

“Students who engage in research are better equipped with critical skills that make them engaged citizens and well-rounded scholars and practitioners.”

Caroline Masakayan, Student Enrichment Coordinator for CEHD Student and Academic Affairs

Faculty support for the 2023 SRS played a pivotal role in its success. By mentoring students through the process, and with some faculty even integrating the submission process into their courses, students reaped the benefits of their professors’ experience as research professionals. Faculty attendance at the event was high, and many encouraged their classes to attend as well.

The entirety of the Student Research Symposium (SRS) was intended to introduce students to the process of conducting, submitting, and presenting their research at a professional conference. The CEHD Office of Student and Academic Affairs sent out the call for submissions in the fall and early spring. Interested students submitted an abstract and chose a format for their presentations which were then reviewed by a committee. During the event, student poster presenters were evaluated by CEHD faculty and staff volunteers to ultimately select three categories of award winners.

Continue reading for more information on our oral presenters, poster presentation award winners, and to view the event program featuring a comprehensive list of student participants.


ORAL PRESENTERS

Portrait of Megan Sax van der Weyden
Megan Sax van der Weyden
PhD, Education

Concentration: Kinesiology

The Effects of a Law Enforcement Duty Belt and Vest on Muscular Activity While Walking
Portrait of Margaret Gerry
Margaret Gerry
PhD, Education

Concentration: Special Education, Teacher Preparation, International Systems of Education, Families

Perspectives and Experiences of Immigrant Families with Special Education in the United States
Portrait of Zikun Li
Zikun Li
PhD, Education

Concentration: Interdisciplinary Studies in Sport for Development and Peace (SDP)

Sociocultural Influences on Body Image Concerns in Men of Color – A Structural Equation Modeling Study
Portrait of Bethany Wagener
Bethany Wagener
MS, Learning Design and Technology and eLearning Certificate

An Analysis of Meaningful Work of Hospitality Employees in Relation to Service Robots
Portrait of Kelley Wiese
Kelley Wiese
PhD, Education

Concentration: Kinesiology

Physical and Mental Workload in Collegiate Dancers
Portrait of Alejandra Salazar Salame
Alejandra Salazar Salame
PhD, Education

Concentration: Interdisciplinary Studies in Multilingual Multicultural Education, Education Policy, and Teaching and Teacher Education

Community Building in Spanish Dual Language Classrooms During COVID-19

POSTER PRESENTATION AWARD WINNERS

Outstanding Bachelor’s Poster Presentation
Photo of Nana Osei-Wusu holding her Certificate

Nana Osei-Wusu

BS, Sport Management

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Julie Aylsworth

The Winning Game

Outstanding Master’s Poster Presentation
Photo of Devon Trieschock holding her award

Devon Trieschock

MS, Kinesiology

Collaborators: Dr. Jennifer Fields (Springfield College), Dr. Andrew R. Jagim, Meghan Magee

Faculty Mentors: Dr. Margaret T. Jones

Determination of Low Energy Availability by Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry Versus Air Displacement Plethysmography in Collegiate Athletes

Outstanding Doctoral Poster Presentation 
Photo of Beth Hosek holding their award

Beth Hosek

PhD, Education

Faculty Mentors: Dr. Stephanie Dailey, Dr. Heather Walter

The Impact of Contextual Factors on School Communities During an Active Shooter Simulation


2023 Student Research Symposium Program

View the 2023 CEHD Student Research Symposium Program for the full list of student presenters, research titles, and faculty collaborators!


INTERESTED IN SEEING PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT?

View our Instagram and TikTok channels for more content from the College of Education and Human Development, including this 2023 Student Research Symposium Recap Reel. Do you have photos from the event? Tag us for your chance to be featured on our official social media channels!