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! 

Summer 2023 Graduate Peer Advisor (GPA) Opportunities

The CEHD Office of Student and Academic Affairs (SAA), in collaboration with the Office of the Associate Provost for Graduation Education (APGE), will support up to five (5) Graduate Peer Advisors (GPAs) for Summer 2023.

View this announcement for additional details about the position(s) and the qualifications. The position duties are fairly broad in support of CEHD graduate student enrollment, retention, and student success. The GPAs will support projects throughout the College and will have occasional meetings and trainings with the APGE staff. 

The duration of the appointment is June 10, 2023 – August 24, 2023.

The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 11:59 PM EDT. Apply here!

Select applicants will be invited to interview the week of April 24, 2023. Finalists will be notified by Friday, April 28, and will be required to officially accept the offer in writing by Monday, May 1. Please contact [email protected] with questions.

CEHD Scholarships Now Open for Fall 2023

Numerous CEHD scholarships are now open and accepting applications through Tuesday, May 30, 2023. These scholarships will be dispersed to recipients in the Fall 2023 semester. 

Please view the CEHD Scholarships and Awards webpage for information on eligibility requirements and how to apply. Scholarships currently accepting applications have “Apply by [date]” noted after their name on the site. 

Unless otherwise noted, all scholarship applications are hosted through GMU Academic Works. Log in to their site today to be matched with the scholarships you are eligible for!

Scholarships Open Now
Annandale Woman's Club Endowed Scholarship
Dr. Marjory F. Brown-Azarowicz Scholarship
Kyle Wilson Memorial Scholarship
The Bernard and Marianne Harless Scholarship Fund
The Phyllis Cofield Pajardo Scholarship Fund
Wen Pei Wu Scholarship

CEHD Students Chosen to Attend the TOP Institute

The 2023 Teachers of Promise (TOP) Institute was held this past weekend, and five CEHD students were nominated to attend this prestigious event. 

The Teachers of Promise (TOP) Institute was established in 2004 to identify and recognize the best prospective teachers from college and university schools of education across Virginia. The Institute is funded by The Teachers of Promise Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Roanoke, Virginia, and is organized by a team of practicing educators. To date, the Institute has honored more than 3,650 Teachers of Promise from more than three dozen institutions of higher education.

CEHD Students in Attendance:

Colleen CookEnglish to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Education (PK–12 Licensure)

Vaishnavi DholakiaSpecial Education 

Dianne McshaneHealth and Physical Education

Yong-joon ParkSecondary Education

Isabel PigottElementary Education

We are so proud of our incredible students, and look forward to seeing the influential work they contribute to the field of education!

Midterm Wellness Tip: Visit On-Campus Healthcare Facilities

Did you know you have wellness resources readily available to you just for being a Mason student? Here’s a few to check out: 


Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 

CAPS provides free and confidential short-term mental health services for enrolled students.  If your needs require a different level of care, CAPS will work with you to transition care to community or off-campus providers. If you are interested in connecting with a provider in the community for long-term counseling, please visit the Find a Community Provider page for their database of community provider options and other options for connecting with a therapist.  

In order to begin services with CAPS, please come to their office located in Student Union Building 1 (SUB 1), Suite 3129. If you are unable to come to their office, you can call them at 703-993-2380. 


Student Health Services 

Student Health Services provides accessible and affordable health care services for all currently enrolled Mason students in a caring and confidential environment. From diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury, to immunizations and prescriptions, Student Health Services is here for you. If Student Health is closed, call 703-993-2831 and follow phone prompts to speak with the after-hours nurse advice service for medical concerns. 

** There is no charge to be seen by one of their healthcare providers. There are fees for lab tests, immunizations, medications, supplies, physical exams, procedures, and some services. 


Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) 

The Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) offers an empowering environment for all Mason students to seek support services and to explore healthy life choices. They offer educational programming, one-on-one consultations, and resources in the areas of sexual and interpersonal violence, financial well-being, substance use, and collegiate recovery. The SSAC also assists students encountering barriers to personal success. You can request support or make a referral here.  


TimelyCare 

Mason students now have FREE access to TimelyCare – a virtual mental health and well-being platform crafted specifically for college students! 

With TimelyCare, Mason students have access to a multitude of virtual mental health and well-being resources that are free and available 24/7. Find out more about the resources available online at Timelycare.com/gmu or download the app in Google Play or the App Store.  


Midterm Morale Boost Graphic
Join Us for the Midterm Morale Boost 

Are you in need of a boost in the midst of your busy midterm season? Join us on Thursday, March 9 in the Thompson Hall Lobby on the Fairfax Campus for our Spring 2023 CEHD Midterm Morale Boost! From 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, enjoy free snacks and activities like succulent planting and aromatherapy!