Over 60 students shared their research at the 2017 College of Education and Human Development Student Research Symposium held on April 25 in Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center. The symposium included seven Oral Presentations, four Roundtable Panels, and 29 Poster Presentations reflecting scholarship at all levels, from undergraduate through doctoral study, and disciplines within the School of Education and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism.
Now in its second year, the annual symposium saw a dramatic increase in submissions, presenters, and guests. According to Brandon Quiles, Student Engagement Coordinator for the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the increased interest in the symposium reflects George Mason University’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.”
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 put 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 faculty committee. The presentation sessions were styled after what students might experience at a professional conference, albeit in a smaller and less intimidating setting. Presenters even received written feedback forms from the audience to help hone their research and presentation skills.
Faculty support for the 2017 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.
Congratulations to the following student researchers on their participation in this year’s event:
Oral Presenters
Sarah Prigmore – MEd, Curriculum and Instruction
Tameka Parker – MSW, Social Work
Samantha Hacherl – BS, Athletic Training
Michelle Gnoleba – PhD, Education
Patricia Kelshaw – PhD, Education
Sara Birkhead – PhD, Education
Ricardo Sanchez – PhD, Education
Sarah Bogdewiecz – PhD, Education
Megan Sims-Fujita – MEd, Special Education
Round Table Presenters
Beth Dalbec – PhD, Education
Letty Guzman – PhD, Education
Tami Carsillo – PhD, Education
Heather Andrews – PhD, Education
Ahmed Atef – PhD, Education
Kudirat Giwa-Lawal – PhD, Education
Melissa Hauber – PhD, Education
Lily Lopez-McGee – PhD, Education
Anthony Ray – PhD, Education
Jessica Pope – PhD, Education
Stuart McCrory – PhD, Education
Mariel Crawford – PhD, Education
Terrie Galantie – PhD, Education
Monique Apollon Williams, PhD, Education
Daria Gerasimova, PhD, Education
Poster Presenters
Karen Wrightsman – PhD, Education
Amanda Estep – PhD, Education
Gisselle Brown – PhD, Education
Lauren Field – BS, Athletic Training
Christie Byers – PhD, Education
Jennifer Fields – PhD, Education
Elisabeth Chan – PhD, Education
Laura Tokarczyk – PhD, Education
Diana Delfin – PhD, Education
Thuy Thi-Minh Tu – PhD, Education
Amanda Garrett – MS, Sport and Recreation Studies
Sungshim Choi – PhD, Education
Michele Colandene – PhD, Education
Janelle Companion – BS, Athletic Training
Doaa Dashash – PhD, Education
Victoria Fauntroy – BS, Athletic Training
Massa Gongbay – MEd, Counseling and Development
Rachel Hammer – PhD, Education
Melissa Hauber – PhD, Education
Boshra Zawawi – PhD, Education
Cassandra Hynus – MS, Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion
Talisa Jackson – PhD, Education
Christina Lee – PhD, Education
Bryndan Lindsey – MS, Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion
Greer Mancuso – PhD, Education
Sean Martin – BS, Athletic Training
Kathleen Matson – PhD, Education
Daria Gerasimova – PhD, Education
Hannah Park – MEd, Curriculum and Instruction
Mirella Saldaña – MEd, Counseling and Development
Matt Prebble – PhD, Education
Burnette Scarboro – MEd, Education Leadership
Jordan Goffena – PhD, Education
Nicole Van Oort – BA, Mathematics, Kinesiology Minor
