Adams State College Student Scholar Days has campus-wide participation (04-30-08)
In an effort to recognize student scholarly work, Dr. Brent King, assistant professor of psychology, formed a committee for the first Adams State College Student Scholar Days held April 3 and 4.
Megan Opperman, a senior English and music liberal arts major, gave a presentation on storytelling and oral tradition. "I believe Student Scholar Days prepared us for potential presentation opportunities in our professional lives," she said. "It gave me, personally, an opportunity to share my writing and research with others in a medium that was a lot of fun and not at all stressful."
"I wanted students to have the opportunity to show off their academic work," King said. "There are a lot of amazing projects students are generating."
Student Scholar Days was a two-day academic conference highlighting the achievements of undergraduate students at Adams State. Dr. Grace Young, professor of sociology; Linda Pacheco-Demski, project coordinator for the EXCELL; Dr. Tim Armstrong, professor of biology; Dr. Sheryl Ludwig, assistant professor of teacher education; Eva Brown, instructor of sociology; Dr. Joyce Centofanti, associate professor of art; and Dr. Leslie Alvarez, assistant professor of psychology, were members of the committee.
"The event was noteworthy because it increased awareness of the great work our students are doing across campus," Armstrong said. "Research is not our primary mission, but many of our students are doing independent research in their fields. SSD provided students with the opportunity to gain experience presenting their work in a formal setting."
King said the scholar day committee met last fall and contacted chairs from every department on campus. Chairs and professors on campus worked with their students to present a proposal to the committee for acceptance. Ten different majors selected student projects that exemplified excellence within their programs.
Young said the event was an opportunity for students to present their work in an academic conference and for departments to showcase their best student work. "It prepares students who intend to continue in professional, master's and doctoral degree programs to present their work in a public setting where they can respond to audience questions as the expert in their area," she said.
According to King, it was the role of the faculty mentors help prepare their students. Dr. David Mazel, professor of English and vice chair of the English, Theatre, Communications and Language Department, mentored three students who presented papers on Frankenstein. He said SSD gave everyone on campus, and in the surrounding community, an opportunity to see what other people are up to. "I think it is especially valuable for students to get feedback from people in other disciplines," he said. "It is great when an English major has to field questions from people in biology or psychology."
"Some people came from my department, but I also noticed other presenters came to support each other," Opperman said.
"I am thankful for everybody who participated and supported the event," King said. "I am very appreciative of everyone who helped coordinate Student Scholar Days, especially Linda Pacheco-Demski. We are looking forward to next year."
By Linda Relyea
