Inaugural research symposium held at Concordia
Concordia hosted its first research symposium on Wednesday, April 6. Twenty-three students representing the fields of psychology, science, English and theology took part in the event.
“Personal research is something that can boost a student’s interest in their field of study, in continuing their education in graduate school, and can help to add prestige to individual departments on campus, and the Concordia community as a whole,” explained Assistant Professor of Psychology Nancy Elwell, a faculty member involved in the event.
The students shared their research in either posters or in oral presentations. Topics ranged from the effect of dreams on emotions to how Disney movies affect romantic expectations. Following the student presentations, a graduate school panel discussion was held featuring Dr. Renea Gernant, Dr. Tim Huntington, Rev. Dirk Reek and Dr. Russell Moulds.
The symposium gave students a platform to share their work. Elwell was excited the symposium was such a success"
“To say that the symposium was successful is an understatement,” Elwell said. “Numerous people visited with me noting that they had no idea that students at Concordia were doing this level of research.”
Plans are in the works to make the research symposium an annual event. The committee hopes to expand next year and include more presenters, representation from all majors, faculty research and a division for high school students.
Students involved in the symposium:
Rachel Boylan, Senior, Corinth, Texas, Presentation: “The Author as Her Own Character: Annie Proulx and Quoyle” Jeff Balz, Sophomore, Elkhorn, Neb., Presentation: “High School Size Relating to College Size Chosen and Where Students are Able to Best Succeed”
Emily Barz, Junior, Dubuque, Iowa, Presentation: “Not Lovable but Human: *Benito Cereno *as a Response to Romantic Racialism”
Tyler Byrd, Senior, Bennington, Neb., Poster: “Influence of Leadership Styles of Team Captains on Team Cohesion”
Sumerlyn Daywitt, Senior, Seward, Neb., Poster: “Psychosocial Consequences of Sexual Abuse Victims”
Sumerlyn Daywitt, Senior, Seward, Neb., Poster: “Fire Echology”
Marlee Denton, Junior, Elkhorn, Neb., Poster: “Single Parent Homes and Adolescents”
Meaghan Downs, Senior, Bellville, Ill., Presentation: “Joyce Carol Oates and The Contemporary Critique” Tabitha Dubke, Senior, Red Bluff, Calif., Presentation: “Where is My Prince Charming?
Exploring Viewing Disney Movies and Girls’ Expectations about Romance in Relationships”
Toby Elbert, Senior, Ramstein, Germany, Poster: “Optimization of an In-Cell Western Assay for Hippocampal Neurons in Primary Culture” Allison Groth, Junior, Seward, Neb., Poster and Presentation: “Investigation on the Relationship between Birth Order and Personality Type”
Sara Holle, Senior, Marysville, Kan., Presentation: “Making a case for Dad: The Role of Fathers in Their Children’s Literacy and Language Skills Development”
Ethan Hutton, Junior, Muskegon, Mich., Presentation: “Theodicies” An Unbiblical Theology?”
Philip Kober, Senior, Collinsville, Ill., Presentation: “Investigation of College Characteristics that Impact College Choice for Concordia University Seward, Nebraska Students”
Nick Mann, Junior, Auburn, Neb., Poster: “A Parent with Alzheimer’s and the Affect on Family Dynamics”
David Mommens, Senior, Portage, Wis., Presentation: “Astrophotometry”
Gregory Mueller, Senior, Arnold, Mo., Poster: “Divorce Effects on Academic Performance”
Josh Nance, Junior, Brighton, Colo., Poster: “The Affect of Team Activities on Team Cohesion”
Allison Pella, Senior, Hickman, Neb., Presentation: “Cohabitation and Marriage Satisfaction”
Marcus Ruhl, Junior, Exeter, Neb., Poster: “Cell Phones and Family Dynamics”
George Toman, Junior, Worland, Wyo., Presentation: “Reading and Technology: An Investigation of the Teaching of Reading and Digital Technologies”
Matt Trampe, Junior, Kearney, Neb., Poster : “The Effect of Dreams on Emotions”