Georgia Southwestern State University hosted its first Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 13 featuring student research on topics such as history, music, sociology, business, nursing, theater, and a variety of sciences.

“The symposium gave the university an opportunity to recognize students and their faculty mentors for the impressive research they are doing in their major programs,” said Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Lynda Lee Purvis. “The research itself along with presenting it before an audience gave the students valuable experience for their future endeavors.”

After presentations and lunch, symposium speaker Justin Barlow addressed attendees. Barlow is Director of Admissions at the University of West Georgia and an expert in student learning and development. He discussed the importance of undergraduate research and how it can impact future student success.

“I have to say how lucky I am to be right here at Georgia Southwestern in Americus,” said Barlow. “I just got to sit in a room where I heard about geology, a [South African] rap group, a Chinese dynasty, and Beethoven,” said Barlow. “I mean, this is incredible. And I just hope Georgia Southwestern keeps this going because, to me, we are so lucky to work in higher education and to be in a space where everyone is exploring ideas and concepts.”

Barlow encouraged students to continue their involvement on campus, both academically and socially. “For those of you who are freshmen and sophomores, there’s more that you can do. It is not enough to stop now because this is the only time in life where people will reach out to encourage you.

Following Barlow’s speech, seven students were recognized with awards for their research and presentations:

Presentation Award: Andrew May, “Subsurface Drainage Patterns in Northeastern Florida”

Presentation Award: Nolan Moore, “The Effects of Short Wavelength Ultraviolet Light on Bacillus cerus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli”

Presentation Award: Tatum Shivers, “The Death Penalty: Changing Support”

Speaker’s Choice Poster Award: Ashley Denby, “Transforming Japan from Enemy to Friend Post-WWII: Promotion of a Virtuous People”

Committee’s Choice Poster Award: Mark Culpepper, set design and research for the GSW Theater production The S.S. Glencairn Cycle

Faculty Choice Poster Award: Shayna Turner, “The Geology of Chattahoochee Bend State Park”
Students’ Choice Poster Award: Sholeh Rezaee, “Morphological Comparison of Salvia hispanica and Unknown”

Over 30 students participated in the Symposium; 17 presented their research in an oral presentation, 14 displayed their work on posters, and two presented their research that went into theater design projects.

The Symposium was organized by a faculty committee and the Office of Student Affairs and was sponsored by generous donations to the Student Success Fund of the GSW Foundation.