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Front: Erika Adams, Lucinda Langston, Robyn “Nikki” Gibson, Ethan
Rutledge, and Chancellor Dr. Charles Manning
Back: Dr. Foster Levy, Ian Longacre, Vice Chancellor Dr. Paula Short
Five ETSU undergraduate students traveled to
Nashville to present the results of their research projects to state
legislators. The second annual “Posters at the Capitol” event was
held February 7th, 2007. Students discussed their
projects in individual meetings and over lunch with Lt. Gov. Ron
Ramsey; Senators Rusty Crowe, Jerry Cooper, Steve Southerland, Bo
Watson; and Representatives Jim Cobb, Matthew Hill, David Hawk, and
Nathan Vaughn. Chancellor Dr. Charles Manning and Vice Chancellor
Dr. Paula Short of the Tennessee Board of Regents funded and
attended the event.
Six TBR universities each selected five
students to serve as ambassadors for their school. The purpose of
the event was to update state legislators on the exciting,
individualized studies and accomplishments that accompany the modern
emphasis on student-based research. Each of the student researchers
works closely with a faculty mentor. All of the ETSU students were
prior recipients of Student-Faculty Collaborative Grants from the
ETSU Honors College. The ETSU students and their projects were:
Erika Adams, Jonesboro,
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, is developing strategies
for increased civic engagement in local rural communities.
Robin Gibson, Salem, Virginia,
Department of Geology, is working with her advisor on a project to
develop early warning systems to protect people from tsunamis.
Lucinda Langston, Mount Carmel,
Department of Anthropology, has been analyzing and dating ceramic
pottery from pre-European settlements along the Holston River.
Ian Longacre, Hixson, Department
of Psychology, has been conducting a laboratory study to better
understand how nicotine effects brain function.
Ethan Rutledge, McMinnville,
Department of Chemistry, is using quantum chemistry to develop more
efficient light emitting diodes.
Undergraduate student research as a learning
tool has received increased emphasis at ETSU as these projects allow
students and faculty to create a personal, comfortable affiliation
between students and faculty. Students gain first-hand research
experience while working one-on-one with a faculty mentor in areas
not traditionally involved in undergraduate instruction.
The Undergraduate Research Program is
administered by the ETSU Honors College, but funding is not
restricted to students in honors programs. Grants provide support
for projects and for travel to professional meetings. For more
information concerning the Undergraduate Research Program at East
Tennessee State University, contact the Honors College Director of
Undergraduate Research Dr. Foster Levy at 423-439-6926,
levyf@etsu.edu, or visit the website at
http://www.etsu.edu/honors/research. |
