M e r e d i t h
N e w s
Campus Showcase Provides A Taste of Research By Melyssa Allen
M
eredith’s annual “A Taste of Research” event provided a glimpse into the research projects completed by Meredith students. The showcase of summer research is an opportunity for students to share the results of their research through poster presentations. Another purpose of the event is to encourage other students to explore undergraduate research. Paul Winterhoff, interim director of undergraduate research, said A Taste of Research is a prelude to the spring Celebrating Student Achievement Day. “A Taste of Research lets the community see examples of what our students can do,” Winterhoff said. “It is a sign of student quality, and of the dedication of our faculty.” Students shared research from many academic disciplines. Topics include “Forgiveness: Study on Attitudes and Perceptions;” “Deviant Behavior in Post World War I Society;” “A Manipulation of Perceptions of Leadership among College Women,” and “HIV Protease Inhibition through Tylosema Fassoglensis and Oxymatrine.” Senior Pooja Ghai, who is earning a degree in biology and a minor in psychology, presented her research into female assertiveness. Her goal was to determine how assertive students would be in different situations. Ghai calls undergraduate research a great opportunity. “It gives you the freedom to explore different ideas that you have about
things you are interested in,” Ghai said. “You’re able to hone in on something you are passionate about.” Senior Emma Keim’s research took her to Sansepolcro, Italy, where she had studied abroad as a sophomore.
While based at Meredith’s study abroad site in the Tuscany region of Italy, Keim compared composting and waste collection in Italy and in Raleigh. Composting is much more common in Italy, and Keim’s research aimed to show ways in which these methods could be adapted for Meredith College. A business administration major, Keim said the opportunity to study sustainability through her second undergraduate research project was appealing. “I recommend undergraduate research to other students,” Keim said. “It was great to go outside of my field, focus on an interest of mine and work one-on-one with a professor. The opportunities at Meredith are so vast.” For more information on Undergraduate Research visit meredith.edu/urp. M er edi t h M ag az i n e / fal l 2 012 /
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