Student Research Highlighted at Austin College Scholarship Conference
SHERMAN, TEXAS — Over 130 Austin College students presented research projects during the 12th annual Austin College Scholars Conference (ACSC.) Conference events were held in multiple campus locations March 21-23.
Students from across the spectrum of academic programs enlightened attendees through panel sessions, poster presentations, and oral presentations of their projects and findings. Research included experiments and exploration into diverse topics within physics, chemistry, religious studies, psychology, biology, history, public health, and more. A music event, art reception, and two theater performances of V’s (formerly Eve Ensler) The Vagina Monologues were also held.
Dr. David Whelan, Associate Professor of Physics and coordinator of the conference, explained, “The Austin College Scholars Conference showcases the attainments of our students, in and out of the classroom. It is the biggest academic event on our calendar, and this year 134 of our students participated in research presentations, panel discussions, artistic expressions, and performances.”
The conference is sponsored by Austin College Center for Research, Experiential, Artistic & Transformative Education (CREATE.) CREATE supports student research by providing opportunities to showcase both student-faculty collaborative research and independent student projects, on- and off-campus.
This year’s ACSC was also sponsored by national organizations Council on Undergraduate Research and Sigma Xi, and by the College’s Acumen Student Research Journal and Suspension Literary Magazine.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.