Three Wayne College Students Chosen to Present Research
Student Innovation Symposium in Akron Showcases Work of Honor Students
Three honors students from The University of Akron Wayne College presented their research projects at the 9th Annual UA Student Innovation Symposium (UASIS) on April 11. The students, Richard Brewer, Tannya Forcone and Stephanie Rickert are all members of the Wayne College Distinguished Student Program, which seeks to recognize and encourage excellence among academically talented students at Wayne College. The research projects were completed during fall semester and are an important component of the curriculum. The projects are independent study, with topics chosen by the students.
The symposium in Akron allows both graduate and undergraduate students to present their student research from various disciplines such as the arts, mathematics, business, social sciences, education, humanities, physical and life sciences, nursing and engineering. Community and industry leaders are also on site to listen and discuss creative and scholarly work with faculty and administration. UASIS is a joint effort established by the Graduate School, the Office of Research Services and Sponsored Programs, the Office of Technology Transfer and the Office of the Vice president for Research.
Wayne College Honors Program Coordinator Dr. Janet Minc said being chosen to present at the symposium is quite an honor for the students. “Their proposals were chosen by faculty reviewers from numerous undergraduate and graduate proposals for this conference,” she said. “This demonstrates attainment of a high standard of academic excellence, and I’m very proud of their accomplishment.”
"Truly privileged" is how Wayne College sophomore Brewer described his feelings upon learning he had been chosen as a presenter. "It’s great to be a part of this and to present my research on student opinions regarding the role of government. It is something I will never forget.”
The project completed by Forcone, also a sophomore, focused on women’s aspirations in post-WWII America and evolved as she delved into the topic. “What started out as a study pertaining to family structure has become my own Enlightenment,” she said. “The aspirations of American women after World War II changed the world.”
Rickert’s research on her grandfather’s WWII experience as a member of the 101st Airborne led to the posthumous award of a purple heart for his military service. Rickert, a freshman at Wayne College, discovered her grandfather had been wounded at Bastogne, where his patrol is credited with distracting German fire so a tank company could withdraw to fight another day.
Of the symposium, Rickert said, “It was a fantastic opportunity to not only share my research in a different medium, but to also make people aware that it is possible, in this age of information, to turn family oral history into documented family history.”
The independent study projects allow students to work under the guidance and support of a faculty member to create a unique project. Faculty members Scott Hartman, Deborah Miller Zournas and Mary Tohill worked with the students on their projects. The symposium then gives students an impressive platform from which to present their discoveries. Interim Dean of Wayne College Neil Sapienza believes the Distinguished Student Program is a perfect example of what makes Wayne College unique.
“Wayne College provides a small and supportive campus environment that nurtures student growth through one-on-one faculty involvement, yet as a branch campus of The University of Akron students also receive the benefits of a major university,” he said.
For more information about the Distinguished Student Program at Wayne College please contact Janet Minc at 330-684-8750.