This experience gave me confidence that I can organize and present a program that will engage a diverse group of attendees in my field of study. This experience inspires me to continue working in my field of traditional Appalachian music and folklore. It also increases my respect for the work of my colleagues, especially artists, writers and activists.
Susan Pepper, Appalachian Studies Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Patricia Beaver, Center for Appalachian Studies
Attending the conference was the most educating experience of my collegiate experience. In addition to learning how to present and talk to others in a professional setting I also learned a great deal about the field of cellular biology. I also was able to develop numerous networking contacts that have proven to be invaluable. But the greatest thing that I gained from the experience was that I learned that research is definitely what I want to do with my life.
Kyle Nelson, Biology Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Ted Zerucha, Biology
Presenting my own research at the Experimental Biology Conference in San Diego was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I feel so blessed to have had. My poster was viewed by so many brilliant people and their questions and comments and advice provoked a lot of new information for me that I can use to further my project. Being surrounded by my fellow scientists that possess the same passion I do for our field was very refreshing and a promising view of the path I am setting upon into my future. I learned a great deal from others presenting their research; I was able to get an "inside view" into what is about to happen in the experimental biology world. Thank you so very much for helping me embark on this incredibly rewarding, enriching experience!
Morgan Thompson, Biology Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Chishimba Mowa, Biology
This being my first professional presentation, I learned a great deal about the process of identifying a problem, conducting the research, and formulating the hypotheses based on the data. I was also able to improve my skills in presenting the data to professionals in the field. Furthermore, by attending the conference, I laid the groundwork for contacts that will help me when I apply to graduate schools after completing my degree at Appalachian State University.
Aaron Pruitt, Geology Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Kate Scharer, Geology
I was able to develop my communication skills and thoroughly express what I have accomplished with my laboratory research. I was also able to describe my research to people outside of the scientific community in an effective manner. It was a very good experience for becoming a better-rounded scientist.
Alexander Hall, Physics and Astronomy Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Tonya Coffey, Physics and Astronomy
This conference was an especially memorable part of my academic career. I feel as if I further solidified my life goals by attending a conference specifically for the field of neuroscience. I now feel prepared to enter into the academic study of neuroscience for a lifetime.
Elizabeth Glenn, Psychology
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Mark Zrull, Psychology
I now know what a valuable resource the conference is to my degree and profession. In terms of staying on top of the newest and most popular teaching tools and strategies the conference provided allot of useful material. Another benefit is the knowledge I have gained in terms of specific lessons and challenges I may teach my future students. Networking with other professionals from my region gives me more contacts and sources for future planning, ideas, and support. Finally, presenting at the conference helps give me confidence that I am transitioning from a student to the role and responsibilities of an educator.
Christopher Parker, Art Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Gayle Weitz, Art
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting, teaching, and discussing with others the power of body centered therapies... In addition, I was able to serve as an advocate for my profession and in return become empowered as an individual to continue in the type of work that I believe in and hope to become of in the near future.
Betsy Naylor, Community Counseling Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Sally S. Atkins, Human Development and Psychological Counseling
As a presenter at this conference I gained valuable experience in preparing a professional presentation and I also gained the experience associated with public speaking at a national conference. I gained both scientific and practical knowledge about strength and conditioning theories and practices. I was also able to communicate personally with many scientists and practioners within our field.
James Nuzzo, Exercise Science Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Jeffrey McBride, Health, Leisure and Exercise Science
I believe this not only benefits my educational experience, but also contributes to the bigger picture. Sharing knowledge through these conferences allows people to question and analyze, which inevitably leads to more research and hopefully a better understanding of our field.
Zea Urbiztondo, Exercise Science Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Chuck Dumke, Health, Leisure and Exercise Science
I had the opportunity to enter a K-8 school where I was able to teach the methods of solfege and takadimi rhythm method to students of a variety of ages. This opportunity gave me a field experience that I will never forget. By teaching these students I was able to teach them a subject that I love while at the same time I was growing and learning myself as a future music educator.
Angela Stephens, Music Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Jennifer Snodgrass, Music
This project was invaluable to my education. First of all, this study gave me firsthand experience individually leading music therapy sessions with preschoolers. It taught me to rely on myself during a session and how to improvise solutions to various challenges. I learned about the behavior of preschoolers and how to effectively work with them. I also gained experience writing clinical reports. By working closely with my advisor, I learned how to appropriately design a research project, analyze statistical results, and complete a clinical report.
Kathryn Yeager, Music Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Cathy McKinney, Music
Attending the regional music therapy conference was very beneficial to my professional development and growth. Participating in the research poster session helped me network with other professionals as well as make contributions to the research in my field. I was able to discuss my project with top researchers in the field of music therapy and gain ideas as to the best direction in which to take that project. It was wonderful to get the practice of presenting in a professional setting. I truly appreciate the help I received from the GSAS travel grant to attend the regional music therapy conference.
Laura Brown, Music Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Cathy McKinney, Music
I received some very helpful feedback on my research from air pollution experts and learned about other research going on in the field. I met one of my heroes, expert lichenologist Tom Nash. I formed relationships at the meeting that have the potential to lead to future collaboration, employment, etc.
Fern Perkins, Biology Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Howard Neufeld, Biology
The African and African-American Popular Culture Conference gave me the opportunity to communicate and interact with scholars interested in areas of research similar to my own. It also gave me the opportunity to receive critical feedback and suggestions from people familiar with my area of graduate study. My conference experience has definitely improved the quality of my thesis research and enriched my overall graduate experience.
Lori Beth De Hertogh, English Major
Faculty Advisor, Dr. James Ivory, English