Student research, compositions, & artwork on display at Academic Symposium March 22

BUIES CREEK, North Carolina – Over 175 students will present their original research, perform their original musical compositions, and display their original artwork during the Wiggins Memorial Library’s Academic Research Symposium Tuesday, March 22 — making it the largest symposium in the event’s six years.

The symposium began in 2011 with 22 presenters from nine disciplines. This year, there will be 176 presenters from 24 disciplines. Sixty-two students will talk about their original research through oral presentations, and 44 will participate in the poster presentations. Another 13 students will perform original compositions or showcase their artwork in an exhibit.

“The symposium provides a great forum for students to showcase the work they’ve put effort in throughout the year,” said Johnathan Wiles, a senior in political science/public administration who will present on the militarization of police in the U.S. and what that means for interactions between police and citizens.

The oral presentations and fine arts performance will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The poster presentations, fine arts exhibits and reception will follow and be held 4 to 5:30 p.m. Awards will be presented during a ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m. The symposium is open to all students, faculty, staff and friends. The full schedule and locations of presentations can be found on the library’s website.

One of the graduate students participating in the symposium is Blake Taylor, a third-year medical student. Taylor will be presenting with four other students on the effectiveness of the testis specific protein called tNASP as a diagnostic marker for prostate cancer.

“The symposium is a great opportunity to integrate our research efforts with other graduate and undergraduate students,” Taylor said. “In addition, the symposium creates a natural atmosphere to hopefully inspire students interested in research and in return be inspired by what other like-minded students have discovered.”