Research Day 2010 Focuses on Global Connections

On Friday, April 16, dozens of Spelman students furiously bustled throughout campus, hurrying to get to the destination they had been preparing for all semester: Research Day 2010. Held in various locations campuswide, the College’s annual showcase of student scholarship and research excellence remains one of the busiest days on Spelman’s campus.

Research Day highlights a range of disciplines including the natural sciences, social sciences, arts and the humanities. With Pfizer as the presenting sponsor, this year’s theme, “At Home in the World of Research: Creating Global Connections,” was explored through diverse research ranging from the development of colorectal cancer and sexual imagery in music videos, to the public consciousness of the human papilloma virus among African-American women and a comparison of U.S. foreign policy toward the Republic of Cuba and Haiti. These topics were showcased through 134 student presenters, 77 poster presentations, and 46 oral presentations.

“We know how important research experiences are in developing critical thinking and communication skills,” explained Lily McNair, Ph.D., associate provost of research and professor of psychology. “In fact, undergraduate research is one of those ‘high-impact’ activities that is associated with quality student learning. We are thrilled that so many students across the disciplines were actively involved in such exciting research and creative projects.”

One of those students was mathematics major Asya Jones, C’2011, who captured first-place honors in the computer science/mathematics category for her poster presentation titled, “Brain Imaging Investigation Into the Functional Connectivity of Patients With Major Depression.” “I’ve been researching this topic since fall 2009,” Jones said. “I hope it provides a benchmark for treatment with medications and therapy for those suffering from depression.”

Another first-place winner, psychology major Shealyn  Blanchard, C’2010, snagged top prize for her engaging poster presentation, “Visual Regard Influences on Toddlers’ Bimanual Coordination.” A longitudinal study, her research explored the paired use of both hands in helping explain the link between coordination and dyslexia and autism.

With poster presentations winding down in Read Hall, students, faculty and staff flocked to the Cosby Academic Center to hear oral presentations. One of the presenters, Shameka “Poetry” Thomas, C’2010, a sociology and anthropology major, wowed the audience with her presentation titled, “Life and Identity at Spelman College AFTER Student Abroad and Domestic Exchange.” A qualitative analysis, Thomas’ research provided valuable insight into sociological theory as she explored her study abroad and domestic exchange experiences following her re-entry and re-engagement to Spelman College.

Thomas’ research netted her first place honors in the sociology category.

“It’s really challenging,” Thomas said, referring to her study abroad and domestic exchange experiences in South Africa and Berkeley, Calif., where she recently presented her research before the Berkeley Undergraduate Sociology Association. “The more a student integrates into the host family environment, the harder it is to integrate into the home environment. You leave one person and come back another person.”

Rounding out the daylong event was a powerful dance performance to Nina Simone’s “Brown Baby,” followed by a re-enactment of a scene from Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye,” as well as riveting performances by members of the Anointed Vessels mime ministry.

Maya L. Hanna, C’2005, senior associate research statistician with the Pharma Therapeutics division of Pfizer Global Research and Development, was plenary speaker and discussed her career and Pfizer’s commitment to global connections. At the end of her talk, Dr. McNair presented Hanna with a special plaque commemorating her Research Day participation as a Spelman student. – Alicia Lurry is the senior communications specialist for the Office of Communications.

View a slide show of Research Day