BGSU undergraduate research recognized at symposium on diversity

By Meredith Troxel

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURS)recognized its winning students from the November 2019 Undergraduate Symposium on Diversity during a recent ceremony.

With help from their faculty mentors, Bowling Green State University students’ presentations focused on their research surrounding marginalized and underserved groups in the United States and our community.

“The many outstanding presentations at the symposium showcased again this year the amazing passion with which students and their mentors illuminated areas in our society where diversity and belonging are still lacking,” said Dr. Cordula Mora, director of CURS.

Keynote speaker for the evening was Jennifer McCary, chief diversity and belonging officer, who also spoke at the symposium in November.

“This Symposium helps students to think critically about the social constructs and societal barriers that people face. Exposure to such topics not only helps us have discussions about diversity but also helps shift the culture to make our campus more inclusive so that all belong,” McCary said. “Working with CURS is a great way for students to highlight their research, passions and skills, which can all translate into a brighter future."

Senior social work majors Emily Cross and Lindsay Boelkens focused their presentation on research surrounding Appalachia and credits the CURS symposium for opening their eyes to diverse populations in the United States and the injustice that they face on a daily basis.

“As students studying social work, this project reaffirmed everything that we have been taught by our professors,” Boelkens said. “Becoming aware of other cultures and practicing cultural competency is one of the most important aspects of the social work profession.”

Winners of Best Course-Based Poster Presentation Award:

  • Elizabeth Gabbard, Terez Siggers, India Daniels & Mckenzie Pottorf (Mentor: Hee Soon Lee, social work)
    DHS3000: Research Methods for the Human Services
    “Eating Disorders at BGSU”

  • Emily Cross & Lindsay Boelkens (Mentor: Jeanelle Sears, human services)
    SOWK3700: Social Work Practice III
    “Cultural Considerations That Should Be Made When Addressing the Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia”

Winners of Best Individually Mentored Poster Presentation Award:

  •  Thomas James (Mentor: Ewart Skinner, telecommunications)
    B.E.A.T. the ODDS (Black Educated and Tested)”

  • Kyle Thompson (Mentor: Steve Demuth, sociology)
    “Methodology of Nonprofit Advocacy for Black People in Columbus, Ohio”

Updated: 03/31/2020 12:23PM