SPARTANBURG, S.C. (courtesy converse.edu) — This Spring, Converse University held its first RISE (Research, Internship, and ArtS Experiential Learning) Symposium. Open to all undergraduates, graduates and Converse II students, the RISE symposium empowers students to share their ideas, discoveries and artistic work with the Converse campus and local community within a professional setting.
Sponsored by a 2020 Creativity, Community, and Cultural Enrichment Grant, the RISE symposium aims to celebrate student scholarly activities and achievements across all areas of study at Converse University. With this first RISE Symposium, Converse hopes to establish this as an annual platform that recognizes and celebrates our students.
This year’s RISE symposium featured 50 internships and research studies completed by Converse students. Posters were on display in Montgomery Student Center, showcasing the research studies and internship reflections of Converse doctoral candidates and undergraduate students.
Excellence in Photography: Terra Pettit-Bacovin ’21
Converse’s bronze sculpture of Maria Mitchell, a famous American scientist of the 19th century, by renowned sculptor Elliot Offner.
Arts and Humanities: Cathy Ceva ’22
Syngnathidae Life Awareness
Advisor: Jena Thomas
Education – Graduate: Dorothy Williams
Impact of Hospital Size and CEO Gender on Patient Satisfaction at Acute Care Hospitals
Advisor: Dr. Lee Givens
Natural and Mathematical Sciences: D. Chloe Griffin ’22 (Nisbet Honors)
Mechanistic Modeling of COVID-19 Data with Regional Applications
Advisor: Dr. Mandy Mangum
Social Sciences: Rebecca Avakian ’22
The Effect of Alcohol on Startle Response in Orange Head Cockroaches
Advisor: Dr. Chris Varnon
The 2022 RISE Symposium is dedicated in memory of Dr. Jeffrey Barker, the quintessential teacher, an accomplished researcher, and a well-respected leader. Dr. Barker strongly believed that scholarly and creative experiences complemented and enhanced the classroom experience and provided students with critical skills for further education and future careers.