Berry College recently hosted the inaugural Conference on Student Research and Creativity, drawing students from Shorter University, Samford University and the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
The day featured oral and poster presentations, spoken performances and a creative technology showcase on a variety of subjects, with more than 90 students, faculty and guests in attendance.
One of the presentations at the conference, ‘Bilingual Supervision of Chinese/English Psychotherapy through a Multicultural Lens,’ was delivered by students Amanda Hartnett of Portland, Ore., Riley Whitlow of Lagrange, and Siena Rhoads of Buford. They are three out of over 60 students who presented their work and gained valuable experience. Their research was a qualitative study that specifically focused on Chinese-English bilingual clinicians and how their identities influenced supervision.
“Initially, the experience was nerve-racking,” Hartnett said. “I stumbled over a few points, but as the day went on, I became more confident and genuinely excited to share the work we had done. One of my favorite parts was watching viewers gradually grasp our project and share their thoughts.”
Undergraduate research offers students the opportunity to explore their academic interests in greater depth. Berry students often participate in research to prepare them for further higher education or employment.
Miriam Miller Hughes, of Rome, presented research about tuberculosis treatment protocols in the United States, Kenya and Peru.
“I originally became involved in research as an honors student,” Miller Hughes said. “I’ve always known that I want to pursue further education beyond my undergraduate degree and eventually earn a Ph.D. The honors program gave me the opportunity to sink my teeth into my first independently led research project.”
The Office of Undergraduate Research supports faculty-mentored student research and creative projects year-round through grants and the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. It also provides funding for students to present their work at local, regional and national conferences. Berry hosts a fall conference and spring symposium to showcase undergraduate scholarship.
“Students strengthen important skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication and in project-specific areas,” said Director of Undergraduate Research Kristen Diliberto. “Students learn perseverance — recognizing that scholarship is often challenging and does not always unfold as expected — yet they also gain a deep sense of curiosity and pride in what they have created and accomplished.”
Written by Student Public Relations Associate Cammie Wilks
