Written by ~ Allison Hudgins
Photo by ~ Allison Hudgins
The annual Student Scholar Showcase was a success, delivering a day brimming with intellectual curiosity, expression and academic excellence.
This highly anticipated event provided a vibrant platform for the University of Lynchburg students to unveil their remarkable research projects, captivating presentations, and scholarly achievements.
Whether seeking to broaden horizons or simply revel in the celebration of knowledge, this event proved to be an event not to be missed, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed the remarkable talents and accomplishments on display.
As attendees explored the various exhibits and presentations excitement filled the air.
While each project showcased remarkable talent and dedication, a few standout presentations captured the hearts and minds of the audience.
One of the highlights of the showcase was the thought-provoking keynote address delivered by Sommerville Scholar, Kelsey Spickler.
Spickler researched homelessness in the Lynchburg area. The main takeaway from her work is, “I found that the areas that house the majority of Miriam’s House clients have limited access to various resources, disproportionate to other areas of Lynchburg. Because of this disparity, these areas of Lynchburg would not be considered sustainable, meaning that many of these clients may not be able to grow out of their current circumstances,” said Spickler.
Among the many interesting projects, one caught the attention of attendees interested in animal science and public health.
Elizabeth Wenger’s work delved into the intricate microbiomes of llamas, a topic that may seem niche, but carries significant real-world implications.
When asked about the potential community impact and real-world applications of their work, she provided an insightful perspective.
“Understanding the oral and gut microbiomes of llamas can greatly impact the way we care for and handle them. Zoonotic diseases are a serious concern and we don’t have a deep knowledge of llamas which is important as more people are adopting llamas and alpacas for wool or petting zoos,” said Wenger.
As the showcase came to a close, many students found themselves inspired to embark on their own academic journey and creative endeavors.
However, the idea of tackling such ambitious projects can be daunting, especially for those new to undergraduate research.
Fortunately, Allison Bobst, has advice for those seeking wisdom and encouragement from her peers, “Any student feeling anxiety about pursuing scholarly or creative projects needs to know that there are constant research opportunities here at Lynchburg, and there are plenty of professors who are more than willing to guide and support you through the whole process. Just go for it– you won’t be thrown in the deep end,” said Bobst.
For those who are interested in finding out more information about the Student Scholar Showcase, you can visit the University of Lynchburg’s website.
