This week, the usual dynamics of learning take a twist at Methodist University as students hit center stage and present their own research on campus.
This week, the usual dynamics of learning take a twist at Methodist University as students hit center stage and present their own research on campus.
The spark in learning is due to Methodist University’s 13th annual Center for Research and Creativity (CRC) Symposium Week, which hosts a variety of presentations, lectures, and events primarily led by students in all disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Chemistry, History, English, Mathematics, and dozens of others (full schedule details below).
“CRC Symposium Week is important for Methodist University because it gives our students a chance to be showcased in relation to all of the incredible projects that they have been working on each academic year,” said Dr. Cameron Dodworth, director of the Center for Research & Creativity and professor of English. “It is, of course, always nice to get a good grade out of a class, based on all of that work, but giving the students a chance to bring that work to a wider audience, beyond their professor and the students in their classes, will help our students to see that their work has even greater potential for real-world applications well beyond the classroom.”
The remarkable week of learning kicks off with two events including a TEDx event with the theme “Diversity & Inclusion” on Tuesday, April 9, from 7-9 p.m. at Huff Concert Hall. Three speakers will deliver presentations on various subjects that all illuminate and celebrate the rich tapestry of human experiences and perspectives:
- Hershey Bell (Dean, College of Medicine): “Empathy is the Answer”
- Kelly Walter Carney (Professor of English; Co-Director, Women’s Studies): “Old Ways for New People: Learning from Indigenous People”
- Minnu Paul (Director, Global Education): “Unveiling Bias: The Power of Information Sharing in Shaping Perceptions”
The entire TedX event is being organized by Methodist University students including head co-organizers Fadhl Al-Names (Senior, Business Analytics) and Ziyanda Khathwane (Senior, Political Science with concentration in International Relations and Public Relations).
“I’ve had the opportunity to witness the remarkable diversity of our campus throughout my years at Methodist University,” said Khathwane, an international student from Eswatini who spent time as a student worker for the University’s Student Belonging & Inclusion Office and later the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office. “It is evident that our diversity transcends mere racial distinctions. With this understanding, I am compelled to initiate a platform that seeks to delve deeply into the multifaceted dimensions of our diversity. My aspiration is for us to not only acknowledge, but to also introspectively explore and celebrate the rich differences that define our community.”
Methodist University has been ranked the No. 1 most diverse university in North Carolina in 2021-22 and 2022-23 by Niche rankings.
The Rest of CRC Symposium Week
There is plenty more on the docket for CRC Symposium Week including the marquee day – CRC Symposium Day on Wednesday, April 10. On this day, MU undergraduate students receive the entire day off from their usual classes to either present their research and/or attend other students’ presentations. The day includes various research events including CIRCUIT at 11 a.m. at Matthews Ministry Center, which will host a presentation titled “Sacred Form: Exploring Diverse Depictions of Jesus on the Cross” by Dr. Kyrstin Krist (associate professor of Kinesiology), Andrew Prieto (visual art exhibition coordinator and assistant professor of Art), and Rev. Kelli Taylor (vice president for Mission Integration & Student Well-Being; chaplain). CRC Symposium Day also includes the iconic poster session, which allows dozens of students to succinctly present their research all at once, is set for 2-3 p.m. at Berns Student Center.
The week will also carry out another well-attended event in the 27th annual B.F. Stone Lyceum on Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at the Dr. Frank P. Stout Physician Assistant Complex’s Medical Lecture Hall. Dr. Bryan Brendley (associate professor of Forensic Science), Meghan Hennessey (assistant professor of Biology), Dr. Stephanie Hooper Marosek (professor of Chemistry), and Dr. Lauren Klabonski (assistant professor of Biology) will present “Beyond Artifacts: Unveiling the Ethical Tapestry of Owning Antique Human Remains”. The presentation extends a lecture series that began in 1998 with a generous gift from the estate of B.F. “Doc” Stone – a longtime supporter of Methodist University.
The full schedule is listed below (with more information on the official CRC Symposium Week program). However, as always, the best way to stay up to date on all events is the Events Calendar.
Tuesday, April 9
- 7th Annual Nursing Research and Community Symposium (3-5 p.m., Chaffin Building)
- TEDx Presentations (7-9 p.m., Huff Concert Hall)
Wednesday, April 10
- Morning Presentations (9-11 a.m., Various locations)
- CIRCUIT: “Sacred Form: Exploring Diverse Depictions of Jesus on the Cross” (11 a.m. – Noon, Matthews Ministry Center)
- Cape Fear New Music Festival Lectures by Dr. Peter Swanson and Dr. Mark Kline (Noon-1 p.m., Reeves Fine Arts Complex Chorus Room G2)
- Afternoon Presentations (1-3 p.m., Various locations)
- Poster Session (2-3 p.m., Berns Student Center)
- University Awards Ceremony (3:30-5 p.m., Huff Concert Hall)
- Dr. Sue L. Kimball Creative Writing Competition Reading (5:30 p.m., Huff Concert Hall)
- Phi Kappa Phi Induction Ceremony (6:30 p.m., Stout PA Complex Medical Lecture Hall)
- 10th Annual Cape Fear New Music Festival: “Music and the Brain – This is Your Brain on Music” (7:30 p.m., Matthews Ministry Center Chapel)
Thursday, April 11
- B.F. Stone Lyceum: “Beyond Artifacts: Unveiling the Ethical Tapestry of Owning Antique Human Remains” (7 p.m., Stout PA Complex Medical Lecture Hall)
Friday, April 12
- Fifth Annual Occupational Therapy Student Scholarship Symposium (9 a.m., Stout PA Complex Medical Lecture Hall)
- Class of 2025 Pinning Ceremony for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program (6 p.m., Huff Concert Hall)