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| 2007 - CREATING A CULTURE FOR INNOVATION |
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Creating a Culture for Innovation - Research Symposium
Hard work and long hours culminated in excellent presentations at this year's Research Symposium and FAMfest, April 13-14, 2007. The symposium included 152 presentations, 202 student participants, more than 20 departments and 53 faculty members.
According to Dr. John Hittinger, vice president for Academic Affairs, “The University Research Symposium is itself a sign of innovation at the University of St. Thomas. Thanks to the efforts of many current and past faculty, the Symposium has enjoyed 14 successful years. The Symposium has become a dynamic opportunity for students to showcase their academic skills and intellectual curiosity to the entire University and Houston community. The Symposium has matured into a first rate display of intellectual achievement. The University of St. Thomas is proud to sponsor this event and we enjoy seeing the fruits of the terrific education in liberal arts and sciences that we offer here.”
Engaging in research projects with faculty members provides students special learning opportunities that deepen their knowledge of a subject. Students develop analytical and writing skills and emerge from the experience as critical thinkers and confident speakers. Undergraduate research is an increasingly important component of the student's educational experience across the curriculum. Most major programs as well as the Honors Program offer a capstone experience consisting of creative scholarship in the student’s major, guided by a faculty advisor. Most students regard their undergraduate research project as the highlight of their university experience. |
Presentation Winners
Oral Session (undergraduate)
First: Janse van Rensberg (History)
Second: Aleisha Jain (International Studies)
Third: (Tie) Sarah Wilbourn (English) and Shannon Wild (English)
Oral Session (graduate)
First: Leslie Richards (MLA-History)
Second: Lisa Maguire (MLA-History)
Third: Donna Diggons (MLA-English)
Poster Session
First: Nam Nguyen (Biology)
Second: Megan Nixon and Logan Motter (Psychology)
Third: Christen Sistrunk (Psychology) |
FAMfest
Support for fine arts and appreciation for the creativity of students have grown, thanks to the third annual FAMfest. This showcase of film, art and music gives the UST community the opportunity to participate in the artistic verve displayed by the students. This year’s FAMfest included paintings, installations, film and musical acts. “It is essential for the University to host an event that highlights students’ artistic talent,” former FAMfest organizer Cody Ledvina said. “FAMfest gives students such a chance.” |
Honors Presentation: America: The New Rome?
Under the guidance of Dr. R.E. Houser, the 2006-2007 Honors Class presented at this year’s Research Symposium, “America: The New Rome?” The project included the collaboration of Gency Abraham; Christina Ayad; Ara Ayeras; Zachery Bohon; Anabelle Dominguez; Guendalina Guidotti, Leila Hamzo; Muniza Hassan; John Joerns; Connor Kelley; Rob MacArthur; Roy Mitchell; Nicole Phillips, Camille Schroder, Giancarlo Toledanes, Kyle White and Alex Yancey. Abstract: The situation of classical Rome was one unprecedented in history. For the first time, a single society found itself to be responsible for the entire known world. That it was, in the end, not equal to the task is hardly surprising. That it managed this task for so long, however, is nothing short of astonishing. Indeed, what Rome did has so astonished the western world that we have been attempting to rebuild it ever since. Many other nations and peoples have attempted to become "the empire" in Rome's place. We maintain that, whether willingly or not, America is today busily occupied in playing Rome. What we hope to present are the points of similarity between us and them, and what lessons the Roman experience might hold for our future. |
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