By Jordan Beach
Out of more than 4,000 research projects submitted nationwide, six Reinhardt students were chosen to present their research at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research.
The National Conference for Undergraduate Research will be held April 10-13 at Kennesaw State University.
“We are proud of our students who will be presenting research at this year’s NCUR conference on topics as diverse as the impact of tourism on Georgia communities to how the great southern writer William Faulkner ‘silhouettes’ the ‘living ghost’ of Flem Snopes in his novel ‘The Hamlet,’” said Provost Mark Roberts.
Albane Queinnec-Barreau, a senior business major from Versailles, France, will present “Investigation of the decision of tennis players to go to college instead of following the professional path.”
Senior management major Nicholas Marquez, of Lilburn, Ga., will present his work, “Why Reinhardt University should consider a move from the NAIA to the NCAA.”
Neil Seiz, of Acworth, Ga., senior management major, will present “Analysis of the market feasibility of new sports drink.”
Cade Archer, of Cartersville, Ga., sophomore business major, will address “The impact of gasoline prices on Georgia tourism, 2007-2017.”
Queenise Watkins, of McDonough, Ga., junior accounting major, will present “The economic importance and trend of the travel and tourism industry on the Henry County Georgia economy from 2007-2017.”
Jessica Fanczi of Dacula, Ga., junior creative writing major, will present “Painting the negative space: how Faulkner silhouettes the living ghost of Flem Snopes.”
Each student worked with a mentor, a professor at Reinhardt who guided them through the research process, resulting in the projects’ acceptance to the conference. The mentorship improved works to enhance student learning through their relationship with faculty.
“At Reinhardt University, students study in close proximity to scholars in their fields of interest. The result of students being educated in partnership with excellent teachers who are also respected scholars is the production of new knowledge—from students who’ve still yet to earn their first degree,” said Roberts. “The high impact practice of undergraduate research is alive and well at Reinhardt, thanks to our talented students and devoted faculty mentors.”
Watkins had the opportunity to research alongside Dr. Steve Morse, dean of the McCamish School of Business and Sport Studies.
“Working with Dr. Morse has been a blast. He has been very supportive throughout this journey, helping me along the way and giving me the guidance that I needed,” said Watkins. “I’ve learned a lot of valuable things to take with me when I graduate and enter the workforce.”
The opportunity to complete and present research as an undergraduate student enhances student learning through the mentoring relationships with faculty. It develops critical thinking, creativity, problem solving and intellectual independence for students, creating an understanding of research methodology and promoting innovation-oriented culture.
The Council on Undergraduate Research includes members worldwide whose focus is to “provide high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity opportunities for faculty and students.”
