The 10 winners in this week’s ReSEARCH Dialogues competitions have been announced.
The 2nd annual Research Dialogues, April 12, 2017 in the University Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Undergraduate Lightning Round
First place went to Reed Boeger and his presentation on “Studying Vibrio Cholerae Adaptations to Improve Cholera Prevention.” A student in the Civil and Chemical Engineering Department, his Research Advisor was Dr. Bradley Harris.
Second place was taken home by William Harden for “Reducing Post-Operation Rates of Infection During Surgical Irrigation in the Plastic Surgery Operating Room for Breast Augmentation/Reconstruction.” Harden represented the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, and his Research Advisor was Dr. Henry Spratt.
Cullen Harris came in third with “The Status and Conservation of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis): Is It Functionally Extinct?” A student in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, his Research Advisor was Thomas P. Wilson
Three-Minute Thesis Competition for Graduate Students
RESEARCH Dialogues showcases the scholarly and creative accomplishments of UTC’s undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, & staff. This year, the event features over 300 presenters and 3 fast-paced pitch competitions for faculty, grad students, and undergrads.
Drake Terry came in first with “A Noble Task: Work Stress, Sense of Coherence, and Work-Nonwork Conflict in Christian Ministers.” In the Psychology Department, his Research Advisor was Dr. Christopher J.L. Cunningham
In second place was Damon Sowers, who presented “Influence of Concussion History on Reactive Agility Performance Among Elite Boxers and Wrestlers.” He’s a student in the Athletic Training Program, and his Research Advisor was Dr. Carrie Bake.
Cynthia Shaffer was the third-place winner for her presentation of “Increasing Access to Fresh Produce in Food Deserts in Chattanooga.” In the School of Nursing, Shaffer’s Research Advisor was Dr. Susan Thul.
Faculty Elevator Speech Competition
This competition was divided into four different categories: Arts and Humanities, Cognitive and Social Services, STEM and Health.
Professor Laurie Melnik won Arts and Humanities for “The Art of Balance: Caring for Patient and Physician.” Melnik is a professor at the Southeast Center for Education in the Arts.
Dr. Morgan Cooley was first in Cognitive and Social Sciences for “Foster Parent Resilience: Relevant Factors, Importance, and Family Impact.” Cooley is in Social Work program at the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.
Dr. DeAnna Beasley took home first in the STEM category with “Invisible Life: Exploring Pathogen Diversity in an Urban Environment.” She’s in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science.
In Health, Dr. Cecelia Wigal won first place for “Communicating for Independence.” She’s from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
In addition, Wigal was the overall Grand Prize winner in the Faculty Elevator Speech Competition.
Each category winner received a $1,500 mini-grant and, as grand prize winner, Dr. Wigal also receives a part-time graduate assistant to support her research activity.
Video Library: (See the full lineup from the 2017 Three-Minute Thesis competition here)
Drake Terry: 1st place in Three-Minute Thesis
Damon Sowers: 2nd Place in Three-Minute Thesis
Cynthia Shaffer: 3rd Place in Three-Minute Thesis
