ISSUED: 9 March 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Graduate students from across West Virginia are invited to present their research at the first-ever Graduate Research Day hosted by Shepherd University and sponsored by the West Virginia Association of Graduate Schools (WVAGS) on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. in Erma Ora Byrd Hall.
The event, titled “Innovation and Impact Through Research,” will include poster presentations, talks about selected thesis and capstone projects, panel discussions, and professional development workshops. Graduate students will give oral presentations throughout the day, and poster sessions are planned in the morning and afternoon.
Dr. Scott Beard, associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of graduate studies, said the event will also include the opportunity to meet potential employers, get résumé advice, and do mock interviews. Beard believes participating in this event will benefit students when they enter the workforce.
“Students do many types of research projects that have direct ties to the education and business fields,” Beard said. “The ability to present projects and proposals is also an important skill that potential employers look for.”
Dr. Charles Nieman, director of international initiatives, and Charles Blachford, director of grant support, will give a presentation on the importance of a graduate education in a global economy.
Any student from a West Virginia college or university who is working on a master’s or doctorate degree is invited to make a presentation on research that is in progress or completed under the following guidelines:
- Presentations are limited to 10 minutes, with an additional five minutes for discussions or questions
- They should address the theme of the event, “Innovation and Impact Through Research”
- Talks and posters should be prepared with a general audience in mind, describing the concepts and motivations for the project rather than the technical aspects
Students interested in making a presentation must submit an abstract no later than April 3. They should be sent by email as a Word document attachment to Dr. Scott Beard at sbeard@shepherd.edu.
Anyone wanting to display a poster for the day is also welcome to apply. It’s recommended students have posters professionally designed and printed, and presenters must be available at designated times to discuss their research. There is a $20 registration fee for all participants. For more information visit www.shepherd.edu/wordpress-1/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Wv-Graduate-Research-Day.pdf.
Listen to the interview with Dr. Scott Beard HERE.
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