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Fall 2023 Academic Symposium Showcases Exceptional Student Work
Students shared capstone academic experiences with the campus community on November 29
University News | November 30, 2023
Senior James Johnson ‘24 presented his poster, “Application of artificial intelligence (AI) in special education field experience,” during VWU’s Fall Academic Symposium on November 29. His work demonstrated that with the click of a button, he could increase and/or decrease the reading content level, so that students with varied needs could access important science concepts. Johnson, a comprehensive liberal studies major, is working towards his teaching certification in special education.
He was one of many students who presented their capstone academic experiences for the semester during the Symposium’s Poster Session held in the Cunningham Multi-Activity Center (CMAC) in the Jane P. Batten Student Center.
Sponsored by the Truist Lighthouse Center for Exploration and Discovery, this semester’s Symposium showcased high impact learning through student presentations on global engagement, internships, research and creative productions. The main events included the popular poster session and a premier student speaker panel with student presentations in Brock Commons.
Premier speakers for this event were: Sandra Abdellah, who presented “Amisulpride Determination through Paper Analytical Device,” under the mentorship of Professor of Chemistry Dr. Maury Howard; Alex Cain, who presented, “What does the C-terminus of a Novel Bordetella Fic Protein Do?” Cain was mentored by Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Eric Johnson. Dahlia Perez, who presented “The Art of Seductive Simulations in Kazuo Ishguro’s ‘Never Let Me Go;’ under the mentorship of Associate Professor of English Dr. Jennifer Slivka; and Sasha Saxon, who presented “Characterization of Novel VMA 21/XMEA Zebrafish Models of Muscle Disease,” with assistance from her faculty mentor Professor of Theatre Dr. Travis Malone.
Held near the end of each semester, Academic Symposium is a signature VWU event. The day brings the campus community together to celebrate the achievements of students completing a variety of academic experiences. It is designed to promote advanced level thinking and intellectual discourse among various academic disciplines, as well as the exchange of ideas and inspiration that results from the public presentation of interesting and exceptional student work.
Learn more about the Academic Symposium and The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery.