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Copy by Brad Newman, 806-290-1979, bradmnew@gmail.com
CANYON, Texas — From first impressions in online dating profiles to bats in Palo Duro Canyon, from developing synthetic skin for robots to voter trends on marijuana legalization, faculty and students will showcase a vast collection of research at one of WT’s most expansive academic exhibitions.
Now in its 20th year, the Faculty and Student Research Poster Session and Research Fair will feature a display of 90 academic works.
The event is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 6 in the first-floor gallery of Cornette Library on the WT campus in Canyon. Exhibits also will be available for viewing from March 17 to 21.
“The fair is a testament to the University’s support for faculty research and the outstanding scholarship happening at WT,” said Shawna Kennedy-Witthar, director of information and library resources. “It also demonstrates that WT faculty recognize the importance of sharing their research with the WT community, particularly their colleagues and students.”
This year’s 90 projects include 39 faculty posters, 50 student posters, and one faculty book: "Displacement, Mobility, and Diversity in Korea," by Dr. Min Wha Han, assistant professor of communication.
“The fair is a wonderful opportunity for our faculty and students to share their research interests with the community,” said Kelly Hoppe, associate director and head of outreach and instruction for Cornette Library. “With such a broad range of topics, there’s something for everyone.”
The event spans nearly the entire first floor of the library, creating an “electric and vibrant” atmosphere, Hoppe said.
Three guest speakers will present brief lectures from 11:15 a.m. to noon during the event. Dr. Syed Anwar, professor of marketing and an early advocate for the fair, will provide a historical overview of the event.
Other speakers include Dr. Naurki Hiranuma, associate professor of environmental science, who will discuss integrating research into teaching, and Dr. Stephen Karaganis, who will present on research funding opportunities.
Among notable faculty research — conducted independently, with colleagues, or in collaboration with student researchers—are "Sustainable Cotton Choices: Consumer Preferences and Willingness to Pay," by Dr. Qi Kang, assistant professor of agricultural business and economics; "Women and Symphony Orchestras in the American Southwest of the Early Twentieth Century: Three Case Studies," by Dr. Kimberly Hieb, assistant professor of musicology; and "Religious Diversity and Voter Support for Marijuana Legalization," by Dr. John David Rauch, Jr., Teel Bivins professor of political science, and Mary Scanlon Rausch, library resources and metadata manager.
Student research projects cover a diverse range of topics, including mental health interventions in rural law enforcement agencies, body image among dance students, gender and beauty biases in the workplace, and local air pollution.
Student researchers participating include Zane Allsup, a junior from Decatur; Jonathan Arthur, a senior from Greeley, Colo; Allan Baltazar, a graduate student from Houston; Karla Berkshire, a senior from Wichita Falls, Texas; Claude Bigrimana, a graduate student from Amarillo; Logan Canada, a senior from Amarillo; Graceson Carthel, a senior from Amarillo; Kiley Clendennen, a graduate student from Amarillo; Hadassah Corey, a senior from Dallas; Ashby Dauer, a graduate student from Panhandle; Keenan Davis, a senior from Amarillo; Sarah Gil, a senior from El Paso; Julio Gonzalez, a senior from Amarillo; Lynzie Hartsfield, a graduate student from Amarillo; Michael Haynes, a graduate student from Kerrville; Ciera Heinrich, a graduate student from Idaho Falls, Idaho; Cade Hellman, a graduate student; Alexander Hernandez, a senior from Amarillo; Tex Houseal, a senior from Amarillo; Olha Humeniuk, a graduate student from Amarillo; Stephanie Ann Jones, a graduate student from La Grange; Brittany Karnezis, a graduate student from Albuquerque, N.M.; Raven King, a senior from Amarillo; Andy Kraus, a graduate student from Grantville, Kan.; Tanvi Mhapankar, a graduate student from Mumbai, India; Jennifer Ofili, a graduate student from Nigeria; Cole Phillips, a graduate student from Amarillo; Celina Pinela, a senior from Bovina; Chris Prock, a graduate student from Amarillo; Oluwaseyi Sanusi, a graduate student from Stange, Norway; Ava Sealy, a senior from Lovington, N.M.; Rhiannon Sellinger, a senior from Amarillo; Kyryl Shtefiienko, a senior from Amarillo; Lizett Silva, a junior from Pampa; Khara Skidgel, a graduate student from Hartley; Abigail Stilwell, a senior from Wichita Falls, Texas; Collin Williamson, a senior from Clovis, N.M.; and Joey Zimmerman, a graduate student from Hutto.
Several projects were funded in part by the WT Graduate School’s internal research grants program and the Office of Sponsored Research Services, including Killgore Faculty Research Grants with funding assistance from the WTAMU Foundation; graduate student research grants; and the President’s Undergraduate Student Research Grant. Some funding also was provided by the Richard and Mary West Traylor Research Grant.
The research fair underscores WT’s commitment to being a Regional Research University, as outlined in its long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.
That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million.
About West Texas A&M University
WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 58 undergraduate degree programs, one associate degree, and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.
—WT—