Gardner-Webb University Student Wins Research Award at N.C. Honors Conference

Emmy Bowen Receives Third Place for Study on Social Impacts of Absent Fathers

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Emmy Bowen, of Boiling Springs, is in her first year at Gardner-Webb University, attended her first N.C. Honors Association (NCHA) conference, and won her first award. She received third place and $125 for her research poster presentation on “Social Effects of an Absent Father after Divorce.”

Bowen’s research examined the psychological and sociological effects of having an absent father. “I compared research on death and divorce and how it affected teenagers from ages 14 to 19 years of age,” she explained. “When doing this research, I found that almost 30% of the teenagers that lost a father or mother suffered from schizophrenia and most often would show anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation.”

Participating in the conference sharpened her public speaking and communication skills. “I loved this experience, because each student showed a different point of view on various different research topics,” Bowen related.

She also thanked Dr. Wilson Hawkins, director of the University Honors Program, for his leadership and for giving her the opportunity to present her research. “Honors is a great opportunity, and it pushes me out of my comfort zone,” Bowen said. “Being a part of Honors allows you to make connections with different people, including professors from many different universities in North Carolina, which is great for graduate school.”

Although it’s her first year as a student at Gardner-Webb, Bowen is a junior double major in sociology and psychology. She earned multiple college credits in her high school’s dual enrollment program. Her goal is to become a counselor for teenagers and older adults. “I would love to make this a career because so many young adults are suffering from many different psychological problems like depression, and I want them to be able to have the resources they need to be successful,” she shared.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.