Gardner-Webb Students Showcase Research at Annual Statewide Symposium

Eight Undergraduates Devote Independent Study Time to Present Their Original Projects

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Eight Gardner-Webb University students dedicated their independent study time recently to prepare and present a research project at Elon University. They participated in the 21st State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (called SNCURCS and pronounced like “snickers”).

Colleges, universities, and community colleges in North Carolina host the symposium each year to showcase N.C. undergraduate student research and creative work. SNCURCS provides undergraduate scholars in all fields a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances, and works of art. 

Dr. Elizabeth Amato, director of Undergraduate Research at Gardner-Webb and associate professor of political science, invited the students to submit applications for the event. “Our students shone at this year’s undergraduate research symposium,” Amato praised. “They devoted their own time to preparing these projects, and that level of initiative reflects both their leadership and their desire to make a meaningful impact as scholars and young professionals. Undergraduate research is one of the ways our students live out Gardner-Webb’s mission to be a force for good in the world. Watching them present with such care, confidence, and enthusiasm filled me with pride.”

From world history and global issues to computer programming and social media, the students studied topics that reflect their passions. They appreciated the opportunity to meet other students and discuss their work. Mason King is a junior double majoring in political science and international affairs, and criminal justice administration. His goal is to become a family and marriage counselor and serve as an on-call Guardian ad Litem for the state of Virginia. A Guardian ad Litem is a person appointed by a court to represent the best interests of someone who cannot represent themselves—typically a child or an incapacitated adult—during specific legal proceedings. His research looked at how politics affects mental health.

“I chose my research topic because of the increasing polarization I have observed in contemporary America,” King related. “I have seen hostility from both sides of the political spectrum, and I want to contribute to an environment where political discourse can once again be civil. Presenting my research made it clear that many people recognize the importance of this topic and are interested in it, even if they are hesitant to speak about it themselves. I enjoyed sharing a subject I am passionate about with those who were willing to listen to me. While there are many questions still to explore, there is certainly more to come.”

King also encouraged other students to present their research if given a chance. “Overall, this event was a valuable experience, and I would encourage anyone who has a topic they are passionate about and has conducted research on to participate in the future,” he affirmed. “It is a great opportunity to present in front of others and practice public speaking in a low-stakes environment. So far, this has been my favorite academic event I have attended.”

Andrea Stampone serves as GWU Student Body president. A senior history and political science major from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., her goal after graduating in May is to attend law school and become an immigration lawyer. “I chose my research project (“Propaganda and the Italian Battle for Wheat”) because my family is from Italy and were farmers, so they were affected by the policies that I studied,” Stampone noted. “I was also interested in seeing the connections between authoritarian regimes and how they are able to institute top-down policies such as the Italian Battle for Wheat.”

She continued, “Discussing my research with the people who were there was a great experience because they furthered discussion, came up with points that I hadn’t thought of before that encouraged me to come up with new areas within my topic that I could research. This experience will impact my future moving forward because I discovered that I really do enjoy sharing my research and would like to do it again in the future.”

Bethany Durham, the GWU Student Body vice president, presented on a topic that has intrigued her since high school: genocide and specifically women instigators of mass killings. “Women are typically not seen as the main perpetrators of genocide, so this subject directly went against the typical understanding of genocide studies,” Durham observed. “Because this research goes against common thinking, there wasn’t much research on the topic, which was another reason why I chose it.”

A junior political science and international relations major, Durham is minoring in sociology and French. Her plans include attending law school, becoming an international human rights lawyer and ultimately serving as U.S. Secretary of State. Attending the conference was a key step in preparing for her future.

“I really enjoy talking about my research and there were a couple of people who knew just as much as I did on the topic of genocide,” she noted. “We were able to have conversations about possible genocides that are happening around the world, and I really enjoyed that. It is so amazing to meet people who have the same passion for helping prevent genocide and other mass atrocities and solidified my own passion for it. This conference is something that freshman Bethany dreamed about, and it is so cool that I was able to attend my junior year. Gardner-Webb has allowed me to do such cool things that I never thought I would be able to do.”

While Durham explored global issues, Leanna Tally and Abby Mace worked together researching a topic that affects everyday life—how social media influences behavior. Tally, a senior psychology major, plans to work as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist after graduation and begin graduate school in 2027 for clinical mental health. “We chose our research subject because we found it interesting, and also because we felt that it had practical applications to what’s currently happening in the world,” Tally shared. “It was exciting to be able to share what we had spent so much time working on, and to see other people interested and asking questions and even offering suggestions on how we could improve our study in the future. This experience renewed my excitement for our project, and I would be interested in continuing research while still in undergrad or maybe in graduate school.”

Isaiah Echeverria, a senior computer science major, presented a project that he designed for a specific need. The president of the Honors Student Association, he created a Honors app for event management and communication. “I thought it would be exciting to share the work I had been doing with fellow academics,” Echeverria asserted. “I spent a lot of time and care into the project, and presenting it felt the perfect opportunity to share not only the final product, but also what I had learned along the way. My mentor, Dr. Amato, also encouraged me to present this app rather than a class paper, which I am grateful she did.”

Presenting the app also gave him an opportunity to demonstrate a product that he had built to an audience. “Gaining that experience was invaluable, and it helped me realize that I would like to take on demo-focused roles in my future career as a software developer,” he related. “I enjoyed the entire experience. Our group was comprised of wonderful people, and being surround by fellow academics who understand the challenges and joys of research was inspiring. Events like these are a reminder of how much we grow when we share knowledge. It made me think more deeply about my own work, and how I can continue to improve and expand on it. I got to meet new people and strengthen relations with others I already knew. I also enjoyed exploring a different campus and doing something outside my normal routine.”

SNCURCS Undergraduate Researchers

Oral Presentations

• Bethany Durham, of Johnson City, Tenn., junior, political science and international relations. “The Overlooked Role of Women as Genocide Perpetrators and Their Media Portrayal.”
• Isaiah Echeverria, of Charlotte, N.C., senior, computer science. “Designing the Honors App: A Student-Led, Full-Stack Solution for Program Needs.”
• Mason King, of Roanoke, Va., junior, political science and international affairs and criminal justice administration. “What Effects Does Politics Have on Mental Health?”

Poster Session

• Maverick R. Imlay, of Hayesville, N.C., sophomore, political Science and international affairs. “Understanding Federal and State Actions During Hurricane Helene.”
• Allie Johnson, of Bakersville, N.C., junior, history. “Press Control and Censorship Throughout the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution.”
• Joint presentation: “Advancement or Addiction: The Development and Trial of a Social Media Dependency Test.”
  • Abby Mace, of Blacksburg, S.C., junior, psychology and biology.
    Leanna Tally, of Ramseur, N.C., senior, psychology.
• Andrea Stampone, “Propaganda and the Italian Battle for Wheat.”

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.