Double Dawg Day Donations in 2024 Help Support Research by Gardner-Webb Students

Scholars in the College of Health Sciences Present Posters at the University and in Regional Setting

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—On Double Dawg Day in 2024, the College of Health Sciences led the day in the number of donors who gave to its academic programs. The funds they raised are benefiting students in the Hunt School of Nursing, the Department of Exercise Science and the Department of Psychological Science. In addition to purchasing new equipment, contributions on Double Dawg Day support student research, inquiry and presentation skills.  

College of Health Sciences Scholars Day

The annual College of Health Sciences Scholars Day, organized by Marie Davis, GWU Interprofessional Simulation Coordinator, showcases students’ academic achievements. Graduates from the Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies and the Department of Exercise Science are highlighted.

“This event provides a platform for students to present their research through poster presentations and oral presentations, highlighting innovative projects, evidence-based practice, and contributions to their respective fields,” Davis described. “Faculty, students, and healthcare professionals are invited to come together and engage in meaningful discussions, provide feedback, and celebrate scholarly excellence.

Davis also noted that Scholars Day fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development, reinforcing the College of Health Sciences’ commitment to advancing research and healthcare education.

This year’s program will be held in the Walking Track within the College of Health Sciences on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Department of Psychological Science

Seven students from the Department of Psychology Science and the Department Chair Dr. Iva Naydenova will use funds donated on Double Dawg Day to participate in the Southeastern Psychological Convention in Atlanta, Ga., on April 9-12. They will compete in a Psychology Quiz Bowl against ten other teams, and also present three posters.

“We are incredibly grateful for all the Double Dawg Day donors,” Naydenova praised. “Without them this trip would not be possible. We are incredibly excited to go and represent GWU. Go Bulldogs!”

Below are the names of the students and the topics and summaries of their presentations:

Presenter: Caleb Roten

Title: Influencing Others: How Can We Benefit Society?

Roten investigated conversational uses of nonverbal behavior in social interactions. He conducted a two-part study series of the qualitative and quantitative aspects of body language. The results of these studies hold implications for the awareness and enactment of positive persuasion through social marketing, as well as information pertinent to many fields of study, including law enforcement, nature conservation, and higher education.

Presenters: Rachel Gaura, Grace Haynie, and Emeline Martin

Title: Does Proximity to a Romantic Partner Cause Variation in Response to Stressful Situations?

For their research, the students sought to measure stress levels in females with or without their romantic partners present. They sampled people from the GWU college campus, and they were randomly assigned to be in either the group without their romantic partner present, or the group with their romantic partner present. The researchers hypothesized that those with their partners present would not feel as much stress compared to those without their partners. However, the results did not show a significant difference between the two groups. This study was limited by the limited sample size.

Presenters: Jaime Landis, Aubree Thompson and Isabel Suarez

Police and Profiling: Do police officers need more psychological training?

The purpose of this research project was to determine whether police officers can profile more efficiently than undergraduate psychology students. The questionnaire so far has been given to 10 police officers from a department in rural North Carolina, 10 students majoring in psychology in a small private university, and 10 students majoring in non-psychology subjects in the same small private university. After analyzing the participants’ scores and the accuracy of their answers, current results show that police officers are able to profile more efficiently than both psychology and non-psychology students, suggesting factors outside of a formal education in psychology can aid in criminal profiling.  

Double Dawg Day – April 10

Want to help fund more student research? On Double Dawg Day, donors can increase scholarships, advance championships, and have an impact on current and future students at Gardner-Webb University. Choose the people, programs and causes you want to support across the GWU campus. Some options include:

• University Priority Fund, which supports the greatest needs of the University.
• Annual Fund, which supports student scholarships.
• School/College Priority Fund, which provides the dean with the ability to respond quickly to emerging opportunities, transform the student experience and strengthen operational capacity.
• The University’s 22 athletic teams, which supports facilities and training.

For more information about #DoubleDawgDay or to become a Social Media Advocate for the day, click here.

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. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.