Adelphi’s annual Scholarship and Creative Works Conference, better known as Research Day, celebrated its 20th anniversary with undergraduates and graduate students presenting their work in each of our Core Four areas of focus: arts and humanities, STEM and social sciences, health and wellness, and the business and education professions.
On April 25, the hard work and efforts of more than 250 talented Adelphi University undergraduate and graduate students were showcased at the 20th annual Scholarship and Creative Works Conference, familiarly known as Research Day.
The daylong event celebrated the efforts of students and 104 faculty advisers by expanding the classroom learning experience through research and performance. “This annual celebration is a testament to the thriving academic environment and vibrant creative community experienced by students at Adelphi,” said conference co-organizer Alexander Heyl, PhD, associate professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to share the outstanding work of our students with not only their peers and faculty, but also with their families, our alumni and prospective students.”
And while the spotlight shone on the students’ work at the Ruth S. Harley University Center on the Garden City campus, classrooms went dark for the day so students, faculty, staff and invited guests could convene and learn from one another during student poster and in-person presentations, gaming demos, and dance performances. The event, which attracted a record-breaking 674 registrants, culminated in a keynote speech by Francine Conway, PhD, chancellor-provost of Rutgers University–New Brunswick and a former Adelphi faculty member who was instrumental in establishing Research Day.
Dr. Conway shared details of her own research—focusing on grandparent caregivers, their relationships, and their health and resource needs—and emphasized the importance of communication, curiosity, collaboration and the common good in all research activities.
“Now the next frontier is interdisciplinary collaboration to solve today’s challenges—sustainability, social injustice, the pandemic’s impact, economic inflation, war and natural disasters,” noted Dr. Conway, who also fondly recalled her research experiences at Adelphi. “The administration at Adelphi allowed me to try new things. This type of collaboration can make the world a better place.”
She also pointed to the other benefits students draw from Research Day—the bonds that are formed, the confidence that is nurtured, and the communications and presentation skills that are honed. “Adelphi has invested resources in this event,” she said, “and it shows an institutional commitment to preparing the next generation of critical thinkers … and an investment in our future.”
An interdisciplinary focus
To encourage interdisciplinary exposure and encourage “outside the box” approaches, presenters, regardless of their major or departmental affiliation, were grouped into sessions based on themes loosely aligned with Adelphi’s Core Four areas of academic focus: arts and humanities, STEM and social sciences, the business and education professions, and health and wellness.
Themes included Social Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Sustainability, Energy and Environmental Issues; Health and Resilience; Community and Global Issues; and Innovation, Communication and Technology.
“Through this arrangement, our goal was to organize the interdisciplinary sessions that bring scholars from different fields together,” said Wei Liu, PhD, conference co-organizer and associate professor in the College of Nursing and Public Health.
Exploring topics from cognition to corporate strategy
Through their participation, students enhanced their presentation and communication skills, learned to discuss their work and engage with other scholars, and developed an appreciation for scholarship and what it contributes to society. Topics ranged from the psychology of texting to plant hormones, health policy to hypertension, research-based ad campaigns to cognitive and creative processes. Computer session projects included an Adelphi Panthers mobile app and apps for dating, dieting and time management. Throughout the afternoon, visual and performing arts presentations highlighted choreographic methods, design and other artistic works.
Several students in the Levermore Global Scholars program presented research inspired by their Bhisé Global Learning Experience trip to India in early January. This immersive experiential education opportunity took eight students to business, educational and cultural venues that provided the students with unique insider perspectives and new ways of looking at the world.
“Research Day is a great opportunity for students to showcase what they are interested in, their skills, their abilities, but also for students to step out of their comfort zone … to really get out there and experience different things,” said Ann Sam, a senior majoring in computer science who presented her research on privacy and data sharing in women’s health apps.
In describing his project, “Environmental Sustainability as a Value Within Corporate Strategy,” senior management major Danny Lozano said, “I think the University is taking measures that set it apart from other universities, especially in the local area. I’m very proud of that and we have a very beautiful campus, so I’m proud that we’re environmentally sustainable and cognizant of that.”
Want to know more about Research Day? Ann Sam, Danny Lozano and senior neuroscience major Mackenzie Edwards talk about their projects in Research Day videos. And for a complete listing of Research Day presentations, explore the conference program.