Five communication studies majors will participate at the upcoming Undergraduate Research Symposium on March 15 between 1 - 5 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.
Megan Carassco and Rachel Morrell are completing their honors theses this semester and will have poster presentations at the symposium. The symposium is an opportunity for undergraduate students to share the results of a topic they explored in-depth with the entire Kent State community.
Carrasco has been researching the topic of "how millennial women are discursively constructed online." Dr. Suzy D'Enbeau, an assistant professor in the School of Communication Studies serves as the advisor for Carrasco's research.
Morrell's research project involves studying the Anti-Vietnam War movement at Kent State University and it’s analogy to early Christianity. Morrell’s examination of the movement involves the Guilt-Redemption Cycle by Kenneth Burke as well as the Theory of Collective Behavior by Neil Smelser. Dr. Dave Trebing, an associate professor within communication studies, serves as her advisor.
Both Carrasco and Morrell will also be presenting their research at upcoming conferences; Carrasco will present at the National Honors Conference in April and Morrell will present at the Central States Communication Association convention in April.
During the symposium, Dominique Freeman will present her research on the topic of skin bleaching among Nigerian women - research she is completing as a McNair Scholar. The McNair Scholars Program prepares first-generation, low-income, undergraduate students, from groups underrepresented in graduate schools, for doctoral study. Freeman's presentation will occur at 1:00 p.m. in room 309. Following Freeman's presentation, Natalia Roman will be presenting her research topic on "College and Career Readiness of Middle and High School Students in Painesville City Local School District" at 1:30 p.m. Jaraya Johnson will present research titled "No Spin Zone: The Framing Effects of Bill O'Reilly" in room 320 at 1:00 p.m.