Outstanding Scholarship and Service
5/16/2019
Annual Research Symposium Returns to the Mount
The Student Research and Service Symposium is back—and this year it showcased the work of more than 60 exceptional students.
Students filled Smith Hall on May 14 to present their original research and service initiatives to classmates, professors, alumnae/i, administrators, and friends of the College.
So what topics have our students delved into this year? Here’s a preview:
The Effect of Alcohol on MCF-7 and HMEC-1 Cell Proliferation: Implications for Breast Cancer Angiogenesis
The Not-So-Evil Stepmother: Psychoanalysis of the Mother and Child Relationship in Snow White
Instagram Egotism
Alternative Transition Metals to Ruthenium in Modern Day Solar Cells
Understanding the Public Response to Police-Citizen Encounters: Stepping Beyond the Incidents
Education and Longevity in 19th Century Cohorts
Undocumented Immigration to the U.S.
The Role of Locus of Control in Emotional Eating
…and that’s just some of remarkable work presented at the event. With a range of innovative research conducted by students from various majors, minors, and concentrations, there was no shortage of scholarship at the event.
Communication student Emily Ott ’19 conducted a content analysis on patterns of Instagram use and the effect social media has on a young adult’s ego.
“Children are accessing social media applications earlier and earlier,” she said. “Current trends and social restrictions regarding Instagram posts appear to be inspiring narcissism in these younger generations. I think it’s important to be aware of how we are using social media applications and the effect they have on today’s youth.”
As for service? From extended projects to ongoing volunteerism and partnerships, students have been busy volunteering on campus, in the local community, nationally, and abroad.
Our students spent the year helping surrounding communities and families by repairing homes in the Appalachian Mountains through Bethlehem Farm in West Virginia, while also assisting those facing homelessness and poverty at the St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia. Others helped on campus with Dance for PD, empowering those with Parkinson’s Disease to explore movement and music in ways that are refreshing, enjoyable, stimulating, and creative. And one student even answered the call to serve those who live in poverty in Ethiopia with the Vincentian Lay Missionaries.
“Our students’ academic excellence and commitment to service has moved them to accomplish exceptional things—from completing original research in the sciences and humanities, to helping others in the U.S. and abroad,” said Dr. Sarah Stevenson, Provost and Dean of Faculty, during her opening remarks at the event. “Their work inspires all of us—parents, faculty, alumnae/i, and administrators of the Mount—because it shows us what is possible with strong academic preparation, faculty support, curiosity, and a desire to make a difference in our community and the world.”
Interested in exploring more of this year’s topics, research, and service? Learn more about our students’ discoveries in Science and Mathematics and Social Sciences and Humanities, as well as the unparalleled Undergraduate Research and Service opportunities at the Mount.
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational, and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.