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Over 70 students proudly presented their scholarly achievements and creative projects at the annual Academic Forum held in Katz Gymnasium. The Academic Forum highlights a diverse array of student-led projects, ranging from scientific research and graphic design to studies in the media. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, students presented their work through posters, presentations, and digital displays.
View the Full List of Presentations
Some students, like Lucas Drons, conducted research right on campus, utilizing Curry’s 131 wooded acres of land. His project, titled, “What's in the Water (and dirt)? Environmental Management of Athletic Fields and Community,” investigated the environmental management, historical development, and current usage patterns of Curry College’s athletic fields and surrounding wetland areas. “This research incorporates the best practices in field care and emphasizes stakeholder perspectives from athletes to administrators,” said Drons. “By analyzing how the fields have changed over time and are maintained today, this research offers recommendations for sustainable practices that have balanced athletics with environmental responsibility.”
AE-MSN candidate Ashley Medeiros explored nonpharmacological interventions to improve the quality of life in patients with cancer, specifically by means of incorporating humor. Through her findings in the topic, “Laughing Matters: The Effectiveness of Humor Intervention on Improving Quality of Life in Patients with Cancer,” she discovered that using humor significantly lowers not only the pain scores of the patients, but also significantly reduces feelings of anxiety and depression. “This research is important because it’s a means of exploring the possible psychosocial benefit of laughter in this patient population. Being diagnosed with cancer not only affects one’s physical health, but it touches every aspect of a person’s life, including mental health,” she noted.
Val Geter, an avid gamer involved with Esports at Curry, analyzed audio in video games utilizing film analysis techniques to teach people how to fully engage with games. With gaming popularity at an all-time high, Val said, “It’s more important than ever to analyze games in a similar way as we do with movies to start utilizing such an effective medium in communicating with others. Along with that, music has an absolutely fascinating effect on the brain, as it lights up everything from memory centers to the part of the brain that recognizes movement.” After graduation, Val aspires to become a game designer to create worlds for players to explore and engage with, in hopes of inspiring others the same way they were.
After graduating with a degree in Biology this May, Brenna Peterson aspires to become an Orthodontist, and thus conducted research on the topic, “Oral Hygiene on-the-go: Comparing the Effectiveness of Chewing Gum vs. Waterless Toothbrushes at Eliminating Bacteria on Teeth.” Brenna wanted to study something she was passionate about while utilizing the skills and tools offered to her during her time at Curry. “Curry has helped me prepare to achieve my career goals by the education, support, and opportunities it provided. I was able to develop the skills and confidence needed to be able to succeed after graduation, and the professors, resources, and experiences I’ve had along the way have prepared both personally and professionally.”