THE SOURCE of RESEARCH


If you have a question about something or want to explore a topic, you probably turn to Google.


When academic subjects pique Winthrop stu- dents’ interest, they take a deeper dive and turn to research. That work culminates each spring in the Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors, known on campus as SOURCE.


Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research, the showcase includes work from all five academ- ic colleges. From poster displays and oral pre- sentations to dance and musical performances, SOURCE flips the concept of traditional research.


“SOURCE creates an op- portunity for students to engage with their peers and professors on a level unmatched by any other single event on campus,” said Nick Grossoehme, professor of chemistry and current director of undergraduate research.


“It brings together students of all disciplines and allows them to see the broad scope of research culture, the finer details of disciplinary research methods and analysis strategies, and clearly demonstrates the similarities and differences in research and intellectual cultures across all dis- ciplines. Attending and engaging in an interdis- ciplinary research conference—and as broad in scope as SOURCE—is a cultural experience that is hard to match.”


8


Continuing to Grow The April 14 SOURCE, which was held on the afternoon of President Edward Serna’s inaugura- tion, featured more than 200 projects in the form of performances, oral and poster presentations, workshops and gallery exhibitions.


Grossoehme said that they constantly aim to build on the success of previous years so that they can grow the event.


“We’d like to involve more of the campus com- munity in a variety of ways; we have space to accommodate more students as both present- ers, performers and attendees,” he explained. ”We continue to actively look for ways to get the community and local schools involved in a meaningful way. We’re exploring hosting profes- sional development workshops for teachers as part of SOURCE, trying to find ways to bring K-12 students to campus to enjoy the event, and we’d like to create an opportunity for local businesses to attend as a potential recruiting event.”


Several 2023 SOURCE award winners were asked what inspired their research and more. SOURCE


Spotlights


DAVID URICH, individualized studies major


Research: “The Effects of Interre- gional Inequalities in Orchestras”


Award: Best in So- cial Sciences and Humanities, Oral Presentation


Extracurriculars and Honors: Honors Program, former president of the Economics Club, piano accompanist


About the Project: My project attempts to provide empirical evidence for the anecdotal understanding that wealthier, more educated regions can facilitate higher levels of orchestral revenue. I analyzed the tax returns of 35 Caro- linian orchestras over the span of 20 years and regressed this data on socioeconomic variables recommended by the arts administration, eco- nomics and sociology literature. Most interesting- ly, I found that for Carolinian orchestras, a 1 per- cent increase in the college-educated population relates to a 7.7 percent revenue increase for the local orchestra!


Most Memorable Winthrop Moment: Playing my senior recital for my friends, family and professors who greatly impacted my college experience!


As a Senior, What are Your Post-Graduation Plans? I'll be working full time in the Rock Hill area while my soon-to-be wife finishes up her bachelor's degree at Winthrop.


EBONIE WHITE, psychology


Research: “Adults’ Empathy and Ex- periences With and Perceptions of Im- poster Syndrome”


Award: Best in


Social Sciences, Poster; Inez Bell Caskey Student Scholar


Extracurriculars and Honors: McNair Scholar, College of Arts and Sciences ambassador, pres- ident of the Psi Chi Honor Society, former peer tutor and intern at the Community Counseling Clinic


About the Project: The main focus of this project is the imposter phenomenon, which is a feel- ing of doubt in one's accomplishments. These feelings are often seen in high achievers. People often place this label of imposter on marginalized groups. This project sought out to look at how participants’ own empathy levels and personal experiences with the imposter phenomenon impacted their perception of women of different races in scenarios that are often connected to the phenomenon. We found that participants' views could be modified by the target’s race and the personal experiences of the participant.


Most Memorable Winthrop Moment: My most memorable collection of moments from Win- throp has been my McNair summer research experience. There were so many bonds created, insights gained and lessons learned that I will treasure forever.


9


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19