Almost 250 graduate student and faculty researchers will convene at the Student Union today and tomorrow for “Engaging Minds Across Disciplines,” BG’s third-annual research convention.
The main purpose of the conference, according to Associate Vice-Provost for Research, Dr. Cynthia Price, is to showcase the research that University graduate students and faculty have recently conducted. In addition to University researchers, 56 researchers from private industries, other universities and government agencies will participate in the conference.
The event, which will include several panel discussions and speeches, is open to the public, except for the Researchers’ Luncheon, for which tickets are required. Over 167 posters, created by researchers to visually present their findings, will be on display in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow.
The academic deans will kick off the conference with an opening discussion with faculty members and administrators in the Union Theater at 10 a.m. today.
“We will be talking about ways we can encourage faculty research,” said Dr. Donald Nieman, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Nieman said that instructors who conduct research help to foster the excitement of discovery in students by teaching them newly-discovered knowledge. He added that without active faculty research, “the quality of instruction students receive is diminished.”
Dr. Larry Hatch, the Chair of Visual Communication and Technology Education at BG, will be a presenter for a program titled “New Media and Emerging Technologies: How Far Have We Come?”
The presentation, which will take place tomorrow at 10:45 a.m. in room 201 of the Union, will display the advances that BG researchers from varying fields have made through collaboration.
“It’s really critical right now that we do things to engage the community and the state, and provide information on how technology works,” Hatch said. He added that research will help the University get more funding.
During the presentation, Hatch will present the new videoconferencing software that he initiated the creation of three years ago. The software, which 15 students helped to create, allows for long-distance Internet-based videoconferences with people anywhere in the world. Currently, the software is used at BG for distance learning.
Hatch said his next project will be a virtual reality device called “Pocket Virtual World,” which will allow people to explore distant places and pieces of architecture without leaving the country.
Dr. Joyce Gromko, a musical arts professor, will present her research findings in a panel discussion on Friday at 9:30 a.m. in room 201 of the Union. Gromko will discuss her findings in the discussion titled “What are the Hot Topics in Research?” which indicate a connection between learning to play or listen to music, and improved performance in other subjects such as math and reading.
“Reading musical notation with speed and accuracy is related to achievement in reading comprehension tests,” said Gromko. “Reading music is related to achievement in math and spatial aptitude.”
Gromko’s research of “near-transfer effects of music instruction” over the past 16 years has included the study of people ages two through 22. She believes that the connection between mind, body, and spirit is stronger for students in music classes, and that this connection transfers to other subjects students study.
Editor’s Note: For a full list of conference events, visit http://bgsu.edu/offices/spar/Research_Conference or call (419) 372-2481.
