Student Research Shines at Symposium

Student Research Shines at Symposium
Students present their projects at the Symposium for Engaged Scholarship

On April 30, 2015, New Century College students presented original research and innovative projects at the Symposium for Engaged Scholarship. The half-day event was held in the Hub with projects displayed in the ballroom and five neighboring meeting rooms. The Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) provided funding for the event, which was organized and co-hosted by NCC.

The event began at 9 a.m. in the Hub main ballroom, where first year Cornerstones students presented their final projects for NCLC 103: Human Creativity, Science and Art. Students designed projects to solve environmental problems. At 10 a.m. adjoining, themed rooms opened and visitors were invited to view projects on human trafficking, natural sciences, honeybees, and a gallery with capstone projects highlighting artwork from a semester partnership with Mason students and female ex-offenders.

Professor Suzanne Scott Constantine led the course NCLC 475-008, Integrative Studies Capstone, through which Mason students worked with residents of Guesthouse, an Alexandria-based nonprofit that helps female ex-offenders resume daily life. Artwork created by Mason students and Guesthouse residents dominated the space in one meeting room and included reflection journals, photography and videos. Several students also recited personal writing created through the course.

In another room, students from NCLC 475-002, Human Trafficking and the International Community, presented research describing the experiences of survivors of human trafficking who are now living in Northern Virginia. Professor Al Fuertes worked with these students throughout the semester to educate the broader community that human trafficking is pervasive, affecting towns all across America.

NCC Professor Julie Owen led the faculty team that organized the symposium. Based on student and faculty feedback, a similar event is already being planned for Spring 2016.