In Honors Symposium, Students Present Research Projects with Real-World Applications Monday, April 11, 2022

Audio innovations, nature's impact on mental wellness and using social media for good were among the topics covered during Point Park University's Honors Program Symposium on Friday, April 1. Seven students representing a variety of degree programs shared their Honors Program projects, discussing real-world applications of the research they have conducted. 

"The Honors Symposium allows our students a space to present their ideas and the work that they have undertaken in their honors courses to the larger campus community," said Jessica McCort, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Honors Program. "I was so impressed with each of the presenters' projects, most especially with the depth of the students' critical thinking and their dedication to making positive change in the real world beyond the classroom."

Violet Hill, a freshman dance major, presented "The Need for Nature and Its Benefits," which focused on how the addition of plants around campus spaces could improve students' mental health and well-being. Hill, who is from Louisiana, grew up on a farm and leaned into her passion for nature to complete her project.

"What I found valuable about doing my research was gaining knowledge about how impactful nature is in the human brain," Hill said. "I had always known that I loved nature and felt a connection to it, but after reading a multitude of articles on the positive benefits nature has on humans, I began to have a stronger sense of purpose for my research. I felt that this research should be shared with the hope that it will influence University leadership to enact change for the sake of the student body's mental health and well-being."

Katherine Griffith, a senior cinema production major, explored the implementation of Dolby Atmos technology in the Cinema Arts Department in her project, "The Future of How We Listen."

"I really enjoyed having the opportunity to complete hands-on work that will benefit my future career plans," Griffith said. "I love what I do and the career field I plan on going into after college, so it never really felt like work to me. The Honors Program enhances my education by giving me the opportunity to learn more about the things I love. The program gives me a chance to delve deeper into certain topics outside of the classroom. It gives me the chance to learn more and have a more ​well-rounded educational experience."

• Rosalie Anthony, junior dance major and modern languages minor, “Dance in a Contemporary Landscape: Choreographed, Codified, and Copywritten"
• AJ de la Cruz, freshman creative writing major, “The Misleading Nature of the NYT Bestseller List & Where to Find More Diverse Book Recommendations”
• Jenniellen Withers, senior musical theatre major, "Benefits of Assisting a Group of Artists and How It Helps Your Own Art"
• Cloe Loosz, freshman creative writing major and gender studies and public relations and advertising minor, “How I Am Attending the NRHC Conference as a Busy College Student”
• Diana Navarrete, junior public relations and advertising major, “Social Media Strategy to Raise Awareness of the Annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk”

Learn more about the Honors Program in the student profiles below:

• Meet Keera Frye, Communications Intern, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County
• #PittsburghMe: Meet Kelsey Wolfe, Public Relations and Advertising Major
• Psychology Major and Honors Program Student to Present at National Collegiate Honors Council Conference

More About: Honors Student Organization, cinema production, student presentations, dance, musical theatre, Honors Program, creative writing, public relations and advertising