Graduate Research Symposium
The Graduate Research Symposium, sponsored by the Graduate School and Research, the Office of the Provost and the Graduate Student Association as a part of WCU’s campus-wide Research and Scholarship Conference, provides graduate students the opportunity to showcase their scholarly research and projects.
The Graduate Research Symposium highlights some of the remarkable academic research WCU students pursue during their time at Western Carolina University. Explore research poster presentations, oral presentations, fine arts exhibits, the 2025 3MT competition, the fourth annual Faculty 3MR competition, and Faculty Scholarship Celebration.
Welcome Note
Dr. Jeffrey Lawson, Dean of the Graduate School and Research, sets the tone for this years’ Graduate Symposium.
Discover the Symposium
Oral Presentations
This annual symposium provides graduate and undergraduate students with the opportunity to present their research and academic work to an engaged audience.
In a conference style, on March 19, 2025, graduate and undergraduate participants will present their research. View the oral presenters and their titles here.
Poster Presentations
Poster presentations were collected virtually and participants are able to attend the Poster Presentation held on March 19, 2025 on the Ramsey Center Concourse from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.
Preview graduate posters by clicking on project titles.
Fine Arts Exhibits
This annual symposium provides graduate students with the opportunity to present their research and academic work to an engaged audience.
In a conference style, on March 19, 2025, graduate participants will present their creative works. View the fine arts exhibits and their titles here.
Graduate 3MT®
The 3MT competition is a presentation that lasts literally 3 minutes and highlights a student’s thesis, dissertation, business plan, or scholarly project.
Watch the winners from the most recent WCU 3MT®
Awards Ceremony
The Graduate Research Symposium hosts a celebration of the accomplishments of graduate students, faculty, staff and others who value the mission and vision of graduate education at WCU.
Graduate School and Research Dean, Dr. Jeffrey Lawson will announce poster winners at 6 pm in the Ramsey Arena.
2025 Schedule At A Glance
Wednesday, March 19th: The Undergraduate Exposition and Graduate Research Symposium (open to campus and the public):
- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Undergraduate and Graduate Oral and Performance presentations, A.K. Hinds University Center
- 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – The Research and Scholarship Conference Keynote Address, Ramsey Center Arena
- 6:00 pm – 6:15 pm – Award Ceremony, Ramsey Center Arena
- 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm – The Undergraduate Exposition and Graduate Research Symposium Poster Presentations, Fine Arts Exhibits, and Reception, Ramsey Center Concourse
Thursday, March 20th: The Faculty Scholarship Celebration:
- 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – The 4th Annual Faculty 3-Minute Research Talk Competition, A.K. Hinds University Center’s Grandroom
- 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Faculty Scholarship Celebration Luncheon, A.K. Hinds University Center’s Grandroom (reservation-only event)
- 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm – Awards and Highlights
Acknowledgements
The Research and Scholarship Conference would not be possible without the leadership and support of so many from across Western’s campus. We wish to extend our gratitude to those who have made this event possible.
The 2025 Research and Scholarship Conference Leadership Team:
- Carmen Huffman, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
- Jeff Lawson, Dean, The Graduate School and Research
- Joy Bowers-Campbell, Associate Dean, Graduate School and Research
- John Hildreth, Interim Associate Dean, Office of Research Administration, Graduate School and Research
- Kloo Hansen, Director, Office of Research Administration, Graduate School and Research
- Suzanne Melton, Research Programs Coordinator, Office of Research Administration, The Graduate School and Research
- Jill Granger, Dean, The Brinson Honors College
- Chuck Thomas, Dean, Hunter Library
The 2025 Research and Scholarship Conference Undergraduate Exposition, Graduate Symposium, and Faculty Scholarship Celebration Organizing Team & Campus Collaborators:
- Dana Boyer, Business Officer, Hunter Library
- Heidi Buchanan, Associate Dean, Hunter Library
- Holly Vaughan, Graduate Recruiting and Communications Director, Graduate School and Research
- Joshua Everhart, Administrative Support Associate, Hunter Library
- Kate Roche, Student Services Specialist, Graduate School and Research
- Roxane Stiles, Executive Assistant, Graduate School and Research
- Samantha Ellithorpe, Pre-Award Manager, Office of Research Administration, Graduate School and Research
- Matt Salerno, Research Services Coordinator, Office of Research Administration, Graduate School and Research
- Todd Lawing and the Ramsey Center Arena Staff
- A.K. Hinds University Center Staff
- WCU Print Shop Staff
- WCU Bookstore Staff
- University Communications and Marketing Staff
- Aramark Catering Staff
- Facilities Management Staff
- DegreePlus