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Milligan University will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the RISE Above Research Conference on Thursday, April 13. Over 25 student presentations will showcase scholarly and creative research from a variety of academic disciplines.
This year’s conference theme is “Ethical Innovation: Creating a Better Future for Everyone” and is a culminating event for undergraduate and graduate students engaged in faculty-mentored research.
“The Rise Above conference was created in 2013 to give both undergraduates and graduate students an opportunity to share the results of their scholarship,” said Dr. Joy Drinnon, professor of psychology and director of undergraduate research at Milligan. “Making research results public is the final step in any research activity, so the conference is an important part of the whole process. It is also fun to see the culmination of hard work and learn more about various topics that interest students.”
The schedule includes:
• Poster session, 2-3:30 p.m., Derthick second floor lobby
• Technology and engineering demonstrations, 2-4 p.m., Mary Sword Commons
• Humanities oral presentations, 2:15-3:15 p.m., Derthick 209
• Experimental psychology presentations, 2:15-3:15 p.m., Derthick 210
• Religious studies presentations, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Derthick 202
• Mental health presentations, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Derthick 207
• Science presentations, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Derthick 208
The conference will culminate with a faculty lecture by Dr. Heather Hoover, professor of English, at 7 p.m. in Hyder Auditorium.
Titled, “Ethical Dialogues: Writing and Researching in Community,” Hoover will discuss how a conversational approach to writing can bring meaning and purpose to writing and research. This is the topic of her new book, “Composition as Conversation: 7 Virtues for Effective Writing,” to be released in June.
“Like the best of conversations, academic writing should surprise and delight us,” said Hoover. “In this contemporary moment, when writers have access to so many opinions and data, they need tools to help them participate thoughtfully and responsibly in a conversation where their voices should and do matter. Whether we are participating in academic conversation as students or teachers, we have much to gain when we approach research with empathy.”
Hoover has taught English, humanities and writing at Milligan for 16 years. She developed the composition program and M.A. in humanities degree. She holds a Ph.D. in American literature from the University of Tennessee.