student research

Smith receives award at Student Undergraduate Research Forum

Anna Smith '18 delivers her presentation at the Student Undergraduate Research Forum.

Anna Smith ’18, a communication studies major at Randolph, was awarded third prize at the Student Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF) at Lynchburg College on Saturday, February 25. Smith presented her final research paper for COMM 385, Presidential Rhetoric, entitled “How Eulogies of School Shootings Have Changed Over Three Presidents.” This weekend’s event was the 15th... READ MORE >>

Workshops, application deadline upcoming for 2017 Summer Research program

Marianne Virnelson '17 and theatre professor Stephanie Earl collaborate on their 2016 Summer Research project to compose music for some of Shakespeare's plays.

Several Randolph students and faculty members are already making plans for summer break. But they aren’t booking a hotel room at a beach resort—they’re developing projects for the College’s 2017 Summer Research program. Next week, grant proposal workshops will be held for students and faculty participating in this year’s program. Students are required to attend... READ MORE >>

Randolph student participates in national climate science research

Allison Brooks '18

This summer, environmental science major Allison Brooks ’18 was one of 13 students from across the nation selected to participate in Penn State University’s Climate Science Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). During the 10-week program, Brooks put her chemistry and environmental science knowledge to the test in the... READ MORE >>

Students present Summer Research results

Sarah Grissom '18 explains her group's project.

Randolph students participating in the 2016 Summer Research program presented the results of eight weeks’ worth of lab work, cultural and historical studies, advanced mathematics, and digital animation today during the Summer Research Program Symposium. Participating students and their projects included: Jan Cornell ’17 and Alexandra Wieczorek ’19: “Correctional Food Deserts: Defining the Problem and... READ MORE >>

Summer Research explores links between food access and incarceration

Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women

For two years, communication studies professor J. Nikol Beckham has helped inmates earn their associate’s degrees at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women. This summer, she and two Randolph students are combining her interest in food deserts and her passion for helping those who are incarcerated with a Summer Research project looking at nutritional education... READ MORE >>

Making the SUPER program SUPERB

Zhe Chen '17 and physics professor Peter Sheldon discuss their research on the SUPER program.

Since 2010, the Step Up to Physical Science and Engineering at Randolph (SUPER) program has helped the College recruit, train, and retain the nation’s future scientists. This summer, Zhe Chen ’17 is helping SUPER become SUPERB. Chen is analyzing the effectiveness of each aspect of the four-year program for science, technology, engineering, and math students... READ MORE >>

Tiny house project building momentum

Jessy Spencer ’18 oversees the construction of a straw bale bench made at a workshop last week.

Tiny houses were a big topic of discussion at Randolph last year, thanks to a project that researched the ins and outs of constructing one on campus. This summer, Jessy Spencer ’18 is building off that momentum—literally. Spencer is working on a Summer Research project with Karin Warren, the Herzog Family Chair of Environmental Studies,... READ MORE >>

Summer Research project examines history of martyrdom

Will Andress '17 and Gordon Steffey meet to discuss one of their readings in the Student Center.

Coloring books are all the rage these days. Besides the typical children’s characters, there are now coloring books for adults featuring everything from butterflies to mandalas. And as Will Andress ’17 found out during his Summer Research project, there is even a martyrdom coloring book. Martyrdom: The Coloring Book is one of many texts—historical and... READ MORE >>

For the health of horses

SRP meds

A group of Randolph College students are spending the summer comparing the effectiveness of over-the-counter medications in treating a skin infection commonly found in horses and livestock. Jessica Sidebottom ’17, Jacquelyn Parman ’18, Di Bei ’18, and Callan Frye ’17 are participating in Randolph College’s Summer Research program and are examining Streptothricosis, commonly known as... READ MORE >>

Plugged in to environmental issues

Sociology professor Brad Bullock and Harrison Pippin '18 talk about their project.

Each weekend this summer, Harrison Pippin ’18 has traveled downtown and set up a table at the Lynchburg Community Market. He’s not there to sell fresh produce, however—he’s there for research. As part of a Summer Research project with sociology professor Brad Bullock, Pippin has been administering a survey each week at the market, based... READ MORE >>