Symposium of Artists and Scholars set for April 17

The College’s 16th annual Symposium of Artists and Scholars (SAS) will shine a light on a wide range of topics this year—from an analysis of Virginia’s Eastern Shore hurricanes in the 1800s to the impact of movement breaks on reading comprehension among young students to the effectiveness of clicker training on captive leopards.

Modeled after the traditional academic conference, Randolph’s symposium features a keynote speaker as well as oral presentations, readings of creative work, performances, exhibitions of student artwork, and poster presentations.

David Schwartz, Randolph’s Mary Frances Williams Professor of Philosophy, will give this year’s keynote, “Searching for Meaning, Finding Philosophy,” at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, in Smith Hall.

Oral presentations will follow in the afternoon.

More than 30 students contributed work this year. Research subjects also include the education of Tibetan nuns, an antioxidant assessment of wine, interfaith conversation, coaching and fitness, the math and science behind Pixar’s 3D rendering software RenderMan, and a study of the presence of pathogen-carrying ticks in certain areas of Lynchburg.

Teaching strategies and other classroom-related topics are also abundant, with students looking at reader’s theater and word recognition skills, instruction strategies, block scheduling, and more.

Participants also used SAS to document and highlight their College experiences, including studying abroad, completing internships, and even finishing an EMT training program.

Find the full schedule below, and visit www.randolphcollege.edu/research/sas for more information.