2015 Ides of August, Part 1
Biology Professor Amanda Ingram began this year's Ides of August faculty research presentations with her talk, 'There's a Fungus Among Us-Orchid Endophytes and Conservation Biology.'
Faculty appreciate the chance to hear about their fellow teachers' latest research and scholarship.
Professor of Economics Joyce Burnette discussed her research on absenteeism in 19-century manufacturing.
The chemistry, rhetoric, and psychology departments teamed up to find out if a one-week session on deliberation inserted into the Chemistry 101 section on energy issues would enhance learning. Chemistry Professor Laura Wysocki explained the concept.
Associate Professor of Rhetoric Sara Drury explained the ways deliberation 'invites participants to explore issues through a variety of perspectives.'
Psychology Professor Ryan Rush and Professor Wysocki discuss the data used to assess the effectiveness of the deliberation session.
Chemistry professor Laura Wysocki (center) takes the lead as Ryan Rush and Sara Drury look on.
Professor of Psychology and Wabash Liberal Arts Immersion Program Director Bobby Horton introduced a team of faculty and students to bring Ides attendees up to date on the project, which began this year. ), funded by an $800,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. WLAIP features programming for both students and parents that includes exposure to the liberal arts, a summer immersion experience, and opportunities and resources that are focused on increasing student success.
Six faculty members and seven current students worked with incoming freshmen, Horton explained. 'The freshmen experienced college life in its great variety and intensity,' Horton said.
The WLAIP's goal was to make participants feel more comfortable and to expand horizons.
Crystal Benedicks said, 'Students have the right to be engaged, to use the resources of the College, to fully be here.'
Professor Benedicks
Professor Jill Lamberton worked with students in audio rhetoric. At Ides she presented audio clips recorded by incoming freshmen about their experience in the WLAIP.
Luke Doughty '18 was one of two essential writing mentors for the WLAIP summer institute.
Luke Doughty '18
Paul Snyder ’16 was a writing tutor for incoming freshmen for the Wabash Liberal Arts Immersion Program last summer and co-presented a talk on the effort at Friday's Ides of August. 'The best part of the work was seeing the growth of the students,' Snyder said.
Snyder also said, 'writing is fun, writing can be enjoyable. Take the time to talk to one of these students and listen to their experience.'
After presenting the freshmen's experiences in their own voices, Professor Lamberton added, 'Where these students go from here is up to all of us.'
English professors Crystal Benedicks (near) and Jill Lamberton (back) listen intently to audio responses of the WLAIP participants.
Education Studies Professor Deborah Seltzer-Kelly discussed her research that uses Deweyan general systems to understand the assessment of teacher preparation.
Psychology Professor Karen Gunther presented her research on improving diversity awareness through a health psychology course.
Psychology Professor Ryan Rush asks his colleague a question.
Professor Gunther
Professor of Religion Gary Phillips made a stirring return to the professorate following a sabbatical with his presentation.