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The 2nd annual Research Dialogues, April 12, 2017 in the University Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.<\/p><\/div>\n
Undergraduate Lightning Round<\/strong><\/p>\n First place went to Reed Boeger and his presentation on \u201cStudying Vibrio Cholerae Adaptations to Improve Cholera Prevention.\u201d A student in the Civil and Chemical Engineering Department, his Research Advisor was Dr. Bradley Harris.<\/p>\n Second place was taken home by William Harden for \u201cReducing Post-Operation Rates of Infection During Surgical Irrigation in the Plastic Surgery Operating Room for Breast Augmentation\/Reconstruction.\u201d Harden represented the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, and his Research Advisor was Dr. Henry Spratt.<\/p>\n Cullen Harris came in third with \u201cThe Status and Conservation of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis): Is It Functionally Extinct?\u201d A student in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, his Research Advisor was Thomas P. Wilson<\/p>\n Three-Minute Thesis Competition for Graduate Students<\/strong><\/p>\n RESEARCH Dialogues showcases the scholarly and creative accomplishments of UTC\u0092’s undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, & staff. This year, the event features over 300 presenters and 3 fast-paced pitch competitions for faculty, grad students, and undergrads.<\/p><\/div>\n Drake Terry came in first with \u201cA Noble Task: Work Stress, Sense of Coherence, and Work-Nonwork Conflict in Christian Ministers.\u201d In the Psychology Department, his Research Advisor was Dr. Christopher J.L. Cunningham<\/p>\n In second place was Damon Sowers, who presented \u201cInfluence of Concussion History on Reactive Agility Performance Among Elite Boxers and Wrestlers.\u201d He\u2019s a student in the Athletic Training Program, and his Research Advisor was Dr. Carrie Bake.<\/p>\n Cynthia Shaffer was the third-place winner for her presentation of \u201cIncreasing Access to Fresh Produce in Food Deserts in Chattanooga.\u201d In the School of Nursing, Shaffer\u2019s Research Advisor was Dr. Susan Thul.<\/p>\n Faculty Elevator Speech Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n This competition was divided into four different categories: Arts and Humanities, Cognitive and Social Services, STEM and Health.<\/p>\n Professor Laurie Melnik won Arts and Humanities for \u201cThe Art of Balance: Caring for Patient and Physician.\u201d Melnik is a professor at the Southeast Center for Education in the Arts.<\/p>\n Dr. Morgan Cooley was first in Cognitive and Social Sciences for \u201cFoster Parent Resilience: Relevant Factors, Importance, and Family Impact.\u201d Cooley is in Social Work program at the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.<\/p>\n Dr. DeAnna Beasley took home first in the STEM category with \u201cInvisible Life: Exploring Pathogen Diversity in an Urban Environment.\u201d She\u2019s in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science.<\/p>\n In Health, Dr. Cecelia Wigal won first place for \u201cCommunicating for Independence.\u201d She\u2019s from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.<\/p>\n In addition, Wigal was the overall Grand Prize winner in the Faculty Elevator Speech Competition.<\/p>\n Each category winner received a $1,500 mini-grant and, as grand prize winner, Dr. Wigal also receives a part-time graduate assistant to support her research activity.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/news\/files\/2017\/04\/Omara-research-dialogues-4671-300x200.jpg\")