Lee University recently held the seventh annual McNair-Ledford Undergraduate Research Symposium on its campus, featuring 39 presentations representing three colleges and universities, with cash awards for the winners.  
 
“Many research, scholarly, and creative activities are underway across disciplines, and this is one opportunity to highlight a few of them,” said Dr. Andra Tharp, director of the McNair Scholars Program and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship. “Specifically for the McNair Scholars Program and Ledford Scholars, the symposium showcases their summer research projects conducted under the mentorship of faculty members. I’m constantly impressed by the quality of our student research and how well these experiences prepare students for their careers and to compete for advanced degrees.” 
 
The symposium welcomed 40 participants from East Tennessee State University, Lee, and Tennessee Wesleyan University. Of those, 26 were Lee students representing eight departments and 16 majors. 
 
During the event, students presented posters and gave oral presentations of their summer research to faculty and administrative staff members from the universities represented, who served as judges.  
 
In between presentations, participating students had the opportunity to attend the concurrent Graduate School Fair sponsored by the Lee Center for Calling and Career and to participate in a bingo mixer created to encourage inter-university discussion and reflection on the research.  
 
“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to present the conclusions of my research over this past summer,” said Jackson Paladin, a junior theology major at Lee. “The experience was both rewarding and important for personal growth and development in my academic journey. I hope to get more opportunities to present my research findings, both at Lee and at conferences abroad.” 
 
The awards were divided into two categories based on presentation type. Lee winners for the poster category included Jonah Pope, Kelly McConnell, and Rhiannon Nicoletti, in first, second, and tied for third place respectively. Rachel Allen received first place in the oral presentation category, and Paladin and Kaitlyn Stoker tied for second. 
 
The overall winner award went to Lee student Chloe Freake for her presentation, “Why No-One Wants to Work Anymore: Occupational Burnout Among Customer Service Workers.” 
 
The McNair-Ledford Undergraduate Research Symposium is held in collaboration with the Appalachian College Association and the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.    
 
While the symposium occurs annually, research occurs across Lee’s campus throughout the year. Students interested in learning more about these opportunities are encouraged to visit the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship located in Room 107 of the Humanities Building. 
  
For more information about the McNair Program, visit leeuniversity.edu/mcnair/.