FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2016

For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

GLENVILLE, WV - The winners of the sixth annual Glenville State College Pioneer Showcase Creative Arts and Research Forum have been announced. The competition, which is judged by GSC faculty, allows full-time GSC students the opportunity to formally present their research and creative arts abstracts.

“This year’s showcase had nearly 40 different student presentations in the form of oral talks, posters, and artistic displays. Students from all academic departments participated and judges commented on the high quality of the presentations, which made awarding winners a difficult choice,” said Dr. Sara Sawyer who serves as both an Associate Professor of Biology and coordinator for the showcase. Sawyer added, “Participating in the showcase gives students a wonderful opportunity to show their projects and gain experience in presenting. Plus, the Pioneer Showcase allows the campus community to learn about the high quality of work that GSC students do as well as the diversity of that work.”

Colton Carpenter (left) and Caleb Long (right) with a display from their presentation

Taking first place in the Creative Arts Category was Colton Carpenter and Caleb Long. The pair’s presentation was titled ‘Handcrafted Knives: Symbols of West Virginia’s Oral Tradition.’

Sarah Gillespie

First place in the Social Science Category was Sarah Gillespie’s research project entitled ‘Comparing Different Countries’ Educational Systems.’

Ryan Mizia (center) and fellow project member Kathy Childers (back to camera) discuss their Pioneer Showcase display with Adam Black (right)

The group comprised of Christopher Curtis, Ryan Mizia, Kathy Childers, and Daniel Cameron placed first in the Science Project Category. Their project focused on calculating the mass of Saturn.

Tia LeMaster

Tia LeMaster placed first and second in the Science Research Category with separate projects. The first place presentation, titled ‘Effect of UV Radiation on anti-Markovnikov Hydrobromination of Alkenes,’ was completed with assistance from GSC Professor of Chemistry Dr. Kevin Evans. The second place project, titled Structure-Function Differences between PKA-Cα and PKA-Cγ,’ was completed with GSC Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Gary Morris.

For more information about the GSC Pioneer Showcase, contact Sawyer at Sara.Sawyer@glenville.edu or (304) 462-6303.