糖心Vlog

Last month, Georgia Southern hosted the latest edition of the GS4 Student Scholar Research Symposium, which showcased posters and presentations from undergraduate and graduate students across 10 colleges.聽

The symposium, the University鈥檚 largest research-focused event, is held each Spring.

Anish Goyal, a freshman pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer engineering, presented research on the role of convolutional neural networks, or CNNs, in enhancing ground-penetrating radar, or GPR鈥攁 widely used, non-destructive method for locating deformities in concrete and testing for strength. GPR’s reliability is critical for public safety. Goyal said CNNs have the potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of interpreting GPR data.

He hopes to become a leader in quantum science and engineering, and called his work 鈥渁n important first step鈥� in that direction.

In addition to presenting his own research, Goyal saw the symposium as a milestone in his academic journey.

鈥淭his opportunity to showcase my research to a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for innovation and problem-solving was invaluable,鈥� he said. 鈥淗aving my work recognized at such a prestigious event not only validated the effort I鈥檝e put into this project but also fueled my enthusiasm to continue exploring and pushing the boundaries of what鈥檚 possible in computational research.鈥�

He also appreciated the chance to grow professionally.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about presenting my own work; it鈥檚 about exchanging ideas and receiving feedback that can help me refine and improve my research,鈥� said Goyal. 鈥淭hese experiences also strengthen my professional network, which will be crucial as I pursue graduate studies and beyond.鈥�

Sam Bennett, a senior earning a Bachelor of Science in psychology, presented research focused on the relationship between problematic substance use and academic performance.

Bennett, who aspires to become a school counselor, said the research gave her valuable insight into that career path.

鈥淭o be an effective counselor and educator, I need a deep understanding of both in-school and out-of-school factors that affect student success,鈥� she said. 

Although she didn鈥檛 initially feel drawn to research, Bennett said experiences like the GS4 Symposium have changed her perspective.

鈥淚nitially, research was not something I was very enthusiastic about,鈥� she said. 鈥淗owever, as I became more involved, things changed. I now appreciate the power of research to answer important questions and inform action.鈥�

Bennett鈥檚 growing passion for research aligned well with remarks from keynote speaker Paul Hunton, president of North Carolina Public Radio. With more than two decades of experience in media, including working with researchers and scientists, Hunton emphasized the importance of involving the human element, no matter the topic.

鈥淩esearch is far more than lab data or journal citations,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about curiosity, storytelling and community building, even in media and filmmaking. I want students to see that no matter their discipline鈥攅ngineering, art, social sciences, or anything in between鈥攖heir work can have a broad impact if they learn to communicate it effectively and tie it back to the human experience.鈥�

Shainaz Landge, Ph.D., associate professor of organic chemistry in the College of Science and Mathematics, spearheaded the event and praised the variety of disciplines represented.

鈥淚t really is wonderful to see students from so many different disciplines sharing information and perspectives, and redefining the traditional notion of research,鈥� said Landge. 鈥淓very year, the symposium gets bigger and better, and I hope the students will carry this experience with them and use what they鈥檝e learned in their future endeavors.鈥�