Passions spark innovation at Kennesaw State Symposium of Student Scholars

KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 24, 2025

Symposium of Student Scholars
Students at 成人直播 are often led to research through personal connections, demonstrating how passion can spark action.

Student researchers presented their findings last week at the Spring Symposium of Student Scholars, a three-day event hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research that allows students to explain their work in a public forum.

Adama Diallo described how her background as a direct support professional allowed her to witness firsthand how critical constant observation and emotional support are for individuals who are more vulnerable to sudden health changes or injury.

That led to a project that investigated how remote virtual monitoring technology can be used to enhance patient safety by reducing falls in high-risk patients.

鈥淚 cared for an elderly patient with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which deeply shaped my understanding of the need for real-time monitoring and rapid response in clinical settings,鈥 Diallo said. 鈥淭o me, virtual monitoring isn鈥檛 just a piece of technology; it鈥檚 an essential layer of safety and wellbeing for individuals who truly deserve it.鈥

Diallo鈥檚 project earned first runner-up honors in the graduate student category.

The top graduate award went to Rupali Mangotra, whose research aims to provide novel insight into the magnetocaloric effect, which can lead to sustainable magnetic cooling technology.

Symposium of Student Scholars
鈥淚 was a bit nervous before my talk at the Symposium, especially since it was my first time giving an oral presentation, but I was confident in my understanding of the work, and that helped me present it effectively,鈥 Mangotra said. 鈥淩eceiving this award at this stage in my master鈥檚 degree means a lot. It feels reassuring to know that my work has the potential to stand out.鈥

Over the course of three days 379 research projects were presented, showcasing work from both undergraduate and graduate students. These projects offered the Symposium attendees a versatile experience.

At one poster attendees could listen to an analysis of the impact the French had on Canadian classical music, then within a few steps witness the design for a walking robot intended to provide general assistance.

In addition to the posters, each college at 成人直播 was represented in oral presentations and performances both in-person and virtually.

鈥淢y experience at the symposium was wonderful. One of the most important factors about research is being able to share and discuss it with as many people as possible, and the Symposium gives us a place to do so,鈥 said Laura Wilkinson, whose project investigated C-reactive protein and its relationship with mood disturbances such as depression and stress, which finished second runner-up in the undergraduate category.

Symposium of Student Scholars
Throughout the event, each presentation was carefully considered for the top presentation awards, one for graduate students, and the other for undergraduates, as well as the first and second runners-up in each category.

The Symposium provides students of all disciplines a chance to learn what goes into a research project and how to present it; all while learning and developing new skills that will benefit them in their futures.

鈥淚t is continuously inspiring to see both undergraduate and graduate students present such impactful, innovative research, supported by faculty mentors,鈥 said Director of Undergraduate Research Amy Buddie. 鈥淓vents like this are vital for championing a culture of discovery and giving students the platform they deserve to share their work with the broader academic community here are 成人直播 and beyond.鈥

The winners are: 

Graduate 1st Place: Investigation of the Emerging Magnetic Behavior in a Breathing Spinel Material 

Student: Rupli Magnotra

Primary Investigator: Madalynn Marshall


Graduate 1st Runner Up: Enhancing Patient Safety: Exploring Virtual Sitters' Role in Fall Prevention Through Remote Virtual Monitoring

Student: Adama Diallo

Primary Investigator: Awatef Ergai


Graduate 2nd Runner Up (TIE): Graph-based Deep Chess Matchmaking 

Students: Charles Fanning, Promi Roy, and Faruk Murital

Primary Investigator: Joseph DeMaio

 

The Impact of the CEO鈥檚 Personality Traits on Digital Orientation in Firms

Student: Siva Charan Harimanikyam

Primary Investigator: Prachi Gala


Undergraduate 1st Place: Safety Net: Hope Amongst the Housing Crisis in Lagos, Nigeria

Student: Mayowa Odunjo

Primary Investigator: Ameen Farooq


Undergraduate 1st Runner Up: The Association Between Gestational Cortisol & Maternal Metabolic Health

Students: Isabelle Boughadou, Ami Eho, and Zabiullah Katawazai

Primary Investigators: Katherine Ingram and Maria Valero de Clemente


Undergraduate 2nd Runner Up: Examining the Relationship Between C-Reactive Proteins, Executive Function, and Self-Reported Mood Disturbances

Student: Laura Wilkinson

Primary Investigators: Sharon Pearcey and Cody Mashburn

鈥 Story by Alyssa Ozment

 Photos by Darnell Wilburn

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 成人直播 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.