2018 International Research Conference

a collage of the following three images: a man playing a horn, a professor leaning over a group of students to point at something on a table, tow women smiling at a piece of paper on a table. The words "10th annual international research conference for graduate students" is inlaid across the image.

The Graduate College at Texas State University hosted the 10th Annual International Research Conference for Graduate Students on November 13-14, 2018. The conference took place at the LBJ Student Center on the San Marcos campus.

More than 130 graduate students from various disciplines at Texas State and from other institutions, including Florida State University and Texas Tech University, presented original research findings during poster and panel sessions.

The conference opened on Tuesday, November 13 with welcoming remarks from Dr. Andrea Golato, Dean of The Graduate College, and a distinguished research panel consisting of the following award-winning faculty:

  • Dr. Duane V. Knudson, Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Texas State University
  • Ms. Ana Carrillo Baer, Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Texas State University
  • Dr. Christopher P. Rhodes, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Texas State University
  • Dr. John M. Blair, University Distinguished Professor in the Department of English at Texas State University

Jenn Idema, Graduate House representative and doctoral student in aquatic resources, served as the panel moderator. This was followed by a reception and poster session, where students received feedback on their presentations from experienced faculty members.

Dr. Cindy Royal, professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and founding director of the Media Innovation Lab, was the keynote speaker on Wednesday, November 14. During her talk, titled "Bending, Breaking, and Blending the Academy: Innovations in Teaching and Research", she addressed ways in which scholars, educators, and students can integrate innovation into teaching and research. The talk also reflected Texas State’s 2018-2019 Common Experience theme, “Innovation”.

Following the keynote address, the following top papers were recognized during the awards luncheon:

  • Top Doctoral Paper
    "Differentiating Human from Nonhuman Bone Using Drifting Osteons"
    Sophia Mavroudas, Applied Anthropology, Texas State University; Katherine McCullough French, Anthropology Affiliate, New York University; and Victoria Dominguez, Lehman College, City University of New York
  • Top Doctoral Poster
    "Causes of Death and Physiological Characteristics among TASER-Proximate Decedents"
    Daniel Reinhard and Howard Williams, Criminal Justice, Texas State University
  • Top Master’s Paper
    "Weight Stigma During Medical Visits is Negatively Associated with Provider-Patient Relationship Factors"
    Morgan Snyder and Kelly Haskard-Zolnierek, Psychological Research, Texas State University
  • Top Master’s Poster
    "Attitudes toward Science of Latino Parents and Types of Informal Science Activities Performed With Their Children"
    Izzy De Leon and Julie F. Westerlund, Biology, Texas State University
  • Top Submission in the Innovation Category
    "Exploring Educational Needs of Emerging Food Entrepreneurs: Identifying Challenges, Solutions and Resource Gaps within the Austin, Texas Manufacturing Ecosystem"
    Peg Richmond, Adult, Professional, and Community Education (Doctoral), Texas State University

Concurrent panel sessions with student presentations were held throughout the day on Wednesday, November 14. Faculty provided valuable feedback to students by serving as chairs and respondents during the various sessions. Graduate House representatives served as moderators during some of the panels.

The Graduate College thanks our sponsors:

Common Experience; College of Applied Arts; McCoy College of Business Administration
College of Education; College of Fine Arts and Communication; College of Health Professions
College of Liberal Arts; College of Science and Engineering; Graduate House of Representatives;
Office of International Affairs; Office of Research and Sponsored Programs