Around Campus - Mansfield College Students

MANSFIELD, CT — Here are some recent notable accomplishments by local college students, as provided by readMedia Newswire.

Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic CT

• Eastern Connecticut State University held its inaugural Iota Iota Iota (Triota) induction on April 12, launching the Epsilon Gamma Chapter by recognizing student and alumni members. Triota is a national service-based Women's and Gender Studies honor society that promotes academic excellence and facilitates activism. Among the inductees was Emma Costa of Mansfield Center, who majors in Women's and Gender Studies.
• Displays of research and creativity dominated the Eastern Connecticut State University campus on April 12 for the annual CREATE conference. CREATE stands for "Celebrating Research Excellence and Artistic Talent at Eastern," and is the university's premier undergraduate conference. Among the conference participants were four students from Mansfield. Roshani Budhathoki, who majors in Biology, presented "Characterization Of White And Black Seed Mutants In The Model Legume Plant Medicago Truncatula." Matthew Pinney, who majors in Physical Education, presented "Improving the Fitness of Persons with Disabilities: What is Being Done." Kenneth Pulk, who majors in Secondary Education, presented "How Does Social Media Influence Someone's Identity?" Lisa Wilson, who majors in Communication, presented "Production Design for 'The Wolves.'" The day-long showcase featured more than 250 students from all majors who led oral and poster presentations, panel discussions, music and dance performances, art and photography exhibitions, new-media demonstrations and more.
• Forty-three students from Eastern Connecticut State University traveled to Georgia on April 11-13 to present original research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). The 2019 conference occurred at Kennesaw State University and featured hundreds of undergraduate students from across the country. Among the presenters was Esther Jones of Storrs, who majors in Music. Jones presented a performing arts presentation titled "'Theme And Variations On An Egyptian Folksong' By Gamal Abdel-Rahim."

Springfield College, Springfield MA

• Olivia Baker of Storrs is the recipient of the 2019 Springfield College Award for Outstanding Junior. This award is presented to a junior who has consistently been involved in activities demonstrating leadership in service to humanity, and who has the ability to think critically and assess personal strengths and weaknesses in reflective and interactive practice. Baker is majoring in American Studies.