College Achievements By Students From Stafford, Willington

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

Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic CT

• 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 Kelly Bielonko of Willington, who majors in Psychology, and presented "Cultural Experience, Policy and Gentrification: A Public Health Approach to Understanding Substance Abuse in Native American and Native Hawaiian Communities." Bielonko was also one of two students to receive the President's Undergraduate Research Award for her sustained record of research activities, which have landed her several presentation, grant and fellowship opportunities over her years at Eastern. Chelsea Samperi of Stafford Springs, who majors in Physical Education, presented "Yoga for Young Children with Down Syndrome." Andrew Syphers of Stafford Springs, who majors in Business Administration, presented "Information Campaign for Willimantic Brewing Company." James Wargo of Stafford Springs, who majors in Environmental Earth Science, presented "Lithological and Structural Evolution of the Soapstone Mtn Metagabbro Complex, Somers, CT." 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.

University of Connecticut, Storrs CT

• Kristen Volz of Willington was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Volz is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.