Annual Symposium Presents Research and Ignites Discussion

The 2009 Spring Science Symposium was the fourth annual symposium and luncheon honoring faculty academic achievements at the University.  The Faculty Development Committee reviewed nearly a dozen research topics presented in poster and lecture formats from the SMU Community. 

The symposium, held at the Health Education Center (HEC) Fontaine Auditorium, provided a forum for faculty to learn about cutting edge research such as Cecily Cosby, PhD, FNO, PA-C, DFAAPA, "Women on the Inside:  Transgender women in California Prisons," Chi-Kwan Agnes Shea, PhD, OTR/L, "Evidence based Teaching:  The Use of High-Fidelity Simulation," and Peter Barbosa, PhD, Professor of Biochemistry and Immunology and Director of Research, "Plantar Warts and HIV Infection:  Three Projects in One Fair."

"One of the key elements of the study was to highlight how data gathered from three separate studies were collected during a single street fair event," explains Dr. Barbosa.  "Part of the excitement of conducting research at SMU is watching students become more aware and curious about research activities, inspiring them to do the same.  That is one of the most amazing aspects of being a professor."

The forum also allowed the SMU community to examine the connection between research and education.  "This year's presentations exceeded all expectations in terms of the variety of research questions, methodologies and findings," said Penny Bamford, PhD, RN, Assistant Academic Vice President.  "The topics represented a broad range of interests and provided an opportunity for our community to become aware of the scholarly work in which peers are engaged across the entire University."

The symposium included projects from all academic disciplines and it encouraged interdisciplinary conversation.  Richard Rocco, PhD, Department of Basic Sciences, Associate Professor, presented a profile on "George H. Riess, DPM (1914 – 2004):  Forty Years of Service to CSPM."

"We have five disciplines that use the anatomy laboratory every week.  The building is named after Dr. George Riess and it occurred to me as I walk by the lab one day, 'who was George Riess,'" said Dr. Rocco.  "He was not only a physician, but also a professor who faced social, racial and economic challenges.  He also demonstrated a level of excellence in teaching, and raised the bar for all faculty, staff and students at the California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM) where he worked for over four decades."

Those SMU community members involved in research are encouraged to apply again next year, according to the Faculty Development Committee.  Those who are not yet involved in research might discover that attending next year's symposium is a great way to learn about the broad range of interests found at the University.

"The exchange of ideas, the feedback I have received after the presentation, and the excitement that has been created for my team is making this summer one of the most productive of my tenure," said Dr. Barbosa.

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