Watson Hosts Research Speaks Showcase

The Watson College of Education held a Research Speaks Showcase on October 3. At the event, more than 30 faculty members shared poster displays and participated in presentations showcasing their research on a wide range of topics.

“The research showcase was a wonderful event,” said Interim Associate Dean Candace Thompson. “The scholarship on display and presented at Research Speaks represents the vibrant diversity of educational research, representing projects that tackle critical questions and innovative methodologies, where school and district partners, industry partners, and students are inspired and served by groundbreaking ideas, and where teachers, leaders, and workforce educators are empowered by cutting-edge research.”

“We've already received some incredible feedback,” she continued. “One faculty member said, ‘The posters, presentations, supportive, happy environment was AMAZING! I feel like we’ve missed so many opportunities for folks to share and shine in the years since we last did this event, so let’s keep it going. The most wonderful part of the event for me were the cheers and snaps and laughs that were shared in support of all presenters - especially how genuine these expressions were. I love our college even more because of tonight.’"

Research Speaks featured 19 poster sessions and eight lightening presentations by faculty members. For a full list of presentations and posters displayed in the Watson College Atrium during the event please see the Research Speaks Showcase Event story on the Watson News page.

Thompson said she hopes the Research Showcase will again become an annual Watson College tradition.

“Ethnographer and writer, Zora Neale Hurston embraced research as ‘…formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.’ I believe Watson’s Research Speaks serves as an invitation to consider all the ways we can collaborate across colleges and disciplines and discover creative ways we can poke and pry with a purpose together,” Thompson said. “The evening was energizing and we look forward to keeping the research spark alive here at Watson!”

WCE’s Office of Engagement, Professional Learning & Scholarship (ELPS), in collaboration with the Office of the Dean hosted the event.