There was a different kind of energy in the air this week at Methodist University − the kind that only happens when creativity, research, and community collide. The campus came alive with the annual Center for Research and Creativity (CRC) Symposium, a week-long celebration of student innovations across all majors and disciplines. From morning to afternoon, students presented their work through research talks, poster sessions, performances, and creative showcases.
There was a different kind of energy in the air this week at Methodist University − the kind that only happens when creativity, research, and community collide.
The campus came alive with the annual Center for Research and Creativity (CRC) Symposium, a week-long celebration of student innovations across all majors and disciplines. From morning to afternoon, students presented their work through research talks, poster sessions, performances, and creative showcases.
However, the CRC Symposium was more than just academics − it was ideas in motion. The event offered visitors, students, faculty and staff, the opportunity to drop into any session that piqued their interest or stroll through the vibrant displays lining the halls. Whether it was a Psychology study or an Engineering design, the CRC Symposium was a window into the kind of passion and drive that thrives at Methodist University. It served as a bold reminder: here at MU, learning doesn’t just stay in the classroom − it shows up, speaks up, and stands out.
Ideas in Motion: Presentation Examples
In one project, a team of Engineering majors tackled a real-world challenge with a local chemical manufacturer, Kuraray.
“We got a couple of projects from Kuraray, and we thought it would be interesting to work on,” said Banks Engle, part of a group of four researchers that included Jackson Barriger, Kellen Pace, and Toluwani Ali Dawood. “It was a real-world application of everything we’ve been learning these last four years.”
The project, which focused on analyzing and improving manufacturing processes, gave the students a unique opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a professional environment.
“We went to the company, got a good idea of the process, collected baseline data, and then analyzed it to come up with ways to improve the current system,” said Barriger.
From mastering “CAD” drawings to preparing for future careers in mechanical engineering, consulting, and manufacturing, each student walked away with a clearer sense of their path ahead.
The opportunity to present their findings in front of peers and faculty added another layer of growth.
“It’s natural to be a little nervous,” Engle said. “But once you get into the flow of it, it kind of goes away.”
“You’re the expert up there, telling everyone else what’s going on,” Pace added.
Another standout presentation came from Taylor Parrott, Nadeem Jaber, and Riley Brewington. A group of students who combined athletics and mental health research for their poster presentation. They worked with Methodist University tennis athletes to explore how stress, anxiety, and depression affects performance both in the classroom and on the court.
“We used several assessments, including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and the WHO Quality of Life measure,” explained Parrott. Their research led to results that hit home for the group. “The results showed moderate to severe levels of stress and anxiety,” he added.
“Two of us play tennis and one of us picked it up as a hobby,” shared Jaber. “Mental health is often overlooked in student-athletes, and we wanted to change that.” The group hopes that, when it’s all said and done, those who stop by their board will take away the importance of occupational therapy in athletics.
“We want people to see the value of integrating occupational therapy into athletic programs to support success on and off the court,” Parrott said.
Honoring Excellence
As the Symposium highlighted student innovation and creativity, it was only fitting to also honor those who exemplify excellence at MU. Here’s a look at this year’s recipients:
CRC Symposium Award Winners
- Anthony DeLapa Art Award – McKinley Norton
- Willis C. Gates Award for Excellence in Performance – Ruth King
- Balaez-Ambrose Mathematics Award – Jakob R. Fick
- Samuel J. Clark Accounting Award – Lynsey Plunkett
- Clark Memorial Science Service Award – Hope Stropoli
- Robert S. Christian English Achievement Award – Alaina Martin
- David G. Wilson Community Service Award – Marcus McNear
- Coach Larry Kirchner Gold Medal – Mary Herndon
- George & Lillian Miller History Award –Misty Houston
- Ott-Cooper Science Award – Rebekah Haigler
- Plyler Award in Arts & Humanities – Asemahle Mgayi
- Charles Reeves Outstanding Scholar – Dorvie Onfoula
- Trevor Morris Outstanding Political Science Student Award – Asemahle Mgayi
- Lura S. Tally Award – Rebekah Haigler
- PGA Golf Management Outstanding Senior – Peter Malia & Natalie Brosig
- PGA Golf Management Outstanding Junior – Jenna Rutledge & Spencer Cornelius
- Marie C. Fox Philosophy Award – Eliana Menlik
- Walter B. Clark Maximum Effort Award – Nahsir Knight-Bell
- Distinguished Pre-Service Teacher of the Year Award – Aneesa Irizarry
- Rebecca Woodward Wendelken History Writing Award – Heba Mansaf
- Dr. Sue L. Kimball Creative Writing Competition Winners – Makaily Saman, Sabrina Nassar, Heba Mansaf
- McRae-Klein Math Endowed Award – Ana Eunice Rivera De Leon
- Outstanding Computer Information Technology Student Award – Aiden Kyle Libero
- Outstanding Computer Science Student Award – Jakob R. Fick
- Outstanding Engineering Service Award – Kellen Pace
- Outstanding Engineering Graduate Award – Banks Engle, Jakob R. Fick
- Outstanding Environmental & Occupational Management Award – Kyle Molivas
- Outstanding Criminal Justice Service Award – Olivia Toler
- Outstanding Criminal Justice Graduate Award – Kaylee Williams
- Outstanding Criminal Justice Research Achievement Award – Rebecca McGaughnea
- Outstanding Forensic Science Graduate Award – Leslie Reyes-Melendez
- Outstanding Forensic Science Service Award – Aliyah Cardin
- Marie Curie General Chemistry Award – Eric Palomar
- Mendelevium Medallion Award – Ian Steigelman
- Pauline Longest Education Award – Grace Hobbs
- Nursing Director’s Award – Sohia Sorensen
- Outstanding Kinesiology Award – Catherine Dowless
- Outstanding Exercise and Sport Science Student Award – Lynn King
- Outstanding Fitness, Wellness & Coaching Student Award – Kiley Hicks
For more on the 14th annual symposium or to look at past research, visit the Center for Research Creativity.