Graduate students present annual Research & Innovation Symposium March 30
The William & Mary School of Education’s 6th Annual Research & Innovation Symposium will be held at the school on Friday, March 30.
Each year, the symposium committee creates a theme for the research presentations. Last year was focused on diversity and inclusion. This year, the focus is interdisciplinary connections. “We’re hoping the symposium can act as a bridge between the different departments in the School of Education, bringing everyone together in celebration,” stated symposium co-president Alexandra Bazdar, a master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
“And as a way to share how our research affects other disciplines outside of education, too,” added fellow co-president Nathaniel Mason, a master’s student in Clinical Mental Health & Addictions Counseling. “It’s a great opportunity for the entire William & Mary community.”
This year’s symposium will kick off with Dania Matos, William & Mary’s deputy chief diversity officer, who will speak about equity in education during breakfast. The keynote speaker will be Rick Gressard, Chancellor Professor of Counselor Education, who is currently serving as Interim President and CEO of CACREP. Dr. Gressard’s keynote will connect his background in addiction counseling to the broad sphere of education. A combination of classroom lectures and poster presentations comprise the remainder of the day with topics ranging from educational advocacy for marginalized populations to music therapy for trauma victims.
The symposium is hosted by Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society of professional counseling, in conjunction with the Graduate Education Association. It is free, includes breakfast and lunch, and is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the general public. For more information visit the SOE Symposium website.
