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On November 21, 2024, the Department of Social Work at the University of Arkansas at Monticello hosted the 2024 Student Research Symposium in the Gibson University Center.

The symposium showcased student research at UAM, welcoming projects from all disciplines and programs across campus. Thirty-one students from the UAM School of Arts and Humanities, the UAM School of Business, the UAM School of Computer Information Systems and the UAM School of Social and Behavioral Sciences presented projects during the event.

Dr. Steven Harper, dean of the UAM School of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Kim Level, dean of the UAM School of Education, and Dr. Clinton Young, dean of the UAM School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, served as judges. The event was open to the public, who were invited to vote for the People’s Choice award.

“UAM undergraduates are doing a lot of spectacular research, and I’m pleased that we can showcase the accomplishments of our students,” Dr. Young said. “The range of topics was broad, and I think I speak for all the judges when I say we learned a lot from these students.”

Sabin Koirala and Amrit Poudel, both computer information systems majors, were awarded first place for their project, “Exploring the Dark Web: Unraveling Its Role as a Double-Edged Sword in Facilitating Criminal Activities and Protecting Privacy Rights in an Increasingly Digital World.”

Zach Boyer, Wilson Tarlton and Justin Wilson, all business administration majors, earned second place for their project, “Revolutionizing Learning: The Impact of AI on College Education.” They were also selected as the winners of the People’s Choice award during the event.

Kayra Gonzalez, a psychology major, took third place for her project, “Sleep Deprivation.”

The inaugural event was created and organized in 2018 by Marie Jenkins, associate professor and director of social work at UAM. Jenkins explained the history of the event, stating, “The symposium is open to all students regardless of major. This event was created to provide students with an opportunity to conduct and present their original research in an interdisciplinary format. It is especially beneficial for students who have never done a formal presentation and might be intimidated by a larger format. Also, it does not carry the financial burden of an off-campus and/or out-of-town/state conference, which might be prohibitive to some of our students.”

For more information about the symposium, contact the UAM Department of Social Work at 870-460-1747.