SHU Hosts Sixth Annual CASCon
Event connects students and faculty through research interests
Faculty from Sacred Heart University’s College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) showcased their work at the college’s sixth annual CASCon conference on Sept. 28. It was an occasion to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of faculty scholarship and reaffirm the college’s commitment to undergraduate research.
Presentations on multiple topics were accessible during three sessions that took place in separate rooms. Three to four speakers at a time gave 15-minute lectures on their work.
Each room had presentations that fell under a general theme. In one room, topics covered “Stress, Stigma & Safety in Different Settings. The presentations addressed, “What Makes Fido Special: Discussing Dogs from an Interdisciplinary Perspective,” “Seeking the Sacred in the Secular World” and “Analyzing Empire: Sociological, Historical & Religious Perspectives.”
Professor Abby Bender, a languages and literature lecturer, spoke in another room where the theme was, “Recovering Forgotten Women’s Voices, Work and Stories.” Her presentation, “Silenced Voices: The Irish Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation,” connected her passion for social justice to her expertise in Irish literature.
Professor Pamela Buck, an associate professor of languages and literature, presented in the same room as Bender and enjoyed the panel’s interdisciplinary nature. “Although my colleagues and I work in the fields of history and English, several pre-med students were in the audience. I hope our talks gave them a larger perspective on how women's health is closely tied to suffrage and activism,” Buck said.
The Science Sampler room housed a presentation by Professor Jo-Marie Kasinak, a biology instructor. She said the response to her lecture, “What Can We Learn from Marsh Mud? Measuring Carbon Sequestration in Restored Salt Marshes,” even prompted a student “to reach out to me asking for more information about my project and if there were opportunities for her to work with me … This is exactly what CASCon is about.”
During CASCon, students were able to earn prizes by picking up a passport at the check-in table outside the Naclerio Commons auditorium before attending the presentations. After collecting stickers from the sessions’ moderators at the end of each talk, students could return their passport to the check-in table for prizes. Additionally, all students who attended presentations could to enter raffles for larger prizes during the reception afterwards.
“It’s so nice to see the professors speak on their research because you can tell that they enjoy and take pride in what they do,” said Sofia Brotto, a CAS senior. “If students are interested in a certain presentation, they can always join the professor in conducting research. It's a great way to get involved and gain even more opportunities at SHU.”
“I really enjoyed the CASCon event and hearing presentations from professors whose work I admire,” said Kailey Blount, another CAS senior.
Pictured above: Professor Jo-Marie Kasinak presents her research.