Two SSU students received first place awards at the 23rd annual California State University Student Research Competition, held May 1-2 at CSU, Los Angeles.
Erin Garnett, BA double major in Sociology and Women's and Gender Studies, received first place in the Undergraduate Behavioral and Social Sciences division.
Jeff Christle, MA in Kinesiology, won first place in the Graduate Behavioral and Social Sciences division. Each received a $500 award for first place.
Garnett's research, "Banning Familial Love: Definitions of Family in GLBT-Themed Children's Literature," is a content analysis study that argues that GLBT-themed children's literature defines family on the basis of love, rather than gender and sexuality, and examines its consequences.
She was mentored by Professors Melinda Milligan and Sheila Katz, Sociology. Christle's thesis, "Framing Fatness: "Obesity Epidemic" Discourse in Physical Education," is an analysis of the "Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance," and discusses how physical educators frame the "obesity epidemic" and the future of physical education. His mentor is Professor Ellen Carlton, Kinesiology.
More than 150 students, representing all of the 23 CSU campuses, competed for the awards. Students submitted a summary of their research and then presented orally before a panel of jurors and were evaluated in several areas, including clarity of purpose, appropriateness of methodology, interpretation of results, value of the research, ability to articulate the research, organization of the material, and ability to handle questions from the jury and general audience.
A total of seven students represented SSU at the competition and were accompanied by Jeff Davis, Director of University Support Services and McNair Scholars Program, Sheila Katz, Assistant Professor of Sociology, and Monique Pearl, University Support Services and McNair Scholars Program.
The students who participated, their majors and intended degrees, their projects, mentors, and competition category are listed below:
Renee Cook, BA in Sociology, "Recognizing Stigma: Differences in Diabetes as They Relate to Disclosure and Identity Management;" Prof. Kathy Charmaz, Sociology; Behavioral and Social Sciences, Undergraduate Division.
Jeff Goodlund, BA in Music, "Composition and Production of an "Americana" Quintet Using Digital Technology;" Prof. Will Johnson, Music; Creative Arts and Design, Undergraduate and Graduate Division.
Lauren Stavish, BA in Sociology, "The Role of the Family in Pre-adolescent Nutrition Education;" Prof. Kathy Charmaz, Sociology; Behavioral and Social Sciences, Undergraduate Division.
Kristine Wollam, MA in Kinesiology, "A Qualitative Study of the Sporting Enjoyment of Elite High School Athletes," Prof. Ellen Carlton, Kinesiology; Behavioral and Social Sciences, Graduate Division.
Bradley Yearwood, BS in Physics, "Organic Electrical Conductors: How Many Dimensions?;" Prof. Jeremy Qualls, Physics; Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Undergraduate Division