����ֱ����վ

The ����ֱ����վ University hosted its 10th annual University Research Day on April 2, marking a decade of showcasing a campus-wide culture of discovery and innovation. This year’s event is also the first since the University received R1 classification, recognizing it among the top research institutions in the United States. 

“The fact that we are now an R1 research institution, a top tier research institution in the country, gives us an opportunity to build on the momentum that is captured on Research Day,” said the University’s first-ever Senior Vice Provost for Research, Joseph Yost, who is leading future-growth opportunities with new initiatives like the Innovation Fund. 

University President Peter Kilpatrick explained in his opening session remarks to the audience gathered in Della Ratta Auditorium  that the University’s commitment to discovering truth through faith and reason is key to its influence and impact across fields and industries. 

“We bring all the threads of knowledge together to tackle interdisciplinary problems or multidisciplinary problems,” said President Kilpatrick. “We are blessed with the opportunity to engage in research to pursue the truth about the universe and the human person.” 

During the keynote address, attendees learned about a campaign to increase awareness and resources for athlete mental health inspired by lifesaving research conducted on campus. Associate Professor of Media and Communications Studies Glenn Østen Anderson discussed his collaboration with Psychology Professor David Jobes — one of the nation’s top experts on suicide prevention — for a mental health documentary, of which students got a sneak preview. 

University Research Day is a time for students to practice pitching their ideas, discover opportunities for collaboration, and have their work celebrated by their peers and professors. 

A spirit for making a positive impact — nurtured by the energy, expertise, and experience of the campus community — was evident among the many students who showcased the results of their hard work across various disciplines during the oral presentations, poster sessions, or, for those in the fine arts, performances. 

At the end of the day, community members gathered in Heritage Hall for an award ceremony. 

History senior Chloe Masaitis, who won best undergraduate oral presentation, described University Research Day as an opportunity to practice presenting her passion for a wide range of audiences. 

“I put a lot of work into my thesis, and it's really cool to know that a lot of other people have seen it,” she said. 

Chemistry senior Cephas Wilson-Bahun said that winning best undergraduate poster presentation with his classmates is a great way to cap off his last year on campus and a great experience to set the stage for his next steps upon graduating. 

“It's a big deal to participate in research as an undergraduate because it's a rare opportunity to first cultivate skills that you'll use in the real job market,” said Wilson-Bahun. 

The following presentations received awards from the University Research Day Committee, which was co-chaired this year by Gregory Miller, biochemistry chair and associate professor, and Reiko Asano, nursing clinical assistant professor: 

PhD & Law Student Oral Presentation Winner:

Phuc Long Duong: "Electrofabricated Chitosan Membranes on Filter Paper for Household Water Purification in Disaster Relief”

School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering

MA Student Oral Presentation Winner:

John M.H. Quinn: “Is Jesus Christ's Cross Only a Repayment of Debt?”

School of Theology and Religious Studies, Historical and Systematic Theology

Undergraduate Student Oral Presentation Winner:

Chloe Masaitis: “The Great Māhele: How the 1848 Privatization of Land Ownership led to the Hawaiian Annexation”

School of Arts and Sciences, History

PhD & Law Student Poster Presentation Winner:

Mary Rose Yockel: “Impact of Childhood Parenting Practices on the Psychological Well-being of Emerging Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions”

School of Arts and Sciences, Psychology

MA Student Poster Presentation Winner:

Muhammad Ataul Gani: “Addressing Homelessness”

School of Architecture and Planning, Architecture

Undergraduate Student Poster Presentation Winner:

Cephas Wilson-Bahun: “Protein Engineering: A Toolkit for Modern Medicine”

School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry