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Students compete in Annual Research Pitch

November 8, 2023
Left to right: Jorge Romero, Angela Perez, Ariana Harvey, and Theo Holcombe were among the students who competed in ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's fourth Annual Research Pitch competition Nov. 1 at the Dahlonega Campus.

Article By: Denise Ray

Fourteen students from seven different departments competed in the University of North Georgia's (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ) fourth Annual Research Pitch competition. The 2023 competition was held Nov. 1 at the Dahlonega Campus and was sponsored by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA).

"Our fourth Annual Research Pitch was the largest one we've had so far. It was great to see all the interesting research our students are up to," Dr. Diogo Pinheiro, assistant director for CURCA and associate professor of sociology, said. "We are thankful to all the mentors, judges and the emcee. We hope to build on the success of this year and make next year's pitch, to take place in Gainesville, even bigger and more successful."

Big Bets Stem

The first-place recipient was Ariana Harvey, a senior, pursuing a degree in psychology. "Can Mindful Self-Compassion Lessen the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health?" explores correlations between social media, mental health, mindfulness, and self-compassion.

"It feels great to have won first place in the pitch. Everyone made a great effort with their presentations, and there was some tough competition. All in all, I just feel very proud of myself," the Dacula, Georgia, resident said. 

A tie for second place was awarded to Theo Holcombe and Angela Perez for "Analyzing Group Formation and Altruistic Tendencies using a Resource-Based Card Game" and Christian Dale for "Analyzing Avoidance of Healthcare among Emerging Adults."

Holcombe is a senior from Jefferson, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in anthropology, and Perez is a senior from Calhoun, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in human services. They presented on behalf of their group, which also included Devin Marshall, Tori Mullins and Destiny Johnson. Holcombe said the preparation and presentation have given him a better understanding of what graduate-level presenting entails.

Dale, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, is pursuing a degree in psychology and a minor in neuroscience. He said he is excited to share the results of his work once it is completed.

Third-place recipient Lillian Hayes pitched "Elucidating the Effects of Artificial Lighting on African Mammal Behavior." Hayes is a junior from Johns Creek, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology.


Students research threatened fish

Students research threatened fish

Three students are working with Dr. Andrew Taylor, a professor of biology, on research helping restore habitat connectivity for a federally-threatened fish species.
Students take part in research experiences

Students take part in research experiences

Students from ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ took part in a wide variety of National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates and similar programs this summer.
Students explore study away programs

Students explore study away programs

Sixteen ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ students participated in two study away programs in the U.S., one in Iowa for agriculture and the other in South Carolina for archaeology.
Professor, students published in international journal

Professor, students published in international journal

Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis, Abigail Cannon ’24 and Lily Hammond '24 had an article published in 'Choral Journal,' the international journal of the American Choral Directors Association.