At SUNY New Paltz, Research Shows Opportunities Abound in Arts and Sciences

NEW PALTZ — Are you addicted to television shows like ER and Chicago? Did you ever wonder if it’s healthy to live in outer space? Then, hopefully your calendar is open April 20, when SUNY New Paltz will host its annual Liberal Arts and Sciences Day.

The event will allow students who have completed research projects the opportunity to showcase their work, and to receive recognition for their efforts. Liberal Arts and Sciences Day also helps prepare students for graduate school, where they will be expected to present research projects upon graduation.

The keynote speaker will be Kathleen O’Keefe, a New Paltz graduate who is the Counsel to the New York State Assembly Codes Committee.

“We are honored to have Kathleen as our speaker,” said Maureen Morrow, associate professor of biology and organizer of the event. “Students will be able to learn from her experiences, and listen to the advice of someone whose education began right here at SUNY New Paltz.”

Students will be showcasing original independent research, critical reviews, laboratory projects, and field studies. Some of the students will give 10-15-minute presentations. Topics will include health risks in space, a narrative analysis of television medical dramas such as ER and Chicago Hope, as well as many others.

In addition to presentation, some students will be giving poster presentations on topics including the process of language translation, and a fieldwork experience in art curatorial studies. Attendees will be able to talk with the student researchers about their projects.

A committee of professors chose the presenters after reviewing abstracts the students submitted.

While Liberal Arts and Sciences Day gives students experience in presenting research, it is also an opportunity for students with undeclared majors to learn about a variety of career fields available with majors earned in programs in SUNY New Paltz’ College of Arts and Sciences.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Day is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Purple Lounge of the Student Union Building from 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The keynote address with Kathleen O’Keefe will be at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served to all attending.

For more information, contact Maureen Morrow at (845) 257-3776.