JMU Graduate Students Showcase Research in Statewide Forum

HARRISONBURG, Va. - Six James Madison University students presented exemplary graduate work at the Virginia Council on Graduate Schools Graduate Student Research Forum in Richmond Feb. 5. 

The forum showcased graduate student research from all public universities in the state. More than 60 students presented research findings, including benefits for Virginia, to state legislators, business leaders and university administrators. 

The forum is an opportunity to make key officials more aware of the research conducted by the state's graduate students, according to Dr. Reid Linn, dean of The Graduate School at JMU. "The students realized the political importance of what they were doing," he said. "They were excited that their message could make a difference." 

Students from JMU attending the VCGS forum were: 

Shelley Ragland of Memphis, Tenn., a Ph.D. student in assessment and measurement, investigated the effect of providing teachers with professional development on classroom assessment and the effects on subsequent student achievement in the areas of English language arts and mathematics. 

Timothy Madden of Downingtown, Pa., a master of business administration student, investigated the relationship between ethical attitudes, materialism and spirituality among undergraduate business majors. 

John Philip Erb of Altavista, Va., a master of arts student in psychological sciences, compared JMU students with national data to determine the extent to which one might predict success in a contingency management intervention designed to reduce smoking. 

Paul Estabrook of Natural Bridge, Va., a master of fine arts student in studio art, examined the points where the medium of print and text intersect with the discipline of art. 

Sandra Cubbage of Shenandoah, Va., a master of science student in health sciences, nutrition and physical activity, studied influence of caffeine and CYP1A2 genotype on bone mineral density. 

Erika Cole of Chesapeake, Va., a doctor of audiology student in communication sciences and disorders, investigated binaural processing after correction of congenital aural atresia, a birth defect that manifests in an absent or incompletely formed external ear canal.