KU News Release

Twelve KU graduate students to showcase research at Capitol

LAWRENCE — Twelve University of Kansas graduate students were selected to showcase their research projects for state lawmakers and the public at the Graduate Student Research Summit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in the rotunda of the state Capitol in Topeka.

The KU representatives and members of the KU Graduate and Professional Association will join graduate students from Kansas State University and Wichita State University at the event intended to raise awareness of the graduate programs at KU, K-State and Wichita State and the importance of graduate students’ research at state universities.

Among the topics KU students will present:

— How rural and urban populations use the Internet by Kiley Larson, a master’s student in communication studies from Belleville.
— A case study of individuals with developmental disabilities use of state monies for support services by Judith Gross, a doctoral student in special education from Kansas City, Kan.
— Data showing how artificial ground surfaces have increased urban air temperature in Kansas cities by Drew Alan Smith, a master’s student in geography from Lawrence.
— Findings that suggest that a defense mechanism produced by the body against stress may play a role in diabetes prevention by Chad Touchberry, a doctoral student in health, sport and exercise sciences from Arnold, Pa.
— Analysis of former inmates who participated in the Shawnee County Reentry Program by Christopher Veeh, master's student in social welfare from Colby.
— Research supporting interventions for children with language impairments by Lizabeth Finestack, a doctoral student in the Intercampus Program in Communicative Disorders at the KU Medical Center from Bloomington, Ill.

Other student participants:

— Chadd Clary, doctoral student in mechanical engineering from Fort Scott.
— Karla Freiheit, a master's student in design from East Lansing, Mich.
— Mehdi Salehi, a doctoral student in chemical and petroleum engineering from Lawrence.
— Robin Ryan, a master's student in preventative health from Kansas City, Mo.
— Mary Shawgo, a doctoral student in pharmacology, toxicology and therapeutics from Lakeville, Minn.
— Benjamin Yichen Tseng, a doctoral student in physical therapy and rehabilitation science from Taipei, Taiwan.

The 12 KU students were chosen from among 45 students who displayed their work at the third Graduate Research Competition and Summit, held March 14. A reception followed to announce the winners of two $500 awards, four $250 awards and nine $100 awards sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and the Graduate School. Judges evaluated the projects and awarded the monies to support the winners’ research.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.