Longwood University’s 2025 Graduate Research Symposium brought together graduate scholars from across programs to showcase their academic inquiry, innovation, and impact. Held on campus this spring, the event highlighted the depth and diversity of research being conducted by graduate students and culminated in the recognition of this year’s outstanding projects.

Organized by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, the Graduate Research Symposium is a signature event that provides students with a platform to share literature reviews, research proposals, and completed studies with faculty, peers, and the broader campus community. The symposium not only promotes academic excellence but also fosters professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This year’s winners impressed the judges with the quality of their research and presentations across three categories:

Literature Review Winners

1st Place
Madi Hyatt & Hayley Collins
Gestalt Language Processing: Reliance on the NLA Protocol and its Impact on Individuals with Autism

2nd Place
Phoebe Bilby, Madelyn Cosby, Shannon Douglass, Tristin Williamson, Sarah Caldwell
Impact of AAC on Individuals with ALS

3rd Place
Bailey Bowen, Makenzee Eversole, Kaley Unger, Maegan Janosik
Supportive Role of Medical Professionals for Families with Infants Transitioning from NICU to Early Intervention (EI)

Research Proposal Winners

1st Place
Jewel Wagner & Anna Grace Dorsey
Relationship between Self-Esteem and Mental Health Outcomes in Adolescents with IEPs

2nd Place
McKay Shockley, Delia Chartier, Kayla Cash
Voices of Change: Surveying Knowledge and Interest in Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy

3rd Place
Rachel Toombs
The Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Disordered Eating Behaviors in Young Men, Ages 18–25

Full Research Study Winners

1st Place
Carrie Ward
Balancing Connection with Consistency: Evaluating Discipline Policies Through the Lens of Relational Discipline Theory

2nd Place
Jennifer Fisher
Every Person Is a Math Person

3rd Place
Kristin Crowder
The Effect of Incentives on Chronic Absenteeism in High School Students

Congratulations to all of our presenters and winners for their hard work, thoughtful research, and contributions to their fields. Their dedication reflects the spirit of scholarship that defines Longwood’s graduate community.