Students present at Southeastern Council on Family Relations annual conference

April 18, 2017

Four undergraduate students in the School of Human Ecology, mentored by Assistant Professors Nikki DiGregorio, Ph.D., and Jennifer Zorotovich, Ph.D., presented research at the 2017 Southeastern Council on Family Relations (SECFR) Annual Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, from March 16 to 18. The following research was presented:

• Nikkolette Owens: “Cultural assimilation: African American women’s membership to multiple subcultures”
• Rachel Parker: “Personal Responsibility Education Program: Let’s talk about sex”
• Latrice Burgess: “Communicating with children about parental incarceration”
• Amanda Catron: “Sex isn’t just for young adults”

"I was nervous at first to present, but then I realized this is my work that I feel so passionate about, and no one can present it better than I can,” said Burgess. Not only were students and professors able to present their research and programs they had been working on, but they also had the opportunity to listen to a family life educator describe the work she does and what the position entails. "I am thankful for the experience of having the chance to travel to another state to listen to other students and professors speak on different topics that impact families,” she added. With the assistance of Trent Maurer, Ph.D., professor of child and family development, students submitted applications for funding to the Undergraduate Research (UGR) Council and the Student Government Association (SGA). Catron received funding in the amount of $300 from the SGA and $497 from the UGR Council. SGA also provided Burgess with funding in the amount of $300, and Parker received funding in the amount of $101 from the UGR Council and $300 from the SGA. Owens was awarded Best Undergraduate Paper Presentation and received a certificate and monetary award in the amount of $75. Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 119 degree programs serving 20,673 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.