Alvernia University

A group of doctoral candidates from Alvernia University presented their collaborative research on leadership in a rapidly changing world at the 26th Annual International Leadership Association (ILA) Global Conference in Chicago, Il. Under the guidance of Professor of Leadership Studies, Spencer S. Stober, Ed.D. the cohort, consisting of Michelle Conway, MBA; Kathleen Murney, MBA; Brittny Sparrow, M.Ed.; and Jessica Whitmore, M.A. worked on the research for three years through Alvernia's Ph.D. in Leadership program. The research, titled The Timelessness of Leadership: What a Future Leader Should Know to Successfully Navigate Change, explores the evolving demands of leadership in a world increasingly defined by rapid technological innovation, shifting work environments, global crises, and complex team dynamics. Through a timeline of major historical events, case studies, and extensive scholarly analysis, the team emphasized the importance of adaptive and situational leadership in addressing challenges in Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) environments. "While the end result was presented at the ILA Global Conference, this presentation went through many variations through various courses until we were all content with the finished project. We also knew we took a bold risk applying to present at the ILA Global Conference, knowing it is a very competitive process, but the excitement we all had when we received the official notification we were accepted," said Whitmore. "Our cohort became extremely close throughout this PhD program, and this research project collaboration only strengthened us as friends and colleagues. This research project, from the start to the presentation, also provided ample room for personal growth at many levels, and I'm extremely thankful to have experienced it all." The team's work was initially presented at Alvernia University's 2nd Annual Business, Communication, and Leadership Conference, before gaining international recognition at the ILA Global Conference. Known for fostering conversations that advance leadership knowledge and practice, the ILA's annual event attracts academics, practitioners, and students from around the globe. The conference provided a dynamic platform for Alvernia's scholars to engage with a global audience through an interactive panel discussion. Stober shared his enthusiasm for the team's progress, stating: "I am very proud of this team because they are making meaningful contributions to leadership studies. Collaboration is a key element in both scholarship and leadership. I see a bright future for these doctoral candidates as they become scholars and practitioners in leadership." As the doctoral candidates progress toward their dissertations, their efforts under Stober's mentorship will focus on developing a grand unifying theory of leadership, building upon the foundational insights of their current research.

Over 60 Alvernia students presented their research at the Higher Education Council of Berks County (HECBC) Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference hosted at Albright College. "Our students had stellar research presentations at the HECBC conference and I am grateful that I got to attend and listen to their presentations and passion for their subject matter," said Senior Vice President and Provost, Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D. "Research is a transformational part of the student experience and it is exciting to see students across all majors embracing the many research opportunities facilitated by our dedicated faculty members at Alvernia." HECBC includes all five institutions of higher learning in Berks County: Alvernia University, Albright College, Kutztown University, Penn State Berks and Reading Area Community College. The annual HECBC Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference allows students to share their research and creativity with each other and the community. The conference is open to any undergraduate student seeking an opportunity to share their expertise with other scholars. "I thought the HECBC conference was a great experience," said occupational therapy major Marissa James. "After working hard on my research all year, it was very rewarding to be able to have conversations with people who were interested in learning more. Hearing different thoughts on my topic helped me broaden my perspective on different ways it can be beneficial to others. Completing this type of research project taught me the importance of group collaboration as well as how information learned in school can be applied to the community to make a difference." The conference allowed students to experience an environment where they gained insights and formed connections in a professional setting. By working alongside a faculty mentor, students used critical thinking skills, gathered data, and formed evidence-based conclusions to build their research projects. "My partner, Matthew Knowles, and I had a fantastic opportunity to showcase our most recent robotic project at Albright College," said engineering major Hao Ha. "We were very thankful to receive a lot of feedback, learn and share our work with others and the community who participated as well as make new connections with other presenters and learn about their unique projects. Special thanks to my mentors, Dr. Salem Elsaiah and Dr. Joseph Mahoney for introducing and sponsoring us for this experiment. Lastly, we are very grateful for this opportunity to present as Alvernia University's first Electrical Engineering cohort."

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy candidate Amy Lista presented two posters at the American Society of Biomechanics National Conference in Knoxville, Tn. Her work assessed the change in biomechanics when running with a stroller and its potential for increased risk of injury. The work was supervised by Alvernia University Director of the John R. Post School of Engineering, Joseph M. Mahoney as well as Penn State Berks Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Mechanical Engineering, Allison Altman-Singles, and Alvernia Physical Therapy Adjunct and PSU Berks Associate Professor of Kinesiology, Benjamin W. Infantolino.

Biochemistry major, Brianna Beavens, published the academic research article "The Current Therapeutic Role of Chromatin Remodeling for the Prognosis and Treatment of Heart Failure" alongside Dr. Lindsay Kraus, assistant professor of biology. "Working with Dr. Kraus on this academic services project was even better than I imagined," said Beavens. "She spent time teaching me about scientific writing and the process of becoming published since it can be extremely overwhelming. I felt guided and involved for the entire duration of the project. I have learned so much from Dr. Kraus in a short time, and I cannot wait to continue working with her through the end of my undergraduate career." Read full article here.

The ten-week Student Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program promotes and rewards undergraduate Student Fellow & Faculty Scholar results-driven, collaborative research or creative projects that yield publication and/or presentations. It includes a rigorous process of professional development modeled by faculty, career development opportunities, workshops and experiential learning. Following the program, Student Fellows are expected to present their work to the group and at various board meetings and conferences.

Seniors in the Honors Program at Alvernia University are capping off their undergraduate education by defending original research this semester.

Alvernia doctoral student Sean Cullen & MBA student Nicole Kantor co-authored a paper titled "Celebrities as Nature-Centered Leaders." The paper was accepted for presentation by the Mid-Atlantic Popular & American Culture Association. Kantor will offer a presentation at the 25th annual meeting of the group in Baltimore, Md., Nov. 6, 2014.

Local students presented research at the 245th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Conference, held in New Orleans, La., Apr. 7-11, 2013. ACS is the world's largest scientific society. Alexandra Aloia, Daniel Kwasniewski, Brandi Loga, and Kacie Tokarski presented a successful Science Association club poster entitled "Energizing the Community Through Chemistry." The group accepted an Outstanding Award for the Science Association's community activities and the Green Chemistry Award for activities during the 2011-2012 academic year.

Two local Alvernia University students and three professors presented research findings at the annual meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) in Dallas, Texas, March 18-23, 2013. ACJS is the international association for criminal justice practitioners and professors. More than 1,200 participants came from all over the world.