New Graduate School event highlights faculty research projects

November 11, 2025 (Volume 49, Number 6)
Article by Joseph Martin

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Faculty members quickly highlighted their current research projects October 29 in the DeVos Center's Loosemore Auditorium during the first 3 Minute Scholar event.

The event was sponsored by the Graduate School and encouraged faculty from all disciplines to participate and present their work. 

The idea started when organizers Erica Hamilton, vice provost for Distributed Learning and dean of The Graduate School, and Jennifer Moore, associate dean, brainstormed ideas for a new event with the judges of the student-oriented 3 Minute Thesis event. Hamilton said they wanted to create a similar event that allowed faculty to showcase their research or creative projects, connecting it with Grand Valley’s commitment to the teacher-scholar model.

Jenna Stoltzman, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, won the best overall category with her presentation, “From Flares to Farms: Tackling Methane for a Cleaner Future.”

“My research focuses on measuring and reducing methane emissions from major sources such as oil and gas flares and landfills,” Stoltzman said. “Distilling years of work into a three-minute talk was tough, but it was really fun. I loved learning about the amazing research happening across the university." 

Samhita Rhodes, professor of electrical and biomedical engineering, won the most innovative category with her presentation, “Neural Correlates of Stability and Balance." Sera Choi, assistant professor of advertising and public relations, won both the people’s choice and broadest impact categories with her presentation, “When AI Fails, Care Matters: Humanizing Crisis Communication Through the Ethics of Care."

Around 50 people attended the event. Organizers said they are already planning for next year’s event.

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