Denmark, SC, — Voorhees University proudly hosted its 2nd Annual Research Symposium at the Wright/Potts Library, bringing together faculty, students, and distinguished guests to celebrate innovation, scholarship, and academic excellence. The event, organized by the Center of Excellence for Research and Program Innovation (CERPI), showcased a dynamic range of research presentations across disciplines and highlighted the university’s growing commitment to advancing scientific inquiry and student engagement.
A central highlight of the symposium was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Carole A. Oskeritzian, Professor and the President of the South Carolina Academy of Science and Chair of the Women in Science and Medicine Committee at the University of South Carolina. She emphasized on Research mindset , growth and learning ” Student research is where curiosity becomes discovery, and where the next generation of innovators begins to shape the future. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, and every student has the potential to contribute meaningfully to scientific progress.”
The symposium featured a series of faculty and student oral and poster presentations addressing critical topics such as student success in higher education, microbiome research, CRISPR technologies, biomedical case studies, and emerging interdisciplinary innovations. The event concluded with a poster session, recognition of presenters, and a collaborative group celebration.
Dr. Zhabiz Golkar, Founding Director of CERPI, emphasized the importance of the symposium in fostering a culture of research and innovation at Voorhees University. “The Research Symposium represents a vital platform for elevating student scholarship, fostering faculty collaboration, and advancing innovative ideas that have real-world impact,” Dr. Golkar stated.
The success of the 2nd Annual Research Symposium underscores Voorhees University’s dedication to academic excellence, collaborative discovery, and the advancement of knowledge.