Apr 12, 2013 2 min read

WAYNESBURG Five Waynesburg University students concluded a three-day visit to the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse where they presented at the 27th annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

The students spent last Thursday through Saturday representing a variety of majors and research topics, from the “Transmission of Antibiotic Resistance” to “Revitalizing the Philosophy of Adam Smith.”

Anthony Cooper, a senior pre-law major and Stover Scholar, presented his paper, “An Invisible Theorist: Revitalizing the Philosophy of Adam Smith,” which looked at the moral and economic philosophy of Smith.

Cooper has worked closely alongside Dr. Lawrence M. Stratton, assistant professor of ethics and constitutional law and director of the Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership, to prepare his paper.

“Mr. Cooper’s profound paper strengthens public discourse by elaborating upon capitalism’s basis in morality and ethics,” Stratton said. “His research assessed Smith’s position in juxtaposition with social theorists Karl Marx, John Rawls and Robert Nozick, among others.”

Through the Stover Scholars Program, students have a chance to understand the U.S. Constitution, to witness the workings of government, to prepare for the responsibilities of leadership and to benefit from a generous scholarship. Although the program focuses on issues related to history, government, politics and policy, it is open to students in every major and can provide a strong preparation for virtually any professional calling.

The National Conference, established in 1987, is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of young scholars welcomed presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all corners of the academic curriculum.

Senior biology students Jeff Johns and Kelsey Geehring presented “Transmission of Antibiotic Resistance Between Pathogenic MRSA and Non-Pathogenic Microbes,” and “The Effect of Lactobacillus Acidophilus on the Health of Human Skin,” respectively.

Brittany Nimal, a junior forensic accounting major, and Justin Bensema, a senior finance major presented their paper titled, “Sarbanes Ozley: Was it Worth it?”

Cooper, Johns and Geehring also will present at Waynesburg University’s third annual undergraduate research symposium at 1 p.m. April 20 in Alumni Hall.