Senior presents research at national conference Jan. 24

In the next few months leading up to April 29’s Senior Project Day, Pacific’s seniors will work diligently to complete their projects in time for the big reveal. This is not the case for psychology senior, Liz Carter.

Carter will present her work to a national audience during the ninth annual conference of the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students in Jacksonville, Fla.

The conference, beginning Jan. 24, allows academics to present their research focusing on transfer students. Carter, who transferred to Pacific from Portland Community College, researched random acts of kindness and the tendency to pass along that kindness. She studied traditional students and transfer students as two unique demographics at Pacific.

Carter said she was inspired to do this project during her psychology research methods class in the 2010 spring semester. Because her initial test was so close to the end of the term, she decided to repeat her survey during the following semester.

When the Director of the Office of Transfer Student Services, Denise Giesbers, heard about Carter’s project, she suggested Carter apply to present her work at the conference.

Although getting the opportunity to present at the conference has been an honor for Carter, it has not been without its difficulties. She said most of the expenses to attend the conference have come out of pocket but that groups around campus have verbally promised money if she applied for the funds.

Despite the financial commitment, Carter said she views the conference as an investment for her future career. The conference will help build Carter’s resume and give her the chance to network with other professionals in her field.

She also said she is excited to represent Pacific University in Florida but that she has not yet felt the magnitude of her accomplishment. “I feel like a little girl in mom’s shoes,” she said.

However, going to the conference does not necessarily mark the end of her research. She said there are still plenty of openings in her research for future students to expand on upon.