Scholarly Research and Creative Works Conference

The Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (SCW) is an annual event celebrating undergraduate and graduate students' research and creative work.

Students gathered in front of poster board presentation at a conference

Spring 2024 marks Dominican’s ninth Scholarly and Creative Works Conference. This annual event is open to all members of the University and the greater community. The conference kicks off with an inspiring keynote address followed by live music, compelling scholarship, and much more. Throughout the conference, students deliver oral and poster presentations, gallery exhibitions, and live performances to students, staff, faculty, and community members. 

Creating signature work and presenting it to an audience is part of every student’s Dominican Experience. It deepens learning and underlines the value of their work. 

Non-Dominican associated parties are welcome to attend this year's in-person conference. Oral presentations will also be available to view online. For more information regarding our COVID-19 policies, please visit our Campus Health and Safety page.


Professor Diara Spain headshot

2024 Keynote Speaker

Diara Spain, PhD, she/her 
Professor of Biology, Department Chair
School of Health and Natural Sciences

Diara considers herself a functional morphologist, interested in the interactions of form (anatomy) and function (physiology). Echinoderms and crustaceans are her favorite groups of organisms. Previously, she examined the links between locomotion and dermal morphology in sea cucumbers (Phylum Echinodermata, Order Holothuroidea). Currently, she is mentoring students in undergraduate research projects investigating the impact of increased ocean acidification on the exoskeleton of crabs (Subphylum Crustacea). 

Science education including curricular development is another area of interest. Diara has developed courses for science majors courses and science courses for non-science majors. She has projects on communication skills for science majors, and the use of reflections in science research courses. Additionally, she has worked with undergraduate students to write a case study on ocean acidification. This case study was used to teach non-science majors in an environmental science course. 

Diara has a PhD in Biology from the University of North Carolina. Her research interests include ocean acidification, locomotion and science communication.

SWC Website

Headshot of student Solena

Solena Ornelas ’23

Political Science and Music

For Solena's signature work, she analyzes speeches, press releases, and Twitter posts published by Black members of the 117th Congress to identify how Black Congressional members specifically frame the issue of gun violence.

The Dominican Experience

Signature Work
How do Black Congressional Members Frame the Issue of Gun Violence? An Analysis of Twitter Posts, Speeches, and Press Releases from the 117th Congress

View Solena's Signature Work

Mentorship
Alison Howard headshot

Alison Dana Howard, MA

Associate Professor of Political Science

Co-Chair, Division of Public Affairs

Director of Core Curriculum

More Dominican Experience

Meet the Team

mojgan behmand headshot

Mojgan Behmand, PhD

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty
Christina Mayes headshot

Christina Mayes, MS

Digital Portfolio Specialist Integrative Coach
William Phillips headshot

William L. Phillips, PhD

Professor of Psychology