Kellie Duquette, of Webster, Presents Academic Research Before Assumption College Community at Annual Academic Symposium

2018 May 1

Kellie Duquette, of Webster, was one of 78 students selected to present an original academic research project at Assumption College's 24th Annual Undergraduate Symposium, held April 23-24 on the College's Worcester Campus.

The Undergraduate Symposium showcases the academic research and scholarly achievements of Assumption students working in collaboration with dedicated faculty mentors. These collaborations represent a model for integrating teaching, original research, and the beneficial effects of peer review in promoting intellectual development and professional growth. The symposium provides the campus community with the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation of and applaud the individual and collective accomplishments of the College's faculty and students.

Duquette, a member of the Class of 2018, presented "A Biblical Allegory to Represent Science as Corruption in 'Rappaccini's Daughter'". Duquette's research is an analysis of Nathaniel Hawthorne's Rappaccini's Daughter and explores the question of Hawthorne's commentary on science and religion. It works to deconstruct other arguments pertaining to possible readings of the story and then provides an alternate interpretation of the biblical allegory of the Garden of Eden, perhaps implying that science is human corruption, a danger to the natural world, and a danger to the state of humankind as a whole..

"The Undergraduate Symposium is a celebration of learning that provides students the opportunity to present their research, empirical studies, and Honors projects," said Louise Carroll Keeley, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. "The Symposium highlights the research and scholarly achievements of talented Assumption College students working in collaboration with dedicated faculty mentors who together enjoy an intellectually engaging, active, and peer-reviewed teaching and learning experience. The Symposium is an occasion of great pride not only for our students and their families, but for the entire Assumption community."

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