Mariah Peck, of Suffield , Presents Academic Research Before Assumption College Community at Annual Academic Symposium

2018 May 1

Mariah Peck, of Suffield , 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.

Peck, a member of the Class of 2018, presented "Fiction and Affect". Fiction reading involves simulations of social and emotional environments, which are appealing to readers for a variety of reasons. Peck's research focused on how different genres of fiction may be differentially interesting for readers because of the way each genre may facilitate readers' ability to escape into the story, experience the characters' emotions, and learn something new from the book..

"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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