MORGANTOWN, W.Va.– West Virginia University has historically been on the forefront in many positive advances in the state. At the Erickson Alumni Center, WVU showed its best and brightest as directors and professors from various academic fields showed how WVU research has worked to effect everyday life.
After a keynote speech by WVU President Dr. Gordon Gee, presentations from the Center for Alternative Fuels, Emissions and Engines and the Water Research Institute were among the 5 departments who offered real life cases of the University at work.
Presenters from another department presented WVU research information found in social media and how it plays a part in more recent elections in comparison to years past.
Dr. Elizabeth Cohen, assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies, offered what’s been found in this year’s presidential election.
“In social media, they both like broadcasting information about their platforms. They both like monitoring what’s going on in social media. And, they both like mobilization and fundraising.”
Dr. Cohen gave perspective on what one person might see on social media and how education plays a big part in interpreting it.
“Knowledge is power, and I think just understanding the ways that social network sites work is a huge step in the right direction because then people can be equipped with the information so they can make the decision on their own with what kind of media they want to present.”
Also presenting were representatives from WVU’s Neural Engineering Lab and Forensics Department highlighting advances in neuroprosthetics and forensic education.
Dr. Glen Jackson, Professor of Forensics and Investigative Science, elaborated on the high goals set in the department through national scientific committees.
“The goal is to set standards for how to do forensic sciences and how to practice it in the area, best practices. The goal is that one day they will be enforceable so labs will have to meet that standard.”
The Forensics Department has four professors who are a part of Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC), a government organization working to raise standards in Forensic Science
WVU offers one of two doctorate program in Forensic Science in the nation according to Jackson.
“We’re very interested in the long term stability of our research programs and we sometimes have very difficult problems that take years to solve. Sometimes by the time we get masters degree students trained to the level where they’re independent and confident it’s time to graduate and so there’s a great benefit to having PhD. Students can spend longer time on the project.”
WVU plans another academic presentation in the future.