Longwood University’s 2026 Graduate Research Symposium brought together graduate scholars from across programs to showcase their academic inquiry, innovation, and impact. Held on campus last weekend, the event highlighted the depth and diversity of research being conducted by graduate students and culminated in the recognition of this year’s outstanding projects.

Organized by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, the Graduate Research Symposium is a signature event that provides students with a platform to share literature reviews, research proposals, and completed studies with faculty, peers, and the broader campus community. The symposium not only promotes academic excellence but also fosters professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This year’s winners impressed the judges with the quality of their research and presentations across three categories:

Literature Review Winners

1st Place
McKayla Mulhern
Auditory Training Methods for Improving Speech Perception and Spoken Language in Pediatric Cochlear Implant Users

2nd Place
Kylie Sullivan, Sabrina Walker, Lindsey Robertston, and Husinah Mujahid
Literature Review on Trauma-Informed Care in Speech Language Pathology Practice

3rd Place
Emma Newcomb, Grace Oren, and Skylar Hartman
Reading Development Variance of Rural and Urban Children in Virginia

Research Proposal Winners

1st Place
Angela Carroll
Graphic Novel Limits: Setting Limits on Readers When Limits Are Set on Books

2nd Place (Tie)
Madison Hyatt, Hayley Collins, and Chloe Couch
Comparing Caregiver Stress: Adult Dysphagia vs. Pediatric Feeding Difficulties

2nd Place (Tie)
Melissa Klonowski
Affordability Barriers for Gender Affirming Voice Therapy: A Research Proposal

3rd Place
Courtney Comer
The Effect of Integrated Curriculum on Student Achievement

Full Research Study Winners

1st Place
Matthew Bello
World Language Teachers' Perspective on Professional Learning Communities

2nd Place
Demaris Jackson
Examining the Intersection of Socio-Economic Status and Special Education: Progress Toward Equitable Practices for Post-Secondary Success

3rd Place
Sarah Fidler
Impact of Professional Learning on Teacher Retention and Advancement

Congratulations to all of our presenters and winners for their hard work, thoughtful research, and contributions to their fields. Their dedication reflects the spirit of scholarship that defines Longwood’s graduate community.