First class of SEOSA focuses on community

The first round of scholars from the ECU Student Engagement and Outreach Scholars Academy (SEOSA) were honored on June 22 in Willis Auditorium.

According to a press release issued by the Office of Engagement, Innovation and Economic Development, 10 student graduates were selected to work alongside a faculty member to create high-quality research projects.

Student scholars were nominated by a faculty member who graduated from the Spring 2009 EOSA.

The scholars worked with faculty members from the college of Allied Health Sciences, College of Human Ecology, College of Fine Arts and Communication, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Health and Human Performance and the Brody School of Medicine.

SEOSA scholar Alisha Flynn, who worked with Rebecca Dumlao of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, created a project titled, "Communication by ECU Student Tutors and Site Coordinators Working with Project HEART." Flynn gained both a memorable and professional experience.

"The experience helped me academically by exposing me to hands-on research. It was interesting to see research from other fields and just work with grad students from other disciplines," Flynn said.

The research projects included "Understanding the Lived Experience and Meaning of Falls and Fear of Falling among Community-Dwelling Adults 65 Years and Older Living in Greenville, N.C.," "Partnering with Parents: The Development of a Community-Based Parent Training Program," "Understanding the Entrepreneurial Activities of Minority Small Business Owners" and "Identifying Meaningful and Feasible Measures of Well-Being for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementias."

The Department of Occupational Therapy's Web site said the 2009 Academy was created to increase students' knowledge, motivation and capacity to work with various communities through service learning, partnerships and outreach.

Dr. Margie Gallagher, who was the event's main speaker, gave a presentation explaining the history of ECU's partnership with Greenville's Lucille Gorham Intergenerational Center.

The Lucille Gorham Intergenerational Center provides informational programs for residents who occupy west Greenville. The organization offers services to promote independence and self-sufficiency by enriching living conditions, increasing community involvement, social enrichment, educational opportunities and health awareness, according to the OEIED press.

While increasing community involvement along with uniting the Greenville community, future scholars will be given a rewarding opportunity.

"SEOSA was a wonderful opportunity and I hope more students can participate in the future," Flynn said.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.