Eastern Student Tashanna Edwards of Norwich Presents at English Conference at CCSU

2016 Nov 29

Eastern Connecticut State University student Tashanna Edwards '17 of Norwich participated in an undergraduate research conference for the field of English on Nov. 4 at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). The forum featured students from across the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System.

Edwards, Communication major, joined two other Eastern students on a panel titled "Critical and Creative Approaches to Young Adult Literature" -- organized by Eastern English Professor Lisa Rowe Fraustino. Edwards presented a chapter from the young adult novel she is writing titled "Shooting Heaven."

"I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to share a sample of my manuscript with the audience," said Edwards. "It was nice to hear feedback that was inspiring and helpful."

The conference featured different types of writing projects from a range of English classes from the four Connecticut state universities. The day began with lunch, during which keynote speaker Paul Karpuk, English professor at Central, gave a speech about why he considered English to be a hard science. Students then attended four sessions held throughout the afternoon. Each session consisted of two or three panels, with attendees choosing which panel to attend. Each panel was put together by an English professor from one of the Connecticut state universities and focused on a certain topic.

"This conference was a great way to start putting myself and my work out there," said Edwards. "It was nice to be surrounded by like-minded undergrads. Everyone was so accepting, which made the experience comfortable and successful."

The event gave undergraduate students a chance to come together with professors and other students from the state universities and have a place to share their work.