USU English Department Hosts Citizen Scholar Conference
On Thursday, April 18, the Citizen Scholar Conference (CSC) took place in the Merrill-Cazier Library. The CSC invites English 2010 students to share their innovative and creative ideas, presenting with a specific audience in mind. Our goal is to celebrate the writing, thinking, and scholarship done in English 2010 courses.
This year, there were twenty-two presentations by students from English 2010 courses across campus on a wide variety of topics including:
- Generative A.I.
- ADHD, Education, and Stigma
- Psilocybin Therapy
- Dog Cosmetic Surgery
- Free Speech
- Impacts of Construction Noise on Students
- Loneliness
- Fair Use & Preservation of Space
Rachel Quistberg, conference organizer and associate director of composition, remarks, “The Citizen Scholar Conference offers a myriad of benefits that extend beyond the confines of the classroom. English 2010 and 2020 students have the opportunity to showcase their work to their peers, instructors, and community members. Presenting at or attending the conference exposes students to a diverse range of ideas, perspectives, and research. This exposure not only enriches their experience at the university but also fosters critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of belonging.”
Principal Lecturer John Engler adds, “Not only were there twenty-two presenters and well over 400 attendees through the seven sessions, there was a palpable camaraderie in the air as students cheered on their classmates' fine work.”