Webster Athens Students Showcase Diverse Research at Fall 2024 RAD Conference

Webster Athens students delivered several research presentations during the Research Across Disciplines (RAD) Conference, held in Fall 2024 and hosted via WebNet by Webster University.

The students — Veronika Tomchani, Elizaveta Kaysheva, Jonathan Jennings and Thant Htun (Sarah) — showcased their diverse academic interests by examining topics including the power of names in literature, hyperreality, the search for meaning and flood-related disruptions in education. 

“We are incredibly proud of our four students who gave professional and inspiring presentations at the RAD Research Across the Disciplines Conference,” said Webster Athens Rector Vasilis J. Botopoulos. “One of the benefits of academic conferences is the opportunity for students to present their work in front of an audience that can provide valuable feedback.” 

Tomchani, an undergraduate sophomore majoring in English, presented her paper, “The Language of Fate: Unveiling the Power of Names in Tragedy and Literary Creativity.” Tomchani analyzed names from folklore, Ancient Greek mythology, Shakespeare, and Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita” to illustrate the link between names and tragic outcomes. 

Veronika Tomchani presents her “What’s in a Name?” research, emphasizing the subtle yet significant impact names can have.  

“When flooding occurs due to climate change, disruption ripples across education, economic stability and environmental accountability,” said Htun, a graduate student in Business Administration (MBA) and International Relations, while summarizing her presentation, “The Domino Effect of Flooding in Education, Workforce and Accountability.” 

Htun discusses the scale of educational disruptions caused by flooding through the lens of philosophical theories on natural rights and economic theories on education and human capital.

Kaysheva, a senior undergraduate in Psychology, discussed the quest for meaning in her presentation. “The search for meaning is timeless yet personal, and connects us in a shared journey of self-expression and purpose,” Kaysheva explained. 

Elizaveta Kaysheva presents practical strategies for finding meaning.

“You can find meaning through self-reflection by identifying values and aligning actions, by fostering relationships and building meaningful connections, by taking purposeful actions that contribute to your surroundings, through lifelong learning and cultivating intellectual curiosity, and through resilience practices by embracing challenges with amor fati,” Kaysheva said.

Jennings, a senior undergraduate majoring in English with a minor in Media Studies, presented the topic “Deconstructing Escape: Hyperreality and Fictionality in Contemporary Societies.” “Being conscious of escape is more relevant today than ever before,” Jonathan said, prompting the audience to reflect on the role escapism plays in their own lives. 

Discussing Umberto Eco's reflections on certainty and truth, Jennings presented a passage from Eco's "The Book of Legendary Lands," “All this tells us that the possible world of narrative is the only universe in which we can be absolutely certain about something, and it gives a very strong sense of truth.”

“These four Webster Athens students impressed fellow participants, students and faculty at the conference,” said Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at Webster Athens, Dr. Susie Michailidis. “They have demonstrated an outstanding effort throughout their studies, and the outcome was obvious. We are excited to further assist and encourage them on their future endeavors.” 

Collaborative research is widely recognized as a high-impact educational practice, and the RAD conference exemplifies Webster University’s commitment to fostering student scholarship. Faculty, students and administrators are encouraged to attend RAD conference sessions to support student presenters and acknowledge the hard work invested in each project. 

“It was a pleasure and a wonderful learning experience to participate in the RAD Conference,” Tomchani said. “I extend my gratitude to the organizers, but most of all to Dr. Susie Michaelidis, who helped me achieve this.” 

About Webster Athens 
Webster Athens is the only fully owned and accredited U.S. university campus in Greece, bringing the best of American education to the heart of Athens. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs that combine academic excellence with a unique cultural immersion, preparing students to succeed in an interconnected world.