BC3 students to showcase research, artistry during free public events next week
Butler County Community College students have researched topics and created artwork relevant to their academic programs since August will be highlighted through two upcoming public events.
Presidential scholars Ryan DeSantis Jr., Noah Kollinger, Kaela Malis, Kelsey Stewart, Hailey Summerville and Taylor Voloch will present the results of their investigations from noon to 2:30 p.m. May 4 in the AK Steel Lobby of the Succop Theater on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township.
DeSantis, Malis, Stewart and Voloch are enrolled in BC3’s associate degree transfer programs and Kollinger and Summerville, in career programs.
BC3’s presidential scholars program is in its ninth year.
The program includes a full-tuition waiver for up to 18 credits each semester and may be funded through various named scholarships from the BC3 Education Foundation. It is available to Butler County students in the Top 10 percent of their graduating class who have achieved at least a 3.5 grade-point average at any of Butler County’s public high schools.
The public presentations May 4 are designed to introduce students to advanced research and presentation methods and represent the capstone project of BC3’s presidential scholars program.
“Over the past year, these presidential scholars have engaged in truly extensive and thoughtful research, each diving deeply into complex, real-world issues that connect directly to their academic and professional aspirations,” said Mike Dittman, the program’s coordinator and an English professor at BC3.
“From examining the alarming rise of colon cancer in young adults through firsthand medical insight, to analyzing the growing influence of artificial intelligence in both education and mental health counseling, these students have gone well beyond the classroom. They have conducted interviews, reviewed current literature, reflected on personal experiences and worked closely with faculty mentors to refine their questions and findings.”
The projects demonstrate not only strong academic discipline, Dittman said, but also “a willingness to grapple with challenging topics that impact their communities and future careers.”
DeSantis, a 2024 graduate of Butler Senior High School, will discuss how quickly BC3 students turn to artificial intelligence to complete assignments and the effect that crutch has on critical thinking ability. The engineering student has named his presentation “The Ultimate Technology of Convenience.”
Kollinger, a 2024 graduate of Butler, interviewed a physician about his topic and will speak about the rapid growth of colon cancer in young American adults. The registered nursing student’s presentation is titled “The American Diet and Rising Colon Cancer Rates.”
Malis, a 2024 graduate of Butler, will discuss community college students’ understanding of monetary planning, budgeting and debt. The business administration student has named her presentation “College Students and Financial Literacy.”
Stewart, a 2024 graduate of Moniteau, will discuss concussion protocol among young athletes. The general studies student has named her presentation “Concussions During Adolescence Lead to Long-Term Effects.”
Summerville, a 2024 graduate of Karns City, will speak about the roles of holistic care, parents and other caregivers in neonatal intensive care units. The registered nursing student’s presentation is titled “Holistic and Family Centered Care Positively Impact Parents of New Infant.”
Voloch, a 2024 graduate of Moniteau, will speak about the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence chatbots used for therapy, especially among young adults. The psychology student’s presentation is titled “Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health Counseling.”
Students who intend to graduate May 13 with associate degrees in visual communications career programs will showcase their artistic skills during a portfolio and art show from 6 to 8 p.m. May 8 at BC3 @ Cranberry in Cranberry Township.
The BC3 @ Cranberry portfolio and art show will feature the creations of seven students who intend to graduate in May, and the works of about 20 other students, said Kristine Allen, an assistant professor at BC3.
Graphic design displays will include digital illustrations, document layouts, posters, logos and print examples of social media layouts, Allen said.
Fine art exhibits will feature charcoal, chalk pastel and graphite drawings, acrylic paintings and print making and sculptures, said Michael Putorti, a drawing instructor at BC3.
The portfolio and art show will also include digital audio and video production displays, light refreshments and acoustic music, Allen said, adding that the event represents an opportunity for employers to meet students and review their work.
Bill Foley is coordinator of news and media content at Butler County Community College.
