Editor’s note: Penn State Schuylkill’s Faculty Research Series offers faculty members the opportunity to share and discuss their current research and creative projects with the campus community. The seminars are held monthly throughout the academic year. For more stories like this, visit Faculty Research Series.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Penn State Schuylkill’s Faculty Research Series kicked off the fall semester with a lightning round featuring faculty members sharing their current research, creative projects and community engagement initiatives.
The September program featured Valerie Schrader, professor of communication arts and sciences; Cathy Fiorillo, teaching professor of theatre and communication arts and sciences; and Lisa Robinson, lecturer of business.
Schrader discussed her research in rhetorical criticism and highlighted several projects currently underway. Her research includes a thematic analysis of her grandmother’s column in the “Weirton Daily Times” from 1976 to 1994 and an examination of Burkean identification in Olney Theatre Center’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.”
Schrader also is working with three undergraduate students or recent graduates to publish research they previously presented at a conference, providing an opportunity for students to continue developing their scholarly work beyond the conference experience. Learn more about Schrader’s research and the work she is doing with students, including their recent presentations at the Pennsylvania Communication Association (PCA) conference.
Fiorillo shared an update on her documentary project, “Carrying the Torch for John O’Hara,” a feature-length documentary highlighting the life and legacy of Pottsville-born literary icon John O’Hara.
Fiorillo discussed why the project is important to her, including her connection to O’Hara’s work and her desire to bring his stories and legacy to life for a new audience. She also provided an update on the production process.
The documentary has provided Penn State Schuylkill students with an opportunity to gain professional, hands-on experience in documentary production. Ashley Polanco, a business management and marketing major, joined Fiorillo during the presentation to discuss her experience working on the production.
Polanco described the experience as “amazing and eye opening,” highlighting the opportunity to work behind the scenes and gain firsthand experience in the production of a feature-length documentary. Learn more about “Carrying the Torch for John O’Hara.”
Robinson highlighted several community events and initiatives taking place through Penn State Schuylkill.
She started with Art Space, which currently features “Beyond the Ridge,” an exhibition by artist Jon Bond. The exhibition will be on display through Oct. 2. Learn more about Art Space at Penn State Schuylkill.
Robinson also highlighted the first annual Penn State Schuylkill Scarecrow Festival, presented by Penn State Schuylkill FBLA Collegiate, Art Space at Penn State Schuylkill and South Schuylkill Unified Nonprofit Organization. With the theme “Create Something from Nothing,” the festival encourages participants to create scarecrows using repurposed, reclaimed, recycled or found materials. Find out more about the Scarecrow Festival, including registration information.
Looking ahead, Robinson discussed the Schuylkill Emerging Visions art exhibition, an inaugural initiative celebrating the creativity and talent of local high school students Schuylkill County. Hosted by the Penn State Schuylkill Art Space, the exhibition will launch in January. Learn more about Schuylkill Emerging Visions.
The Faculty Research Series continues Oct. 21 at 12:20 p.m. in the Fryer Conference Center, featuring Michael Gallis, associate professor of physics.
The series provides a forum for Penn State Schuylkill faculty to share their research, creative work and scholarly interests with colleagues, students and the campus community.