ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University Honors student Madison Park recently earned second place in the pedagogy and education category of the student poster competition at the National Collegiate Honors Council annual conference.

Park’s research project, “How Generations of Teacher Education Impact Special Education Inclusion,” explores how generational differences in teacher education, along with social, technological and policy changes, affect inclusive practices in special education.

“It was very exciting to present my research! It was a great experience to talk to other professors and students about my study and get their input on how I could improve my research and poster,” Park said.

“As a double major in Elementary and Special Education, I believe this topic is very important as it focuses on what is best for our students. Education is constantly evolving and changing and I believe this research can benefit all students,” she said.

“Northern students continue to shine at the National Collegiate Honors Council annual conference, a highly competitive event. Madison’s research offers valuable insights that could shape future teacher training. This recognition highlights both her dedication and the importance of her findings.” said Dr. Hannah Walters, associate professor of marketing and director of the NSU Honors Program.

Park completed her research under the guidance of her thesis and research advisor, Dr. Cheryl Wold, professor and graduate coordinator M.S.Ed. in Special Education.

“I have offered Madison suggestions and resources, but she has done all the hard work,” Wold said.

“Honors has taught me perseverance and grit, qualities that are very important to teaching, especially in the first few years,” Park said.

In addition to Park’s recognition, several other Northern State University Honors students presented their research at the National Collegiate Honors Council annual conference:

Abiah George – “The Denial of ‘Homegrown Terrorism’: Bias, Rhetoric, and the Framing of Domestic Extremism”
Avery Kautz – “Evolving Culture through Community Cookbooks: The Americanization of South Dakota”
Chasity Lewis – “Breaking Barriers: Gender Stigma and Awareness in College Counseling Services”
Karli Klein – “Molecular Detection of Haemogregarina spp. from Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Blood”
Morgan Sheldon – “Testing Moccasin Creek Using ICP-OES Water Analysis for Heavy Metal Contamination”
Stella Meier – “Rhetorical Shields: The Shaping of Qualified Immunity by the United States Supreme Court”

For more information about the NSU Honors Program, contact Dr. Hannah Walters at hannah.walters@northern.edu