Wilkes University Student Emily Grullon of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Attends Eastern Sociological Society Conference

2014 Apr 14

Emily Grullon of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., was one of six Wilkes University students from the division of behavioral and social sciences who traveled to Baltimore, Md., to participate in the Eastern Sociological Society Regional Conference held on Feb. 20, 2014. Andrew Wilczak, Wilkes assistant professor of sociology, accompanied the students, who are all members of the University's sociology/criminology club.

Senior Rhonda Lynch and Wilczak presented an original research project at the conference titled "Adolescent Victimization and Parental Relationships." They collaborated on the project during the summer 2013.

"Presenting at the conference was a great experience for me," Lynch said. "Having the opportunity to present at a regional conference gave me the chance to learn about the field of sociology and its constant evolution."

The students attended different sessions, listening to and meeting several speakers in the field. Students had a chance to network and collaborate with students from other universities.

"As a freshman, being able to attend the conference was a great opportunity," Troy Carey said. "Without the support of Dr. Wilczak and Wilkes I would not have been able to attend the conference."

"It was a great opportunity for students to see research being done by faculty, graduate students, and other undergraduates from across the country," Wilczak said. "It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved, and hopefully the first of many sociology and criminology conferences Wilkes students will be a part of."

The Eastern Sociological Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1930 promoting "excellence in sociological scholarship and instruction." The society publishes a professional journal, Sociological Forum, and hosts the conference and other award competitions.