Florida State University held its first Graduate Research Showcase as part of the ongoing Discovery Days, focusing on research excellence among doctoral students. The event was organized by the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards and aimed to highlight the academic work and dedication of FSU’s graduate scholars.
Keith McCall, acting director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards, said, “This showcase isn’t just about sharing research — it’s about recognizing the drive and curiosity that define our graduate students. FSU graduate students are emerging experts in their fields, engaged in rigorous and deeply meaningful research that pushes scholarship forward.”
The showcase featured presentations from doctoral candidates across several disciplines. Attendees were able to learn about research in history, biological science, and higher education while also providing feedback to support student development.
Noah Cole, a doctoral candidate in the Department of History within the College of Arts and Sciences, presented his study on political factionalism in 15th-century Northern Italy. Cole’s analysis focused on how preachers interpreted factional conflict as both an ideological and emotional force. He examined sermons by three religious leaders who described partisanship as a moral crisis. Cole argued that these sermons helped shape civic discourse at the time and provided insight into how medieval preaching influenced political identity.
Penelope Ales from the Department of Biological Science shared her research on crop arrangement and insect herbivore behavior in agriculture. Her work examines intercropping—planting multiple crops together—as a sustainable alternative to pesticides. Through field experiments with kale and elephant garlic arranged in different patterns, Ales studied how these setups affect pest populations and natural predators. Her findings indicate that adjusting planting density can influence pest control naturally, suggesting benefits for small farms seeking alternatives to chemical use.
Johnnie L. Allen Jr., a doctoral candidate in Higher Education at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, discussed his research into leadership identity among Black college men at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Allen explored how personal experiences shape understanding of masculinity and leadership through interviews, visual mapping, and photo-based activities with students involved in leadership or STEM programs. His study emphasized creating inclusive environments where students can reflect on their identities while developing leadership skills.
For more information about graduate fellowships or awards at Florida State University, visit ogfa.fsu.edu.
