Since 2000 Valpo Social Work Students have conducted their own original research and presented it in public forums. In Social Work 365, Introduction to Methods of Social Research, groups of two or three students will select a topic related to social work and conduct their own research projects including instrument development, methodological planning, data collection, data analysis, as well as presenting the findings in both oral and written form. These presentations are given at Valparaiso's Celebration of Scholarship and Butler's Undergraduate Research Conference.

Presentation topics in recent years included...

2012

• Living Homeless: The Interactions between Homeless Individuals and the Community in Which They Reside
  Rachel Okerstom, Lena Walsh
• Stripper's Rights and Safety in the United States (Student's Choice Award)
  Emily Beatty, Amanda Rychtanek, Madeline Schuttey
• Valpraiso University Campus Climate Survey "How Chilly is it in Valpo?"
  Nicole Hudson, Erica Wickstrom
• Cultural Competency in High School Educators
  Jodie Buchanan, Sidney Findley, Rachel Pollock
• Relationship between Aggressive Driving and Various Types of Music
  Karen Davidson, Ora Whitehead
• A Simple Understanding of Attention Deficit Disorders and Resources for the Afflicted and Their Support Group
  Amber Hauser

2011

• The Extent of Visual Media Intake and Its Implications on Women's Body Perception
  Kirsten Eid, Madelyn Horvath, Megan Robbins
• Accurate Perceptions: Race and Gender in the University Setting
  Kelsey Gatza, Alissa Kretzmann, Sarah Peters
• Positive Influences of Being an Active Member of an Online Social Networking Site
  Amber Hauser, Erin Moeller
• Facebook: Friend or Foe?
  Lizz Mook, Cate Valentine
• Religious Affiliation and Its Influence on Attitudes toward Intimate Partner Violence
  Christiana Redman, Angela Robertson
• Discrimination vs. Acceptance of Homosexuality at Valparaiso University
  Jennifer Johnson, Brittney Smiejek, Jennifer Pokorny

2010          

• The Effects of Societal Constructs on Perceptions of Masculinity and Femininity.
  Kathryn Harris, Neal Janssen, Tia Kolasa
• The Prevelence of Depression in the Elderly Based on Living Situation.
  Carlee Nelson, Sarah Johnson, Kelly Henkels
• A Study of Relationships of Individuals between Verbal Discrimination and Positive Association with Vulnerable Populations.
  Jessica McCallum, Kelsie Tieman
• How Does Theatre Make You Feel? The Study of how Viewing Theatre Affects Emotional State.
  Redrick Taylor
• The Attitudes and Comfort Levels of Undergraduate Students at Valparaiso University toward specific Diverse Populations.
  Carl Hufford, Sara Tucker, Hailly Wakeland

2009

• (Dean’s Choice Presentation) Eating Disorders among College Students
  Jeanette Gutierrez, Julie Milosevich, Susie Morales
• A Study of the Relationship between Nutritional Knowledge and Healthy Eating Habits.
  Claire Brackmann, Megan Hamilton
• Religious Involvement and College Students’ Outlook on Life.
  Mele Cabral, Amy LaGrange, John Stern
• Exploring the Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Happiness.
  Krissy Noren, Lisa Ellens
• The Impact of Valparaiso University’s Study Abroad Program on Students’ Worldviews.
  Whitney Pollatz, Jodi Naumann

2008

• A Study of Depression and Social Connectedness
  Rebecca Lohrmann, Kelly Erikson, Collette Doerschuk, Amanda Littell
• Investigation of Poverty Opinions on Valparaiso University’s Campus
  Karen Meuzelaar, Shariliz Martinez, Shannon Speaker

2007

• Comparing Valparaiso University Students’ Knowledge About STDs Based Upon High School Background
  Gayle Joll, Audrey Hall, Kristen Kardas
• Matriculation to Graduation: Student Attitudes toward Homosexuality and HIV/AIDS
  Erin McElwee, Pamela Saylor, Carolyn Stypka
• The Development of Students’ Thoughts on Homosexuality on a Lutheran Campus (Valparaiso University Board of Directors Award)
  Judy Velasco, Amie Stefanich, Sean McGinnnis
• Views of Interracial Relationships on a Primarily White Campus
  Sarah Wong, Steven Humphris
• What Deters Young People from Smoking Cigarettes?
  Rachel Kirkwood, Kendre Israel, Kendra Wicks

2006

• Drunk Driving: Behaviors and Attitudes of College Students (Valparaiso University Board of Directors Award)
  Rachel Christiansen, Kelly Halcarz, Carissa Redeker
• Knowledge and Attitudes Concerning Social Work at Valparaiso University
  Kimberly Sawusch, Gina Leon
• Beds and Britches Etc. (B.A.B.E.) Program Evaluation
  Erin Votava, Kelly Bell
• Rape and Sexual Assault: Beliefs and Behaviors
  Sarah Adam, Sarah Kramer