Majors Present Original Research
Two of our philosophy majors—senior Leslie Murray (pictured, left) and junior Luis Trevino-Pena (pictured, lower right)—recently had the opportunity to present their original research at the McNair Scholars Summer Research Symposium. The McNair program provides mentoring, research opportunities, and guidance toward professional development to first-generation or otherwise underserved students, positioning them for success in graduate school. The symposium was the culmination of an eight-week intensive focusing on the acquisition of advanced research skills.
Murray presented “The Immanence of the Eschaton and the Scientific Discoveries of the Present.” Professor Randall Auxier served as his research mentor for the project. Trevino-Pena’s presentation was titled, “Physician-assisted suicide: Addressing the ‘right to die’ argument.” Andrew Youpa, associate professor of philosophy served as his mentor. Murray, from Carbondale, and Trevino-Pena, from Cobden, participated as two of only 12 McNair Scholars from disciplines across campus at the special symposium. Four other students, also McNair scholars from the College of Liberal Arts, presented research, as well.
Murray and Trevino-Pena have been involved with Philosophy Club, and Murray recently presented a “Next Generation” paper in Boston at the 13th International Conference on Persons, “The Emergence of Personhood and its Importance in the Experience of the Sublime.” While in the northeast, Murray took advantage of the opportunity to visit graduate programs in philosophy.
Congratulations to both scholars!