Making Discoveries that Make a Difference—Finding Ways to Address Childhood Hunger
Harper Lovegrove (Class of 2017) states that since the first day of her Honors 110 class, she knew how important research was. In particular, she credits her Honors 110 instructor, Kevin Stoy, for conveying the potential of research to impact students' growth and development. Harper said, “Research in college is an invaluable part of becoming a better student and well-rounded scholar."
While at Mason, Harper has done extensive research around infant feeding, supplementation, knowledge, and practices of Loudoun County, Virginia primary care providers. Harper’s research was especially relevant to the surrounding community as her findings could actually be used by local physicians to change their practices and become more educated around breastfeeding and the role of vitamin D.
Not only is this information helpful in the medical world, but it is also important for mothers and families who might be looking for a well-educated physician for their baby.
Harper had the opportunity to conduct funded research through the Office of Scholarship, Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR). After applying and being selected for the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP), she was given funding for her study. Harper later presented her research at the OSCAR Summer Celebration exhibition, and she subsequently traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina to present at the 30th annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).
The Honors College strives to help students understand that the research they do, can and will make a difference. Alongside her role as a researcher, Harper was a part of the City of Fairfax Childhood Hunger Initiative task force. Along with others doing work on childhood hunger, Harper was recognized with a proclamation to end Childhood Food Insecurity.