Student-Faculty Research at Coker

Go Where You Can Explore

Let’s Build a Better World

At Coker University, our commitment to educational research drives innovation and excellence in teaching and learning. As a close-knit, small university, we offer unique opportunities for even first-year students to dive into hands-on research alongside our expert faculty. From the start of their academic journey, students are encouraged to explore their passions and contribute to cutting-edge research that examines the most effective teaching strategies, learning environments, and educational technologies. Whether through collaborative projects, presentations at national conferences, or publications in leading journals, Coker’s research initiatives empower educators and future leaders to shape the future of education. Discover how Coker is transforming education through research and innovation!

Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives

Joseph E. Flaherty, Ph.D., has been at Coker for 20 years and enjoys engaging with bright and curious students as a professor of biology.

Email: jflaherty@coker.edu

Work Phone: (843) 383-8079

South Carolina Research Authority provides $44,000 grant to help establish Coker’s Bioremediation Center.

Congratulations to Coker’s recipients of the 2023 South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Faculty Sponsored Undergraduate Research.

This grant funding opportunity supports undergraduate students who attend a SCICU member institution. The program supports critical thinking, inquiry, and communication skills in all disciplines offered by the member institution.

2023 SCICU Student/Faculty Sponsored Undergraduate Research Recipients:

Tibby Hessian (major: Elementary Education) mentored by Dr. Gina G. Bennett.
Project: “Capital and Kin: Family Networks of the St. Andrew’s Society of South Carolina and Their Connections to Transatlantic Markets in the Eighteenth Century”

Izabella Dulaney (major: Biology) mentored by Dr. Jen Borgo-Raia.
Project: “The Impact of Snag Characteristics on Species Use of Cavities at Kalmia Gardens”

Delaney Eaves (major: Biology) and Jerry Reed (major: Biology) mentored by Drs. Gita Mohanty and Joseph Flaherty.
Project: “Isolation and Screening of Microbes for Bioremediation Potential Using Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs)”

South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen South Carolina’s participating independent colleges and universities through collaboration, governmental advocacy, fundraising, and public engagement so that every student may choose, afford, and earn an independent college education that fits their personal values, professional and social aspirations, and approach to learning.

Opportunities for Research

DNC 480 Senior Thesis; Dance Program

This course is a culmination of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, designed to allow students individualized study in dance performance and choreography. The purpose of Senior Thesis is for the student to devlop and present an extended choreographic group work (lasting 7-10 minutes) and solo work (3-5 minutes) with a cohesive theme and style, reflective artistically and structurally of four years of concentrated study in dance.

You will propose, conduct, and present original academic research, reflective of four years of concentrated study in dance and liberal arts. You are responsible for all components of the project including: literature review, auditions, rehearsals, promotional materials, communication with dancers, tech crew and faculty, contact with sites and committee members, written portfolio, defense, application of feedback, and compilation of project materials.
DNC 360 Dance Practicum

This course provides practical experience performing in a dance production featuring student choreography. This class provides you the experience of working in a creative process. You may learn choreography from a range of different processes, including the creation of new work through set choreography, improvisation or other methods. Students will receive feedback from a faculty mentor as well as a panel of dance experts throughout the choreography process.
From the Music Program

In October 2024, Dr. Inyhe Cho and Dr. Elizabeth Holmes accompanied Cole Chase-Cochrane, a first-year Vocal Performance major, to the SC NATS (SC Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing) Student Auditions at Newberry College. Cole competed in Musical Theatre in the Non-Traditional Student TBB voices category; he won first place and qualified for Regionals. They performed in the Winners’ Recital. Additionally, there was a public master class as part of the day’s events.
From the Art Program
Opportunities for Artistic Research:
- Sculpture I, II, III
- BFA Senior Studio
- Graphic Design Senior Studio
Emma Altman
Oil Pastel on Canvas
BFA Senior Studio

Resources for Students

Council of Undergraduate Research
Through this page, you can locate:
- Student Journals
- Student Resource Center
- Undergraduate Presentation Opportunities
- Research Opportunities
- Undergraduate Research Highlights
Student Resource Center (CUR)
Through this page, you can get help with:
- Building a Resume or SV
- How to request a reference letter
- Professional Networking Tips
- How to Locate a Summer Research Opportunity
University of Tennessee Undergraduate Research

Check out the University of Tennessee’s Undergraduate Research YouTube channel!
Advising

If you have questions about how to get started on a research project, who can be my faculty mentor, or what research courses or work-study opportunities are available? Please contact Dr. Joseph Flaherty, Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives.

To schedule an office or online appointment, please click on this link and select an available time slot:

https://calendar.app.google/vFRGK8QeWwQAXs2g9

Drop-ins are also welcome.
Science Building Room 213 (2nd floor).
Or you can email: jflaherty@coker.edu

Resources for Faculty and Mentoring

Mentor Resources from the Council of Undergraduate Research

Welcome to the Council on Undergraduate Research’s resource page for faculty members and administrators who are conducting or facilitating faculty-mentored research with undergraduate researchers!

Through this page, you can access Advocacy Tools, Assessement Tools, Code of Ethics, and more.
Coker University’s Vanguard Award
Mentors are leaders and role models for those involved in undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activities. Their work has a profound impact on a student’s identity, belonging, and inquiry in their chosen field of study.

The Vanguard awardees:
- Actively and effectively guide students’ research, creative projects, and development, helping them to move from guided toward independent research and creative work
- Champion the power of long-term, individualized mentoring partnerships
- Actively help undergraduates to develop their own scholarly profile, helping them to share the results of their work as appropriate to the discipline or broader community (e.g., meetings, conferences, workshops, performances, and symposia)
- Encourage participation from and engage under-resourced or less-advantaged students in their research or creative work
- Actively prepare students for success in current and future coursework or applications to graduate and professional schools
The first recipient of the Vanguard Award is Dr. Natalia Schradle (2024)
Funding Opportunities

Please check out this Grants Database for funding opportunities. The Grants Database is continually updated.

Student Research Symposium at Coker University

2025 Dates: April 9, 10, 2025

The Coker University Student Research Symposium is a signature event that highlights the innovative work of our students across all disciplines. This annual event provides students with the invaluable opportunity to present their research to faculty, peers, and community members in a professional setting, helping them build confidence in public speaking and academic communication. By sharing their findings, students gain constructive feedback, sharpen their presentation skills, and engage in meaningful discussions that deepen their understanding of their chosen fields. The symposium not only showcases the diverse talents of our students but also prepares them for future success in graduate studies, careers, and beyond. At Coker, the Student Research Symposium is a vital stepping stone for students to grow as scholars and professionals.

Meet Your Mentors

Austin Sheppard

Assistant Professor of Art

BA in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke MFA in Sculpture from East Carolina University Favorite thing about being a Cobra: My daily commute is 500 steps across campus. Along the way I…

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Gina G. Bennett

Assistant Professor of Global Studies

What is your favorite thing about being a Cobra? As a historian, I love that Coker University offers geographic access to the history of America and academic freedom for my students to explore the region’s…

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Gita Mohanty

Assistant Professor of Biology

View Gita’s profile

Jennifer Borgo Raia

Professor of Biology; Director of the Honors Program; Coordinator of the Environmental Studies Minor; Coordinator of Biology Program

Year Started at Coker 2008 Education Background Ph.D., Utah State University M.S., Utah State University B.S., Auburn University Research Background I believe student-driven research is the best way to prepare…

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Joseph E. Flaherty

Professor of Biology; Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives

Year Started at Coker 2005 Education Background BS and MS, North Carolina State University; PhD, Purdue University Research Background My research background includes areas of genetics, molecular biology, fungal…

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Natalia Schradle

Assistant Professor of Dance

Educational Background – MFA in Performance Studies, Dance Concentration, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – BFA in Dance with a second minor in English with a Creative Writing Concentration,…

View Natalia’s profile

Dr. Elizabeth Holmes

Clinical Faculty in Voice, Director of the Coker Community Music Program

Year Started at Coker 2022 Education Background DMA in Vocal Performance, Shenandoah University – 2021 MM in Vocal Performance, West Virginia University – 2007 BA in Music (Voice) & International Studies,…

View Elizabeth ‘s profile

Student-Faculty Research at Coker