Three Eastern Connecticut State University English students participated in the Connecticut State University undergraduate research conference sponsored by Central Connecticut State University on Nov. 4.

Catherine Allegretti, Courtney Werner, and Tashanna Edwards presented “Critical and Creative Approaches to Young Adult Literature,” assisted by English Professor Lisa Fraustino.

Allegretti and Werner both presented papers they wrote in Fraustino’s adolescent literature course, while Edwards presented a chapter from the young adult novel she is writing, titled “Shooting Heaven.”
“I was so lucky to share a panel with Catherine and Tashanna,” said Werner. Catherine’s analysis was unique and very well thought-out; she really fascinated everyone in the audience. Tashanna’s chapter was awesome — something you would really pick up off the shelf at a bookstore. I was really proud of both of them.”

The event featured different types of writing projects from a range of English classes from all four Connecticut state universities. The day began with keynote speaker Paul Karpuk, an English professor at Central, who gave a speech about why he considered English to be a “hard” science.

Attendees then attended four sessions held throughout the afternoon. Each session consisted of two or three different panels, and attendees were able to choose which panel they wanted to attend. Each panel was put together by an English professor from one of the Connecticut State Universities and focused on a certain topic.

The event gave undergraduate students a chance to come together with professors and other students from the state universities and a place to share their works. “I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to share a sample of my manuscript with the audience,” said Edwards. “It was nice to hear feedback that was inspiring and helpful.”