Travis Woodruff, a graduate student studying clinical mental health counseling with an addiction concentration at Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education (RCOE), has been named the winner of the Visiting Scholar Award for Excellence in the Humanities & Social Sciences at the William & Mary 17th Annual Graduate Research Symposium. Woodruff has been and continues to be advised and mentored by Dr. Geri Miller, a professor in RCOE’s Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling.
About Woodruff, Miller said, “Travis is deeply dedicated to helping others. He demonstrates this commitment in his work in: the classroom, his practicum/internship, his research, and his professional presentations. I consider it an honor to be one of his teachers because of his deep, sincere commitment to being the best counseling professional he can be."
Travis is deeply dedicated to helping others. He demonstrates this commitment in his work in: the classroom, his practicum/internship, his research, and his professional presentations. I consider it an honor to be one of his teachers because of his deep, sincere commitment to being the best counseling professional he can be.
The symposium was held on the campus of William & Mary March 16-17, 2018. The theme was “Intersections of Scholarship,” which highlighted William & Mary’s ongoing goal of encouraging dialogue between graduate students who specialize in different disciplines. During the symposium, 160 graduate students from William & Mary and 20 visiting institutions presented their research to attendees.
Woodruff’s presentation was titled, "Experience, Perception and Normalcy as Predictors of Traumatic Stress Anxiety (PTSD)." It was previously reported that he had been accepted to present at the symposium (Graduate Student, Travis Woodruff, Accepted to Present at the William & Mary 17th Annual Graduate Research Symposium).
My research regards a topic that is very near and dear to me. So many of my "brothers" (fellow non-gender-specific military veterans) have suffered from the effects of trauma and failed to find any solice that I feel compelled to apply my unique perspective to the task of uncovering what is going on with trauma and thereby gain some insight as to how to help my brothers. To have my ideas and work accepted, and to win the top award in my category, tells me that I am at least making an argument that resonates with others. My only hope is that my efforts will lead to minimizing, if not eliminating, the suffering of all those who experience trauma, military and civilians alike.
Woodruff presents at the at the William & Mary 17th Annual Graduate Research Symposium. Photo submitted.
In addition, graduate student poster and oral presenters were eligible to submit a paper for award consideration in the disciplinary category of their choosing. The names and institutions of the students and advisors were removed from the submissions prior to evaluation by the judging panel.
Woodruff submitted in the Humanities & Social Sciences category and was selected as an award winner. These awards acknowledge graduate students whose research presentation demonstrates original investigation and the integration of knowledge, and distinguished excellence in scholarship through potential contribution to the discipline and recognition by peers.
Attending the 17th Annual Graduate Research Symposium at William & Mary was a great experience from beginning to end. I am so grateful for the Graduate School at Appalachian State making me aware of the opportunity and then for awarding me with the necessary funding to attend the Symposium. The experience of presenting and having so many present, engaged, and interested in my work only added to the sense of accomplishment.
About Travis Woodruff
Woodruff is a second-year M.A. student in the human development and psychological counseling department. His research focuses on issues for military service members and veterans, specifically PTSD and emotionally augmented perception. A veteran of the U.S. Army (Desert Storm), Woodruff holds a dual B.A. (Philosophy and English) from Middle Tennessee State University, and an M.A. (Philosophy) from the University of Mississippi.
William & Mary 17th Annual Graduate Research Symposium
