Undergraduates present research at the annual conference of the Southern Criminal Justice Association

October 11, 2012

Four outstanding Georgia Southern University undergraduates recently presented research at the annual conference of the Southern Criminal Justice Association in Atlantic Beach, Florida. These four students have each been assisting Dr. Stogner and Dr. Miller with their emerging/novel drug research since January 2012. During the first six months, the students assisted with data collection, entry, and cleaning. Over the summer, each student initiated an independent project directed at developing a greater understanding of novel drug use in our community. They presented preliminary findings at the conference and are now working towards finalizing their studies for submission to a peer-reviewed academic journal.

Amber Sanders and Michael Singleton (both pictured above) working with Dr. Stogner combined their studies into a presentation entitled: Perception vs. Reality: An examination of the misperceptions concerning the frequency and legality of novel drug use among college students. Amber’s work is focused on exploring the degree to which perceptions of peer novel drug use are inaccurate and how those misperceptions are related to those of alcohol and marijuana use. Michael is exploring how well students are informed about the legality of novel drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. Spice, K2, etc.), Salvia divinorum, and MDPV (bath salts).

Justin Hoyle, working with Dr. Miller, presented a study entitled: Synthetic highs: Exploring predictors of novel synthetic drug use in a young adult population. His work examines the role of low self-control and other factors on individuals’ willingness to experiment with synthetic cannabinoids.

Working with Dr. Agnich, Melanie Hart presented ‘Me and my drank:’ Exploring the relationship between exposure to popular music and ‘Purple Drank’ experimentation at the conference. Her work examines how mainstream media may influence the misuse of codeine and promethazine hydrochloride cough syrup in a young adult population.

Drs. Bossler, Agnich, Gould, Miller, and Stogner also presented studies at the conference.

Students interested in becoming involved with research studies should complete their research methods course requirement and then contact a member of the faculty as early as possible in their academic career.