Students who have been working on research projects have an opportunity to share them with their peers and faculty members at NMU’s 17th Annual Celebration of Student Research, Creative Works and Academic Service Learning.
Celebration for Student Research gives NMU undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to present research to their peers and faculty members in a 15-minute presentation, poster and photo displays or performance.
It is open to various disciplines such as, biology, chemistry, economics, English and physics. The registration deadline is March 21.
“It’s a great way to wrap up a project,” said Jill Leonard, biology professor and faculty organizer of the event. “This event really encourages students from various disciplines to participate.
“It’s really important experience for students to present their work, especially original research.”
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 12 in Rooms 102 and 111 of the Learning Resource Center. This event builds students’ resumes, said Brian Cherry, political science and public administration head and faculty organizer of the event.
Oral presentations are blocked in four categories: independent research, class project, service learning and a special session from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for environmental studies and sustainability. These oral presentations are at a first come first serve basis.
“The most important part was after the presentation,” said Ricki Oldenkamp, senior biology major and former participant. “It’s almost easier not to plan out [exactly] what you’re going to say but be more informed about the topic. You sound more natural.”
Students who participate have the opportunity to win Student Technology Innovation awards and environmental presentation.
“The judges are looking for well-conceived and conducted projects,” Leonard said. “Then they look to see if it was presented well.”
Oldenkamp won the undergraduate Environmental and Sustainability category last year in presenting her research from the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute testing the mutualistic relationship between bracken fern and ant species.
“I participated because I wanted to practice presenting,” Oldenkamp said. “I want to go to graduate school. They expect you to be well-versed when presenting. (This year) I want more practice, no note cards. I just want to be comfortable talking in front of people.
“I found it really helpful to present it to my adviser. (They) made so many good suggestions and (the students attending) were just there to watch your presentation. So no one was out to get you.”
For this year’s Celebration of Student Research, Oldenkamp is using her 15-week lemur social cognition study from last summer at Duke University for her presentation.
“(During the summer) I planned on presenting it here,” Oldenkamp said. “Just so I can share this amazing experience that I had. The earlier you sign up the sooner you get to pick your (presentation) time.”
The application is available online at the NMU Grants and Research website and should be submitted to [email protected].
“Student’s shouldn’t be intimidated to put their work out there,” Leonard said. “It’s a nice place to start presenting. I hope that students participating will get the nervousness of showing the work that they’ve done and the sense of accomplishment after they receive positive feedback.
“Students who attend get to see a broad range (of research) that their peers are doing and may get ideas for their own research projects.”
