The online 2020 Fall Research Symposium gave 21 student researchers the opportunity to present their research from a variety of academic disciplines. Panelists were able to interact with their peers and faculty members, answering questions and sharing the methodology and results of their Gustavus research experience.
One panel, chaired by Emma Rossow’23, involved three separate research projects pertaining to Malaria and a project researching plants’ response to nitrogen availability. Following the 2:30p.m. panel, each panelist shared what they learned about the research process. Panelist Christen Gibson ‘23 shared, “Research requires patience,” which resonated with each panelist. Panelist Tessa Dethlefs ‘21 responded saying, “A big focus is how messy research can be… having to stay optimistic and stay strong through all those obstacles.” Each panelist remarked that once your research finally yields results, the stress becomes worthwhile.
Another panel, chaired by Kyra Bowar ‘21, featured a diverse range of topics from multiple academic disciplines. Ana Zaalishvili ’22 and Anna Teurman ’22 researched cosmic ray muons in the upper atmosphere, Ben Menke ‘22 studied effects of voter turnout, Sara Cronk ‘22 studied theatre and dance audiences, and Filip Bělík ’22 and Ha Le ’22 studied Port-and-Sweep Solitaire. Researcher Ha Le said, “I learned a lot from my professor and my teammates as well, and that’s the important part.”
In addition to panels, some student researchers presented posters in which attendees could ask questions and move from poster to poster with separate Google Meet links. Each presenter had an hour to extensively share their research and answer questions from attendees.
The Fall Research Symposium had a smooth transition to an online format, and allowed attendees to move between sessions and personally ask questions to presenters. Many student research projects were funded by First-Year Research Experience (FYRE), Johnson and Peterson Summer Research Fellowships, and Faculty research projects funded by Gustavus endowed fund or external grants. For a comprehensive list of presenters and topics, visit gustavus.edu/research/fallsymposium