A discussion by senior PJ Bufkin on his creative work exploring black identity through multimedia performance. A presentation by junior Matt Disbrow on the study of IQ, reaction times and the expression of autism spectrum disorder. And a look by fifth-year architecture students Hannah Michaelson and Genevieve Dominiak at post-industrial sites and narratives of landscape.
These are just a few of the research and creative projects by students that will be presented during several “Orange Talks”—short “TED-style” talks—and a poster session Friday, Jan. 31, at Bird Library. The Orange Talks will be held from 3 to 3:45 p.m. in Room 114. The poster session and reception will be held 3:45 to 5 p.m. on the first floor of Bird Library.
The ϲ Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement
The campus community is invited to attend the Orange Talks, which will include five-minute presentations by five students, and the poster session, which features projects by about 30 students, all from a range of disciplines. The Orange Talks will be emceed by Ohemaa Dixon, a senior art photography student.
Many of the student presenters are funded by grants from The (SOURCE), which fosters and supports diverse undergraduate participation in faculty-guided scholarly research and creative inquiry. There’s broad representation from the schools and colleges displaying a rich variety of research areas.
The talks and poster session gives students a chance to present their projects and focus on the broader significance of their work in a concise and compelling format, says Kate Hanson, director of The SOURCE.
“Designing a five-minute talk or a poster asks the student to tell the story of their research clearly and without jargon,” Hanson says. “Also, it’s a moment of reflection for the students and their faculty mentors and an opportunity to celebrate all their hard work.”
The SOURCE Advisory Council members will be providing feedback to the presenters. Organizers hope event attendees will provide constructive feedback.
This is also an opportunity for other students interested in research to learn about student work and talk to research-active students about the experience.
Other topics as part of the talks and poster sessions include biochemistry research on protein saposin B; Spanish-language theater and social justice; enzymes and biofuels; plus-size fashion for Italian women; and the link between streamflow behavior and watershed characteristics in headwater streams, and many more.
All undergraduate students can apply for academic and summer grants from THE SOURCE up to $5,000 to pursue their creative and research ideas, under the guidance of a faculty member.
Students interested in applying for the next round of SOURCE grants should submit an “Intent to Apply” form by Feb. 13 and complete application by Feb. 27 for funding during the summer of 2020 and the 2020-21 academic year. Students should register on The SOURCE website and come in to The SOURCE office in Bird Library to talk to a student research mentor if they are interested in applying. Any student conducting research, whether or not they need funding, is asked to register their activity on .
