Event organizers are exploring finding corporate sponsorship for the symposium in the future, which could provide funds for participant awards. By having students present the results of their own research, they will become more involved in future research and learning. They also establish good relationships with their teachers. I was encouraged by the students' responses. They recognize that this is a good experience for them and something they can put on their resume.
Research is something students have an interest in.
It is part of learning and self-motivation. This allows students a hands-on approach to learning. It is different than listening to a professor give a lecture, where the student only listens. Kelly Stern, a second semester junior majoring in biology, said she took over a research project from a student who had graduated the year before. Stern's research was presented in poster format, titled Molecular Phylogenetic Study of Chironomids Using Metochondrial 16S Ribosomal DNA under the direction of biology faculty member Diane Caporale.