Research and Creativity Symposium showcases student work

More than 200 students showcased their work at Simpson’s annual Research and Creativity Symposium last week. Students across all disciplines exhibited projects through papers, performances, posters and panel discussions.

The event provided students an opportunity to share their knowledge with instructors and peers in a scholarly, supportive environment that thrives on inquisitiveness and interaction.

“Involvement in research at the undergraduate level is truly a unique experience, particularly for a school our size,” said Katie Smith, assistant professor of sport science and health education and co-director of the Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium. “We prepare our students to be life-long learners, use evidence-based practice and to be informed thinkers and decision makers. Research establishes a strong foundation for all of these critical skills that are directly translatable into the workforce.”

Dr. Kristina Medina-Vilarino, a member of the Department of Romance Languages at St. Olaf College, gave the keynote address. She discussed her research on “Rebuscar (re-search) on the pedagogy of civic engagement in Caribbean and Latin studies.”

A group of 50 staff and faculty members helped facilitate the event, serving as moderators and evaluators. Student participation rose 53 percent from a year ago, to 208 from 152.

Click here to view the abstracts of all 47 poster presentations, 40 oral presentations and 15 panel discussions. 

Click here to view a photo gallery of the event.