In the ever-evolving landscape of education, one of the most exciting and enriching experiences for high school students is the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research. At Stanley Park High School, we firmly believe in empowering our students to explore their academic passions, hone their critical thinking skills, and contribute to the greater body of knowledge. Through participation in undergraduate research symposiums and poster presentations, our students gain invaluable insights, forge meaningful connections, and prepare themselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Power of Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research is a transformative experience that goes beyond the confines of traditional classroom learning. By actively engaging in research projects, students have the chance to delve into topics that ignite their curiosity, collaborate with faculty mentors, and develop practical skills that are highly valued in academia, industry, and beyond.
“Engaging in research empowers students to explore their academic passions beyond the classroom, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation,” says Dr. ChaMarra Saner, a faculty member at Catawba College. “Attending conferences further amplifies this experience by allowing students to share their discoveries, connect with experts, and immerse themselves in a community of like-minded scholars.”
Navigating Undergraduate Research Conferences
One of the premier opportunities for our students to showcase their research is the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), organized by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). This annual event, held in a different location each year, brings together thousands of undergraduate researchers from across the country, representing a diverse range of disciplines.
“NCUR is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students,” explains the CUR website. “Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines.”
To participate in NCUR, students must submit an abstract that outlines their research project, following the detailed guidelines provided by the conference organizers. These guidelines cover a wide range of presentation formats, including oral presentations, poster sessions, performances, and more, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to share their work in a format that best suits their project.
Crafting Compelling Poster Presentations
One of the most popular and engaging formats at undergraduate research conferences is the poster presentation. These visual displays allow students to present their research findings in a concise and visually appealing way, sparking discussions and collaborations with their peers.
“Poster sessions involve displaying a visual representation of the research project on a large poster board including a mixture of text with tables, graphs, and pictures to present your findings in a visually interesting and accessible way,” the NCUR guidelines explain. “This will serve as a tool to prompt discussion with colleagues during a 50-minute poster session.”
As students prepare their poster presentations, they must consider the layout, design, and content carefully. The poster should include a clear and concise title, the names of the student researchers and their faculty mentor, an abstract, an introduction to the research question, a description of the methods used, the results obtained, and a discussion of the findings.
“Items typically included: Title, Authors, Abstract, Introduction, Materials & Methods, Results, Discussion, Acknowledgments, and References,” the guidelines state.
Empowering Students Through Mentorship
One of the key elements that sets undergraduate research experiences apart is the role of faculty mentors. These dedicated educators work closely with students, guiding them through the research process, providing invaluable feedback, and helping them develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed.
“As a mentor, I assist students with all phases of a project,” shares Dr. Joe Poston, a professor at Catawba College. “We troubleshoot when things go wrong, and we celebrate when things go right! I find these to be the most meaningful and rewarding relationships I develop with my students, because research advisees stay in touch with me for many years after they graduate.”
This mentorship not only enhances the students’ academic growth but also fosters a sense of community and belonging within the larger research ecosystem. By working closely with their mentors, students learn how to navigate the challenges of research, communicate their findings effectively, and develop the essential skills needed for their future endeavors.
The Impact of Undergraduate Research
The benefits of undergraduate research extend far beyond the conference experience itself. Participating in these research symposiums and poster presentations can have a profound impact on a student’s academic and professional trajectory.
“Engaging in independent research and presenting my findings has been incredibly important for me,” says William Mayfield, a student at Catawba College. “It has not only deepened my understanding of feral swine but also created many professional partnerships and connections. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my academic and professional journey.”
For many students, the opportunity to conduct research and share their findings at a national conference is a transformative experience that boosts their confidence, expands their horizons, and prepares them for the challenges of higher education and beyond.
“Undergraduate research cultivates critical thinking skills while allowing students to learn and apply practical skills,” explains Dr. Amanda Rushing, another faculty mentor at Catawba College. “These high-impact experiences foster creativity and curiosity by empowering students to ask questions and contribute fresh perspectives to the scientific community.”
Unlocking Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
At Stanley Park High School, we are committed to providing our students with the resources, support, and guidance they need to excel in undergraduate research. Through partnerships with local universities and research institutions, we offer our students the chance to participate in cutting-edge projects, hone their presentation skills, and build meaningful connections with experts in their fields of interest.
“Our students are amazing!” enthuses Dr. Erin Witalison, a professor at Catawba College. “The Biology conferences are wonderful opportunities to shine and show off all of their hard work in the laboratory. I am so proud of our hard-working, dedicated research students.”
As our students engage in these transformative experiences, they not only deepen their understanding of their chosen subjects but also develop a range of transferable skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors. From critical thinking and problem-solving to effective communication and teamwork, the lessons learned through undergraduate research symposiums and poster presentations are invaluable.
“Not just gaining knowledge, but creating knowledge through research and sharing that first-hand is a real differentiator for Catawba students,” says Dr. Luke Dollar, a faculty member at the college. “We prioritize as many experiential and travel-based educational opportunities as possible – literally chasing and expanding horizons.”
Embracing the Research Renaissance
At Stanley Park High School, we are proud to be a part of this research renaissance, where our students are empowered to explore their academic passions, collaborate with mentors, and share their findings with the broader community. By nurturing a culture of curiosity, innovation, and academic excellence, we are preparing our students to become the next generation of scholarly leaders, ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
We encourage all of our students to seize the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research conferences, such as NCUR, and to work closely with our dedicated faculty mentors to bring their research projects to life. Whether your interests lie in the humanities, the sciences, or the arts, there is a place for you in this vibrant community of student researchers.
To learn more about the resources and support available for our students at Stanley Park High School, please visit our website. Together, let’s embark on this exciting journey of discovery and unlock the full potential of our next generation of scholars.
