Undergraduate students at our university discuss the effects of their completed research projects
The annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, held on July 31 at the SHED, showcased the research efforts of more than 150 students from various disciplines. This year's event featured presentations on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to health sciences, sustainability, engineering, and more.
One of the standout presentations was by Rowen Brignon, a fourth-year physics major from Buffalo, NY, who is working on innovative solar cell projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and functionality in space environments. NASA's Associate Administrator for the Space Technology Mission Directorate, Clayton Turner, expressed great interest in Brignon's research, highlighting the importance of fostering young talent and encouraging innovation in space technology fields.
Turner, an electrical engineering alumnus and current Associate Administrator for the Space Technology Mission Directorate, returned to the campus to offer support and insights to undergraduates about the impact and applications of their research. He was amazed by the level of dedication displayed by the students at the symposium.
Another notable presentation was by Gabriella Redman, a fourth-year biochemistry student from Rochester, NY, who is working on an emerging treatment for breast cancer. Redman's research uses dyes and light beams to target cancer cells, offering a promising new approach to the disease.
Faculty mentors played a crucial role in fostering undergraduate student research interest and engagement. Stephanie Godleski, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, is the faculty mentor for Sayyada Khaki, a fourth-year student with interests in psychology and public health. Khaki's research aims to improve public understanding of maternal health, particularly focusing on the lack of prenatal care that leads to high rates of maternal and child mortality in many low-income countries.
Eduard Velazquez, a fourth-year computer engineering technology major, also presented his research at the symposium. The event provided a valuable opportunity for students to share their work with their peers and receive feedback from faculty and industry professionals.
Overall, the Undergraduate Research Symposium was a successful event that showcased the innovative and impactful research being conducted by students at the university. The event serves as a testament to the university's commitment to fostering undergraduate research and encouraging students to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world.
- Rowen Brignon, an electrical engineering alumnus's successor at NASA, returned to the campus, expressing interest in the work of a physics student who is developing innovative solar cell projects for space environments.
- Gabriella Redman, a biochemistry student, presented her research on an emerging breast cancer treatment using dyes and light beams, attracting attention for her promising new approach to the disease.
- Stephanie Godleski, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, mentored Sayyada Khaki, a fourth-year student with interests in psychology and public health, guiding her research on improving public understanding of maternal health in low-income countries.
- Eduard Velazquez, a computer engineering technology major, shared his research findings during the symposium, benefiting from the opportunity to receive feedback from both faculty and industry professionals.
- The Undergraduate Research Symposium featured presentations on a wide range of topics, including engineering, science, art, and more, emphasizing the university's dedication to education-and-self-development and fostering innovative research among students.
