The impact of exercise on balance in the aging population.
The blurring line between human and artificial intelligence.
The value of opera-outreach to young children getting their first taste of the genre and maybe even theatre itself.
Those are just three of the undergraduate research and scholarly topics among the dozens that University of Wisconsin System students and faculty research mentors will showcase at the 12th Annual “Posters in the Rotunda” event on Wednesday, April 22.
State legislators will join UW System and institutional leaders in welcoming 130 students and nearly 90 faculty mentors to the State Capitol rotunda. There, undergraduates from the System’s 26 campuses will set up poster displays and share the findings of their diverse research subjects which, in many cases, are the culmination of multiple academic years of study and collaboration with faculty mentors and community partners throughout Wisconsin.
“I want to focus on why undergraduate research is important,” said Katherine Jinkins, of Rewey, a UW-Platteville engineering physics major with a minor in microsystems and nanotechnology, who will present her research on humidity’s effect on a substance called “graphene,” which shows promise in touchscreen applications for smartphones.
“I’ve had great experience with (undergraduate research), and I want to make sure that other people are able to have that experience as well,” Jinkins told UW-Platteville’s University News staff.
UW System President Ray Cross will welcome students, faculty members and other guests at the 12th annual Posters event. The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with welcome remarks and special recognition of co-sponsors Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and the Wisconsin Technology Council.
Posters will remain on display until 3 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda on April 22.
The UW System has earned a national reputation as a leader in undergraduate research, which contributes to the state’s priorities, including retention, graduate rates, and workforce and economic development.
“With every year, and at every University of Wisconsin System institution, research becomes a more essential part of our students’ experience and success, and Wisconsin grows and benefits, too,” Cross said.
“Research—particularly undergraduate research featured at this event—enhances learning and quality of life for tens of thousands of students,” Cross said. “With faculty mentors, students take to laboratories on our campuses. They partner with schools, nonprofits and enterprises, be they on factory floors or in farm fields. They achieve breakthroughs and develop solutions for Wisconsin’s diverse communities.”
Just a few of the other research projects to be showcased on April 22 include:
- “Early Literacy Screening: Comparing PALS-K with Computerized Assessments,” presented by UW-Eau Claire student Reese Butterfuss, of Tomah. Learn more about UW-Eau Claire’s seven students participating in Posters in the Rotunda.
- “Exercise Programming and its Effect with Balance in the Aging Population,” presented by UW-Stevens Point students Paige Albrecht, of Marshfield; Danae Daellenbach, of Stoughton; Rachel Popelka, of Stillwater, Minn.; Cassandra Salmen, of Stevens Point. All of the students are athletic training majors.
- “The Issue of Race: Parents’ Perspectives on African-American Males’ School Experiences,” presented by UW-Milwaukee student Rachel Johnson, who combined her interests in Africology and psychology in the project. UWM is also hosting the 14th Annual UW System Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity the following Friday, April 24, in the Student Union. Learn more.
More information on the Posters in the Rotunda schedule is available at http://www.wisconsin.edu/posters.