This showcase, sponsored by the Council of University System Faculty, highlights research conducted by students and is designed to show members of the House of Delegates and executive officials the high quality work of University students and the values of faculty mentorship.

One of the FSU presentations was “Using DNA to Establish Population Origins and Dispersal of Bobcats” researched and presented by Adam Brandt, a Wildlife & Fisheries and Biology major, who was guided by his advisor, Dr. Frank Ammer. Another presentation was “Research and Design on Wind Turbines” researched by Matthew Buckler and Matthew Pippin and presented by Pippin, both Physics and Engineering majors, who were guided by their advisor, Dr. Yi-Zun Julie Wang. “Sophisticated Liars: Understanding a Faux Pas Helps Children Maintain a Lie” was also given. Ashley Mahdavi, Kristina Keifer, both working towards a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, aided in the research along with Sara DiSimone and Kathleen Honeywell, both undergraduate students with a major in Psychology, who also presented. These students were guided by their advisor, Dr. Megan Bradley. The last presentation was “Community Analysis and Habitat Associations of Breeding Birds at Finzel Swamp, Maryland” researched and presented by David Yaeny II, a master’s student working towards a degree in Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology, who was guided by his advisor Dr. Frank Ammer.

Each project was recommended by a faculty member, approved by the Provost’s Office and selected by a committee of USM faculty.