FSU Hosts Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium
May 13, 2024 8:00 AM
On Friday, May 3, Frostburg State University hosted the Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. This year’s event featured more than 80 presentations highlighting the work of nearly 140 students. The projects that were presented at the symposium took place during the 2023-2024 academic year and included coursework and independent study activities. Student participants were mentored by 46 faculty and staff members from all three colleges.
New this year was an alumni event that allowed students to practice their networking skills with FSU graduates from the past 10 years. “We were very appreciative for the expanded role of our alumni who participated in a panel discussion and networking hour to give our students their perspective about college and life after graduation,” said symposium chair, Dr. Karen Keller.
“This was my second year participating and I always feel seen, honored and valued during the event,” said MacKenzie Freeze, a transfer student to FSU who presented at the symposium. “The professors in the Biology, Health Science and Chemistry departments have been so supportive. They truly want me to be the best student I can be, inside and outside of the classroom, and I could not have been as successful in my undergraduate years without them.”
Freeze had two posters on display at the event, one on the genetic research she conducted at FSU this semester and the other pertaining to biochemical research she conducted last summer while attending James Madison University. “Both experiences have benefitted me in various ways,” said Freeze. “I love how each project challenged me.”
In addition to poster displays, students also had the option to give oral presentations at the symposium. Eric Denham, who was part of a group that included Shannon Casey, Teresa Wolf and Nakya Pack, thought that the event was an amazing opportunity to share the knowledge they have gained in both classes and clubs at FSU. “I felt like the presentations provided a good mix of everything that is on offer at this University. It seemed like everyone there was excited to share what they had learned and very much enjoyed the event.” Denham’s group’s oral presentation was titled “Hidden Disabilities in the Workplace.”
“We really enjoy seeing our students’ faces light up when they are asked about their projects,” said Keller. “It is also nice to see representation from students across all three of our colleges. I hope that participation is this high again next year.”
Members of the FSU Undergraduate Research Symposium Committee included Keller, Dr. Phillip Allen, Hayley Baer, Dr. Matthew Crawford, Dr. Erica Kennedy, Dr. Marc Michael, Dr. Eric Moore, Dr. Benjamin Norris, Dr. William Seddon, Dr. Kate Sheehan, Dr. Rebekah Taylor, Clara Thiel and Dr. Gregory Wood. Dr. Sharman Adams, associate provost for Student Success and Graduate Education, provided opening remarks at the symposium.
For more information about the symposium, contact Keller at klkeller@frostburg.edu, and for information about the Alumni Networking Event, contact Liz Nelson at eanelson@frostburg.edu.