Listen Here
By Erin Moran
morane@findlay.edu
The University of Findlay will host its 20th annual Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity on Friday, April 10, showcasing research and professional experiences of students across the six colleges.
The annual event is an opportunity to present students’ work to the university and community, as it is open to the public. Undergraduate and graduate students are also recognized for their academic work and achievements.
The symposium highlights collaboration and interdisciplinary learning.
Dr. Christine Denecker, interim vice president of academic affairs, said the symposium plays an important role in showcasing student success and engagement.
“it’s just such an amazing day to celebrate all of the good works of the students on campus. So much time goes into the research and work that is done”, said Denecker. “To take a whole day and honor the learning that takes place and say, we know you worked really hard is important.”
The event also reflects the range of learning experiences on campus.
“There are so many wonderful things happening in our classrooms, in our laboratories, in our art spaces”, said Denecker. “That’s why I think it’s such a marvelous day.”
Denecker sees the symposium as a testament to the students, work, and mission of the university.
“It really demonstrates our mission to give students experiences that are based in the classroom, but also go beyond the classroom,” said Denecker. “Very important learning happens in the classroom, but there’s so much more that happens in other spaces, in research, in creative moments, in the studying that you’re doing, or in the work that you’re doing with your small groups or on your own time.”
“It’s a way to demonstrate the quality and the breadth of the learning that happens at the University of Findlay, and it’s also an ability and moment to let our students shine,” said Denecker.”
Students from all six colleges participate, each with an awards ceremony that recognizes academic accomplishments. Alumni speakers from the colleges will address students during individual ceremonies, offering insight and encouragement based on their professional experiences.
Among this year’s student presenters are Grant Hawkins and Richard Mast, whose projects reflect the variety and range of the event.
Hawkins, a nursing major and psychology minor, contributed to a larger institutional review board-approved sports study examining differences between student-athletes and non-athletes.
“I’m excited to present for the first time,” Hawkins said. “Research is something I never thought I would do, but I’m really excited and interested to see how the symposium works and to get ideas for future research and new ideas to study.”
Richard Mast, a media and communication student, will present a part of his short film exploring grief, which he has developed over the past year. The film combines research of communication styles and emotional responses while demonstrating an understanding of film techniques and production.
Mast said the topic is deeply personal, inspired in part by conversations and connections in his own life.
“A lot of my heart was put into this project,” Mast said. “It’s an idea I’ve been thinking about for seven years, so being able to create it has been nice.”
Having previously presented at the symposium, Mast said he is especially looking forward to sharing a project.
“I think this year feels more like my own work,” he said. “Last year I felt like I had less control over what was really going on.”
Both students emphasized the value of participating in undergraduate research.
Hawkins is not required to present at the event for his major, but recommends students to get involved for the experience.
“It’s not as intimidating as people make it out to be,” said Hawkins. What is intimidating is putting yourself out there and saying that you want to do it but it’s definitely worth it.”
“Get involved as soon as possible, research is how you further your education, because at a certain point, it’s not gonna be your teacher or your professor telling you what to know. It’s gonna be led by your own curiosity,” said Hawkins.
Mast added that presenting at the symposium helps students build skills that extend beyond academics.
“You can do anything you put your mind to,” said Mast. “As scary as it may seem to work on these projects that seem light years away, you never know until you actually try and it is such a great learning experience.”
The symposium reflects the university’s values of academic excellence, creativity and student-driven inquiry. Classes will be cancelled to encourage students to attend the presentations and recognize student excellence.
