Palmer, a psychology major with a minor in social work, says she sees the SRC as an excellent way to experience research presentations and learn about research occurring in other disciplines.
The conference is a good way to get involved in the presentation part of the research process, said Palmer. It seems scary, but it is a great opportunity. I hope more students will join. Its a great experience for any major.
Palmer is among more than 70 students who will present 44 research projects at the annual SRC. The event runs 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 18 and 19.
The SRC encourages research by undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines and provides a setting for students to present their work in a professional manner. The SRC will feature empirical and theoretical papers as poster or 15-minute oral presentations. Research can be independent, part of a course or as a team collaboration, but must be sponsored by a Southeast faculty member. Presentations run from 9:45 a.m.-3:15 p.m. April 18 and 10:45 a.m.-3 p.m. April 19.
This is an opportunity for students to share what they have been working on, and it gives them an opportunity to practice their public speaking skills, said Dr. Scott Brandhorst, instructor of psychology at Southeast. It is also an opportunity for other students to learn about the different types of research that is conducted at this university and maybe guide them in terms of conducting their own research.
Cody Brazel, a second-year graduate student pursuing his Master of Natural Science with a major in chemistry, is participating in the conference for a second year. He uses the opportunity to hone the skills he will need to be successful in a doctoral program.
Dr. Gary Bledsoe
I enjoy presenting, said Brazel, of Jackson, Missouri. Participation in any type of conference provides experience and improves confidence.
Brazel will present his research on the expression and isolation of proteins found in the complex structures that protect the chromosome telomeres of fruit fly DNA.
He says his research on these proteins is unique.
Crystallizing the proteins is a big deal because it would be the first of its kind, Brazel said.
This years keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Gary Bledsoe, chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Saint Louis University, from noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 18. His presentation is entitled From Washing Dishes to Winning a Nobel Prize, Undergraduate Researchers Change the World.
The Student Research Conference is sponsored by the Department of Psychology, Psi Chi Honor Society for Psychology and the Psychology Club. The Student Research Conference is financially supported by a grant from Funding for Results, as well as by a gift from Phi Kappa Phi to support the students who win a Research Presentation Award.
For more information about Southeasts Student Research Conference as well as the event program, visit http://www.semo.edu/src/.