Up-and-coming undergraduate researchers at The University of Winnipeg presented their research to judges and the public at the 19th annual Randy Kobes Undergraduate Poster Symposium on Wednesday, November 13.
This year, 39 students participated in the competition, which is named in memory of Dr. Randy Kobes, an Associate Dean of Science and Professor of Physics who died in 2010. Dr. Kobes co-founded of the annual poster contest and was passionate about involving undergraduate students in research opportunities at UWinnipeg.
This year’s poster symposium coincided with Research Week, a weeklong series of events designed to build the skills and connections necessary for research success.
Having the chance to put the more theoretical knowledge you get in your classes into practice while working on the project was very fun and rewarding.
Rylen De Vries
Much like the Three-Minute Thesis Competition for graduate students, the poster symposium gives undergraduates a chance to sharpen their presentation skills before an audience of alumni, faculty, industry, and the public. Much of the research presented will ultimately be published in leading scientific journals.
“This year’s poster contest was another example of the tremendous research capabilities of our students,” said Dr. Jino Distasio, Acting Dean of Science and Acting Dean of Kinesiology and Applied Health. “I remain in awe each year at the level of quality. It’s a real showpiece of how our students and faculty come together to explore complex problems.”
A panel of 21 judges evaluated each student on their poster’s clarity, insight, other factors. Afterward, students presented their posters to the public at a reception sponsored by Research Manitoba. Winners were selected in five categories: Social Sciences, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Experimental Physical Sciences, Mathematical and Theoretical Physical Sciences, and Health Sciences, a new category sponsored by the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation.
Leeza Goldberg, a neuroscience student who finished first in the Health Sciences category with a poster explaining the anti-inflammatory properties of a type of fat droplet found in breastmilk, said she appreciated the opportunity to refine her communication skills.
“I really enjoyed seeing the wide spectrum of innovative research, the enthusiasm everyone had to share their work, and the opportunity to present my research to a broader audience,” Goldberg said. “The judges were incredibly supportive, made it easy to engage in meaningful conversations, and offered unique perspectives that helped me think about the research I do in a new and exciting way.”
Taylor Cangemi finished first in the Biological and Environmental Sciences category.
Taylor Cangemi, a biology student, topped the Biological and Environmental Sciences category with a poster on the importance of accounting for tag loss when monitoring little brown bat populations.
“From scientific poster construction to enhancing my public speaking skills, the poster symposium was a phenomenal learning experience,” Cangemi said. “It was so fulfilling to share my work and passion for research with the general public, answer their questions, and leave them feeling enlightened from our conversation. I feel grateful for the opportunity to be involved and hope that community outreach remains a significant part of my career path in wildlife conservation research!”
Education student Chloe Stimpson came out on top in the Social Sciences category with a poster unpacking the importance of ensuring schoolchildren are given opportunities engage in gross motor activities during indoor recess.
“Participating in the poster symposium was an incredible experience,” Stimpson said. “It created an opportunity for me to share and present my findings, listen to presentations from other scholars on topics that were new to me, and connect with people that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to meet. This opportunity has contributed to my research journey by fostering collaboration and inspiring me to explore new avenues in my field. It has provided me with a great learning experience.”
Rylen De Vries, who finished first in the Experimental Physical Sciences category, said the poster symposium brought her back to the thrill of science fairs.
“Having the chance to put the more theoretical knowledge you get in your classes into practice while working on the project was very fun and rewarding.”
Social Sciences
- First Place: Chloe Stimpson
- Second Place: Claire Sedgwick
- Third Place: Caitlin Damm
Biological and Environmental Sciences
- First Place: Taylor Cangemi
- Second Place: Leena Tetrault
- Third Place: Melody Hutton
Experimental Physical Sciences
- First Place: Rylen De Vries
- Second Place: Igal Press
- Third Place: Thomas Hepworth
Mathematical and Theoretical Physical Sciences
- First place: Kyle Wittmeier
- Second place: Brandon Wittmeier
- Third place: Jasper Robb
Health Sciences (sponsored by the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation)
- First place: Leeza Goldberg
- Second place: Esme Franck
- Third place: Rubeena Gosal
