For a 16th straight year, University of Winnipeg students will be presenting their undergraduate research at the Randy Kobes Poster Symposium.
I love hearing the judges say such positive things about our students.
Dr. Melanie Martin
This annual event offers students the chance to gain experience in scientific research presentations and see what other exciting research is taking place amongst their peers. Usually, these opportunities are not available for students until they’ve finished their undergraduate degree.
“Presentations like this are typically reserved for graduate students,” said Dr. Melanie Martin, Professor, Department of Physics. “If they get experience in an undergraduate setting that’s friendly, they will get over their nerves by the time it counts in graduate school.”
Poster presentations will take place on Zoom from September 7 – 10 during scheduled time slots. Each session consists of a five-minute oral presentation of their research followed by time for questions.
All presentations will be recorded and then reviewed by judges from September 13 – 17. Every student will receive feedback from the judges, providing insight on strengths and weaknesses, making the event a learning experience.
An awards ceremony will take place on September 22 via Zoom to celebrate the contestants and announce winners in each category.
While competing is strictly option, all students who wish to compete may win a cash prize in one of the four selected categories: social sciences, biological sciences, experimental physical sciences, and mathematical and theoretical physical sciences.
Last year was a record turnout for the event, as 38 students presented their posters virtually. Martin expects numbers to be fairly similar, because the virtual format gives students who are overseas or out in the field conducting research time to present from their locations.
While it’s too early to look ahead to 2022, Martin hopes they can combine the in-person aspects of the past with what they’ve liked the last two years with the virtual format.
Asked her favourite part of the symposium is, Martin said: “I love hearing the judges say such positive things about our students and since it’s virtual, I actually get to hear about a quarter of the research.”
Students have until Friday, August 27 to enter the symposium.
