Celebrating Undergraduate Research and Creativity: The EMU Symposium
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is home to one of the nation's oldest undergraduate symposiums, an event dedicated to celebrating research and creative projects by undergraduates from all departments and majors. This annual event provides a platform for students to share their work with the community, supported by faculty mentors. The Undergraduate Symposium allows students to showcase their work across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural and physical sciences, and performance and design-based projects.
A Milestone for Student Presenters
Harriet Lindsay, Symposium event chair, interim department head, and professor of chemistry at EMU, emphasizes the significance of the event. "Each year, the Undergraduate Symposium provides students an opportunity to present their research and creative work in a professional setting," said Lindsay. "Like graduation, the Undergraduate Symposium is a milestone for student presenters as they present the fruits of months of effort.”
Presentation Styles
The EMU Undergraduate Symposium features three different presentation styles:
- Oral Presentations: Students present their research findings in a formal setting, often followed by a question-and-answer session.
- Poster Presentations: Students create visual displays summarizing their research, allowing for informal discussions with attendees.
- Crossing Lines Design Expo: This is a gallery format showcasing 2-D and 3-D exhibits, highlighting design-based projects.
A Look Back at the Symposium's History
The Symposium was one of the first in the nation, beginning in 1981. The first annual event, held on April 3, 1981, featured 17 students and 19 faculty members from nine College of Arts and Sciences departments. Since its inception, the Symposium has hosted over 9,000 undergraduates.
This Year's Event
This year’s Symposium features over 200 presentations from 220 students, including poster sessions, oral presentations, and a design-based gallery show. There will be 240 project presentations displayed in a wide range of mediums, including 121 oral and 90 poster presentations. The event will also showcase various performances and the Crossing Lines Design Expo, a unique design-based gallery.
Read also: Comprehensive Symposium Information
Keynote Speakers
Serving as this year’s Dennis M. Beagen Keynote Speaker is EMU alumnus Dara Walker, assistant professor of African American studies, history, and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies at Pennsylvania State University. This year's keynote speaker is Nino C. Monea, an EMU alum who now teaches at Stetson University College of Law.
Community Engagement and Support
The Symposium allows EMU students, with the support of faculty mentors, to share their research, academic projects, and creative work with the community. Ypsilanti mayor Nicole Brown, who was a three-time participant in the symposium during her time as a student at EMU, has been a keynote speaker.
GameAbove's Sponsorship
This year promises to be a great event with the addition of GameAbove as a named sponsor. As an added student experience, attendees will have a chance to engage in a raffle giveaway, with the opportunity to win a Symposium merchandise basket. “This event exemplifies the spirit of innovation and academic excellence,” said Chao Sun, president of GameAbove engagements at EMU. “We are thrilled to see the diverse array of talents and dedication our students bring to their fields of study. We are honored to support and celebrate their accomplishments.”
Innovative Projects
One of this year's standout projects comes from the School of Engineering, where students Ian Eells, Jack Capper, Kendel Taylor, and Rob Reid have developed an affordable robotic arm designed for assisted living. This project aims to significantly enhance the lives of millions of people affected by disabilities by providing a simple, cost-effective form of independence.
Impact on Student Development
Amy Bearinger is the event coordinator for the symposium. “So, we absolutely see students who go on to grad school or Ph.D programs and very much are following some of their initial research or studies.
Read also: Comprehensive Symposium Guide
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to URS
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