The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship held its 30th annual Student Scholars Day last Wednesday, showcasing undergraduate and graduate students’ academic research and creative work.
The main slate of presentations took place Wednesday in Henry Hall and the Kirkhof Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The presentations were part of a multi-day celebration that began Tuesday with a keynote address delivered by a Vanderbilt University astrophysicist, and concluded Thursday with an art exhibition and artist reception.
Student Scholars Day began in 1996 as an initiative within the Science and Mathematics Division but has since grown into the annual and varied celebration that it is now. Programming has grown from a single-day symposium 30 years ago into a signature event that highlights the University’s emphasis on faculty-mentored student scholarship.
The event gives students a platform to present faculty-mentored scholarly and creative projects to the University community. More than 570 students presented this year alongside over 160 faculty mentors, according to University reports, making it one of the largest events in recent years.
Students delivered oral presentations and displayed posters on topics ranging from scientific research to humanities and visual arts projects. Attendees, including faculty, staff and fellow students, moved between sessions and engaged directly with presenters. Students who were observing and not participating were also encouraged to attend presentations, ask questions and take advantage of the University’s academic resources.
For many participants, the day serves as a public milestone that validates their research efforts and connects them with potential mentors, graduate programs and funding sources. The event also allows the broader campus community to see the range and quality of work produced at GVSU.
Informational booths operated throughout the day, connecting students with resources for future academic and professional opportunities. Some of the organizations in attendance were the Peace Corps, Michigan Education Corps and various graduate program representatives from GVSU, such as the Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI).
Josie Kuhlman is a graduate student at AWRI completing her program this semester.
“It’s cool to be able to do research with (AWRI) because of how diverse the array of professors is and it’s cool because you have one cohort that you move through your classes with,” Kuhlman said. “You get really close with everybody.”
The Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships played a central role in coordinating the event, while also advising students on how to be prepared for Student Scholar’s Day and their futures after GVSU.
“Our office helps connect students with those outside of Grand Valley funding opportunities,” said graduate assistant Katie Jones. “We also help with essay writing, helping students find the best fit for a major and basically helping students reach their goals.”
As the University marks three decades of the event, Student Scholars Day continues to function as a convergence point for student achievement, faculty guidance and institutional support for undergraduate research.
