Graduate students showcase research at thesis competition

Grand Valley State University’s Graduate School hosted 14 graduate students during their 3-Minute Thesis competition Feb. 20. 

The top prize went to graduate biology student Sarah Lamar, who won first place for her research on the spread of Baby’s Breath across the continent. Lamar earned $500 and an invitation to the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools 3MT competition in March where she will represent GVSU.

Other top finishers included nursing graduate students Jenna Buchman and Anne Gembrowski who finished second and third respectively. Buchman presented her research on nerve block protocol in patients with hip fractures and Gembrowski placed with research on prevention and recognition of delirium. 

Social work graduate student Noelle Lynn won the People’s Choice Award for her work with ADHD impairments in women through an audience vote.

Senior wins national history award

Grand Valley State University senior Alexis Hansen won the Joan Nestle Award for her research and subsequent article on a topography of transgender studies. The award, which is presented by the Committee on Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender History, honors “an outstanding paper on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual and/or queer history” every other year. 

Hansen, who is double majoring in psychology and biomedical sciences, worked on her research under the guidance of GVSU psychology professor Lawrence Burns. The duo will collaboratively present their research in the spring at the Midwestern Psychological Association conference in Chicago.

GVSU, United Way offer free tax services

With tax season closing in April, Grand Valley State University announced that the Seidman Center will assist qualifying guests in filing their paperwork. 

The opportunity stems from GVSU’s involvement in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offered by United Way. The program allows for individuals who have an income less than $55,000, have a disability or consider English as a second language to receive free assistance in filing their taxes.

Volunteers and GVSU faculty and students will help eligible participants on various Saturdays in the coming months. 

To make an appointment, call 211. For questions, email [email protected].

Registration open for Student Scholars Day

Registration is open through March 1 for students to apply to participate in the 23rd annual Student Scholars Day (SSD), April 10, hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS).

Information about the registration process is online at gvsu.edu/ours/ssd. SSD is held annually to celebrate the scholarship and creative work of undergraduate and graduate students. It showcases faculty-mentored student work, shared through many venues, including (but not limited to) oral presentations, discussion and panel sessions, fine arts exhibits and performances and poster presentations.

OURS is also looking for event volunteers. More than 100 volunteers are needed to fill two-hour time blocks to assist with a variety of tasks including registration, hosting sessions and greeting participants and spectators. SSD volunteer registration is now open and will close on April 3. Volunteer registration is online at gvsu.edu/ours/ssd. Questions can be directed to [email protected].