Students Presented Work at Research and Creativity Day

Students at the University of Mary Washington gave more than 100 research presentations during the annual Undergraduate Student Research and Creativity Day on Friday, April 26. The event celebrated excellence in undergraduate student research by giving students the opportunity to share their work with faculty, their peers and the public. The presentations represented various disciplines, including the arts, humanities, history, mathematics, sciences and social sciences. “I’m so interested in classics and I enjoyed seeing other people get excited about it too,” said sophomore Carly Tarne, who attended a presentation of classics majors’ senior theses. Topics ranged from environmentally friendly packing peanuts and fictional stories, to the effects of stress and a sustainable analysis for expanding UMW. “It’s the seventh year and each year it’s been growing in participants,” said Grant Woodwell, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “We hope the growing trend continues.” Students presented their work in the form of oral presentations, poster sessions, art exhibits and music and dance performances. “One of the best things was to see people’s reactions. They were involved and asked a lot of questions,” said freshman Yireda Jilili, who presented with classmates as part of her freshmen seminar course. “I definitely want to participate again.” Student Research and Creativity Day is funded by the Class of 1959 Endowment.