University of Mary Washington students present original research during a series of end-of-semester symposia showcasing undergraduate work across academic disciplines.
Students across the University of Mary Washington capped off their fall semester with an unexpected snow day that only added to the excitement of presenting original research and creative work developed over months of effort.
Across a series of end-of-semester symposia—held in multiple academic departments and only slightly reshuffled due to the weather—students shared the outcomes of that work. Posters, video screenings, presentations and discussions offered a window into the range of questions students pursued and the methods they used to explore them. Projects spanned the sciences, humanities, arts and social sciences, illustrating the breadth of research and creativity that defines UMW’s undergraduate experience.
At the Jepson Science Center Fall Research Symposium, more than 70 projects were showcased. Undergraduate researchers in biology, chemistry, physics, earth and environmental sciences filled the lobby and main floor with posters detailing experiments, fieldwork and laboratory analysis. The projects reflected a wide range of scientific inquiry—from immune signaling and neurodegeneration to watershed ecology and climate reconstruction.
“These end-of-semester symposia display what students can do when they take ownership of research and creative inquiry,” said Director of Undergraduate Research Elizabeth Lewis. “The work reflects not only technical skill but curiosity, persistence and a willingness to ask a lot of questions.”