Each year, Missouri Southern officials host a one-day research symposium designed to celebrate and share students research experiences.

“Students of all disciplines can showcase the research they’ve been doing,” said Dr. Michael Howarth, research symposium coordinator.

The event, slated for 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, takes place in the Connor Ballroom in Billingsly Student Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Students participating in the event will present their research on posters to the public in six overall categories: Humanities; Business, Engineering and Technology; Social Sciences; Physical and Biological Sciences; Health Sciences and Education.

Posters will be judged by faculty members in respective fields, according to Howarth.

While last year, there were approximately 20 submissions, this year’s symposium will showcase 63 research projects.

“We’ve seen a huge surge in our submissions this year, which is fantastic and very exciting,” Howarth said. “That’s a testament to the importance of research on this campus, as well as the faculty and staff who are promoting the research symposium to their students.”

Howarth said the research symposium gives students practice to taking their research and organizing it for a presentation. It also allows students to practice oral communication skills, as they talk about their projects.

It also lets students develop networking skills, and see examples on what they can do with their projects.   

Howarth said Dr. Paula Carson, provost and vice president of academic affairs, has been a tremendous help, especially with the surge of submissions this year.

The event will also include a panel, where faculty members can share research from their own departments.

“It’s one thing for students do research and present, but it helps when students can listen to faculty members on campus talk about their own research,” Howarth said.