College hosts its second annual Undergraduate Research Symposium

Now in its second year at the San Jacinto College South Campus, the Undergraduate Research Symposium in spring 2019 brought many students and their faculty mentors together to share their research at the event's anticipated poster session.

"Getting involved in research exposes students to the rigorous work that helps them fully understand a subject of interest," said Dr. Madhu Gyawali, San Jacinto College South Campus physics professor.

Gyawali's student Arjang Geramifard won first place in the poster session for their combined research entitled "Long-term Nitrogen Dioxide Trends over Large Cities in the Texas: Comparing Satellite and Ground Observations."

"The process of collecting data, analyzing results, putting everything together, and presenting it at the symposium is what gives our students an edge," Gyawali said. "You have to do things exceptionally well to stand out from the crowd, and these types of opportunities put our students ahead of the curve. Now their resumes will reflect first-hand experience in research work and an added bonus of their research getting exposure to other professionals and academic experts in their field of interest."

Featuring judges from various areas of STEM industries and faculty from Rice University and University of Houston-Clear Lake, the symposium offers students who participate in undergraduate research the experience of planning, designing, and presenting their research in a poster format. Students, faculty, and judges make their way around the poster displays, asking questions about the research presented and sometimes posing additional ideas to expand the students' current research.

"Communication is such a huge part of research, so this opportunity gives our students a chance to hone in and refine their communication and presentation skills," said Dr. Christopher Wild, San Jacinto College South Campus department chair of physical sciences. "As these students advance in their academic and professional careers, written and verbal communication will become a vital part of their success. Putting together presentations and presenting their research in a polished, professional manner will make them an asset to any employer in any industry."

Learn more about STEM and undergraduate research opportunities at San Jacinto College.