More than 80 students from Arkansas four-year public and private colleges and universities gathered at the State Capitol Rotunda on Feb. 15 to present cutting-edge undergraduate research to state legislators.
Students shared their work in the areas of natural sciences, computer science, engineering and mathematics.
Students who participated in “Arkansas STEM Posters at the Capitol” were from Arkansas State University, Philander Smith College, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Central Arkansas, Southern Arkansas University, Henderson State University, Harding University, Hendrix College, Arkansas Tech University, Lyon College, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Ouachita Baptist University and John Brown University.
“I felt strongly this program would fly in Arkansas because I know there exists around the state a strong culture of undergraduate research at public and private schools. This is especially true in STEM disciplines,” Dr. Patrick Desrochers, organizer and chemistry professor at the University of Central Arkansas. “This February’s session is the result of conversations shared with STEM colleagues around the state and the commitment of these individuals to support their students in original research at their schools.”
Desrochers hopes the poster presentation becomes an established program for the State Capitol.
“This should become something the legislators and public anticipate, a showcase of the best and brightest students from around the state involved in exciting and innovative projects. In the end, this should advocate for the good work these students and faculty do at their schools,” he said. ” Hopefully, this poster session will help it become widely known that outstanding educational opportunities are available right here in Arkansas in highly technical, exciting, challenging, and sometimes financially lucrative fields, following undergraduate and graduate training. Arkansans should know these opportunities exist at schools throughout the state.”