Students present research at Capitol
Four University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) students presented their research at Posters at the Capitol on Feb. 25. The event, which included 40 research projects from 16 universities across the state, provided students a forum to share their work with state legislators, lobbyists and the general public. Posters were selected from the Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference and similar events for their high quality and general interest in them.
Dulce Ruiz and July Morning shared a poster about their research on seeking to detect an antibiotic-resistant gene in Northeast Georgia water. Emilyn Slemons' poster highlighted her research about the life of Helen Matthews Lewis, who is widely considered the "grandmother of Appalachian studies." Lillie Hayes shared research she conducted with fellow student Laura Kate Gleaton, which was a trail camera study testing which bait were attractive to animals.
Ruiz, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology, appreciated sharing her research with an audience that is not consuming science research every day.
"It was a good opportunity for us to learn how to present things in a different way," Ruiz said.
Morning, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology with pre-medicine advising, plans to attend medical school and will spend a gap year gaining experience in clinical settings.
"Posters at the Capitol was a really good way for us to build our confidence in sharing our research," Morning said.
Slemons, a sophomore from Ellijay, Georgia, pursuing a degree in history, was glad to see so much interest in her research from those with whom she spoke. Mainly, she was excited to have a new forum.
"I am so thankful to Â鶹ÊÓƵ for choosing me to represent them and the professors who have mentored me," Slemons said. "Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Ascend Centers really help undergraduates grow and develop the skills they need."
Hayes, a senior from Johns Creek, Georgia, is pursuing a degree in biology. She has taken part in multiple internal and external research opportunities, and she expressed gratitude for the role the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA) has played in her college journey.
"If I hadn't put myself out with CURCA and asking about research opportunities, I never would have gotten to this point," Hayes said.
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