Festival of Research hosted by College of Science and Mathematics draws a crowd

The Festival of Research hosted by the College of Science and Mathematics showcased faculty and student research and scholarship.

It was a day to sample the pioneering research being done at Wright State University in a free-wheeling, fun-filled atmosphere.

The daylong Festival of Research hosted by the College of Science and Mathematics on Oct. 26 filled the Neuroscience Engineering Collaboration Building with a burst of extra energy.

Douglas Leaman, dean of the college, said he was thrilled with the inaugural event, adding that the organizers did an incredible job.

“The science presented was fantastic, the venue was conducive to engagement and discussion, and the informational tables allowed outreach to students interested in getting involved,” said Leaman. “The breadth and quality of the research conducted in the college was on full display, and it was tremendously uplifting and engaging.”

The festival, which showcased faculty and student research and scholarship, featured more than 70 poster presentations and over 40 podium talks that included mini-symposiums, pub science talks and even a few science improv sessions.

Primary organizer Mill Miller, director of the college’s Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. Program, said scientific conferences are the cornerstone of how scientists disseminate and critically evaluate data.

“I adamantly believe that student participation in these forums is an integral competent of their training,” said Miller. “And attendance is highly reaffirming when one’s research is recognized by outside reviewers as making a valuable contribution.”

The Festival of Research featured more than 70 poster presentations and over 40 podium talks.

The mini-symposiums touched on topics such as sleep deprivation, algae blooms, the emerald ash borer and the snow leopard. There were poster presentations on chronic pain, working memory, business ethics, next-generation GPS systems, chemo-resistant cancer stem cells and mollusks as climate indicators.

Provost Susan Edwards anchored the festival as plenary speaker with a talk titled “Research Through the Looking Glass.”

Miller said the research festival was the first chance many students had to receive and rebut criticism of their data outside of their labs.

“These events encourage collegiality and serve as reminders that the faculty, staff and students of CoSM are really good at what we do,” he said. “I am looking forward to next year’s event.”