Students represent WVU at Capitol

West Virginia University students presented their scientific research in Charleston, W. Va., Thursday for the ninth annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol.

WVU was one of many universities across the state that presented at the event, which highlighted research by undergraduate students and gave them the opportunity to speak with state legislators in hopes of gaining support for scientific studies.

"In order for us to support undergraduate research, we need resources to do it. When you show legislators the sort of work students from West Virginia and WVU are capable of, it helps them understand that giving resources to higher education is really a very important thing to do," said Keith Garbutt, dean of the Honors College.

Garbutt said he believes this networking is important to help encourage students to enter the fields of science and technology.

"The legislators have lots of different resources that they have available to them, but more than anything, science and technology are the things that thrive in our economy," he said. "If we're going to be a leader, we need to invest in well-educated young people in science and technology who can make the next generation of leaders."

Garbutt said conducting research is one of the best ways WVU can help educate its students and create future leaders.

"One of the things we're trying to do as we move you through your education is to move from being good at retaining material in the classroom to finding information for yourself. Those are skills undergraduate research teach you better than anything," he said.

During Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol, students presented their research through posters they created detailing their discoveries.

"I presented at the Capitol because it was an opportunity to hone my skills at presenting research and to show the legislature the importance of undergraduate research," said Grant Shulman, a senior psychology student.

Over the past year, students have worked with faculty from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources and the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design on a variety of unique research projects.

"I learned how to present a month's work of research into a two-minute elevator speech, and I was able to network with various psychologists from around the state," Shulman said. "Not only that, but I met amazing undergraduates devoted to solving the problems our society faces today."

Posters from WVU students focused on the areas of chemistry, biology, social sciences, psychology, political science and more.

Shulman said such diversity in students and faulty was one of the best parts of the event.

"Faculty from various colleges around the state kindly listened to my research in psychology even though many were involved in a myriad of other disciplines," he said. "The best moments were when psychologists from other colleges visited my poster and asked thoughtful questions toward my research design."

Last year's Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol was Shulman's first poster presentation. He has since presented his research at four other conferences including one international conference.

"Undergraduate research is the highlight of my education," he said. "It teaches problem solving skills that are so incredibly valuable."