A number of students conducted scientific research over this past summer, and had the opportunity to present their work last week, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 15 in the Nobel Hall of Science for the Science Department’s Annual Fall Research Symposium.

Student projects covered a wide range of topics, including Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, which provided an eclectic base of information for visitors.

The symposium was “a chance for students who did research over the summer to be able to present it here at their own institution,” Sara Graves, Senior Biochemistry and Molecular Biology double major said.

The symposium was a chance to demonstrate what student work looks like during the summer months and to “show off the opportunities here at GAC,” Senior Chemistry ACS and Mathematics double major Kelson Oram said.

Each student presented their project to peers and visitors who stopped by the event. Guests were encouraged to ask questions about the projects in order to better understand the research being presented.

“The goal is basically to practice presenting and showing off research, that way, I can do it outside of Gustavus where it matters more.” – Kelson Oram

The symposium is a fantastic networking opportunity for students, making polished projects highly important, as they are sometimes taken to larger science conferences around the country, depending on the relevance of the project itself.

Because of this, the Gustavus Science Department has been working hard to prepare students for life after The Hill.

Students are given opportunities to network and finetune presentation skills inside and out of the classroom through events like this.

“The goal is basically to practice presenting and showing off research, that way, I can do it outside of Gustavus where is matters even more,” Oram said.

Gustavus students take pride in the work they are doing and are eager to share that with others, especially topics involving personal interests.

When asked about their purpose at the Fall Research Symposium, Emma Santa, a Junior, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, double major shared that she “just wants to be able to share what I spent my summer doing with everyone on campus because I think it’s cool.”

Projects, such as Santa’s, were Gustavus sponsored while others, such as Graves’, were done at other sites, including Mayo Clinic.

The Fall Research Symposium was a great way for undeclared students to learn more about opportunities for Gustavus Science majors.

“You do your research and you have your results, but it doesn’t really mean anything unless you share it with the world and let people know what you found out. That’s how science continues, we build one thing off of another,” Chandra Bouma, Senior Biology major, said.

The Gustavus Science Department has many opportunities for students who are interested in studying the sciences.

“The great thing about Gustavus is that professors are really open and willing to talk to their students and council them,” Bouma said.

“It’s not as daunting as you would think and honestly just go out and talk to your professor outside of class, it will open up doors, make class easier, and give you opportunities to do research.” Oram said, in discussing opportunities.

Those who attended the Fall Research Symposium left with the impression that

The Gustavus Science Department is working hard to help their students succeed both in and out of the classroom, and that Gustavus students are truly passionate about what they do.