Montana State students find research opportunities at second annual Undergraduate Research Fair

BOZEMAN - Hundreds of students attended Montana State University's second annual Undergraduate Research Fair to learn about networking and research opportunities available to them.

Montana State University hosted this event Sept. 17. in the SUB Ballrooms. The Student Research Council (SRC), a student-run organization sponsored by the Office of Research and Economic Development, sponsored the event. The SRC is comprised of eight undergraduates who have participated in research themselves and who work to make sure students have knowledge of and access to research opportunities. They provide peer mentoring to help students connect to research, put on events and help run the website: www.montana.edu/undergraduateresearch. Amanda Haab is the current council president.

"One of the best things you could do is get involved in undergraduate research in your first two years on campus," said Steven Davis, assistant dean of the Honors College and assistant teaching professor in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, who talked with students at the event about an upcoming honors course, Freshman Research Symposium. "Being involved with research is a great opportunity to meaningfully contribute to and experience being on the leading edge of scientific discovery."

The Undergraduate Research Fair aims to provide opportunities for all MSU students - from freshmen who are curious about their futures to seniors who are close to graduating - to engage with faculty, ask questions and explore potential research positions.

The SUB Ballrooms were filled with students interested in research opportunities. They visited tables set up in the middle and sides of the room encouraging engagement with each representative. In addition to the many research tables present at this event, free snacks and refreshments were provided.

"I'm a junior studying biomedical engineering," said Kaydin Smith, originally from Spokane, Washington. "I came to this event looking for opportunities to work in a research lab and found the Center for Biofilm Engineering table to be very interesting."

"I came to this event because I was curious about research," said Jackson Lewis, a freshman majoring in math who said the international research table caught his eye.

The event not only provides undergraduate research opportunities but also informs students about future career opportunities and networking.

"This event will help build upon (my) previous research and compare the research opportunities that are out there," said Riley Werk, a student from Hays, majoring in English teaching. "I'm a junior and I found all the networking at this event to be very helpful toward my future career."

Alison Harmon, vice president for research and economic development, was pleased with the turnout for the second annual Undergraduate Research Fair. "The undergraduate students had a chance to connect with possible research opportunities normally reserved for graduate students," said Harmon. "MSU is always excited to take part in helping students succeed in their future careers."

For information on undergraduate research, reach out to the Student Research Council, [email protected].

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