Symposium showcases the hard work of undergrad researchers
After months of research and preparation, Michigan Tech students gathered on Mar. 21 for the annual Research & Scholarship Symposium, hosted by the Pavlis Honors College (PHC). This event serves as a platform for students across all disciplines to showcase their cutting-edge research, and is a highlight of Michigan Tech’s brightest academic minds.
The Symposium primarily features research from students involved in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and Undergraduate Research Internship Program (URIP), though it is open to any student eager to present their findings. Chris Hohnholt, the Curriculum Development Specialist at the PHC, emphasized the event’s importance in exposing students to the world of research in a structured yet exploratory way.
“These programs have consistently allowed undergraduate students to explore what it’s like to be a researcher,” Hohnholt said. “It allows them to make an informed choice about whether they want to pursue graduate research. If they do, they’ve already had a taste of what that process looks like.”
For many, this is their first opportunity to engage in research and apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems. Students are mentored by faculty members, who not only guide them through the research process but also connect them to wider professional networks. These connections often include partnerships with prestigious institutions, like the Mayo Clinic, offering valuable networking opportunities.
Hohnholt described the symposium as a “low-stakes environment” for students to experiment with research, however, he was quick to add that while the event may be a learning experience for students, faculty take the research very seriously. “It’s real research,” he stated. “Students might be testing the waters, but the faculty are deeply invested in their work and expect a high level of commitment.”
He further emphasized the seriousness with which faculty approach the event: “The students may see it as a trial run, but the faculty are deadly serious about the work being done. They expect rigorous methodology, thorough analysis, and meaningful conclusions.”
Grace Hoeppner, a senior biomedical engineering student, highlighted the mentorship aspect of the research experience. “Dr. Hatoum’s cardiovascular research stood out to me, and after an interview, I was given the opportunity to join his lab,” Hoeppner shared. “The first few months were all about learning the basics, but over time, I started taking on my own research projects.” She credits both faculty and PhD student mentors for helping her navigate the challenges of undergraduate research, ultimately inspiring her to pursue a master’s degree.
For students unsure about their future in research, the symposium provides clarity. Ila Swier, a Sustainability, Science, and Society major, reflected on her six-month research experience stating, “I don’t think I would continue research, but it helped me figure out what I am interested in.”
The symposium continues to grow, especially as Michigan Tech solidifies its status as an R1 research institution. With a strong support system in place, the event remains a stepping stone for students to either pursue further research opportunities or refine their career paths. Hohnholt encourages any interested students to apply to SURF or URIP, emphasizing that research is not just about presenting findings but about developing critical thinking, networking, and professional skills.
For many students, this symposium is not just an academic requirement—it’s the beginning of a journey that could shape their careers in profound ways.
