For the 13th consecutive year, students at Waynesburg University will take center stage to showcase their innovative research at the annual Undergraduate Research & Scholarly Work Symposium. 

This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, April 23, in the Old Gymnasium from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m., offering a platform for undergraduate students to present research they have completed throughout their time at the University.

The symposium highlights the diverse research across various disciplines, with students presenting their findings in either poster format or through oral presentations. The event not only gives students a chance to display their work, but also provides an opportunity for them to receive feedback from faculty and peers.

Dr. Christian Hayes, assistant professor of Biology and Director of Marine Science at Waynesburg University, is one of the coordinators of this year’s symposium. He emphasized the importance of the event for student growth and professional development.

“It provides an avenue for students to showcase their work,” said Hayes. “They get feedback, they get judged in the sense of receiving critical feedback and they gain experience that they can put on resumes, which will help them if they pursue careers in research or any other field.”

Last year, approximately 30 students participated, with some collaborating in groups.  Hayes noted that the event continues to grow in both participation and support.

“The turnout has been great,” Hayes said. “The last couple of years, we’ve seen over 100 people show up to support the students.”

The symposium serves not only as a celebration of student research, but also as an campus event where students, faculty and staff come together to share ideas and offer a helping hand. 

Hayes believes that this event is important to the students not only for professional development and feedback, but as a confidence booster in whatever they are passionate about.

“These are students going out in the world, graduating, who need confidence and need experience to put on their resume,” Hayes explained.

The Undergraduate Research & Scholarly Work Symposium at Waynesburg University remains for the 13th year, giving students a chance to share their findings with others on campus.