Math and science students showcase their success in research during Upper Iowa University Homecoming
FAYETTE, Iowa (September 10, 2011): Upper Iowa University math and science students will present their research in a poster display on the upper level of the Student Center from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, September 16. This showcase highlights the research and investigations being conducted by UIU students in the Division of Science and Mathematics. Refreshments will be served, and the public is encouraged to stop by to ask questions and share ideas.
“This is active learning at its best” said Aaron Haines, assistant professor of biology at Upper Iowa University. “The purpose of these research projects is to give students the opportunity to directly apply what they have learned in the classroom to solve actual problems. This is how students really learn what they are being taught.”
The students, mostly seniors have conducted background research, developed their hypotheses, planned their methodologies, and collected and analyzed their research to prepare their posters for the Homecoming exhibit, Haines said. Some of the research stems from class research projects, he noted, adding: “For example Nolan Hirota and Amy Holley are presenting a poster on training Betta Splendas (Siamese fighting fish), a project they helped conduct while in the Principles of Biology II Class. Other students are presenting work they have done in the field with a potential employer. Jacob Hawes spent the summer working for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources managing wetlands and trapping and banding waterfowl. Jacob is currently working on a research project with Iowa DNR conducting goose surveys.”
Many students are presenting their results as part of their senior research projects. Jeremy Payne developed a Virtual Pheasant World based on spatial data obtained from the field and creating a program where individuals can explore a virtual natural world from the point of view of a pheasant.
The posters will not only be on display in the Student Center, but also will be or already have been presented at professional meetings including the Iowa Academy of Science, Viterbo Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Iowa Chapter of the Wildlife Society. Some of the research is also currently in review for publication in professional scientific journals.
“Homecoming isn’t just about athletics,” Haines said. “Peacock fans should be just as proud of the accomplishments of students who are successful in the world of science and mathematics and other areas of academics.”
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to nearly 6,800 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.