Kennesaw State selected four undergraduate students to present their research to legislators and other individuals at the Posters at the Georgia State Capitol event last month.
The students selected and researched various topics across multiple disciplines including biology, psychology and mechanical engineering.
Olivia Lauzon presented her research on hormonal influences on emotion regulation and how the relationship can heighten the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
Lauzon also presented at the Posters on the Hill Conference in Washington D.C. last year, to which she was the first representative of KSU to have been selected. With encouragement from her faculty advisor Ebony Glover, Lauzon wanted to participate on the state level in the Posters at the Georgia State Capitol event with the same research to reach a different audience.
“I think the officials were impressed at the variety of research being presented, let alone by undergraduates. I personally was impressed,” Lauzon said. “I think it highlights the importance of undergraduate research in college settings, as well as starting research opportunities in high schools and younger education levels.”
Trae Dunn also presented at the capitol, sharing his research on the regulation of the expression of genes.
“The application process was simple and straight forward,” Dunn said. “I was asked to write a brief abstract on my project and the significance of it. Lastly, I needed a letter of recommendation which I received from my principal investigator Dr. Martin Hudson.”
Dunn said that, due to the technical nature of his project, he had to prepare a message and way of delivery that could be comprehended by those that do not specialize in molecular and cellular biology.
“It was very motivating to see that myself and many of the other presenters were able to communicate our research in a way that allowed others who may not know anything about our topic see the significance of our research,” Dunn said.
Niko Giannakakos and Trevor Warnix presented research centered on improving the sensitivity and output of helicopter controls.
Giannakakos said this experience helped him grow as a student regarding his communication skills and being able to articulate difficult research concepts to those that may not be familiar with the concepts.
“Doing undergraduate research has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my undergraduate college career,” Giannakakos said.
Posters at the Georgia State Capitol was sponsored by the Georgia Undergraduate Research Collective and is a new annual event intended to provide a public space for university students in Georgia to showcase their research.
