Welcome to Gustavus Adolphus College’s Student Stories Series!
National Conference of Undergraduate Research Presenter
Major: Exercise Physiology
What was/is your career opportunity/experience (i.e. internship, shadowing experience, research)?
The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) engages all disciplines to present research, be creative, and collaborate with other students. They also award scholarships based on certain criteria. This conference is unique because it is not discipline specific and allows students from all types of higher institutions to participate. This conference strives to show high quality student research, the creativity of the research, promote career development, and celebrate the accomplishments from the research. My research from HES-300 will be presented with a poster board that the general public will be able to interpret. I also plan to look at other students research from multiple disciplines and attend lectures/presentations.
How did you get the opportunity/experience? What steps did you take to achieve this?
This conference is for HES-300: Research Presentation which focuses on conducting a research study and working with other peers. Many other classes in the Exercise Physiology major set me up for success by working on presentation skills. Oral communication is a key skill that is promoted throughout the major. There are multiple big presentations throughout each class that are done independently or collaboratively to focus on developing oral communication. Each of these presentations work on addressing health advocacy topics. I was also a CF for the majority of my time here which facilitated my public speaking skills by leading meetings with my residents or colleagues. I am a section leader in chapel choir and advocate for my sections needs. I am the Vice President of Pre-PT/OT club and I assist with leading meetings that helps me work on oral communication. I also serve as a student representative on a faculty committee that allows me to understand professional work and be a voice for the student population.
Who were some of the people who helped you most at Gustavus to get this opportunity? What did you learn from them?
Stephanie Otto and the Center for Career Development helped me most to get this opportunity.
How did the Engaged Learning Funds help you be able to complete this experience?
Without funding, it would have been incredibly difficult to afford to transport to Pittsburgh, stay in Pittsburgh, and eat while I am there. The venue does not provide meals for students at the conference. The Engaged Learning Fund covered the cost of my trip and made be be able to go to the conference.
