Florida State University Showcases Summer Research Projects
Florida State University (FSU) hosted the annual President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence on October 23, 2023. This event was part of FSU’s Discovery Days, a weeklong celebration dedicated to research and creative activities. Approximately 900 attendees witnessed presentations from 36 students, all of whom showcased projects completed during the summer with the aid of competitive grants and various university initiatives.
The showcase emphasized the importance of undergraduate research, with Latika Young, Director of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE), highlighting the students’ enriched academic journeys. “The students presenting their projects have enriched their academic journeys through directed research and creative endeavors, guided by the mentorship of some of FSU’s most distinguished faculty members,” Young stated. She also expressed gratitude towards President Richard McCullough and Vice President for Research Stacey Patterson for their ongoing support of undergraduate research initiatives at FSU.
Showcasing Diverse Research Initiatives
The students’ work represented multiple programs, including FSU IDEA Grants, which fund scholarly and creative projects; the Tyler Center for Global Studies, fostering a community of global scholars; and the International Genetically Engineered Machine team (iGEM), a premier student competition in synthetic biology. Projects covered a wide array of disciplines, ranging from English and studio art to exercise physiology and cellular and molecular neuroscience.
Students explored various topics, such as the physiological stress in stingrays and the application of drone technology alongside machine learning for post-disaster relief. Among the presenters, theatre student Max Allen delivered a keynote address discussing his experience directing the play “Sea Marks” for the local Irish Repertory Theatre. Allen’s project was supported by an IDEA Grant and built on his Honors in the Major thesis project, allowing him to delve into performance theory, particularly the concept of resonance.
“Resonance became the core concept I’m now taking into my master’s thesis,” he explained. “It’s about amplifying energy at just the right time and frequency, and it touches every part of the performance, from the actors’ work to how the audience experiences it.” Allen, enrolled in a Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathways program, credited the IDEA Grant program for encouraging him to pursue research through creative practice. “It’s probably the best confidence booster I’ve gotten in entering research,” he noted. “It’s a space where you can play and fail without fear, and where you’re supported every step of the way.”
Environmental science student Sofia Lara also shared her experience as a Tyler Fellow, having traveled to the Caribbean island of Bonaire to study coral reef restoration efforts. “This is not normally something that would be available to everyone, and funding for both scuba diving and traveling somewhere I’ve never been before is just a surreal experience,” Lara remarked. “I’ve been able to explore what I’m actually interested in while learning academically.”
Transformative Impact of Undergraduate Research
In her address, Stacey Patterson reflected on her own journey in research as an undergraduate, which ultimately led her to graduate school and her current advocacy for university research. “Your undergraduate research experience can be transformative no matter the field of study and no matter your specific projects,” Patterson emphasized. “At FSU, we’re deeply committed to supporting and celebrating undergraduate research because we believe in the power of student discovery and creativity.”
The President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence not only highlighted the achievements of individual students but also underscored FSU’s commitment to fostering a vibrant research community. With continued support from university leadership, FSU aims to inspire the next generation of scholars and innovators.
