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April 7, 2005 Students shine at Posters in the Rotunda
MADISON — Insightful research findings and innovative proposals from University of Wisconsin System undergraduates were on display at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Thursday (April 7) as members of the Board of Regents joined legislators in congratulating undergraduate researchers from across the state. The event, “Posters in the Rotunda: A Celebration of Undergraduate Research,” featured the research of more than 100 students from across the UW System. Their work ranged from analyzing forest fires, to isolating new anti-infective agents in plants, to studying child-learning impairments, as well as dozens of other accomplishments. “I believe that the undergraduate research experience represents what is best about our great public university – providing top-quality education, while harnessing the knowledge and talent of the UW System to provide benefits for all,” said UW System President Kevin P. Reilly during a presentation. “The professional and thought-provoking research of these students is as diverse as the students themselves. “Our long-standing commitment to fostering and celebrating these research opportunities has enabled us to teach and mentor some of the world’s brightest young minds, right here in Wisconsin,” he added. Amanda Lederer, an undergraduate researcher from UW-Platteville, explained that her research experience as a student has prepared her for further study in her field. “Undergraduate research has been very important to me,” Lederer said. “It has not only opened many doors for me, but I have gained a better understanding of science through hands-on experience.” Lederer said her research with the Great Lakes WATER Institute led to other opportunities, including a scholarship, and graduate studies. “My experiences with undergraduate research have given me the ability to determine if a career in science was the right choice for me,” she said. Dr. Jeff Johnson, a UW-Madison researcher whose groundbreaking studies could mean promising therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, spoke about the contributions undergraduates have made as a part of his research team. Through research, Johnson said his team of colleagues and students has identified two independent proteins in the brain that hold the potential to halt the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. “Over the next two decades, the number of Wisconsin residents affected with Alzheimer’s is expected to grow by almost 60 percent,” Johnson said. “The kind of research that my colleagues, students, and I are doing has the potential to give benefits to thousands of Wisconsin adults who suffer from Alzheimer’s, and hope to their families as well. “ Johnson congratulated the students on their impressive research and noted the amount of time and effort necessary for success on such projects. Board of Regents President Toby E. Marcovich said the event was particularly important to the Regents, who appreciate the chance to talk with students. “We spend a lot of time in meetings, and we never get enough time to spend with students and UW employees,” Marcovich said. “We are especially pleased to meet many of our undergraduates, and talented faculty and staff as well, and to see first-hand the results of the teaching, learning, and research that takes place on UW campuses.” Marcovich also called upon the state to support undergraduate research, which brings teaching and learning benefits to all involved. “Undergraduate research is a growing priority at all UW System
campuses, and for good reason,” Marcovich said. “Students
remain the UW System’s #1 priority, and it is important that
we are able to provide them the chance to have experiences like
these. This kind of work is definitely worth the investment.” |
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