Hollins will highlight the dynamic research that has been conducted by the university’s science and mathematics students during the 2020-21 academic year at the 63rd Annual Science Seminar, April 5 – 8.
The four-day virtual meeting will celebrate scientific research and inquiry through:
- Student research presentations in both oral and poster formats
- Separate student/faculty panels exploring research in biology/environmental science, chemistry/physics, mathematics/statistics/computer science, and psychology
- An alumnae panel exploring research in STEM fields
- A keynote address
“Though we have been pressed by the pandemic, we have continued in our quest to expand our mathematical and scientific understanding of the world around us,” said Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Renee Godard.
The 63rd Annual Science Seminar begins on Monday, April 5, with two sessions considering the process and value of doing research in STEM fields. During “Conversations about Research with Students of Science and Math” (4:45 – 5:45 p.m., ET), student panelists will discuss how they found research opportunities, describe what lessons they learned and skills they gained during their research, and explain how this has prepared them for their future. Preregister for the Zoom meeting link.
The evening session, “A Conversation with STEMinist Alumnae in Research” (6:30 – 7:30 p.m., ET), will be led by recent Hollins alumnae who are actively pursuing careers in research in psychology, environmental science, biomedical technology, and chemistry. Preregister for the Zoom meeting link.
On Tuesday, April 6, the Science Seminar will explore research in biology/environmental science and mathematics/statistics. “Exploring Research in Biology and Environmental Science” (4:45 – 5:45 p.m., ET) will feature biology and environmental science faculty and students, who will discuss their ongoing research at Hollins. Preregister for the Zoom meeting link.
Also from 4:45 – 5:45 p.m., faculty and senior majors in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science will talk about “Exploring Research in Math, Statistics, and Data Science.” Students will make short presentations about the current state of their research, and faculty will speak briefly about their own research areas. Preregister for the Zoom meeting link.
“Senior Research Presentations” (6:30 – 7:30 p.m., ET) will highlight two Hollins seniors who are exploring research projects at the intersection of biology, environmental science, and mathematics/statistics. Preregister for the Zoom meeting link.
Day Three of the Science Seminar, Wednesday, April 7, will be devoted to research in chemistry/physics and psychology. “Exploring Research in Chemistry and Physics” (4:45 – 5:45 p.m., ET) features chemistry and physics faculty in a conversation about their areas of research followed by separate discussions with students presenting research posters. Preregister for the Zoom meeting link.
“Exploring Research in Psychology,” also from 4:45 – 5:45 p.m., spotlights faculty research, student research posters, and various research opportunities for students. Preregister for the Zoom meeting link.
That evening from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., ET, “Senior Research Presentations” will showcase two seniors who are conducting research projects in chemistry and psychology. Preregister for the Zoom meeting link.
On Thursday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m., ET, the 63rd Annual Science Seminar will conclude with a keynote presentation by Susan Campbell, an assistant professor of animal and poultry sciences at Virginia Tech, entitled “Mechanism of Seizure Development: Switching Roles and Gut Feelings.” Campbell completed her Ph.D. in neurobiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her scientific career has been focused on studying epilepsy and mechanisms involved in seizure development. Campbell’s research group is investigating novel mechanisms that lead to seizure development by combining electrophysiology and clinically relevant seizure models. Preregister for the Zoom meeting link.
