NEWS

Louisiana Tech University’s Honors College recently hosted its annual Undergraduate Research and Service-Learning Symposium, an event showcasing the academic research, scholarly activity, and service-learning experiences of students from all five of the University’s colleges. Through presentations and networking opportunities, students shared their work with peers, faculty, and community members, gaining valuable experience in communicating research beyond their disciplines.

“Academically, it’s important for students to disseminate what they’ve been studying,” Ashton Thomas, student experience coordinator for the Honors College, said. “They don’t exist within the vacuum of their one discipline or lab. Events like this allow them to present their work to an audience outside their field, strengthening their ability to communicate their research effectively.”

This year’s event saw an increase in participation compared last year, reinforcing the growing awareness and appreciation of student research at Louisiana Tech. Beyond the academic benefits, the symposium also provided professional growth opportunities. Students and faculty across Louisiana Tech had the opportunity to learn from each other’s research topics and make connections they may not be able to make otherwise.

For many students, the symposium served as a valuable stepping stone toward their future careers. Participant Kaylie Canerday shared how the experience shaped her view on her research.

“It’s been amazing to see how vast my field is and how much there is to learn,” Canerday said. “I’ve been working on this for almost five months, so seeing it come to fruition and having people outside my field take interest is incredibly gratifying.”

Bridget Adeola, another participant, echoed similar sentiments about the impact of the symposium.

“The most rewarding part of my research experience has been sharing my work with the Ruston community and educating people about the effects of plastic on wildlife,” Adeola said. “Having my research recognized feels like a full-circle moment and it’s amazing to see all my hard work pay off.”

By providing a platform for students to share their work and connect with peers and mentors, the Undergraduate Research and Service-Learning Symposium continues to cultivate an academic environment that prepares students for future success.

For more information about the Honors College, visit online here.

View photos from the event on SmugMug.