NHS Student Research Celebration

The College of Natural and Health Sciences’ (NHS’) Student Research Celebration honors noteworthy research by NHS undergraduate and graduate students as well as exemplary research mentoring by NHS Faculty. Fundraising associated with the event benefits the NHS Student Research Celebration Fund.

The third annual event took place on April 10, 2008 in conjunction with the University’s Student Research Day and Academic Excellence Week. The banquet was attended by roughly 136 individuals from the University and community, and a larger number of individuals participated in the student poster session. The evening began with student poster presentations by 28 NHS undergraduate and graduate students. These top scholars were selected by their programs and Schools for this special recognition. The poster presentations were followed by a banquet to honor the value of student research. Dr. Denise Battles, Dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences, opened the banquet. She then introduced Kay Norton, President of the University, who extended a welcome and spoke about the benefits of research and the opportunities that UNC offers in advancing student research.

The evening included speeches from two student speaker honorees: Michael Bradshaw, an undergraduate student in the School of Biological Sciences, and Nissa Yestness, a graduate student in the School of Mathematical Sciences. Both students spoke about their research and the personal and societal benefits of their research.

The event was concluded by honoring the two Faculty Research Mentors of the Year. Dr. Susan Keenan, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, was recognized as the Faculty Mentor of the Year for Undergraduate Research, while Dr. Jennifer Clarke, Professor of Biological Sciences, was honored as the Faculty Mentor of the Year for Graduate Research. Dr. Clarke spoke regarding the importance of faculty mentoring.

This year's Student Research Celebration was attended by several members of Greeley Centennial Rotary and their guests. Greeley Centennial Rotary sponsors the event, and the College appreciates its generous support.

NHS would like to extend congratulations to all of the poster presenters, student speakers, and faculty mentor nominees and honorees. Please view the program from the 2008 Student Research Celebration for a complete list of nominees and honorees.

NHS Third Annual Student Research Celebration Poster Presenters

NHS Ambassadors meet and greet guests at the poster session.	Chemistry Professor David Pringle listens intently to Tamara Rewerts describe her research.
Kirsten Adkisson from ASLS presents her research on hearing loss among healthcare professionals.	Earth Sciences student Byron Straw discusses his research on Colorado climate.
Math and Nursing Faculty converse at the poster session.	Mathematics student Sonia Kumar talks about her Geometry based research.
SES student Brendan Dwyer discusses his research on Fantasy Football participation.	President Kay Norton and SES Professor Dianna Gray enjoy the poster presentations.
Nursing student Bret Lyman presents his research on Nursing Education.	Biology student Jamie LeRoy discusses her research on snake venom.
The Pikes Peak Ballroom is full of attendees at the banquet.
Dean Denise Battles welcomes the banquet attendees.	UNC President Kay Norton shares her views on the benefits of student research at UNC.
Susan Keenan receives her award for Faculty Mentor of the Year for Undergraduate Research.	Jennifer Clarke poses with husband Steve Mackessy and research student Kate Wiliamson after receiving her award for Faculty Research Mentor of the Year for Graduate Research.
Student speakers Mike Bradshaw and Nissa Yestness.	Jennifer Clarke speaks about the importance of faculty mentoring.