Students Present at Annual Scholarship and Research Symposium

Student researchers took center stage in the Schimmel/Conrades Science Center Atrium on September 24 as Ohio Wesleyan University hosted the annual Patricia Belt Conrades Summer Scholarship & Research Symposium.

The event featured rows of research posters spanning a wide array of academic disciplines, from organic chemistry to religious studies.

Ashton Galiffo presented research on the synthesis of (-)Drazepinone for protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibition, emphasizing the importance of sharing scientific findings outside the lab.

“It is so important for me to present these findings to other people in general because it has so much to do with real-world implications,” Galiffo said. “It allows me to show how my research can improve the lives of so many people.” 

Other presenters highlighted how summer research creates close collaboration with faculty. Colby Sprague showcased a project examining British Muslim Chaplaincy.

When asked about the experience, Sprague said the hands-on research changed how he viewed his role as a student.

“The most valuable part of doing this work was being able to get a better grasp on the topic with a faculty member and another group member,” Sprague said. “I was able to have great discussions and feel like a peer researching a complex topic rather than just a student taking a class.” 

The interactive setup also gave attendees a chance to engage directly with student presenters and explore work outside their own majors.

Brendon Hess, a junior biology major, noted that the symposium offers valuable perspective for the campus community.

“Events like this are important for OWU students to attend because of the various career paths and research possibilities it exposes them to,” Hess said.

Overall, the symposium connected months of summer academic labor with real-world presentation experience, giving students a platform to share their work with the university.