More than a dozen students who worked over the summer on a variety of independent research projects — from the “Effect of Physical Activity on University Students” to the “Population Density of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles at UHWO” — presented their findings at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu Student Research Experience Summer Symposium, held Aug. 9 on campus.
Several UH West O‘ahu grant-funded programs provided Student Research Experiences (SREs), which supported a diverse group of projects this summer. SREs provide students with important hands-on training, professional development, mentorship, and cohort building.
The symposium, presented by the Hawaiʻi IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) and the Pūko‘a Kani ‘Āina grant funded by the National Science Foundation, celebrated the end of the summer research season and was an opportunity for student researchers to showcase their work for peers, mentors, friends, family, and administrators.
“Events like this and the Student Research Symposium (held every fall and spring semester) are vital to our students’ academic and professional success,” said Dr. Megan Ross, UH West O‘ahu INBRE co-coordinator and co-Principal Investigator for Pūko‘a Kani ‘Āina. “It helps them to build their communication skills and build a network of mentors and peers to advance their academic and career goals.”
The symposium began with a welcome from Ross and UH West O‘ahu INBRE co-coordinator Dr. Olivia George, followed by a few words from UH West O‘ahu Chancellor Maenette Benham.
“I wish all of you the very best today and, you know, it’s good to be uncomfortable, it’s good to challenge yourself a little bit,” Benham said. “But this is a celebratory time, as well. It’s a time to celebrate your achievements, your excellence this past summer.”
This year’s symposium had a great diversity of topics and approaches to research, Ross noted, fostering a transdisciplinary approach to research that builds all of the participants’ capacity to further their own work.
Students presented projects such as “Survey of Terrestrial Invetebrate Diversity at Kalaeloa National Wildlife Refuge,” “Studying Potencial Antibiotic-Producing Microorganisms Against Staphylococcus Species from Anchialine Pools on the Coasts of West O‘ahu,” and “Wai Ola: Tracking Essential Nutrients Through an Ahupua‘a.”
Students Jackie Tata and Janna Panganiban presented “Environmental conditions’ influence on the prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in molluscs,” which looked at a parasite they were researching and its prevalence in varying environments.
“It’s always good to show off your hard work,” said Tata, who is double majoring in pre-med and in Natural Science with a concentration in Life Science. … “It doesn’t matter what field you go into, it’s good to get that (research) information out into the public.”
The Kapolei resident, 36, said symposiums are a good way to do so and to practice presenting before varying-sized audiences. Tata has presented research projects in the past, and said students won‘t be as nervous or as anxious with each experience presenting.
“I was a mess the first time,” Tata said and laughed. “It does (get easier) and the more you become knowledgable, the more confident you become.”
Tata said she enjoyed working on their research project over the summer.
“If you find yourself a really good mentor, then it could make the overall experience a lot easier,” said Tata, who was mentored by both Ross and George.
Student presenter Hiwa Campbell also touched on the importance of having a great mentor; Campbell was mentored by George.
“She has created a space for me to ask every question I’d like without having to feel like I need to know better,” said Campbell, who is majoring in Natural Science with a concentration in Life Science. “She reminds me that through the undergraduate experience, I’m encouraged to make mistakes in order to learn.”
Campbell’s project was titled, “Analyzing Gene Expression of Cancerous and Non-Cancerous Cell Types Exposed to Cellular Disruptors: Bisphenol-A, Colchicine, and Taxol.” The project focused on the observation of mammalian cells’ — cancerous and non-cancerous — behaviors when they are exposed to the chemicals Bisphenol-A (BPA), Colchicine, and Taxol, which cause irregularities in the process of cell division.
“Presenting at symposiums allows us, as students, to fully break down the concepts we’ve learned through the research experience,” said Campbell, 26, of Kapolei. “It encourages us to make translations to our lab protocols and methods so that we are able to explain and teach others about our projects.”
Campbell continued, “This is an important skill to have for those of us who want to be scientists because it can carry over to teaching skills, presentation skills, speaking with concise intentionality, and establishing relationships with others inside and outside of our fields.”
To see photos from the event, visit the INBRE Summer 2024 Research Symposium album on Flickr.