Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville 2006 Research Poster Day in the Ullsvik Center on March 21 featured 26 research projects, most of which were collaborative endeavors between faculty and students. Many of these projects will go on to be displayed at the annual "Posters in the Rotunda" event in the state capitol in Madison on April 25; some will also be presented at the UW system-wide research symposium at the University of Wisconsin-Stout on May 5.

Kathy Lomax, director of UW-Platteville's Office of Sponsored Programs, which hosts the yearly event, said Research Poster Day is an opportunity for students to work closely with scholars doing hands-on research, as well as hone their presentation skills. "Students get to work with faculty in a way that broadens their knowledge and inspires them to further education. Students can also use this venue to prepare for professional meetings they will have in their careers or future roles as educators. As visitors view the projects on display, students have to be ready to articulate the purpose and process behind the work. That gives them good practice," she explained. Emily Freehauf, a junior majoring in chemistry-criminalistics who has been conducting gene research with Chanaka Mendis, professor of chemistry, said her experience has been an important complement to her classroom education. "Whether it is learning a new technique, using a new machine or instrument, or going to a national conference to present your work, the lessons learned are invaluable. A lot of the techniques I have learned through doing research have helped me better understand the concepts taught in class. My research advisor, Dr. Chanaka Mendis, has helped me to use research as a catalyst for my plans for the future. He is very supportive of his students' projects and our overall academic success," Freehauf said.

Ryan Bonell, a senior majoring in environmental engineering, also finds his research experiences important in helping him understand his coursework. He worked with two EMS faculty members in researching the amount of petroleum-based pollutants generated in bilge water from boats and how to remove them before they enter the environment. "I was able to combine information taken from a number of different courses and apply it to my research problem. I was able to work with two faculty members, Dr. Parker and Dr. Cornett. By working with faculty members on a hands-on project, I was able to gain valuable information which most likely would not be taught in classes," Bonell said.

Many faculty members shared the view that research experience is an important component in preparing students for their careers. Hisham A. Abdel-Aal, professor of engineering, is working in the field of tribology, which investigates failure phenomena that are due to friction and wear. "Research broadens the scope of application and ties theory to practical application. In engineering, one has to always be in contact with innovations and modern trends, which may literally change every single day. Research helps to sharpen students' mental abilities and helps them to discover things that they don't know exist, that of the ability to add to the human knowledge database through their own innovation and ingenuity," Abdel-Aal said.

Rhea Presiado, associate professor of geography, agreed that research helps to cultivate skills which will be needed in the 21st century. Presiado conducts research on the biogeography of brittle stars. "Undergraduate research emphasizes skills that today's students need in the digital age. These include digital age literacy, acquisition and use of information, inventive thinking, effective communications, interpersonal skills, high productivity and understanding of complex inter-relationships," Presiado explained. Anyone interested in learning more about this or future UWP research endeavors may contact Lomax at (608) 342-1456.

Contact: Kathy Lomax, director, UWP Office of Sponsored Programs, (608) 342-1456, lomax@uwplatt.edu,

Prepared By: Evelyn Martens, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, martense@uwplatt.edu