The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs kicks off its new, monthly “Raider Research Series” on Friday, Sept. 8, to help showcase the MTSU faculty’s prodigious research efforts to campus faculty, students and staff. 

The first event of the series will be from 3 to 4 p.m. Sept. 8 at the MT Center in the Sam H. Ingram Building on campus at 2269 Middle Tennessee Blvd. The next two events are slated for Friday, Oct. 13, and Friday, Nov. 10, at the same time and location. 

Each of the one-hour sessions will feature faculty presentations, a Q&A session and refreshments. Those interested in attending the free event should register at https://tinyurl.com/mu8cfwfx. 

Katie Medrano, office coordinator, said David Butler, vice provost for research, first came up with the idea for the series “as a way for researchers at MTSU to share their projects with peers and students while also allowing those interested in research to connect with one another,” Medrano said. 

The office staff are especially encouraging members of the campus community who are new to research to attend. 

“Attendees will become aware of research happenings on campus as well as have the chance to network with other individuals involved in or interested in research,” she said.

September’s event will feature the work of chemistry faculty Kevin Bicker and Keying Ding. 

Bicker said he is always excited for the opportunity to share the hard work of his research students and hopes attendees will get some perspective on the type of research happening at MTSU. 

“Research success and growth is vitally important to the preparation of our students, provides meaningful contributions to our region and broader community and elevates the profile of the university, which aids in student recruitment,” Bicker said. “So, any effort the university is making to highlight and promote research is a worthwhile effort, and I’m happy to participate in it.”

In addition, Ding hopes to give the attendees a deeper understanding of her expertise — inorganic and organometallic chemistry. 

“I aim to spark curiosity, inspire interdisciplinary connections and nurture a lasting fascination for scientific discovery,” Ding said.

To learn more about the workshops and training available through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, visit the website at https://www.mtsu.edu/research/workshops.php. 

To learn more about all opportunities at the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, visit the main website at https://www.mtsu.edu/research/. 

— Stephanie Wagner (Stephanie.Wagner@mtsu.edu)