MTSU undergrads present STEM research, meet with state officials at Capitol

Nine Middle Tennessee State University undergraduate students and researchers, along with other undergraduates from public universities across the state, attended the annual Posters at the Capitol event held at the state Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., on Feb. 14, 2024, and took a photo with Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, front row center, after he shared remarks with the group. (Photo by Theresa Montgomery/Office of Gov. Bill Lee)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University undergraduate, STEM-based researchers recently got to showcase their talents, meet Tennessee. Gov. Bill Lee and tour the halls of state government at the annual Posters at the Capitol event.

Middle Tennessee State University undergraduate student researchers attended the Posters at the Capitol event held at the state Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., on Feb. 14, 2024. Standing, from the left, are Eden Anderson, Lindsey Tran, Rose Gutierrez, Ariel Nicastro, Sydney Robbins, Tori Bascou, Audrey Lauerhass, Cole Huddleston and Isaiah Kam. (Submitted photo)

The MTSU group of nine joined undergraduates from public universities across Tennessee at the Cordell Hull Building to share their projects spanning from cancer treatment to local waterway pollution and included Eden Anderson, Tori Bascou, Rose Gutierrez, Cole Huddleston, Isaiah Kam, Audrey Lauerhass, Ariel Nicastro, Sydney Robbins and Lindsey Tran.

Rose Gutierrez, a Middle Tennessee State University undergraduate student and researcher, poses for a photo of the Cordell Hull Building in between sharing her research into minimizing radiation side effects in cancer treatment at the annual Posters at the Capitol event held Feb. 14, 2024, at the state Capitol in Nashville, Tenn. (Submitted photo)

MTSU staff Jamie Burriss from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and Kevin Ragland and Casey Penston from the Tennessee STEM Education Center helped coordinate the Feb. 14 event and accompanied the students as they shared their research from the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

Rose Gutierrez, a senior in biology, said the research and presentation opportunities the university provides — such as the Posters event — through the Undergraduate Research Center have helped her better her professional skills and more.

“I have learned how to effectively communicate my research to those who have little to no knowledge about the subject,” said Gutierrez about her research into minimizing radiation damage in cancer care. “Getting to meet undergraduate students from different universities across Tennessee and learn about their research was one highlight for me. Another highlight of this event was being able to tour the Capitol and view where legislators spend their day-to-day life.”

Sydney Robbins, a Middle Tennessee State University undergraduate student and researcher, takes a photo with her research presentation poster outlining her work studying a detection method for toxic insecticide at the annual Posters at the Capitol event held Feb. 14, 2024, at the state Capitol in Nashville, Tenn. (Submitted photo)

Sydney Robbins, a forensic science senior, also expressed the benefits of these hands-on experiences to share her research into detection of a toxic insecticide.

“Posters at the Capitol gave me experience presenting research I am very passionate about, and I am very grateful for the opportunity,” Robbins said. “I got to meet great people and even receive encouragement from the Tennessee governor!”

Students Eden Anderson, Isaiah Kam, Tori Bascou and Audrey Lauerhass were even able to meet and share their research with state Sen. Dawn White, whose district serves Murfreesboro and MTSU.

Exceptional undergraduate research opportunities

Gutierrez and Robbins credited the support of the URC in the success of their academic research journeys.

“The URC offers a wide range of resources for students who are just starting out with research and for those who are experienced,” Gutierrez said. “In-house grants allow students to get paid while doing research … (and) are available to anyone in all departments, including those involved with creative projects. It is (also) always hosting workshops for students to learn more about the center and assist with writing abstracts, and Dr. Burriss (center director) is so supportive, encouraging, and willing to help anyone out with their project.”

“The URC gives students incredible resources and opportunities to get started in research much earlier than students at other universities are able to,” Robbins said. “The research experience supported by the URC is an invaluable addition to any student’s resume, CV (curriculum vitae) or application.”

Middle Tennessee State University undergraduate student researchers, from left, Eden Anderson, Isaiah Kam, Tori Bascou and Audrey Lauerhass share with state Sen. Dawn White of Murfreesboro, Tenn., about their research projects as part of the annual Posters at the Capitol event held at the state Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., on Feb. 14, 2024. (Submitted photo)

One of these larger, keystone events is on the horizon: Scholars Week, the universitywide celebration of scholarship with multiple research poster presentations, creative performances, awards and more, will take over campus March 11-15 with hundreds of students set to participate.

“I have gone to institutions and conferences where professors and professionals are shocked by the fact that undergraduate students at MTSU get to actually touch the scientific instruments for research projects that they will be the first author on,” said Robbins, who will continue at MTSU this fall pursuing her master’s in chemistry. “The research experience students get at MTSU is the exception and not the rule when it comes to undergraduate research.”

Learn more about Undergraduate Research Center at https://mtsu.edu/urc/, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at https://mtsu.edu/research/ and the Tennessee STEM Education Center at https://mtsu.edu/tsec/.

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