BOONE, N.C.—More than 40 undergraduate Appalachian State University students attended the 13th Annual State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium held at Campbell University in November.

The disciplines they represented included biology, computer science, economics, English, applied design, physics and astronomy, and sustainable development.

“Student-faculty engagement in research, scholarship and creative expression is a hallmark of the Appalachian undergraduate student experience,” said Provost Darrell Kruger. “These high-impact academic experiences are truly transformational. They prepare our graduates to enter the workforce or graduate school equipped to improve the world.”

Among the students was Daniel Mabe, a senior physics major from Winston-Salem who researched the isotopes of carbon and oxygen in planet-forming regions around young stars.

He said the experience taught him valuable research skills needed for graduate school and a scientific career, as well as time management and work accountability.

“Through working with a faculty member (Dr. Rachel Smith), I have learned how to properly conduct and present research in a professional setting. While I had conducted research before, presenting the research was a new trial. My mentor was able to help me with the entire process of creating the poster as well as general presentation skills,” Mabe said.

Appalachian was among 39 academic institutions attending the symposium. Students from across the state delivered over 370 research/creative performance presentations, with Appalachian hosting the second largest number of undergraduate research presentations.

About student research at Appalachian

Appalachian State University encourages faculty-mentored student research, which provides students with the opportunity to work side by side with faculty on meaningful research or creative endeavors. These projects often result in presentations, performances or exhibitions at regional, national and international conferences and events. Students who engage in research are able to apply knowledge from the classroom into real-world experiences and learn how to problem-solve, effectively communicate and analyze complex issues. Appalachian’s Office of Student Research (OSR) was established in 2005 to expand the opportunities necessary for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research and creative activities at Appalachian. Learn more at https://osr.appstate.edu.

Economics seniors present at Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium

Appalachian seniors Alaina Doyle and Anthony Santelle traveled to Campbell University Nov. 4 to present their research at the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS). Both Doyle and Santelle are earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics through the Walker College of Business.

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About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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