Clockwise from top left: Students post for photos after the awards ceremony; Suzanne Simard signs a copy of her book after her keynote address; student researchers present their posters; a mule stands outside Jesse Hall during the Santa Fe Trail historical exhibit.
Students who participate in research during their academic careers learn important skills like data collection, professionalism and how to present their work to a variety of audiences.
From April 8-12, more than 500 University of Missouri students presented a research project or creative work at Show Me Research Week, the campus’s primary student-centered interdisciplinary research event. Beyond student presentations, the week featured keynote speakers, life sciences exhibits, an inclusive fashion display, art showcases, faculty panels, professional development opportunities and more.
Ruth Williamson presented on urban forest bathing. Her goal is to help bridge the gap between plants and people by showing the health benefits of spending intentional time in nature.
What sets this week apart is the coming together of just about every discipline on campus — a student who studied the effects of school lunch funding on education outcomes could be presenting next to someone whose project deals with the intricacies of the COVID-19 virus.
“Show Me Research week was a great low-pressure environment to learn how to communicate my research,” Ruth Williamson, a junior studying plant sciences said. “It made me think through how to talk about my research so others not in my field could understand. I also had a great time hearing about research from other departments looking into topics I hadn't ever thought about!”
None of this student research would be possible without the help and counsel of faculty mentors, who teach their mentees how to collect and interpret data and put these projects together.
Dee Sharrock
Dee Sharrock, assistant clinical professor of clinical and diagnostic sciences, mentored several presenters. Her students, who are studying diagnostic medical ultrasound, wrote case studies from interesting cases they’ve been involved with at their clinical sites, and will submit them to the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
“I love mentoring students because it is so fulfilling to see their growth over seven semesters in our program. Their excitement is contagious!” Sharrock said. “Helping students prepare an interesting case study for a poster to present at Show Me Research Week or a conference helps bring recognition to the DMU program and our amazing students. Most of the population thinks ultrasound is only for pregnancy, and it is always great to bring awareness about the field to the public.”
Congratulations to all who presented their hard work! View the list of award winners.
Here's a roundup of all the campus wide coverage of Show Me Research Week:
Show Me Mizzou
Video of Textile and Apparel Management's exhibit featuring accessible fashion.
Seven things to do at Show Me Research Week.
College of Education and Human Development
Photo gallery of presenting students.
College of Engineering
Mizzou Engineering students take honors at Show Me Research Week 2024.
CAFNR
Photo gallery of School of Natural Resources exhibits.
Additional photos of SNR exhibits.
College of Health Sciences
Instagram video challenging students to explain their research in 10 seconds or less.
Honors college
Photo gallery of honors college students presenting posters.