October 20, 2017

Student research is focus of Natural Sciences symposium

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The wonders of our natural world and our attempts to understand more about it will be on display during a symposium next month at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The Natural Sciences Student Research Symposium is set for Friday, Nov. 3 at Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

Graduate and undergraduate students will highlight their work during the symposium, which is aimed at those studying natural and life sciences in nine departments at SIU.  Robin Warne, associate professor of zoology and organizer of the event, said it’s an important opportunity for students.

“This is a great symposium for students to present their research,” Warne said. “Last year we had 22 talks and 21 posters by graduate and undergraduate students from eight departments, including zoology, plant biology, microbiology, geography and environmental resources, and forestry.”

Oral presentations will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a poster session that will last until 4:30 p.m.

Nathan Muchhala assistant professor of biology at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, will give a keynote address from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Muchhala studies the evolutionary ecology of pollination systems.

Following the keynote address, staff will serve hors d'oeuvres and drinks. During this time, organizers also will announce winners for best oral and poster presentations, as well as other awards. Oral presentation and poster winners will each receive a travel award to present their work at a national meeting.

Students can register here to participate. Deadline to register for oral presentation is Friday Oct. 27. Organizers will accept posters until Nov. 1.

For more information, contact Warne at rwarne@siu.edu.