On Monday, July 22, 2024, nearly 140 students presented research at the Illinois Summer Research Symposium (ISRS).
ISRS showcases cutting-edge research, achievement, and creativity of scholars from several summer programs hosted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois Chicago at the Illinois Conference Center. The schedule of events included poster presentation sessions, research talks, networking opportunities, and an awards ceremony.
"The Illinois Summer Research Symposium offers our summer research students a platform for visibility, networking, and professional growth," said Lisa Abston, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Graduate College. "The students present their work, receive expert feedback, and connect with peers, fostering a sense of pride, belonging, and community."
Christopher Span, Dean of the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, delivered the keynote address to a full room of future scholars, sharing lessons from his personal path and from his research that focuses on the educational history of African Americans, particularly during the 19th century.
Span is a well-known and respected for his research, teaching and leadership, and no stranger to U of I. Formerly he was professor in the Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership and an associate dean in the College of Education University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While at Illinois, Span mentored 68 doctoral degree recipients and continues to inspire many more individuals on their educational journey.
Span's visit to ISRS was significant in more ways than one.
"Dr. Span was and continues to be a pillar at the University of Illinois," said Danté Studamire, Assistant Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Graduate College. "He has the unique ability to humanize the educational experience while tackling some of our time's most challenging institutional situations. He brings a lens informed by history, personal experience, and levity to masterfully craft policy and curate safe spaces for students to ensure healthy matriculation. On a personal note, it's a full circle moment for me to be able to invite him back to keynote ISRS as Dr. Span was my introduction to the university, serving as my mentor in the Summer Predoctoral Institute. He's been integral to my development as a student and administrator, and I know that his words will inspire our participants in the same way."
ISRS participants were inspired by Span's address, the collaborative nature of research at Illinois, and opportunities to network across disciplines while building professional skills. According to Monserrat Gonzalez-Gutierrez, a Summer Predoctoral Institute scholar, "[ISRS] was the first time, after so many times practicing and doing research, that I felt more confident in what I was saying and what I was doing, and less self-conscious about what I'm researching."
Following an inspiring keynote address and insightful presentations, the day concluded with a much-anticipated announcement of the Symposium's award winners.
The 2024 Illinois Summer Research Symposium Winners are:
Graduate Research Talk:
1st Place
- Florence Amene Adibu - From Dependents to Providers: Exploring the Stories of African Immigrant Youth Navigating American Healthcare During COVID-19 and Beyond
2nd Place
- Kass Gonzalez - Is Your Trust Weatherproof?: Disability Preparedness and Support Before and After Disasters
3rd Place
- Cade Boggan - Experimental Battery Cell Characterization Validation for Electric Aircraft Simulation
Undergraduate Research Talk:
1st Place
- Athena Thai - Challenges to Implementing Trauma-Informed Practices: Serving Students of Color in School-Based Settings
2nd Place
- Esmeralda Villagomez Lopez - Examining the Association between Mentorship and University Belonging among Latinx First-Generation College Students at a Hispanic Serving Institution
3rd Place
- Janel Amari Dawson - To Speak or to Die: The Resurrection of Robert Charles
Undergraduate Poster Presentation:
1st Place
- Jaiden Curlin - Quantifying Exposure of Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid on Striatal and Hippocampal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in CD-1 Mice
2nd Place
- Nathan Batres - Utilizing a Lean Management Approach to Influence Production in a Multilingual, High-Growth Food Company
3rd Place
- Shanon Jordan - Understanding the Benefits of Black Educators for Black Students
The Graduate College would like to thank participating programs, Illinois programs and mentors, and the DEI staff in the Graduate College: Lisa R. Abston, Danté Studamire, Joann Bandales, and Renee Hart.