WTAMU will be hosting the 8th Annual Student Research Symposium on Oct. 22 and 23.
Several universities within the Texas A&M system will be in attendance.
“The Texas A&M University System Pathways Conference is an annual A&M system event sponsored by the Dean’s of the TAMU System Graduate Schools,” Dr. Angela Spaulding, dean of Graduate School and Research said.
This year WT hosts the event. Students in all levels of study from undergraduate and up will be able to participate.
“The conference provides incentive for students to undertake research, to communicate with others about their research, to expand conference presentation and research experience and to benefit from the research knowledge of TAMU faculty within their discipline,” Spaulding said.
Registration begins Oct. 22 morning at 10 a.m. in the Mary Moody Northern Hall. The Welcome and Opening Ceremony will be given by Texas A&M System and West Texas A&M University also in MMNH. Who?
In addition to the students presenting at the event, many groups, organizations, and classes will be assisting with the set-up, registration and support. Capt estimates an additional 100 students will be volunteering to with the event.
“All of the research sessions will take place in the Classroom Center on the second, third and fourth floors,” Capt said. “We will also be hosting WT’s infamous pitchfork fondue on the pedestrian mall for a barbeque dinner and local country western band.”
Two Texas A&M University System faculty, within the area of study the presentation falls under, will judge the presentations. There are five categories on the rubric, abstract, poster content, poster appearance/clarity, poster organization and presenter’s oral presentation. Each category will receive a score between one and twelve. The maximum total points that can be obtained are 60.
“The scores are tabulated and overall winners will be selected based on the different discipline categories,” Spaulding said. “Winning presentations are awarded cash prizes of $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place.”
Even though cash prizes are awarded, Spaulding believes that the real focus of the conference is on the interaction between the presenters and the faculty as it relates to research design and results.
“Participating students will find new opportunities to increase their research understanding and knowledge,” Spaulding said.
The public is welcome to view the research posters and speak to researchers and faculty. Many of the universities will have informational tables set-up to answer questions from anyone interested in pursuing higher degrees. The entertainment and meals are closed to the general public.
