On Wednesday, Nov. 6, Southern Utah University hosted their annual Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Natural Sciences Research Symposium in the Hunter Alumni Center.
Dan Hermansen was the keynote speaker at the event. He is an SUU alumni who graduated in 2012 with the aim of becoming a physician. While practicing at Primary Children’s Hospital and furthering his education to earn his Advanced EMT certification, he discovered medical illustration. He changed his career path and secured a position at OSSO VR, a company that uses virtual reality to practice medical operations without needing a real patient. After sharing his story, he explained his three key principles in life.
“Number one, find your mission. Each of us has a mission,” said Hermansen. “Each of us has that thing inside that drives us forward… your personal mission is just as important as the mission statement of any company, of a country, of any organization … If you ever find a point where you’re not fulfilling that mission, then maybe take a pause, and ask the question, does my mission need to change or do I need to course correct back?”
“Number two, live your passion,” he continued. “ All of you have something, some other part of you that differentiates you from the people around you, and that difference is your strength. Take that, and find how it intersects with your passions.”
Hermansen concluded with the role of mentors in your life’s journey. “And then my last point is to know your people … teachers and mentors will share their knowledge and experience to help you avoid the mistakes they’ve seen. Your peers are your collaborators. They are the ones joining you on this journey.”
After Hermansen finished his address, he stood at the front for questions. Guests walked around the building and enjoyed refreshments. Undergraduate students who submitted research to the symposium stood at posters in the Great Hall or gave oral presentations in rooms on the lower floor.
The guests wandered between different presentations, asking questions and learning more about each project. There were 16 poster presentations on topics like algae filtration, efficacy of anxiety-reducing methods and virtual reality for chemical education. Then, there were oral presentations every 15 minutes on research, including the role of medical students in research, designer proteins and a physics video game designed by a professor.
The College of Natural Sciences welcomes undergraduate students hoping to go beyond the typical course load and conduct research. The college will help students conduct and present their research projects by assisting with finances and supplies.
Any student can apply to present their research at a future conference. Students must first talk with a college professor about their research idea, and they will work together to create a presentation and apply.
Author and Photographer: Maddi Munro
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
Copy Editor: Kayd Johanson
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