faculty and staff at research fair

Faculty Research Expo attracts hundreds of undergraduates

More than 50 faculty researchers shared their work and discussed available undergraduate research opportunities at Chapman University’s annual Faculty Research Expo


In a high-level style of show-and-tell, more than 50 faculty researchers shared their work and discussed available undergraduate research opportunities at Chapman University’s annual Faculty Research Expo held Wednesday afternoon in Beckman Hall.

faculty and staff talking about research

Students keen to participate in research visit with Associate Professor Marco Bisoffi, Ph.D., whose chief area of interest is molecular cancer research.


With appetizer plates full of hummus and chips in hand, more than 200 students attended the lively expo and checked out projects ranging from studies examining the growth of pancreatic cancer cells to projects investigating optimism’s influence on cardiovascular health.

Perusing such relevant research opportunities was exciting, said biochemistry major Caroline Bronson ’18 from Nevada City, Calif.

“I really want to do research because I’m off to medical school, hopefully. And research is a necessity. This is really impressive,” Bronson said, as she browsed the expo. “I think it’s what sets Chapman apart.”

In addition to helping with graduate school applications and future careers, engaging with faculty research is a form of experiential learning that moves beyond the classroom and deepens students’ knowledge and furthers the intellectual life of the campus community, expo organizers said.

“What I found most heartening was to see students talking with faculty across disciplinary boundaries, curious about what’s going on and what might interest them. It was also terrific to see faculty mingling and talking about their research with colleagues in other departments. I felt a sense of community based on our intellectual and creative interests,” said Leahy, who co-directs undergraduate research with Christopher S. Kim, Ph.D., director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and an associate professor in Schmid College of Science & Technology.

The next undergraduate research event will be the semiannual Student Research Day on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Details are available at the
Office of Undergraduate Research
website.

Dawn Bonker

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