04-16-2023 Education - Flipbook - Page 8
8 The Baltimore Sun | Sunday, April 16, 2023
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Salisbury University students at Posters on the Bay, with SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
Salisbury University student Jenna Feinauer speaks with Maryland Governor Wes Moore at Posters on the Bay.
Maryland’s new governor discovers how
SU students are shaping tomorrow
Salisbury University
S
alisbury University students have special opportunities through research
to delve deep into their passions,
address unmet needs in the world
and make a difference in causes that
matter to them.
The research of SU students recently caught
the attention of Maryland Governor Wes
Moore, who was a surprise guest at SU’s annual
Posters on the Bay showcase in Annapolis.
The latest event gave 29 SU students the
opportunity to share their research projects for
Maryland senators, delegates, alumni, family
and friends. Projects covered a wide variety of
social, health and economic issues, including zero waste initiatives, aiding the youth
homelessness crisis and addressing LGBTQIA+
discrimination.
“I feel like I am seeing a need in the community, and I plan to help that need,” said SU student Tiah Coates, who presented her research
on government funding for mental health and
systemic bias. “My department at SU has been
great. I truly do love my professors, and they
have helped me get on the right path for where
I want to go to next.”
Beyond giving students experience with
conducting and presenting their research,
Posters on the Bay allows SU students to bring
awareness to topics they are passionate about
and explore how undergraduate research can
influence their communities and state. Students
like psychology major Jaedyn Messer appreciated the response they got from state representatives.
“I’ve presented research before, but never
to Maryland lawmakers,” Messer said. “This
opportunity provides a different perspective
based on the feedback they may have.”
SU students were especially excited for
the opportunity to present their research to
Governor Moore, who spoke to each presenter
about their work and their future.
“I want to welcome you to Annapolis and
share how proud I am of your work,” he said.
“The research you’ve done is noticed and appreciated. Thank you for allowing me to spend this
time with you. You are among the best this state
Maryland
Leaders
Connect With
SU Tomorrow
Makers
At Salisbury University, doors are
open wide to research, travel, and
hands-on, experiential learning. At SU’s
2023 Posters on the Bay showcase,
students shared their research with
alumni, Maryland legislators and
Governor Wes Moore.
Opportunities like these distinguish
SU graduates from their peers, better
preparing them for tomorrow.
Make Tomorrow Yours
...............................
Go to salisbury.edu/visit
Salisbury University is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.
has to offer and are our future.”
An initiative of SU’s Office of Undergraduate
Research and Creative Activity (OURCA), SU’s
Posters on the Bay began in 2018 as a way for
students to interact with legislators and others,
while state leaders have a chance to learn about
their research.
“It’s an honor to have Governor Moore
speaking to our students about their research,”
said SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre.
“Posters on the Bay allows SU students to highlight topics they are passionate about and demonstrate to legislators and others the impact
undergraduate research has on our community
and across the state.”
The research community at SU is unlike
that at other universities. SU’s smaller, more
student-focused environment is a special place
where students develop long-term relationships
with their mentors. Instead of being assistants
to faculty researchers, SU students are leaders
of their own projects, delving into their interests
and taking part in opportunities that don’t just
look good on a resume, but are directly related
to what they want to do in their careers.
“I think undergraduate research is really
critical for education, because it helps students
to extend their study beyond the classroom,”
said Dr. Rhyannon Bemis, director of OURCA.
“Our office encourages students to get involved
in research and will help connect them to the
right opportunities.”
SU sponsors a number of graduate and
undergraduate student research projects
throughout the year through various funding sources, including the Office of Graduate
Studies and Research. Those interested in
undergraduate research opportunities may
learn more about OURCA at www.salisbury.
edu/ourca.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to
Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.