Students unveil accomplished research

HOPE HIGHLIGHTS SCHOLARLY ACCOMPLISHMENTS — Dylan Sabo (‘19) showcases his research focus on cell mutation “Regulations of Systems” to attendees alongside 200+ student projects (Alayna Parson-Valles)

Hope College welcomed students, guests and community members to its 17th annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Performances. The event took place in DeVos Fieldhouse, past Friday displaying 247 presentations by 382 students from 28 different departments and programs.

Popcorn, pretzels and other snacks and sugary beverages were offered to attendees as they browsed the accomplishments of the talented Hope students. Projects were presented through posters created by the student groups. The presenting students received waves of support from their fellow peers and friends. The event was lively and full of excitement.

Each project described original and creative scholarship from topics pursued by the students with faculty guidance.

The faculty was dedicated to the students during the research process, guiding and caring for the students as they embarked on  one of the most transformative learning experiences of their academic career. Students share the importance of the faculty’s influence on them in the development of innovative projects.

Research stretched across all fields. The celebration’s artistic pursuits involved portrayals of women in medieval literature or a dance focus of “How We Create.” Guests chowed down on hot dogs while exploring  memory studies and political influence of foreign aid. The celebration offered something for everyone’s interest. H

ope is nationally recognized for the quality of its undergraduate research  program. The college received its 2017 campus-wide Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments (AURA) from the Council of Undergraduate Research. Only nine colleges and universities nationwide, three per year, have received the recognition since the award program began. Hope is the only institution to have earned this award in Michigan and is extremely honored to share this elite award with its students who made it possible.

Students in the past have received national recognition for their research accomplishments. This includes the NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, Fulbright Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and professional society awards. Students traveled to Chicago previously to display their research to a larger area before returning to share their findings with the Holland community.

The presenting students dressed to impress in their best professional attire. Students put on large smiles while unveiling all they’ve learned this past year.