One Binghamton senior says Research Days give students an opportunity to learn more about themselves as well as about work going on all over campus.
“Originally I didn’t think that I would be doing research and was only interested because my professor invited me,” Jonathan Gaughan says. “But throughout the years, [after] presenting at other conferences, I started to really like it more. Research Days was really helpful because it was a low-stress way to see what research was about.”
Gaughan, who’s majoring in integrative neuroscience, studies human sexuality and will be participating in Research Days for the third time this year. Through presenting at Research Days, Gaughan was also awarded opportunities to join other conferences, including the Association for Psychological Science and the American Psychological Association.
Taking place April 26-April 30 this year, Research Days showcases the research of Binghamton University students and faculty across all fields of study. Leading up to the student poster sessions on April 30, there will be events sponsored by different departments across the University. Featured programs include talks on smart energy and cancer therapies, presentations by student curators at the Art Museum, a panel discussion about community-engaged research and the second annual 3 Minute Thesis contest.
You can find the full schedule of Research Days online.
“A lot of times when you’re doing research, you’re talking to other people who are familiar with the area you’re studying,” says Valerie Imbruce, director of the Undergraduate Research Center and chair of the Research Days committee. “With Research Days, it’s all students across the entire University, so students gain an understanding of how to communicate specialty knowledge to people who come from different ways of thinking.”
The ability to communicate research effectively goes beyond conferences and can be applied to many different tasks in a student’s life.
Brittany Brems, a senior majoring in biochemistry, will pursue a doctorate in medicinal chemistry at Northeastern University after graduation.
“Research has definitely helped with a lot of classes,” she says. “Most times, I have to write papers or create a presentation, and it has made me more comfortable with what I have to talk about as well as more confident.”
This year’s Research Days will be online for the second year in a row. While traditionally held in person, the Research Days committee has made adjustments to accommodate COVID safety protocols.
Kimberly Jaussi, associate professor of organizational behavior and leadership in the School of Management and collegiate professor, sees research and Research Days as an opportunity for students to grow and adopt research as a part of their identity.
As the collegiate professor of the Dickinson Community, Jaussi established the Dickinson Research Team, or DIRT. DIRT, which is open to students from all majors who live in Dickinson, helps students gain an understanding of how to do research. Students in the group present at the poster session during Research Days every year.
Jaussi advises students who are participating in the poster session to show pride in their work and not be afraid to talk about the details of what they’ve done.
“Connect with the people who are asking about your research and be sure to share what you’re passionate about within your research,” Jaussi says, “and others will feel your passion.”
