DELAWARE, Ohio — Aubrey Gerhardt of East Aurora was among the student-scientists presenting original research at Ohio Wesleyan University’s 31st annual Patricia Belt Conrades Summer Science Research Symposium.
Gerhardt presented “Identification and Characterization of New Nematodes” conducted at Ohio Wesleyan. Gerhardt is a Genetics, Biochemistry – Basic, and Music major .
The university’s Sept. 28 symposium featured more than 40 OWU students discussing their original research and answering questions at the two-hour event.
Laura Tuhela-Reuning, director of the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP), shared her thoughts on the value of such mentored research experiences in the symposium’s abstract book.
“One of the most rewarding parts of SSRP for me is watching the students grow as scientists, seeing them take command of a research project, and knowing that they are gaining the confidence to speak and act as scientists,” Tuhela-Reuning said. “Science cannot be learned solely from a book. Science must be experienced through research, and at OWU, we encourage students to plunge in, preparing them to be successful researchers both at OWU and at other universities.”
The Summer Science Research Symposium was held as part of Ohio Wesleyan’s second annual daylong OWU Connection Conference. The conference enabled students to share how their participation in the university’s signature experience – the OWU Connection – is helping them to create the personal and professional futures they seek.
The OWU Connection, part of the university’s general education curriculum, is designed to help students think big (understand complex issues from multiple academic disciplines), do good (volunteer to help others), go global (gain international perspective), and get real (translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning).
Learn more about the OWU Connection and Connection Conference at www.owu.edu/OWUConnection and more about the Summer Science Research Program and annual symposium at www.owu.edu/ssrp.
Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature program, The OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives” and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “Best Colleges” lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at www.owu.edu/experts or learn more at www.owu.edu.
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