By Eva Agcaoili / Staff Writer

Missouri Valley College’s Student Research Symposium proposal deadline is approaching, with submissions being closed at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 31.

The Student Research Symposium is a bi-annual academic conference for the Valley community to present and discuss their research to other academic professionals. 

All undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty members, are encouraged to apply. The link for the application can be found on Valley’s website under Academics.

Dr. Claire Schmidt, Co-Chair of the Student Research Symposium Committee, explained the importance behind presenting academic research at conferences.

“One of the things we offer is mentorship,” she said. “When students lean into that research relationship, it gives them an academic network that makes them really competitive when applying for jobs or graduate schools.”

Dr. Cynthia Bice, Vice President of Academic Affairs, emphasised how important participation is for everyone.

“Every single student is going to have to sell themselves in job interviews when they graduate,” she said. “Research and understanding the nature of research is vital to our everyday lives.” 

Both Schmidt and Bice encourage students who aren’t sure about presenting yet to try and submit. 

“It could be something simple, you could tie it to your major or your hobby,” Bice said. “Just get something in.”

Schmidt lists resources for students to get help with their proposal such as: reaching out to students on the committee that are in their major, talking to faculty and staff in the library and student success, and looking on the Student Research Symposium page on the website.

“Abstracts are 150 words and are a digital footprint, a line on your CV that is a measurable sign of excellence,” Schmidt said. 

For more information contact Schmidt at schmidtc@moval.edu.