By Bradley Radu / Staff Writer 

At Missouri Valley College, the Student Research Symposium doubles as a real professional stepping-stone, giving students a place to share academic, creative, and career-focused work with the campus community.

It runs twice a year and welcomes original research, scholarly writing, creative pieces, performances, films, and visual art. The aim is straightforward: help students practice presenting like professionals and make sure their work gets seen.

“Our purpose is to support students through the process as they prepare to present their strongest work as professionals,” said Dr. Claire Schmidt, co-chair of the Student Research Symposium Committee.

She added that the committee works to create a space where students can claim their research, performances or professional projects as their own and meet professors and peers as part of the same intellectual community.

For Spring 2026, students had to turn in proposals by March 30. Each proposal needed a title and a 150-word abstract. The symposium itself is set for May 4 and is organized to feel like a conference, a more formal setting where students can present their work to an audience.

Presenters can choose from different formats. Oral presentations are 10-minute talks with a short question-and-answer session afterward. Creative submissions take the form of 10-minute performances, including music, dance, drama, or spoken word. Poster presentations are 24-by-36-inch visual displays, with presenters standing by their work during scheduled sessions to speak directly with attendees.

Organizers point to several practical benefits. Students receive feedback, develop new ideas, and gain experience presenting in a structured, public setting. The symposium also gives them a chance to extend class projects into work that strengthens a resume.

“In order to be competitive on the job market or in graduate school, our students need the opportunity to share their work and get feedback,” Schmidt said.

The symposium is open to all students, along with faculty and staff, and organizers encourage students to get involved early rather than waiting until later in their college careers.

“Everyone can participate in the Symposium,” Schmidt said.

“We want students to start building their resume or CV by presenting as freshmen and building their skills over their college career.”

One of the student presenters this spring is Lucas Evans, a junior biochemistry major. His project focuses on metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells.

“I am writing a research paper on the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells,” Evans said.

For Evans, the value is as much about experience as it is about the subject matter. Presenting, he said, helps build confidence, especially when speaking in front of an audience and explaining complex ideas clearly.

“I think presenting at the Student Research Symposium helps to boost confidence for speaking in front of an audience and presenting your work to others,” Evans said.

“The thing I’m most excited for at the symposium would be dressing up and speaking to new people that are interested in learning new things,” he said.

“It always feels rewarding teaching people.”

Still, he acknowledged a common challenge.

“The one thing that I am nervous about is that I don’t want to confuse people by using keywords and detailed information that is too advanced for people who do not study chemistry,” Evans said.

Students can also get involved without presenting. Some serve as session chairs, committee members, or volunteers, helping with registration, setup, and other logistics that keep the event running smoothly.

“We rely on student volunteers as well; students work at the registration desk, assist with setup, and help manage sessions,” Schmidt said.

“Everyone, students, staff, and the public, is invited to attend.”

This spring’s turnout has been strong.

“We received more than 150 submissions featuring work from more than 180 current MVC students,” Schmidt said. “We expect more than 200 students will be involved overall, and around 400 to 500 people will attend.”

Students who stand out can earn the Excellence in Student Research Awards. Each semester includes four awards: Best Presentation, Best Poster, Best Creative Work, and Best Graduate Work, each accompanied by a $500 scholarship. Attendees also vote for a People’s Choice Award.

Overall, the symposium remains a major part of how Missouri Valley College prepares students for graduate programs, professional careers, and future academic conferences. Schmidt said the work continues beyond the event itself.

“After the Symposium, we continue the process through the Proceedings,” she added.