By Karli Wilkerson / Staff Writer

Missouri Valley College students took their learning beyond the classroom this week, presenting original research during the annual Student Research Symposium and giving peers and faculty a closer look at the work being done across campus.

The event featured projects from a wide range of disciplines, with students explaining their research, answering questions, and defending their ideas before judges. For many, it was an opportunity to turn months of work into something real and public.

Student Abigail Fletcher presented her project, “Women, Religion, and Magic: Let’s Talk About It,” which explored representations of women and femininity in literature.

“I’m very passionate about women and women’s role in society,” Fletcher said. “I was really excited to pick a scope of womanhood within this genre.”

Fletcher said one of the biggest challenges was narrowing down her research.

“Honestly, I think it was choosing the works I wanted to focus on,” she said.

But presenting helped bring everything together.

“When I was talking about this, I was like, ‘Oh wait, I feel really proud of this,’” Fletcher said. “That really brought out my passion for it.”

She hopes her audience walks away with a clear message.

“Women are awesome and can do anything,” Fletcher said.

Another presenter, Jazzmin Senter, tackled a more current global issue with her project, “Moral Manipulation Through Social Media: A Case Study of the Israeli Government’s Depiction of Palestinians.”  Her research examined how much media and messaging influence public perception.

“It’s happening now, and people are suffering,” Senter said. “I think all people should care about it.”

For Senter, presenting was about raising awareness.

“I like that I’m getting this topic out there,” she said. “It’s making more people think about it.”

She added that the experience taught her how to push through nerves. Her takeaway for viewers was simple, but important. 

“Be conscious of what you’re consuming,” Senter said.

Faculty members serving as judges said the symposium plays a key role in student development. Judge Abby Herbert said the event gives students opportunities they might not get in a traditional classroom setting.

“It really gives students a chance to show what they’re capable of,” Herbert said. “They gain hands-on skills that they would need in a real profession.”

She added that the strongest presentations tend to stand out through confidence and creativity.

“The standout projects are always very creative… and they’re very confident,” she said.

Judge Christopher Libby, who has participated in the symposium for several years, said this year’s presentations were among the best he has seen. 

“These are the best presentations I’ve seen, and I’ve been going for several years,” Libby said.

He notes that events like this help students build essential communication skills.

“In almost any career, you’re going to have to present ideas publicly,” he said. “This gives students the opportunity to explain complex ideas in ways people can understand.” 

Libby also pointed out a common challenge among presenters: trying to do too much at once.

“Focusing on less and keeping it contained within the time or space is important,” he said.

The symposium highlighted not only the depth of student research at Missouri Valley College but also the ability of students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with real-world topics. 

As students shared their work across campus, the event served as a reminder that learning at MVC extends far beyond lectures, giving students the chance to explore their interests, find their voice, and prepare for what comes next.