Student researchers present to statewide audience in Regionals at the Rotunda

KOKOMO, Ind. - With 18,000 students, Indiana University's regional campuses are engines of discovery for counties across the state. Students are trained for research, uncovering insights deeply connected to their communities while advancing their respective fields of study. This was on display on Wednesday, February 18 at Regionals at the Rotunda, where 10 Indiana University Kokomo students were among 56 student researchers presenting more than 40 projects to lawmakers.

Chancellor Mark Canada called Regionals at the Rotunda "an extraordinary event."

"Regionals at the Rotunda is an invaluable opportunity for IU's regional campuses to showcase the impressive work our students are doing in the lab, the studio, the library, and the field," he said. "They are learning by doing while producing work that can serve the state of Indiana. "

Poster presentations from IU Kokomo, IU East, IU Northwest, IU South Bend, and IU Southeast students filled the marble-lined space under the majestic dome of the Indiana Statehouse. Student researchers and their faculty mentors were on hand to answer questions from IU leaders, state government officials, and visitors.

IU Kokomo's representatives included Sydney Duncan, Anderson; Jackson McCullough, Arcadia; Hannah Becker, Auburn; Natalie Hall, Carmel; Elizabeth Pennington, Galveston; Gracie McClain, Greentown; and Zavier Doll, Koby Goodwin, Haley McDaniel, and Haley Roberts, Kokomo.

McCullough, who completed his research with faculty mentor Aakif Mairaj, assistant professor of computer science, looked forward to presenting his project, Skyshield: Game-Theoretic Solutions to Autonomous Drones, to a larger audience.

"I believe that my research is truly important to Indiana, not just a research piece I was interested in, but a piece that could be useful to any company that uses drones," he said. "Presenting this research to legislators and possibly other people of authority would be the best way to display the importance of such a security implementation, and its uses."

He was also happy for the opportunity to meet other student researchers, learn about their projects, and share more about his.

"I was really excited to meet other people from regional campuses who also made it to the rotunda, getting to talk to new people I would not have met if it wasn't for this event seemed very exciting to me," McCullough said. "I am also greatly in love with this field, so presenting my research is number one for me. Whether it be an expert, or someone that is nowhere near my field, I love talking to anyone I can about this topic."

Hannah Becker's project, Dialogic Reading Sweeping Indiana allowed her to share the importance of literacy education. She and her host teacher introduced the dialogic reading technique, an interactive method that centers the child as storyteller, during her student teaching experience.

"To do this research and see the students' confidence grow through the lens as a teacher and knowing I can promote education through Regionals at the Rotunda, is exciting to me, as I get to show what we're doing in the classroom and that it's actually working," she said. Her faculty mentor was Christina Romero, associate professor of education.

Pennington, who worked with Goodwin on Tiny Tech on Wings: Tracking Butterfly Movement with Solar- Powered Transmitters, was thrilled to be chosen to present, "as this meant I had the chance to communicate the importance of my work directly to the legislators who make decisions impacting the wildlife I work with."

It was also an opportunity to practice sharing scientific research in a way those without an extensive science background can understand.

"Science communication is essential to growing public understanding of how interconnected we are to the environment and how legislative decisions can and will impact the natural systems that support us," she said. "By participating in this event, I got to grow my skills in communicating scientific research to the layperson and potentially make a real impact in my community through education."

Roberts applied to present her project, Exploring Public Perceptions and Moral Beliefs about Medical Aid in Dying, a Quantitative Study, for the opportunity to gain additional perspective on the topic of medical aid in dying.

"I learn so much more when I can get multiple perspectives," she said. "I've found most people confuse my topic, medical aid in dying, with physician assisted suicide and it has been eye opening to hear that from others. I was initially very nervous to present and accept the invitation, but I feel that my research is important and deserves to be talked about. I really wanted to convey that message."

Stephanie Medley-Rath, professor of sociology, was her research mentor.

For Natalie Hall, Regionals at the Rotunda was an opportunity to share on a topic she's passionate about - her research project How Pentecostalism in Indianapolis Helped Shape Desegregation Efforts.

"The discussion of my faith, through the method of discussing the life and impact of G.T. Haywood is a something that I will always enjoy doing," she said. "It is often talked about in some religious circles how religious expression is not condoned in secular education, but this project has allowed my faith to be spoken about through the means of research. Sharing my research helps me spread the message of the historical roots of Pentecostalism in Indianapolis, while also honoring a man who was not ashamed of his faith and spreading the message of Hope."

Peter Sposato, professor of history, was her research mentor.

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