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Legislators learn about diverse student research conducted at all four UM System campuses

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Forty-two students representing the four campuses of the ÎçÒ¹Ó°Ôº System participated in Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol today. The annual event gives students an opportunity to share with state elected officials the wide variety of undergraduate research and innovations taking place across the university system.  

“As the state’s only public research university, our students are provided unique opportunities to work alongside our talented faculty to conduct cutting-edge and groundbreaking research on our four campuses every day,” UM System President Mun Choi said. “These experiences, which range from science to medicine to the humanities, help to prepare our students for graduate and professional studies at prominent universities as well as careers in leading industries.”

The student researchers were selected in a competitive process to present their projects to Missouri’s elected officials. Among the 42 participants, seven students represented Missouri University of Science and Technology.

• Brett Buswell is a senior studying mechanical engineering at Missouri S&T. His presentation titled, “Low-Cost Rapid FDM Tooling with Ultem 1011 Thermal Conductivity,” was penned under the direction of Ming Leu, Keith and Pat Bailey Professor of Engineering. Brett is the son of Brian and Karyl Buswell of Aurora, Col.
• Patrick Cahill is a senior studying mining engineering at Missouri S&T. His presentation titled, “The Effects of Detonation Wave Collision on Rock Throw,” was supervised by Catherine Johnson, assistant professor of mining and nuclear engineering. Patrick is the son of Gerard and Sandra Cahill of St. Charles.
• Jana Hochard is a senior studying petroleum engineering and economics at Missouri S&T. Her presentation, “Autonomous Drilling Rig Research and Design,” was produced under the leadership of Rickey Hendrix, lecturer for engineering. Jana is the daughter of Jackie Hochard of Weston. 
• Kyara Holloway is a junior studying biological sciences at Missouri S&T. Her presentation titled, “Heterogeneous activity causes a nonlinear increase in the group energy of ant workers isolated from their social environment,” was generated under the direction of Chen Hou, assistant professor of biological sciences. Kyara is the daughter of Melissa Apley and Mark Holloway of Waynesville.
• Shane Lawson is a senior studying chemical engineering at Missouri S&T. His presentation titled, “MOF Coating and its Impact on CO2 Absorption,” was written with the guidance of Fateme Rezaei, assistant professor of chemical engineering. Shane is the son of Courtney Lawson, Charles and Susan Lawson, all of St. James.
• Emily Quist is a junior studying environmental engineering at Missouri S&T. Her presentation titled, “Novel Approaches to Amend Green Roof Media for Urban Water and Urban Heat Island Benefits,” was completed under the guidance of Joel Burken, Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering. Emily is the daughter of David and Linda Quist of Wildwood.
• Tristan Shatto is a junior studying electrical and computer engineering at Missouri S&T. His presentation titled, “Spectral Analysis of Communication Networks Against Targeted Attacks,” was completed under the mentorship of Egemen Cetinkaya, assistant professor of electrical and chemical engineering. Tristan is the son of Sherri and Ron Shatto of Plattsburg.

In addition to S&T students, 21 students from the ÎçÒ¹Ó°Ôº-Columbia, 12 students from the ÎçÒ¹Ó°Ôº-Kansas City and two from ÎçÒ¹Ó°Ôº-St. Louis represented the UM System. Each student had the opportunity to visit with their hometown legislators.

“Student engagement in research projects with faculty members at each of our campuses is a staple of the undergraduate academic experience and enhances student outcomes,” Bob Schwartz, interim UM System vice president for academic affairs, research and economic development said. “The experience exposes students to the wonders and possibilities of research and innovation, and helps develop them as future scientists and entrepreneurs whose discoveries could result in new technologies and businesses, and improve the quality of life for Missourians.”

Students highlighted the broad spectrum of research conducted at across the UM System’s four campuses including research in the areas of education, health, agriculture, biotechnology, transportation and infrastructure, social services and economic development.

The UM System is one of the nation’s largest public research and doctoral level institutions with more nearly 76,000 students on four campuses.