PVCC Fall Science Symposium: Research that Makes a Difference

On Friday, Dec. 6 from noon to 1 p.m., PVCC’s 2024 Fall Science Poster Symposium took place in Bolick Center room 140. At this event, Science 299 (Biology 299, Chemistry 299, and Geology 299) students presented their semester-long projects through posters they had set up around the room.

Guests entering the room were handed abstract booklets detailing the goals of the event as well as featuring information on each of the students’ projects. The front cover of booklets described how the Science 299 students worked on these projects under the guidance of PVCC Science faculty members. As a requirement for their graduation, these projects help PVCC students do real research in the community.

The research and topics covered in the presenting Science 299 students’ projects were all unique and interesting, and the quality of their presentations and knowledge on the subjects showed their passion for science. Jake Kaider, a Biology 299 student whose project covered aquatic indicator species and the correlation between birds and environmental health, said that when he was looking for a topic, he “knew that [he] wanted to do something that [he] was interested in.” Kaider said that by working on his project, he was “really learning how [he] can use [his] interests for [his] future.”

Through this project, Kaider realized that his interests and school “can be put together and put to good use.” The results of his project showed a possible correlation between the amount of aquatic indicator species and environmental health, and serves as a possible call for more investigation.

Along with Kaider’s project, the many other Science 299 students who worked on these projects all presented their semester-long research with knowledge and passion. From avian richness in urban versus rural areas to further investigation on the properties of Keefer sandstone, the research projects done by these students have the potential to make real, positive change.