Virginia Tech's Summer Spark Series Showcases Undergraduate Researchers

Strategic Insights -

Undergraduate researchers visiting Virginia Tech this summer got the chance to hone their public speaking skills as part of the Summer Spark Series, a collaboration between the Pamplin College of Business's Integrated Security Education and Research Center (ISERC) and the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP). The series challenged early career researchers to deliver 90-second spark talks, where participants prepared for their talk via the Spark Lab, run by Charity Boyette, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Management.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Summer Spark Series is a unique opportunity for undergraduate researchers to develop their public speaking skills and showcase their research.
  • The series is a collaboration between the Pamplin College of Business's ISERC and the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP).
  • The participants prepared for their talk via the Spark Lab, run by Charity Boyette, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Management.
  • The series featured talks on a range of topics, including neuroscience, cybersecurity, and artificial photosynthesis.
  • The judges' top three picks were Charlotte M. for "The Neuroscience of Molecular Warmth Receptors," Olivia C. for "Artificial Photosynthesis," and Nicholas W. for "Chemical Recycling".
  • People's Choice awards went to Naima N. for "Fairness First," Casie P. for "Auditing Privacy Policies," and Elise G. for "Microplastics in Soil."
  • The event highlights the importance of communication in research and early workforce development, with support from the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Southwest Virginia node.
  • Guest judges from across Virginia Tech assessed the talks on audience connection, emotional connection, and confidence.

Statistics:

  • 90-second spark talks were delivered by undergraduate researchers as part of the Summer Spark Series.
  • 13 students participated in the MAOP Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program.
  • 9 students participanted in the School of Neuroscience (SURF-N) Students Transforming Energy and Environmental Research (STEER) program.
  • 6 students were awarded People's Choice awards.
  • 5 students were awarded honorable mentions.

Sources:

  • Virginia Tech
  • Integrated Security Education and Research Center (ISERC)
  • Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP)
  • Pamplin College of Business
  • University Libraries
  • Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Southwest Virginia node
  • Arianna Schuler Scott, senior associate director of ISERC.