PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – As part of the 15th annual Research in the Rotunda event, more than 130 students from the University of Wisconsin System had the opportunity to present their research at the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin on April 11. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville was represented by 13 students, covering six projects ranging from advancements in silicon nanomembranes to the incorporation of dairy livestock into agroecosystems.
“I am so proud of our students,” UW-Platteville Chancellor Dennis J. Shields said at the event. “The fact that they choose to take on these research projects in addition to their full course loads is truly remarkable.”
Each year, the Research in the Rotunda event gives students and faculty advisors an opportunity to present their research to state legislators, alumni, members of the UW System Board of Regents, community members and more. Not only does the event help students learn how to present their research to a variety of audiences, but also assists in advancing their own academic careers.
“The research projects on display embody the personal and intellectual growth these students have experienced on campus,” said UW System President Ray Cross in a UW System release. “They are a tangible representation of our ongoing commitment to expanding knowledge beyond our campuses and represent the kind of ideas that are instrumental to the future success of our state and its economy.”
Austin Rickertsen, a sophomore from Calamus, Iowa, was one UW-Platteville student who presented at this year’s event with his project, “Contamination Control with Designer Polymers for NASA’s Starshade Telescope.” Rickertsen noted that there were many benefits to presenting at the Capitol.
“The Research in the Rotunda event has definitely helped me with my presentation skills,” he said. “It’s a great experience for any undergraduate student because you get to meet local senators, legislators and Board of Regents members. It’s really cool getting a chance to talk about my research and explain the importance of undergraduate research.”
Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) was impressed with the amount of talent and excitement at the event. “I am very proud of the work completed by students and faculty at UW-Platteville,” he said. “The projects that they are working on are very impressive.”
UW-Platteville students also met with local Rep. Todd Novak, staff of Rep. Travis Tranel, as well as additional elected officials and their offices.
For more information about the student presenters and their research projects, visit the individual links below.
Written by: Amanda Bertolozzi, Writer/Editor, Communications, 608-342-7121, bertolozzia@uwplatt.edu
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH PROJECTS:
Students to showcase plant mitochondrial research
Pluemer to showcase grazing research at the Capitol
Students to present silicon nanomembrane research
Nelson to present on code modification research
Student to share research on NASA-quality polymer
Students to present research at Posters on the Hill
