Within the last couple of months, Gustavus students Alli Joerger ‘24, Izabela Taylor ‘24, and Erin Coleman ‘25 each traveled around the states to present pieces of research they have been working on at well-known conferences.
Joreger (Psychological Science Major) presented her research study at the “Society for Neuroscience Conference” back in November of 2023 in Washington D.C. She analyzed the social behaviors of adolescent female Syrian hamsters in a neutral arena to eventually compare different stages of female hamsters regarding different behaviors.
The Society for Neuroscience is a yearly conference where scientists from across the globe come together to share their thoughts, data, and experience with one another. At this event there are research presentations, social events, as well as exhibit halls to walk through. Nearly half a million neuroscientists have presented an abstract at this conference, becoming known as the premier global neuroscience event!
When asked about the most rewarding part of Joerger’s research experience she said, “I loved getting to be part of the research itself and seeing how the data allowed us to draw conclusions and speculate on the implications of the research. I also loved the opportunity to present at the Society for Neuroscience Conference in Washington, D.C. last fall. I was able to hear from other experts in the field and learn about similar research being conducted across other institutions.”
Taylor (Psychological Science Major) and Coleman (Math and Physics Major) both shared their research at the “AAPT Winter Conference” at the beginning of 2024 in New Orleans.
The American Association of Physics Teachers meeting is a well-attended event where physics educators from around the world come together to share their research as well as strengthen connections within the field of physics. From workshops, planned activities, and poster presentations this conference is a great opportunity to widen your perspective on anything physics and network with professionals.
Coleman worked closely alongside Tucker Jones at the University of California, Davis to study the speed at which clouds of gas are entering a galaxy about 10 billion light years from earth.
One interesting fact Coleman mentioned is, “most galaxies have gas flowing both in and out of them, but this galaxy showed only inflowing gas, which is extremely unusual!”
Coleman also said her favorite part about research is “Getting to talk to people who have studied other aspects of galaxy formation related to my project that I am not as familiar with and being able to share my research with other people who are similarly passionate.”
Taylor presented her research specifically on Bonobo Apes and whether or not they are able to interpret human emotions.
When asked what she would like to do with this research in the future she mentioned, “I hope to present it to Gustavus.”
All three Gustavus students plan to continue their research and are looking forward to presenting more in the future.