The Canvas learning management system will host the symposium, which will be accessible to the entire UMKC community. Students in EUReka courses will use posters, audio or video presentations to share information about their research projects. The site will include interactive discussion boards for posting comments or questions for the student researchers.

Nearly 250 students are enrolled in EUReka courses during the fall semester. Topics include general education critical thinking courses, health sciences and public health. Courses with the EUReka designation, meaning “Experiences in Undergraduate Research,” typically are taken early in a student’s academic career and include a mentored research project as a key component. Alison Graettinger, Ph.D., assistant professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, is teaching a general education critical thinking course with the EUReka designation. Her students will present their work in the symposium.

“Taking this class in their first semester has pushed the students to take more ownership of the direction of their study,” Graettinger said. “Hopefully the experience has given them more confidence to approach future classes as a place to learn what else can be discovered, rather than thinking it has already been done.”

“We hope faculty, staff and students from across campus will help us celebrate the achievements of these new undergraduate researchers by visiting the symposium’s Canvas site and providing constructive feedback on their work,” said Jane Greer, Ph.D., who directs the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship.

To participate in the symposium, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research online or on Facebook December 8–9 for the link to access the symposium’s Canvas site.