
IOWA CITY, IOWA (May 12, 2023) — More than 100 current University of Iowa students to participate in the 2023 Spring Undergraduate Research Festival, an event staged annually by the Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates.
A variety of judges, including faculty, graduate students, and peers as well as members of the Iowa City community, were on hand to discuss the students' work and provide valuable feedback.
"This is an incredible opportunity for Iowa students to practice and hone their communication skills," said Bob Kirby, director of ICRU.
"From designing a poster, to giving a short pitch about what they study and why it matters, to fielding questions from experts in their field as well as non-experts, everything about this experience is designed to help students boost critical communication skills that will help them succeed in whatever comes next for them."
One in three undergraduates participates in research by the time that they graduate from the University of Iowa.
Scott Kerno of Milan, Illinois
Presentation Topic Area: Business
Presentation Title: The Impact of Automation Technology on Trucking Labor
Presentation Abstract: "Self-driving trucks are being tested across he country and starting to hit the road. There are many concerns that this technology will replace drivers. This study will show that automation technology will not replace drivers, but work alongside them. Additionally, there is an aging trucking labor force and shortages. Automation can fill in the labor gaps and ease supply chain issues in a post-COVID-19 world. To conduct a data analysis, a similar industry that has already experienced automation was used to forecast the impact on trucking. Dock working has already experienced automation, and labor trends in that sector were used for the data analysis such as fluctuations in labor totals and hourly salaries."
Gillian Marbury of Davenport, Iowa
Presentation Topic Area: Arts & Humanities (eg Arts, Performance, English, History, Languages etc)
Presentation Title: "The Very Special Dead": Heroes and Saints as Intermediary Figures of Antiquity
Presentation Abstract: "The common trend in scholarship is to firmly differentiate between the ancient Greek hero cult and the cult of saints in late antiquity. This study examines previous scholarship regarding the relationship between heroes and saints to determine the validity of these claims, while establishing both as intermediary figures between the mortal and divine. Furthermore, the goal of this study is not to argue for the direct continuity of practices, but rather to point out overlooked similarities and argue for an underlying function common to both. The first chapter is devoted to the material culture of these cults: the location of their cult sites, pollution, and attitudes and practices regarding the relics of both heroes and saints. The second chapter examines a selection of the categories and functions of heroes and saints through literary culture. Finally, the conclusion explores the evidence in relation to the underlying function of both heroes and saints: as intermediary figures, they serve to bridge the gap between the mortal and divine, and in doing so their cult grants worshippers access to sacred space and time."
Karsten Martin of Bettendorf, Iowa
Presentation Topic Area: Social Sciences (eg Anthropology, Sociology, Speech, and Hearing Science, Poli Sci, etc)
Presentation Title: Analyzing Student Discourse in Various Settings
Presentation Abstract: "There has been increased emphasis on research-based instructional practices in STEM fields, specifically in terms of student-centered active learning approaches. While research has shown the positive impact active learning environments on student outcomes, less research has been done on how to optimize these learning environments. The nature of the learning environment and the cognitive level of in-class tasks can affect different dimensions of student engagement such as the nature of social processing, how knowledge is used and elaborated upon by students during in-class tasks, and the amount of student participation in group activities. Our work seeks to characterize the essential features of effective task design and implementation that foster productive engagement of diverse students in discourse practices known to promote meaningful learning in different active learning environments. We are exploring the association between different dimensions of student engagement (social processing, knowledge dynamics, amount of participation) and the cognitive level of in-class tasks in both lecture and discussion settings. The findings from this research will provide insights into how to effectively create tasks and facilitate student learning in these classroom environments as well as highlighting the similarities and differences of how students interact during small group work in lecture and discussion."
Solange Bolger of LeClaire, Iowa
Presentation Topic Area: Social Sciences (eg Anthropology, Sociology, Speech and Hearing Science, Poli Sci, etc)
Presentation Title: College Men's Sexual Consent Beliefs: Links to Sexual Aggression
Presentation Abstract: "Male-initiated sexual aggression towards female acquaintances is a widespread phenomenon on college campuses. This study investigated college men's sexual-consent beliefs and the accuracy of their perceptions of their peers' consent-related beliefs (CRB). We also examined the association between CRB and various risk factors for sexual aggression (i.e., a self-reported history of aggressive behavior or endorsement of rape-supportive attitudes). A large sample of college men at three universities (n=1281) reported their level of agreement with three CRB about the importance of sexual consent (e.g., "I believe that sexual consent is important"). They then indicated how they thought the "typical college male" would respond to the three questions. Finally, they completed measures of rape-supportive attitudes and past sexual aggression. On average, college men endorsed highly favorable beliefs about the importance of sexual consent, and they moderately underestimated their male peers' endorsement of CRB. Men at greater risk of sexual aggression showed less favorable endorsement of CRB and greater under-perception of peers' CRB. The current findings are broadly consistent with existing literature. Future research should examine the effectiveness of providing corrective feedback to college men on their peers' consent-related beliefs, given the importance of perceived peer attitudes and behavior to college men's sexual behavior."
About the University of Iowa
As a top global university, Iowa is the ideal destination for learning, discovery, and innovation. We bring art and science together to create a truly unique interdisciplinary education. With over 200 areas of study to choose from, students are encouraged to mix and match majors, minors, and certificates to earn a degree that reflects their unique interests.
From inside our world-class medical center to the most prestigious creative-writing program in the US, students have access to quality academic support and are equipped with the tools they need to stand out in a competitive workforce. Our 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows students to work directly with experts in their field while earning valuable, practical skills.
Our campus seamlessly blends into the heart of downtown Iowa City, making it easy to access academic resources and belong to a larger, welcoming community. With over 500 student organizations, clubs, and communities on campus, and countless in-town events scheduled throughout the year, Iowa makes it easy to build a network of friendships and connections that last a lifetime.
To learn more about the University of Iowa, click HERE.