2022-2023 Spring Research Poster Symposium
On Saturday, April 22, 2023, NexSTEM Scholars from Illinois Wesleyan University, Illinois State University, and Heartland Community College presented their STEM research projects at our Research Poster Symposium. This symposium was special for several reasons. First, this was our FINAL research symposium for this unique grant-funded program because in 2023-24, our last cohort of students conducting required research as part of our programmatic framework transition out of NexSTEM research and into professional development mentoring for their final 2 years of college. These Scholars also transitioned out of peer mentoring, so we also celebrated our dedicated peer mentors (many of whom have been NexSTEM Scholars, as well.)
In addition to celebrating our presenters' hard work, we also celebrated our NexSTEM Scholars who graduated college in Spring, 2023! Congratulations to everyone! We are so proud of you!
3 NexSTEM Scholars extraordinaire who were also Peer Mentors, were soon-to-be ISU graduates, AND have post-grad employment or grad school acceptance!!!
Mentoring is integral to our program and our peer mentors played an important role in our scholars' first 2 years of college.
Another soon-to-be HCC graduate!
A soon-to-be HCC graduate!
Dr. G., NexSTEM Program Director, makes the rare photo appearance, but usually prefers to celebrate her Scholars from behind the scenes.
Some of our Scholars pursued faculty-mentored STEM research outside of NexSTEM and make the most of opportunities to share their work.
Another soon-to-be ISU graduate presenting his undergraduate research!
This NexSTEM Scholar is presenting her summer REU with the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Faculty, family, and friends came out to celebrate the successes of our Scholars.
Our final Research Poster Symposium was a success!
Some of our faculty VIPs without whom this program would not work
Back Row (left to right): Dr. Abbie Kerr (IWU), Dr. Matt Dugas (ISU), Dr. Rosangela Follmann (ISU), Dr. Given Harper (IWU), Dr. Loralyn Cozy (IWU), Dr. Dan Roberts (IWU and ISU), Dr. George Rutherford (ISU, NexSTEM Co-PI). Front Row (left to right): Dr. Sheri Glowinski (NexSTEM Program Director), Dr. Rebecca Roesner (IWU, NexSTEM PI).
Some of Our ISU Scholars
ISU Scholars and Peer Mentors
HCC Scholar-Presenters
