Student Research Symposia

summer symposium 2019
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22nd Annual UVI Hybrid Fall Research Symposium

Sunday, September 26th, 2021

Undergraduate students presented speed talks to showcase their summer research projects.

Click here for the PROGRAM BOOK including abstracts and schedule (PDF).

If you missed it, click here for the meeting recording.

The UVI Annual Student Research Symposia take place each year, usually summer, fall, and/or spring, where students present the results of their research projects in a two-hour scientific poster session.  Hosted by the ECS Program, the symposia showcase student research with faculty at the University of the Virgin Islands, as well as at other mainland institutions in STEM disciplines including biology, marine biology, chemistry, education, computer science, technology, physics, astronomy, engineering, agriculture, psychology and mathematics. In the Fall Symposium, a panel of judges evaluate the student presentations and provide feedback. The symposia are organized by the ECS Program in collaboration with the College of Science and Mathematics. The events are free and open to the public. The community is encouraged to attend and learn more about student research opportunities. Funding and additional support are provided by federal student training grants and private donations.

Donors interested in sponsoring awards and prizes for winners of the symposia or community members interested in volunteering to serve as judges are asked to contact us for more information. Click here for more sponsorship opportunities.

Questions? Email ecs@uvi.edu or call 340-692-4109.

Archive of Past Symposia and Abstract Booklets

22nd Annual Fall Student Research Sympsoium (Hyrbrid), September 26, 2021

  • Program Book
  • Winners - (1st Place) Gerlinder Difo Cheri, (2nd Place) Sarai Hutchinson, (3rd Place) Jackeima Flemming

19th Annual Summer Student Research Symposium (Virtual), July 30th, 2021

  • ABSTRACT BOOK - Includes a detailed schedule, presentation titles and presenters’ photos and biographies.
  • Click the links below to access the Zoom recordings, available for limited time.

Session 1: STEM Education, Psychology & Social Science

Session 2: Biomedicine & Community Health

Session 3: Physics, Computer Science & Technology

Session 4: Marine Biology & Environmental Science

21st Annual Fall Research Symposium (Virtual), September 27th, 2020

18th Annual Summer Research Symposium (Virtual), July 31st, 2020

20th Annual Fall Student Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 21st, 2019

  • Abstract Book
  • Students with Top Scores: Kervin Mathurin, J’Nique Ronan and Kiwanee Smith, Gerlinder Difo-Cheri, Makeda Mills, Orian Stapleton
  • Facebook Photo Album
  • VI Consortium: UVI Students Earn Top Scores
  • Through funding from several federal grants and donors, twenty-six (26) student presenters from the symposium will receive full travel awards to present at a national student research conference, like the ERN Conference in STEM and ABRCMS. Approximately $50,000 in total travel awards funds is expected to be disbursed to these students.

17th Annual Summer Student Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), August 2nd, 2019

19th Annual Fall Undergraduate Student Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 22, 2018

• FIRST PLACE: Danielle Olive, Christopher Murphy, and Nina Scott
• SECOND PLACE: Josette John, Deidre Lee, and Carlan Romney

16th Annual Summer Student Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), August 3rd, 2018

15th Annual Summer Student Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), July 28th, 2017

18th Annual Fall Undergraduate Student Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 25, 2016

14th Annual Summer Symposium (Sports & Fitness Center), July 29, 2016

17th Annual Fall Undergraduate Student Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 27, 2015

13th Annual Summer Student Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), July 31st, 2015

Fall Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 21st, 2014

  • Abstract Booklet
  • Winners:
    • 1st - Amelle Williams "Threats to Our Reefs: Changes in Lionfish Prey Consumption and Biometrics".
    • 2nd - Elangeni Yabba and Omani Tuitt "Antioxidant Activity in Commercial Spices"
  • Announcement

Summer Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), August 1st, 2014

Spring Research Symposium (Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix), March 22, 2014

Fall Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 29, 2013

Summer Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), July 26, 2013

Spring Research Symposium (St. Croix Campus), March 23, 2013

Fall Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 2012
Summer Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), July 2012
Spring Research Symposium (St. Croix Campus), March 2012
Fall Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 2011
  • Winners are Nathan Gubser (1st Place) and Dwayne Richardson (tied for 2nd Place) and Jamie Spray (tied for 2nd Place) as first-time presenters; and Marisha Perkins (1st Place) and Chinaemere (Chino) Igwebuike (2nd Place) as veteran presenters.
  • Press Release
  • Abstract Booklet
Summer Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), July 2011
Spring Research Symposium (St. Croix Campus), March 2011
Fall Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 2010

Summer Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), July 2010

Spring Research Symposium (St. Croix Campus), March 2010

Fall Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 2009

Summer Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), August 2009

Spring Research Symposium (St. Croix Campus), March 2009

  • The Division of Science and Mathematics and the Emerging Caribbean Scientists Program are proud to announce Ophelia Wadsworth as the winner of the Seventh Annual Spring Research Symposium for her poster entitled Photochemical Reaction Screening of Santonin.  Ms. Ophelia Wadsworth is a UVI chemistry major and MARC Research Trainee who conducted her research at the Center for Chemical Methodology and Library Development at Boston University in Boston, MA. 
  • Press Release
  • Abstract Booklet
Fall Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 2008
Summer Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), August 2008

Spring Research Symposium (St. Croix Campus), March 2008

Fall Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 2007

Summer Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), July 2007

Spring Research Symposium (St. Croix Campus), March 2007

Fall Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 2006

Fall Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 2005

Spring Research Symposium (St. Croix Campus), 2005

  • Date/Time: March 19, 2005 - 1:00 to 4:00 pm in Cafeteria of UVI's St. Croix Campus
  • Approximately 25 UVI math and science students presented their summer research projects
Fall Research Symposium (St. Thomas Campus), September 2004
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Presenters
  • Who is eligible to present?

All UVI undergraduate and graduate students that have completed a research project, either at UVI with a faculty mentor or through a summer research program are eligible to present a poster at the symposium. Minors will have to get permission from parents (or legal guardian) to participate.

  • How do I register for the symposium?

Students are required to complete an online registration form. Typically, registration is opened about a month before the event date and a link to the online form is available from the ECS Homepage.

  • Are there travel awards and fee waivers available?

All costs for ECS scholars and undergraduate Science & Math majors will be covered by one of our supporting grants. Additional vouchers may be available for grad students and non-ECS affiliated presenters. Contact us at ecs@uvi.edu to verify if you qualify for a fee waiver and travel assistance.

  • How should I format my abstract?

Click here for our Abstract Guidelines with tips on how to write an abstract. Please be sure to have your mentor review and approve your abstract before submitting. The following information is a short outline of what an abstract must contain: 
+ Title
+ Name(s) of Presenter(s) and any additional author(s)
+ Name of Mentor(s)
+ Name of Research Institution/Location and affiliations
+ Abstract Paragraph
+ Acknowledgment of Funding Source(s)

  • What are the judging criteria?

Click here for Presentation Evaluation Criteria - Presenters will be evaluated based on their visual material(s), research content, oral presentation, and ability to answer questions.

  • What grant number and logo should I include on my abstract and poster?

Grant Numbers:
+ NSF HBCU-UP ACE Grant = 1623126
+ NIH RISE Research Program = 2R25GM061325
+ NIH MARC Research Trainee Program = 5T34GM008422

Logos:
Emerging Caribbean Scientist Graphic
+ National Science Foundation (NSF) - http://www.nsf.gov/images/logos/nsf1.jpg
+ National Institutes of Health (NIH) - https://www.nih.gov/sites/default/files/about-nih/2012-logo.png
+ vi-EPSCOR
+ UVI Logos and Graphics

  • What is the format and dimensions of the posters?

DIMENSIONS - Height = 36 inches; Width = 48 inches (landscape layout)
FORMAT - Microsoft PowerPoint file limited to 1 slide (Examples)
Poster Design and Presentation Tips

  • How do I get my poster printed?

First, make sure your poster is approved by your mentor. You must have a PowerPoint slide formatted to the correct dimensions. Posters can be printed at the Conservation Data Center (CDC) on the St. Thomas campus which is located by the UVI CELL & EPSCOR offices by contacting Mr. Stevie Henry, 693-1033, shenry@uvi.edu. Make a printing appointment at least a week before your presentation. Please be sure to contact him in advance and make arrangements for a pick up time and date. If you have questions, send an email ecs@uvi.edu.

  • What is the recommended dress code?

We recommend that participants dress in professional, business attire for poster and oral presentations. No jeans. A suit and tie is not necessary but a buttoned shirt and slacks are recommended. Ladies should avoid clothes that are too tight, revealing, or very short. Also, accessorize moderately and avoid large and extravagant jewelry. Wear comfortable shoes since you will be standing for a long time. Remember, the focus should be on your presentation, not your appearance. 

  • What are the costs?

The registration fee covers cost for food, abstract booklets, name tags, poster printing, supplies, and more. It does not include costs for travel and airfare. ECS scholars and undergraduate Science & Math majors will be covered by one of our supporting grants. Additional vouchers may be available for non-ECS affiliated presenters. Contact us at ecs@uvi.edu to verify if you qualify for a fee waiver and travel assistance.