Chippewa Valley Times

The 21st annual Research in the Rotunda event will take place at the state Capitol rotunda, featuring significant research conducted by students from Universities of Wisconsin campuses. The event is set to be attended by state legislators, leaders, UW alumni, and other supporters.

Dr. Erica Benson, executive director of UW-Eau Claire’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, describes Research in the Rotunda as a "highly selective event." She notes that projects were nominated by deans from UW-Eau Claire colleges as exemplary examples of undergraduate research and creative activity. These projects represent only a small portion of the numerous undergraduate research initiatives on campus each year.

Benson states, “The students are excited to talk about the impact of their undergraduate research/creative activity on their educational experience and career trajectory, their contributions to knowledge, and the economic and social development of the region and state.” She adds that “the atmosphere at Research in the Rotunda is electric, and students leave with a sense of pride and gratitude.”

Six projects will be presented by undergraduates from UW-Eau Claire. An additional project will be showcased by students from UW-Eau Claire – Barron County. The projects include:

- “Professional advancement through collaboration and knowledge between nursing and packaging students: The PACK initiative” presented by Kerry Carlstrom and Collin Anderson with Dr. Charlotte Sortedahl as faculty mentor.

- “Exploring ageism in healthcare: Perspectives from future professionals” presented by Inessah Cernohous with Dr. Frances Hawes as faculty mentor.

- “A machine learning approach towards prediction of pancreatic cancer using gene expression and DNA methylation” presented by Paige Keller and Samuel Morehead with Dr. Rahul Gomes as faculty mentor.

- “Exploring farmer’s market nutrition incentive programs in Wisconsin” researched by Morgan Dekan and Teigen Ploeckelman with Dr. Eric Jamelske and Dr. Brianna Rockler as faculty mentors.

- “Early childhood and education workforce retention: A menacing and elusive crisis” researched by Zoe Lewis with Dr. Angela Jones and Dr. Roderick Jones as faculty mentors.

- “Vital signs: A digital humanities project exploring the impact of 1918 influenza pandemic on the Chippewa Valley” researched by Sylvie Leach with Greg Kocken and Sarah Beer as faculty mentors.

- “Mathematical analysis and sustainable design for a 100% renewable energy transition in Milwaukee,” presented by Kaihua Li, Miao Shi with Dr. Wufeng Tian as faculty mentor; representing UW-Eau Claire – Barron County.