Undergraduate students from a number of universities across Michigan presented their research Wednesday at the Capitol for the Michigan Undergraduate Research Forum.
More than 50 students from MSU, Wayne State University, University of Michigan, University of Michigan-Dearborn and University of Michigan-Flint were present at the forum.
The event commenced in the Capitol rotunda with an opening speech by MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon.
"The students' works we are seeing here today are the future," Simon said.
Simon said the students at the forum represent the future of Michigan and the United States. They should be given the opportunity to "stretch their wings," she said.
Simon said the forum was a good example of universities joining together to support Michigan students and to help boost Michigan's economy.
"Today represents the kind of collaboration necessary 365 days, 24/7," Simon said. "This is a small tip of the iceberg of the kind of research being done by students."
Students at the forum said they thought it was important to show their work in the Capitol so that legislators could see the research progress.
"It was a good way to give the legislators in the House of Representatives an example of what we are doing," said Eric Stokan, a political science senior from Wayne State. "If legislators know about these programs, it might help their decision policies."
Posters of the students' work were lined up in the wings of the Capitol for visitors to view. Many of the students stationed themselves by their posters so they could further explain the research.
Lauren Gaines, an MSU psychology senior, presented research on "The Relationship Between Intergroup Trust and Attention to Social Identity Threat." The research focused on the amount of trust black students have for the white population.
Gaines said sometimes academics and undergraduate research at universities are overshadowed by athletics, so the forum is a way to recognize students' work.
"There are so many people that appreciate our work," she said. "We are a privileged few who get to do research and come to forums."
There were 10 students from MSU selected from the McNair/Summer Research Opportunity Program, an organization that provides support for undergraduates who plan on continuing their education to earn a doctorate.
Social relations junior Jasmine Gary was another MSU student who showed her research, which looked at the success or failure of state takeovers of different public school districts.
"Seeing the other schools is really great," Gary said. "We are very passionate about this research."
