91黑料网

More than 200 undergraduate students presented their work at the 7th edition of the annual Faculty of Science event

From labs to field sites, 91黑料网 students brought their discoveries to life at the 7^th annual Undergraduate Science Showcase, held on March 25. The event offers students an encouraging, non-competitive space where they can proudly share their research, passion projects, and in-class work, all while strengthening their confidence and science communication skills.

With almost 1,000 members of the 91黑料网 community in attendance and over 200 posters and creative projects on display, the evening celebrated the creativity and curiosity of undergraduate students.

Organized by the Office of Science Education (OSE), students are supported through workshops and mentoring feedback sessions aimed at ensuring they feel confident and prepared on the day.

This year marked the introduction of the Field Studies exhibition, led by the Faculty of Science Field Studies & Internship Office, providing attendees a window into the hands-on learning journeys of students. Students who travelled to Barbados, East Africa and Panama presented academic work they undertook during their field studies.

From attendee to presenter

Among the many students presenting their work, some were doing it for the very first time, including Rachel Zhang, U2 Immunology student.

The Undergraduate Science Showcase had been on her radar since her first year at 91黑料网. Despite not knowing anything about the event beforehand, she decided to go and see it for herself. She remembers being 鈥渂lown away by the whole event鈥�, both from the presenters and the wide variety of topics covered, which left her feeling inspired and in awe of her fellow undergraduate students.

During her second year, she attended the Showcase again and took the time to exchange with presenters and friends. Now, in her third year, she returned to the Showcase again, this time as a presenter.

Her showcase poster presentation featured the research she conducted as part of the听FSCI 396 course, Undergraduate Research Projects in Teaching and Learning, led by Drs. V茅ronique Brul茅 and Armin Yazdani. During the course, she worked with her supervisor, Professor Jasmin Chahal (Microbiology and Immunology), to study the impact of formative assessments in the MIMM 214 course on students鈥� academic success and well-being.

For Rachel, this project demonstrates the importance of science pedagogy research and how understanding what enhances student learning can benefit both learners and instructors. Seeing student feedback on formative assessments, many of which were new to them, offered valuable insight into ways to improve learning and well-being.

Leading up to the event, Rachel, as a first-time presenter, expressed that she felt both anxious and excited at the prospect of finally stepping into the role of presenter. Having no experience either in presenting her research or even in creating a poster, the workshops and feedback sessions organized by OSE helped her prepare for the occasion. From learning the key elements of a poster to exchanging advice with alumni, she gained confidence and a state of readiness.

鈥淚t was a wonderful opportunity to showcase my research alongside such talented and driven undergraduates in science,鈥� Rachel said. 鈥淚鈥檓 so grateful for this experience, my supervisors for making this project possible, as well as everyone who came to support me. I will definitely be back in the future!"

When asked what advice she had to offer, Rachel encouraged future participants to 鈥渏ust go for it.鈥�

鈥淚nvite your friends, loved ones, and professors because it鈥檚 going to be a great time.鈥�

Browse through the program to revisit the evening and explore the wide variety of student work!