In 2021, EWU McNair Scholar Seth McCullough presented at the Murdock College Science Research Conference. The conference focuses on sharing and advancing new knowledge in the natural sciences created or discovered through collaborative faculty-student research, and attendance is by invitation.
We asked Seth a few questions about his experience at the Murdock Conference to help newer McNair Scholars gain an idea of what to expect and how to prepare when they present at conferences.
What were the most valuable aspects of attending and presenting at this conference? Murdock was my first in person conference, so being able to go in person and see how multi-day conferences operate was nice. The most valuable aspect of the conference was being able to present my research to people I did not know who are part of the scientific community. I enjoyed being able to see what other students in the region are researching, and I found it to be a great learning experience. I thought it was nice when other students and judges came around to ask questions about my research. The more questions I am asked about my research, the more I learn and the better I am at knowing what is important to explain when describing my work.
What would you tell other students and/or McNair scholars about attending and presenting conferences?
Don’t be afraid to go to and present at conferences. I was nervous before my poster session, but once I got started, everything flowed smoothly. After I explained my work to the first couple of people, I had a good routine down. I would suggest that students practice presenting to friends and family, preferably someone who doesn’t know anything about your research. If you can explain your research to someone who is not an expert in your field, in a way that they can understand it, then you are golden. Also PRINT YOUR POSTER EARLY and be very familiar with your poster and presentation!
Seth was recently accepted to the Master of Professional Science program at the University of Miami. Congratulations on your presentation at the Murdock Conference, Seth, and thank you for sharing your experience and advice! Click here to read more about Seth and his research.
