Fox Cities News

A two-day symposium at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh will showcase the research and artistic projects of 100 students, spanning various disciplines and areas of study. The event, known as the Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Activity (COSCA), will take place on Wednesday, April 24, and Thursday, April 25, at Reeve Memorial Union.

According to Stephen Kercher, interim director of the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity, this year's COSCA will feature a special focus on graduate students in the College of Nursing. Kercher stated, “Nursing DNP and MSN students are prepared to inform the university community and members of the general public with a broad array of insight into challenges facing doctors, nurses and their patients.”

Undergraduate students will also have the opportunity to present their research on the second day of the symposium. Sheldon Schroeder, a junior majoring in biomedical science, expressed his gratitude for the experiential learning opportunity, mentioning, “By doing research as an undergraduate I was exposed to the research process. This research taught me crucial skills that I hope to use in my future career.”

Another student, Willem Flaugher, a senior majoring in instrumental/general music education, shared his experience presenting his research on gentrification and segregation in Milwaukee's neighborhoods at a national conference. Flaugher described the experience as transformative, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and representation in his work.

Lydia Medina, a senior majoring in social work, discussed her research focus on interventions for adverse childhood experiences. She expressed her passion for sharing knowledge and highlighted the impact of research on mental health and life outcomes, stating, “I especially enjoy sharing with those who may not know about my research topic.”

Several other students who participated in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) will also be presenting at COSCA 2024. These students include Peter Berry, David Makar, Emma Smith, and Adam Sobieski, each offering unique insights and findings from their respective fields of study.

The upcoming symposium promises to be a platform for students to showcase their innovative research projects and engage with a wider audience, fostering a spirit of collaboration and learning within the academic community.