Carleton’s annual Undergraduate Research and Internship symposium took place in the Weitz Center on Friday, Oct. 18, allowing Carls to present about experiential learning opportunities they engaged in this past summer. The symposium, organized by the Career Center and the Office of the Provost, saw 260 projects presented by 310 students, according to Sarah Rechtzigel, the Career Programs Coordinator. In two 45-minute sessions, students presented their research projects and internships using posters summarizing information about their work.
Hosted during Parent Weekend, the symposium was open to Carls, parents and faculty members. Associate Provost Eric Egge, said that the symposium “gives [students] a chance to share their remarkable and wide-ranging experiences with the rest of the Carleton community.” Participation in the symposium was open to select students. “All current students who participated in a research experience or had an internship and who have things to share about their work or experience,” Egge said.
Most students who participated in the symposium received funding for their experiences. Carleton’s academic departments provided funds and fellowships for many students this past summer, but other projects were funded by various other sources. The Trustee Humanities Endowed Research Fund for student research in the humanities funded six projects, while other Carleton-funded endowments include the John C. Rouman ’50 Academic Enrichment Grant for research in the Classics department and the Endowed Internship Fund for summer internships. Multiple students’ experiences were funded by alumni-created funds, including the Elizabeth K. Ester ’79 and Michael T. Brody Endowed Internship Fund and the Eric ’85 and Sue Munis ’86 Nord Internship Fund. Some students received external funding from the National Science Foundation, the Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation Fellowships in the Sciences and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship.
These experiences were related to a variety of majors, from Physics to History and Math and Stats to Classics. Some students presented their independent research projects which are not tied to their major. Students participated in research and internships across the country, from Washington to San Diego and even in the Northfield community. Other students’ research projects and internships were international, and they presented their experiences in places like France, Kazakhstan and Costa Rica.
Eric Egge also emphasized the symposium’s importance as a place where students can “build their skills discussing their experiences and work with others, and presenting it publicly.” This echoes the college’s effort to “plant the seeds for life-long learning,” as stated by Michelle Matson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Carolyn H. Livingston, Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Life in the symposium’s Abstract Book, which was available at the event.
Beyond highlighting past research and internship experiences, the symposium inspired further opportunities for Carls. Eric Egge said that “the symposium itself is a great resource for first-year students who are interested in having an internship and in participating in undergraduate research.” Current students, mainly first-years in their first term at Carleton, had the opportunity to ask other students questions about how to start their research and internships.
This year, the Carletonian interviewed some students about their experiences and thoughts on the Symposium.
Jens Bartel ’25, who presented his Biology research on the selection and optimization of Baeocystin Producing E. coli, said, “the format and form of the symposium [was] very interesting.”
“As a STEM major sandwiched between philosophy and law projects, this format gives students a chance to see the full breadth of what everyone else is doing,” Bartel said., “ As far as advice for students interested in getting involved with research went, he recommended that they “start early” and “network.” Bartel added, “It’s hard to get into, but once you do, it gets better.”
Ostap Hrebeniuk ’27’s research project, titled Unveiling Masterpieces: The Ukrainian Diaspora in the Belvedere, focused on the Austrian influence on Ukrainian art and culture in exile. He stated that presenting at the symposium is “so valuable to me as a person who is interested in research.” The opportunity to “expose [his research]” to “challenge the colonial impression of Ukrainian art,” according to Hrebeniuk, is important to break stereotypes. Hrebeniuk recommended that first-year students to “pursue your curiosity,… your research does not have to be linked to your major.”
Kaylah Janis ’26 focused on Random Telegraph Noise in Ferromagnetic Garnets, a project she developed at the University of Minnesota. “It’s great to get a little practice presenting in a less high-stakes environment,” she said. Janis emphasized the importance of communicating and collaborating with faculty members for research opportunities.
Xi Wang ’26, who engaged in sociological research on domestic violence, stated that “it’s exciting to learn about other people’s research because everyone’s interests are really niche and individual.” Wang recommended that first-year students communicate with professors and alumni to learn more about research opportunities.
The 2024 Undergraduate Research and Internship symposium is part of the college’s commitment to “emphasize student research as a defining component of Carleton education,” according to the Undergraduate Research webpage. “Don’t be afraid to apply to anything that interests you,” encouraged Wang, adding “take advantage of the resources offered by Carleton.”