MC
Michelle Clinesmith
  • biology
  • Class of 2017
  • Lake View, IA

Michelle Clinesmith Presents at Iowa Academy of Science Annual Meeting

2017 May 4

Ten Buena Vista University (BVU) biology students presented research at the 129th Iowa Academy of Science (IAS) Annual Meeting on April 21-22 at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Michelle Clinesmith , a senior biology major from Lake View , was one of the presenters.

"The IAS conference allows students to present research results to a broader audience of research scientists, graduate students and other undergraduates from throughout Iowa," said Dr. Melinda Coogan, professor of biology. "This experience builds confidence in public speaking and in learning how to share scientific discoveries in a way that is understandable to people from multiple science disciplines."

The event also proved to be a great networking opportunity for the participating students.

"This year's number of conference presenters was at an all-time high, which allowed our students to engage in thought-provoking research discussions and serve as excellent ambassadors of BVU," said Coogan.

In order to present at the conference, the BVU students had to submit 200-word abstracts within specific science disciplines. The abstracts were then carefully reviewed by IAS section chairs and accepted for presentation. The students' abstracts will be published in the "Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science" by June 1, 2017.

The event was especially meaningful for Coogan, who served as this year's president of IAS and delivered the key address at the President's Banquet on April 21.

"Being elected Iowa Academy of Science president provided me with an opportunity to serve in a leadership role within the state where I was born and where I began discovering who I was as a scientist," said Coogan. "To be elected by a group of my peers from throughout the state is an incredibly humbling experience. In many respects, my life has come full circle, and I couldn't be more appreciative of the many opportunities afforded to me before leaving and since returning to Iowa."