Showcase of Student Scholarship Turns 10

An annual event celebrating the research, scholarly and creative work of Valparaiso University’s undergraduate students will turn 10 this year and feature the largest number of student projects in its history.

The University’s 10th annual Celebration of Undergraduate Scholarship, taking place April 14, will include student projects on  topics such as flooding in the city of Valparaiso, strategies and tactics used in nonprofit sports promotions, the ethics of buying local foods, the health of the Indiana Dunes’ Great Marsh and Little Kankakee River, strength training methods, the effects of topology on tornado genesis, proton collisions and why people love to hate their siblings.

Nearly 90 projects representing the finest undergraduate research, scholarly and artistic projects of 175 Valparaiso students during the past year will be displayed at the Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources. Research projects being displayed were completed by students in the natural sciences, liberal arts, engineering, nursing and social sciences.


Dr. Roy Austensen, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the Celebration provides an opportunity for students to share the results of their research projects and creative endeavors with their fellow students, faculty and members of the community.

“One of the most valuable experiences Valpo students gain during their time here is engagement in undergraduate scholarship,” Dr.
Austensen said. “Taking theory and concepts from the classroom and putting that knowledge to use in research or creative projects helps students develop the critical thinking, communication and technical skills that are important to their future success.

“Valpo encourages undergraduate students in all academic disciplines to pursue scholarly work, and the Celebration of Undergraduate Scholarship honors their achievements.”

The public is invited to view poster presentations of each project from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Christopher Center’s Community Room. At
3 p.m., two dozen students involved in six research projects selected by the deans of Valparaiso’s undergraduate colleges will give 15-minute oral presentations detailing their work:

  • “Taking Up One’s Cross: Christianity’s Use of Its Most Recognized Symbol for Justification of War”;
  • “Beyond the Volcanoes: A Community Partnership for Health in Rural Nicaragua”;
  • “Point Vibration Therapy Device for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum”;
  • “Water Quality in the Great Marsh Complex of the Indiana Dunes”
  • “Eating Disorders Among College Students”; and
  • “Flooding, Drainage and Sewer Problems in the City of Valparaiso.”


Following the students’ oral presentations, Dr. Donald Koetke, a senior research professor of physics who has supported undergraduate students in nuclear and particle physics research for more than 35 years, will give the keynote presentation “Expect Surprises!” at 5 p.m. Dr. Koetke will share some of the surprises he has experienced during his subnuclear physics research and explain why, if one does not experience surprises in his or her research, there may be a problem.

The Celebration is an opportunity for Valparaiso’s undergraduate students to share the creative and scholarly work they have undertaken during the past year in a professional format. All activities during the Celebration are free and open to the public.

More information about the Celebration of Undergraduate Scholarship, including abstracts of student research project presented in previous years, is available online.