News

CWU Student Researchers Recognized at 2022 SOURCE Awards

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 08:30:44

Participants at Central Washington University’s annual Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE) were recognized June 2 at the 27th SOURCE Awards. The 2022 undergraduate and graduate research conference was held May 16-19 on the Ellensburg campus.

The first awards category was Presentation Awards, which were decided based on criteria such as relevance, knowledge, organization and visual elements, reasoning, delivery, and overall presentation. Additionally, ReSOURCE awards were given for outstanding utilization of library resources, and overall awards recognized the Mentor of the Year and Graduate Scholar of the Year. Finally, the James and Katie Gaudino Scholar of the Year Awards were awarded to presentations exemplifying scholarship in both research and expression.

The James and Katie Gaudino Awards went to Psychology major Bianca Sanchez for Research, and Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre major Reese Sigman for creative expression. Professor of Music Jeffrey Snedeker was named Mentor of the Year, and Health Sciences graduate student MacKenzie Carter was chosen as Graduate Scholar of the Year. A full list of honorees can be found on the SOURCE website(link is external).

This year, 293 students participated in SOURCE, preparing 192 presentations with the help of 137 faculty, staff, and community members.

By Rune Torgersen

SOURCE Research Conference Returns to In-Person in 2022

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 11:23:43

Central Washington University hosted its annual SOURCE conference May 16-20, 2022, to celebrate the scholarship, research, and creative endeavors developed and presented by CWU students. This year's SOURCE conference took place mostly in-person, but also offered hybrid events. The virtual presentation schedule is searchable by topic and by presenter, and supportive feedback is encouraged through the commenting system.

On May 18 and 19, the CWU community was able to view live presentations, either in-person or virtually. This year, SOURCE brought back some favorite events from past years, such as a dance performance and Manastash student club reading and a Supreme Court mock panel and brass ensemble concert. Additionally, SOURCE featured presentations from Ellensburg High School and elementary school students who have been working with CWU representatives

2021 Virtual SOURCE Conference

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 11:18:26

Central Washington University hosted the annual Symposium for University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE) conference virtually from May 16-21, starting with a welcome event. Over the course of the week, each of the CWU colleges and programs had a day in the spotlight, starting with the College of the Sciences (COTS) on Monday.

The 2021 COTS presentation topics included mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, social sciences (i.e., anthropology and psychology), mathematics and science education, and geocentric subjects like geography and geology. A capstone presentation featuring alumni speaker Bridget August, a senior hydrogeologist at GeoEngineers, took place online, followed by a dance performance by Gabrielle McNeillie.

Read more about the 2021 conference here.

New OUR Director

Wed, 06 May 2020 13:28:47

CWU Names Brandy Wiegers as New Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research

April 29, 2020

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Central Washington University Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Lynn Franken has named Brandy Wiegers, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, to serve as the new Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR).

Wiegers, who has taught applied mathematics at Central since 2014, will assume the position in September.

“Dr. Wiegers brings a wealth of experience and passion for undergraduate research and creative activities to the position,” Franken said. “She can draw upon her own experience as an undergraduate research at the University of Idaho to mentor our undergraduate students.”

The provost also thanked Griff Tester, the previous OUR director, who is stepping down after three years. Tester plans to engage in a research opportunity examining knowledge of and access to new HIV-prevention strategies among at-risk populations in the Yakima Valley.

Franken said that during his tenure, Tester had strengthened the existing partnerships across the campus that are necessary to organize the Symposium Of Undergraduate Research & Creative Expression (SOURCE) and broadened participation on the activities of the OUR and SOURCE across the four colleges, the eight Centers and instructional sites, and local K-12 schools in our community.

While at CWU, Wiegers has received numerous grants and awards, including the prestigious Mathematical Association of America Tensor Grant. Brandy has also coordinated countless professional development workshops and community service activities, including local, regional and national involvement in Math Circles, out-of-school programs to foster the learning and application of mathematics for children.

Wiegers also was elected last year to serve on the Council for Undergraduate Research (CUR) Division of Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics.

“Our faculty are experts on discipline-specific worthwhile research projects,” Wiegers said. “I can support their work with these students by helping to think through creative pedagogical means to help the undergrads gain research problem solving skills.”

New OUR Program Coordinator

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 11:08:28

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) welcomes Erin Cone as the new Program Coordinator. Erin comes to the OUR with much experience, having worked as the Personnel Coordinator for the Wenatchee Valley Symphony and as the Solo & Ensemble Coordinator for the CWU Music Department. Erin received her Bachelor of Music, Performance in 2013 and her Masters of Music, Performance in 2015.

New OUR Graduate Staff Assistant

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 13:40:13

The Office of Undergraduate Research welcomes Brooke Writer as the new Graduate Staff Assistant. Brooke is a graduate student in Public Health working with Dr. Tishra Beeson.