Lamar University’s Office of Undergraduate Research will host the 12th annual OUR Fall Conference, Nov. 14, beginning at 8 a.m. in the Setzer Student Center.
The event will feature student research presentations, poster sessions, workshops and networking opportunities in various locations throughout the Setzer Student Center.
Guest speakers will present a series of lectures throughout the day in the Setzer Center Live Oak Ballroom. Humberto Hernandez, director of biology and chemistry at Texas A&M University-Victoria will present the first talk starting at 9:15 a.m., followed by Judge Gordon Friesz at 1:15 p.m., and Dashiell Corp engineer Talon Weaver, at 6 p.m.
E.J McMillen, OUR administrative assistant, said the conference is good opportunity for students to be able to present their work, whether they are new to presenting research or have been through the conference presenting landscape often.
“I encourage students to present their work at the conference just to have an opportunity to show off,” he said. “These students are putting in these long hours, doing so much hard work, and I think it is just a really good opportunity to be able to have it seen by people, and potentially even win some prizes or awards for their efforts.
“Being able to show your work off to these professionals can really help get your foot in the door and make a lasting impression.”
First time presenter Ayna Arif, senior psychology major, and Priya Rathore, junior biology and physics major, will present their project which focuses on the bioremediation of industrial mine wastewaters using an algae known as Galdieria Sulphuraria.
“I’ve always been interested in conducting research within my major, so when (Priya) asked me to partner up, I saw it as a great way to gain experience in the research field,” Arif said.
Students will present their research for 15 minutes, and the sessions are open to all to attend.
Evan Wolford, junior film major and first time OUR Fall conference participant, said his research covers an area that is not represented enough.
“I am going to be presenting my research, and making a case, that Kendrick Lamar was censored during his performances at the 2016 Grammy Awards and the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show,” Wolford said. “Just because my topic is not math or science related does not mean it is not important. This is history, and analyzing how and why he was censored is important in learning how we can do better in the future.”
Arif said preparing for the conference has helped her improve more than just her research.
“I am going to be honest, I can be a pretty shy person and public speaking is hard for me,” she said. “But the more I practiced my presentation, the more comfortable I became speaking in front of people.”
The OUR conference will give students a chance to mingle and network with professors, peers and industry leaders.
Lunch will be provided for all attendees who register in advance, followed by a banquet dinner at 5:15 p.m.
“It’s going to be a very engaging and fun conference,” McMillen said.
To register, visit lamar.edu/ undergraduate-research, or in person, Nov 14, starting at 7:30 a.m. in the SSC Live Oak Ballroom.
