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“We often show up to the conference somewhat nervous, but we are usually pleasantly and uniformly surprised at how well-prepared and experienced Hamline students are,” Reynolds said.

Hamline has attended the conference for the last 15 years. This year Reynolds, who heads the trip, said that there were 50 applicants, but the university only had enough money to send 43 students, the majority juniors and seniors presenting work from summer research projects.

Even though Hamline students show up in a large group, many still feel the pressure of presenting in front of professionals and peers.

This year, two students are repeat attendees. Senior Erika Lade, who researched her history project under professor Susie Steinbach, examined collecting during the 19th century, including collections for exhibitions and world fairs.

“I hope to see if my project is well-received, and also that I receive constructive criticisms to help tweak it to be even better, so that it could potentially be published,” Lade said.

Senior Jordan Macknick will present on the differences of use of renewable power between the Czech Republic and Minnesota.

“[The conference is] a great time. There are some really boring projects, and some good ones,” he said.
“But it’s useful for someone who is doing similar research even if the quality isn’t as great.”

“It’s a worthwhile experience all around,” he said.

Senior Chris Swanson will present his project on the factors that predict civic involvement of undergraduates. Swanson is a first-time attendee, and he sees the conference as a great opportunity to communicate with other students who are doing similar work.

“After spending literally 200 hours working on the project in front of a computer screen, it’s nice to get the opportunity to interact and present my research,” he said.