On April 2, Marietta College students Gabby Davison, computer science major, and Adrienne Hammontree, geology major, presented their research at the 17th annual Choose Ohio First Scholar Showcase in Columbus. Ruthie Redman, chemistry major, also attended. It was the first year Marietta College students have participated in the event.
Davison admitted to being nervous about presenting her work to strangers, but said "the opportunity to present something I'm passionate about helped a lot with my confidence."
The most exciting part of Davison's experience was "talking to a gentleman that works at the Ohio Supercomputer Center. He was very interested in my research project and offered their facilities if I continue to pursue similar opportunities."
The Scholar Showcase celebrates Choose Ohio First Scholars and scholarship programs across Ohio. The Choose Ohio First scholarship is funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines and to increase the number of STEM teachers. Ohio students who major in a stem field may be awarded scholarships based on decisions made by participating colleges and universities.
Hammontree was interested "to hear about how much the Choose Ohio First Program benefits Ohio's economic growth." One of takeaways from the event was "how these scholarships are going to help shape the future of my home state."
The event provides students an opportunity to network with General Assembly members, state officials, business leaders, and students and faculty from other schools. Those connections gave Redman a chance to talk with her peers about their projects and get advice from faculty about graduate programs to which she may want to apply.
Marietta’s students also had an opportunity to tour the statehouse and meet members of the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Governor Mike DeWine visited the event, too.
Marietta’s Choose Ohio First director, Michelle Jeitler, attended with the students. Jeitler said the event provided a valuable opportunity to begin discussions with other directors in the state about collaborations that can benefit Marietta students.
Photos provided by Michelle Jeitler