Health Sciences students take part in Student Research Poster Day

University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Health Sciences students found an innovative way to display their knowledge during the second annual Student Research Poster Day on April 16.

The event, which took place in the East Atrium of the Science building, gave fourth-year students in the Faculty of Health Sciences' Health Science Research Practicum, Health Information Management Capstone and Med Lab Clinical Theory and Project courses a chance to practice their presentation skills and highlight their research. The research posters reflected the diverse array of health science topics being studied on campus.

Participants included Sarah Crawford and Peter Ioannou, who presented posters exploring the sexual health concerns of youth in Durham Region. Both were excited to be participating in the poster day.

"We are glad we had such an interesting and fun experience," said Crawford. "I think this is an important opportunity for students to share their experiences and show that UOIT offers something different than just academic studies to their students."

The day gave students the chance to practice skills they will be called on to use time and again whether they pursue graduate studies or at their workplace.

"It's a wonderful experience for them - to get used to presenting and being professional," explained Andrea Mars, an academic advisor for the Faculty of Health Sciences. "This is definitely the type of thing they might find themselves doing in the future once they start their careers."

Iaonnou agreed, "I found it to be an excellent opportunity for UOIT health science students to showcase the caliber of work we're capable of producing," he said. "And to prepare us for future graduate studies where we'll possibly be asked or expected to defend our thesis for either a master's or PhD degree."

The students had the chance to present to their peers and instructors, but also had the opportunity to connect with potential employers, as several members from the health sciences industry, including those involved in UOIT work-placement programs, acted as guest judges.

The event was kicked off with opening remarks from Dr. Mary Bluechardt, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, who thanked the guest judges for their commitment and hard work in providing UOIT students with practical work experience and enriching their education.

The following are the winners of this year's Research Poster Day:

Medical Laboratory Science - Clinical Theory and Project: Lindsey Conrad and Katherine Taboada (tie)

Health Information Management Capstone: Jananie Baskaran

Bachelor of Health Science Research Practicum: Jessica Bosse

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