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The 22nd annual event highlights important research by Universities of Wisconsin campuses. Research posters will be displayed in the state Capitol rotunda and viewed by state legislators, UW alumni, Interim Chancellor Michael Carney, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman, as well as other leaders from campus and around the state.

For Dr. David Jewett, assistant director of undergraduate research and creative activity at UW-Eau Claire, this annual state event not only spotlights what student research is happening across the UW campuses, but also effectively demonstrates the many cases in which student research directly impacts communities throughout the state.

“Our students’ presentations include research that has a beneficial impact on quality of life in and beyond the Chippewa Valley and Wisconsin,” Jewett says. “Blugolds will share their findings with state legislators, including those representing the Chippewa Valley and the home area of the students, and peers, mentors and representatives from Universities of Wisconsin universities.”

One of those Chippewa Valley representatives is Jodi Emerson, representing the 91st Assembly District. Emerson looks forward to talking with all Research in the Rotunda presenters, especially those from UW-Eau Claire.

“I am thrilled that students from UW-Eau Claire will be presenting their work at the Research in the Rotunda event,” Emerson says. “I am so proud of these students for conducting and sharing their research.”

Emerson knows from experience that she and her fellow legislators will gain much from the event.

“Research in the Rotunda is a fantastic opportunity for legislators and the public to learn from these incredible students and use their findings to benefit future legislation to shape our great state for the better.”

Summary of Blugold research representing campus in Madison

Six research projects will be presented by UW-Eau Claire undergraduates representing programs in the four academic colleges. A seventh project will be presented by a student researcher working through the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. The projects are:

• “The Wisconsin Rural-Urban Political Divide in Historical Perspective,” Gabby Rizzo, student presenter; Dr. Patricia Turner, faculty mentor.
• “Do Problems with Fractions Start Early? Home Math Environment and Children’s (Mis)Understandings of Half,” Olivia Turks, Audrey Wood, student presenters; Dr. Alexandria Viegut, faculty mentor.
• “Process Over Prizes: Goal Orientations and Team Evaluations in Global Virtual,” Yiting Xu, Wenxi Zhang, student presenters; Dr. Longzhu Dong, faculty mentor.
• “Beneath the Mask: Exploring the Hidden Experience and Wellbeing of Female Neurodivergent Students,” Amelia Lyons, student presenter; Randi Goettl, faculty mentor.
• “Community-Based Interventions for Individuals With Acquired Brain Injuries: A Multipronged Approach,” Anna Lindner, Kylie Starren, student presenters; Dr. Jerry Hoepner, faculty mentor.
• “The Omaha System: A Scoping Review,” Cooper Priebe, Allana Valiente, student presenters; Dr. Jeanette Olsen, faculty mentor.
• “A Systematic Approach to Testing of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Drinking Water in Rural Eau Claire County, Wisconsin,” Meg Walker, student presenter; Dr. Sarah Vitale, faculty mentor.

We congratulate all 11 students who will be representing UW-Eau Claire on this exciting day for undergraduate research. One student attending the event, senior Olivia Turks, aptly summarized the mixed feelings about presenting her research to legislators.

“I don’t feel nervous about it — I really do enjoy presenting,” says the neuroscience major from Waukesha. “I’ve done quite a few presentations of other projects, some on campus and once at a national conference in Minneapolis. It’s exciting to share what I’ve learned. However, I might be nervous if I have the chance to present to Gov. Evers — that’s a little different,” Turks says.

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For more information, including upcoming highlights of the 2026 event,