Siena physics and business students headed to separate conferences this spring to experience academic presentations with professional peers.
Matt Bellis, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and astronomy took six Saints to the American Physical Society conference in Minneapolis April 15-18.
Alexa Robbins ‘23, Gabby Tamayo ’23, Kristina Gatto ’24 and Josie Swann ’24 all presented on their research; Ethan Jones ’24 and Vincenzo Morina ’24 attended conference sessions. Robbins and Swann presented on work they did with Bellis; Tamayo presented her capstone research; and Gatto presented work from her Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) last summer at the University of Florida.
“My favorite part about attending APS was getting to network with so many incredible people who share a common love of physics!” said Gatto. “It was also so surreal getting to present the research I spent the last year working on at one of the poster sessions. I saw how far my research has come since I started it last May and it was a full-circle moment for me.”
Robbins added that she was “so grateful to be given the opportunity to present my research and meet others who are interested in physics!”
Swann admitted to a bit of nerves while presenting her research but said the experience was an enjoyable one.
“I loved being around so many people who care about what I care about.”
Meanwhile, two Saints and their professor headed to the Academy of Business Research conference March 22-24 in New Orleans. Emma McLaughlin ’23 and Leah Chatalian ’23 attended with Cheryl Buff, Ph.D., professor of marketing.
McLaughlin presented “College Students’ Perceptions of Mental Wellbeing and Physical Activity: What Might This Mean for the Student Experience?” and won the award for Best Paper in her track; Chatalian presented “Exploring the Relationship between Influencer Marketing and the Fear of Missing Out.”
“This conference was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I would recommend all students take advantage of,” said McLaughlin. “It was a very inclusive environment with scholars who are passionate about teaching and learning. I enjoyed the networking environment that has opened doors to professional connections.”
Buff said that both Siena students were the only undergraduates presenting at this conference of professional researchers.
