The Graduate Research Symposium, which will be held during Research Week on March 17, was designed to develop interdisciplinary collaborations within TRU’s graduate programs, and in the process, it has given rise to a growing graduate school culture.

Now in its second year, the symposium has expanded from being primarily a networking and social event, to an event centred on celebrating graduate student research. The event was envisioned and is coordinated by Graduate Student Research Mentors, a group of nine students selected through an adjudicated competition to serve as mentors for undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity.

Event details:

What: Second annual Graduate Research Symposium
When: March 17, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Mountain Room, Campus Activity Centre

Master of Education student Leena Yahia, a mentor who was  also the main organizer for the 2015 event, says the symposium has evolved to meet the needs of graduate students. This year, for example, there will be research posters and oral presentations from graduate students.

“We want the event to promote graduate student research, but we are also trying to create a research culture at TRU and this interdisciplinary event does that. This is an event for graduate students, organized by graduate students. It really is gaining momentum.”

Yahia hopes that the symposium she helped to create continues to grow after she graduates, and will one day provide a venue for students to engage with community and research partners from outside TRU.

Faculty and undergraduate students with an interest in research are encouraged to attend.