February 2023

After a break triggered by the pandemic, 35 undergrad researchers from 16 private colleges returned to the Capitol this month for the Scholars at the Capitol event.  Set up as an open house, the event involved students talking with visitors about their research, which was detailed in posters on display. Guests included policymakers, college staff — and some proud family members as well.

The students are chosen by their institutions for the event and represent a wide variety of disciplines, including those in the humanities and sciences. No matter how complex the topic, the students were eager to talk through what they undertook and address the implications. A booklet with an abstract of all the research is below.

The event ended with a lunch for the students, where Brian Friedrich, president, Concordia University, St. Paul, thanked the students for coming and addressed the power of undertaking research as undergraduates.

Freddy Flores Dominguez
Freddy Flores Dominguez, University of St. Thomas
Savannah Supan
Savannah Supan, College of Saint Benedict
Amy Ruiz Plaza
Amy Ruiz Plaza, Bethel University
Jarrid Pizel
Jarrid Pizel, Concordia University, St. Paul
student looking through event abstract
students and visitors in the State capitol rotunda
students and visitors in the State capitol rotunda
students and visitors in the State capitol rotunda