Luther College sent fourteen students to the 22nd National Conference for Undergraduate Research on April 10-12, held at Salisbury University (Md.). The conference, the largest of its kind in the nation, hosted 2,800 student presenters and their faculty mentors this year from all 50 states, as well as several territories and other nations.

Luther was represented by 12 seniors and two juniors, as well as two faculty members— Lisa Lantz, assistant professor of theatre, and Jim Griesheimer, associate professor of music. Many students, including Nikki Helling (‘08) and Laurie Meinholz (‘08), presented their senior projects.

To be accepted, students had to complete a two-step application process. Projects were first submitted to the Dean’s Office and approved by Luther and then they were admitted at the national level.

Theatre/dance major Meinholz brought her work, “Analyzing Literary Framework as a Venue for Video Performance.” Her presentation stemmed from her senior video project, “I Hear America Cooking,” which will be shown on campus during the senior project showings. Meinholz’s project is available for viewing at 4 p.m., April 26 in Storre Theatre.

Meinholz’s research looked at William Faulkner’s writing process for his novel “The Sound and the Fury.” She examined his pre-writing, in-depth character development and larger, abstract concepts. She used this information to fuel movement scores, which were videotaped and compiled in a short film.

According to Meinholz, she had a productive experience at NCUR, having received good feedback from curious attendees. Through this and her interactions with others, she learned this kind of research is just part of an on-going process of discovery.

“It was so great to see so many other students owning what they researched and knowing that they may not have all of the answers, but this is what they have discovered so far in their process,” said Meinholz. “It was a very powerful and inspiring environment to be in.”

Helling, a Spanish and communication studies major, also presented her senior project research, “Cultural Adaptation and the American College Student,” at the conference. She also had an overall positive experience, receiving constructive feedback for future research.

“It was exciting to be around so many other American college students who are interested in academic research,” said Helling. “It was also fun to travel and see a little bit more of the east coast.”

NCUR also gave students the opportunity to connect with people around the country who are interested in similar academic fields.

“It was also a great place to make connections with other students, especially since I’m graduating this year,” said Meinholz. “It was great to swap information with others who want to continue doing what they’re doing but need a network to do it within.”

After presenting their research to students and faculty from different schools at SU, there was an open period to receive questions and feedback. Along with the opportunity to listen to other students, the university held events including a “beach party” with 85 tons of sand dumped on a campus lawn, a poetry reading by National Public Radio commentator Andre Crodescua and a graduate school fair.

Other Luther presenters included Katherine Benedix, Tiffany Choi, Karlton Larson, Stephanie Lim, Michael Marquardt, Megan Patch, Greg Sorenson, Jordan Stracke, Amanda Weber, David Carrier and Theodore Moore.