Kennesaw State University students are set to present their research findings at the Georgia Capitol on February 17. The event, called Posters at the Georgia State Capitol, is modeled after a similar national event in Washington D.C. and gives students an opportunity to share their work with state officials, policymakers, and constituents.
Amy Buddie, Executive Director of Undergraduate Research at Kennesaw State University, explained the significance of the event: “This event shows government officials the value of research and helps sharpen our students’ communication skills,” she said. “This is a chance for KSU students to network with others around the state who also value undergraduate research.”
One project examines how pre-workout supplements impact CrossFit athletes’ perceived effort and metabolic responses during training. The student researcher described their study: “Pre-workout supplements are often marketed to contain ingredients that limit fatigue and improve focus and performance. A unique aspect of CrossFit is that it combines multiple types of exercise (e.g., cardiorespiratory, weightlifting, plyometrics, etc.) into a circuit, with the goal of challenging the athlete in a unique way each time.
Our study looked at how a commercially available pre-workout supplement affected subjective perceptions of effort and objective metabolic responses to training in CrossFit athletes.”
Reflecting on presenting at the Capitol, the student added: “I am very excited that I was one of the students selected to represent our university at the Capitol this year. With the importance of nutrition and fitness becoming an increasingly popular topic of conversation, I look forward to the opportunity to open that dialogue with our local legislators.”
Another project investigates outcomes for participants in funded undergraduate research programs at Kennesaw State University from 2019 to 2024. The researcher summarized: “This project examines how participation in funded undergraduate research programs at Kennesaw State University relates to student success both before and after graduation.
Using retrospective data from the Offices of Undergraduate Research and Institutional Research, we analyzed academic outcomes such as retention, progression, and GPA for students who participated in funded research programs between 2019 and 2024. We also examined post-graduation outcomes, including employment and further education, using LinkedIn profile data.
The study includes students from multiple funded programs, such as the First-Year Scholars Program, Summer Undergraduate Research Program, and Peer Ambassadors Program.
Overall, the project aims to understand how funded undergraduate research contributes to academic achievement, career readiness, and long-term professional success.”
On what it means to present this work publicly at the Capitol: “Having the opportunity to present this research at the Capitol is especially meaningful because I have personally seen the impact that undergraduate research can have on students, both in my own academic and professional journey and through my work with other student researchers.
Participating in undergraduate research helped me build confidence, develop critical skills, and better understand my career goals. I have seen similar growth in many students I have worked with across different disciplines. Being able to share data that reflects these experiences, and to do so at such an important event, allows me to advocate for the continued support of undergraduate research programs and highlight their role in fostering student success and long-term career development.”
