Utah State University Undergrad Takes Her Research to the U.S. Capitol
USU undergraduate Erica Hawvermale from the Utah Posters on the Hill event at the Utah state capitol building. She is the lone Aggie representing USU at the national Posters on the Hill event in Washington, D.C.
A Utah State University Honors Program student is headed to Washington, D.C., to attend National “Posters on the Hill.” The invitation-only event, sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research, focuses on undergraduate students whose research looks to make a meaningful impact in their chosen field of study.
Erica Hawvermale, a USU junior majoring in cultural anthropology and double minoring in music and public health, is the only student from Utah to be selected for the April 19 conference. Hawvermale’s research targets Utah’s high school students and how participating in extracurricular activities can enhance their overall sense of community. Her results showed that when students willingly take part in sports teams, afterschool clubs or other activities they feel a greater sense of belonging which, in turn, has the potential to positively affect their lives in other ways.
Hawvermale is ecstatic about the opportunity to share her research on how participation in extracurricular activities is vital for high school students developing a strong sense of inclusiveness.
“I have been working very hard on this project and am beyond excited to present my findings,” said Hawvermale. “Attending Posters on the Hill is an honor as well as an indication that my research means something.”
Hawvermale’s research advisor, USU assistant professor Travis Dorsch, feels that she has not only challenged herself but has challenged him to expand his own expertise and interests.
"Erica conceptualized the research based on her own high school experiences, and it fits beautifully with the mission of our lab,” said Dorsch. “She continues to demonstrate that undergraduate scholars can do high quality and high impact research and serves as an example to those who will follow in her footsteps.”
Kristine Miller, USU Honors Program director, believes Hawvermale is a stellar representative for USU and her efforts warrant the national recognition she’ll receive at the conference.
"Erica is an outstanding student whose college experience exemplifies what the USU Honors Program hopes to foster,” said Miller. “She is an Undergraduate Research Fellow who has thought critically and originally about the problems she has discovered, collaborated with students and professors outside her discipline and engaged with the community to make the world a better place.”
When in Washington, D.C., Hawvermale will have the opportunity to meet with multiple politicians including U.S. Congressional Rep.s Jason Chaffetz and Rob Bishop as well as Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch.
This year has been a busy one for Hawvermale. In addition to Posters on the Hill, Hawvermale has attended three major conferences and given 16 research presentations and four invited lectures. She hopes her research will someday enable educators and school administrators to better serve high school age students by fostering community building programs and activities.
For information about Posters on the Hill, visit cur.org.
For information about the USU Honors Program, visit honors.usu.edu.
Contact: Erica Hawvermale, e.hawvermale@live.com
Writer: Paige Pagnucco, 435-757-2794, paige.pagnucco@usu.edu
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