The success of the ICUNJ Undergraduate Research Symposium depends upon the interactions, conversations, and assessments provided by the faculty and industry judges. Students participate in a series of one-to-one interviews defending their hypothesis, presenting their findings, and responding to questions about the research process and outcomes. Judges rate students on their communication skills, effective use of poster, ability to respond to inquiries. Additionally, the judges look to confirm that students own the research, see opportunities for future discoveries, and appreciate its place in the larger world.
By taking a day away from phones, desks and deadlines, the judges contribute to the transformation of independent college students. The real world connection offered by judges with different backgrounds from different industries provides students with alternate perspectives on their work. It challenges students to think about their research in an applications context. Most importantly, the Symposium judges give students an opportunity to build their skills and confidence in a setting designed to support growth and development.
ICUNJ is proud to partner with these talented professionals to give students insights to areas for improving skills and enhancing career opportunities. Evaluating others can be a daunting task, but understanding that their feedback will help students build a plan for better communication skills encourages the judges to be honest in their assessments. Students receive numeric scores and written comments from multiple judges which is compiled into a single document and shared with students and their faculty sponsors for review. For students, it builds an understanding of how different people react to similar experiences, helps them learn to accept feedback and use it as a tool for growth, and reinforces performance management strategies.
ICUNJ is grateful for the time, expertise and experience offered by this group of judges. Special thanks are extended to PSEG for their financial contribution and strong cadre of volunteers who continually raise the bar for the Symposium and student experience. Opening article image captures the PSEG professionals with ICUNJ president, Steve Reynolds.
