The event will take place at the California Convocation Center on April 15th from 9:00am to 3:30pm.

A panel of some of PennWest’s most experienced faculty will speak about their careers and the power of experience.

Members of this panel include: Dr. Elizabeth Jones (retired Professor of Business), Dr. Beverly Ross (retired Associate Professor of Criminal Justice), Dr. Craig Smith (Professor of History), Dr. Pamela Twiss (retired Professor of Social Work), and Dr. Robert Whyte (Professor of Biology).

Additionally, students from all disciplines will be giving presentations that highlight the creative projects and research studies they have been working on throughout the semester.

For many students, Strike-a-Spark is more than just another campus activity. The event serves as an opportunity for students to gain experience presenting on a large scale, some for the first time. One of these students is Riley Smith, a senior biology major, who will be presenting a poster at Strike-a-Spark for the first time this year. 

When asked how she was feeling about presenting, Smith expressed optimism despite being nervous.

“I’m excited but also nervous. But, I think it will be a good experience.”

She went on to explain her project.

“We’re looking at environmental microbes as a source of anti-fungals to help combat a fungus that causes diseases in bananas. We’re hoping to find and isolate the genes that are responsible for the production, and down the line edit them into bananas so they gain resistance against the disease.”

Smith will be presenting in the Convocation Center from 1:00pm-2:40pm on the 15th. 

This unique event has many other eye-catching projects. From surveying the white-tail deer population, to designing props for Into the Woods, to the rise of sport memorabilia fraud, there is a presentation for everyone to enjoy.

Coming out to support these students is a great way to ensure their presenting experience is as powerful as possible.