Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are shaping our future. At UW-River Falls, we recognize that STEM fields are crucial for driving innovation, solving complex challenges and fostering growth. Our commitment to STEM education is reflected in the wide range of hands-on learning opportunities available to students. From their very first semester, Falcons can engage in cutting-edge research projects, collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking studies and gain practical experience through internships and lab work. This immersive approach ensures that UWRF students are not only well-prepared for their careers but also inspired to become leaders and innovators in their chosen fields.
Explore this page to learn more about the exciting experiences our students are having in the world of STEM and learn more about the future of science education at UWRF - SciTech.
Researching and Raising Awareness for Face Blindness
Sophia Symalla is using her love of research to help people recognize a condition she has had to face herself. She is studying prosopagnosia, a condition that makes it difficult to recognize and remember people’s faces. As part of the study, Sophia is developing a facial recognition program, a means for helping people recognize that they may have the condition.
Converting Curiosity into Cancer Research Breakthroughs
For Nhi Nguyen, undergraduate research has been a transformative experience, deepening her curiosity and passion for scientific discovery. Since the spring semester of her sophomore year, Nhi has dedicated herself to researching breast cancer cell morphology and motility under the mentorship of biology Professor Tim Lyden. Nhi’s research focuses on understanding how breast cancer cells move and interact differently compared to normal cells, an area of study that could lead to improved treatments.
Transforming Student Work Hours into Research Insights
For psychology majors Desirea Szabla and Justin Gasparas, research is more than an academic requirement. It’s a passion that has shaped their career goals and personal growth. Their research explores the impact of work hours on student well-being and study efficiency. Significant results were found, showing that students who work more than 20 hours per week experience a notable decline in study efficiency.
Pioneering Humane Stunning Practices
Alli Matzek’s research on the humane handling of a large animal species is poised to have a big impact in the national food processing sector. Alli has, conducted a study to determine the most accurate placement to stun bison before slaughter to ensure they are handled as humanely as possible during the slaughter process. Her work is part of the university’s Animal Welfare Lab and Humane Handling Institute, which has completed similar studies for other species, including swine, cattle and yak.