Fourteen psychology students presented research posters at the 18th Annual Tri-State Undergraduate Research Psychology Conference at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Among the topics covered by the students were the impact of exercise on the levels of stress and "Sensitivity: Does It Really Make a Man?" The latter poster was presented by Jennifer Pohlman of Spring Grove and James Shepard, a junior from Chicago. Juniors Laura Dumont of Chicago and Lynsey Barnard of Pekin made the exercise presentation.

The other three posters were presented by seniors Ryan Kellogg of Williamsfield and Brian Meisinger of Galesburg ("Effects of Visual Stimuli on Individuals’ Level of Determination and Perseverance); juniors Allison Carroll of Iowa City, Iowa, and Jayme Ayers of Normal ("Self-Exaggeration: How Self-Presentation Differs from Self-Concept Across Gender"); and seniors Amy Lang of Chicago, Liane Lopez of Manhattan and Michael Miller of Des Plaines ("Influences of Conformity on Music Preference").

"The student presenters reported insightful feedback, interest and questions from both faculty and student conference attendees," said assistant professor of psychology Corrinne Lim-Kessler, who accompanied the students along with psychology instructor Marsha Dopheide.

Ten Monmouth students attended the 2008 Quadrennial Congress of Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics honor society. Titled "Scientific Citizenship: Connecting Physics & Society," the conference was held at Fermilab in Batavia, Ill.

Held every four years, the event was billed as "not your average physics conference." Students spent a packed weekend interacting with distinguished speakers, debating common concerns for the discipline and society, and touring significant physics locations at Fermilab, which was originally named the National Accelator Laboratory when it was commissioned in 1967.

"It was a wonderful trip for our students, and I’m so glad that they had the opportunity to experience this conference while they are here at Monmouth," said physics professor Chris Fasano, who led the trip along with visiting professor Anota Ijaduola.

The college was also represented by senior Mark Shoemaker of Kewanee, juniors Nick Jacobs of Schaumburg, Gloria Lehr of Knoxville and Jake Stott of Morris, sophomores Rodney Clayton of Plano, Adam Keller of Schaumburg, Elizabeth McIntyre of Pekin and Henry Schmidt of McHenry and freshmen Matthew Selby of Princeville and Brittany Shannon of Hudson.