As part of an Undergraduate Research Award from the Lamar University Office of Undergraduate Research, LU

student Daniel Quispe presented a poster at The 2019 Undergraduate Research Day in Austin. Quispe’s poster, “Implementing Solar Energy into Southeast Texas with Efficient Solar Cells,” was one of 69 showcased in the rotunda of the state capitol in Austin.

The event is organized every year the state legislature is in session to feature undergraduate research conducted in Texas. The Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellors and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas coordinate the day inviting representatives from 50 academic and health-related institutions. Each academic and health-related institution designates one student representative. Public designated research and emerging research institutions are allowed two student representatives.

Prior to the day in Austin, Quispe had presented his research at two Lamar University events in 2018 – the Undergraduate Research Expo and the Texas STEM Conference. The Undergraduate Research Day was Quispe’s first time to present a poster beyond his home campus.

“When I was selected to present a poster about the solar cell research, which I have been conducting with my mentor Dr. Bahrim at the Texas Undergraduate Research Day at the capitol, I was very excited but nervous,” said Quispe, who is a mechanical engineering major from La Porte, Texas. “At the beginning of the poster session I felt a bit nervous, but as students and faculty began to approach me and ask about my research over solar cells, I quickly reacted and entertained conversation with them. I soon found myself enjoying the act of informing them to the point that I lost track of time. And before I knew it, the poster session was over."

Cristian Bahrim, a professor of physics at LU and Quispe’s mentor, said Quispe’s research was well received.

“Daniel did a phenomenal job, with a very well-organized poster visited by many faculty and students,” said Bahrim. “He did an excellent job in promoting Lamar’s undergraduate research in a special setting where each public school in Texas comes with the best examples of student-driven research projects and the best student presenters.”

Quispe’s participation and success in the event exemplifies Lamar University’s Office of Undergraduate Research’s efforts to increase student involvement in undergraduate research.

“Undergraduate research is one of the best practices for student success and professional development in academia,” said Bahrim. “I was proud of Quispe’s efforts and his representation of Lamar.”

For more information about the event, visit Undergraduate Research Day.