UR Advocacy

Providing impactful research experiences to students requires resources and, as a state institution, TSC makes an effort to share with Florida lawmakers how the College is being a good steward of state funding. Each year, the Undergraduate Research Program selects a small number of student researchers to share their research with policy makers at the Florida State Capitol, and to discuss how their research experiences at TSC have impacted them personally. This opportunity allows students to show their appreciation to TSC and their faculty mentors by sharing how undergraduate research has benefitted them personally and professionally. 
 
Prior to these events, students develop the ability to communicate their research in ways that resonate with non-expert audiences. This skill is essential for professional researchers seeking funding or commercialization opportunities, and it also gives students a chance to give back to the College by sharing how TSC has positively influenced their lives. These opportunities are by invitation only. Students interested in this opportunity are encouraged to express their interest to their faculty mentors.

TSC Day at the Capitol

Every spring semester, the College hosts TSC Day at the Capitol where, for one day, TSC fills the Florida State Capitol rotunda with displays that reflect the College’s commitment to engaging and innovative teaching and learning. Included prominently among these are undergraduate research poster presentations. In collaboration with TSC’s executive leadership, a select group of students are invited to participate in poster presentations during TSC Day at the Capitol. 

Posters at the Capitol

Once every two years, the Florida Undergraduate Research Association hosts Posters at the Capitol, a two-day event that brings student researchers from colleges and universities around Florida to Tallahassee to present their at the Florida State Capitol. As an institutional member of FURA, TSC serves, in partnership with Florida State University, as the local host for this important statewide event. In addition to presenting their research, students also meet with lawmakers to discuss the importance of undergraduate research in their educational journeys. Prior to the event, policy experts meet with participants to provide best practices for presenting research to state-level policymakers. Each Florida higher education institution selects four students to participate. TSC solicits nominations of student researchers from our campus community to represent TSC at this event. An interdisciplinary team of reviewers evaluates nominations and selects four student researchers to represent the College in this important statewide event. Nominations open during the fall semester of the academic year in which the event occurs.