MyVoice’s young researchers once again took part in the recent College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program’s Annual Symposium and took away Blue Ribbon Certificates for their respective presentations. Students Alyssa Tisch and Carson Downer were among the research stars of the day!
Blue Ribbon Certificates are awarded to participants for outstanding poster and presentations during the symposium. Peer Facilitators nominate students whose visual representation of data is organized and well-designed and those who excel in demonstrating the context of their research along with and learning about the project.
Tisch, a political science, and communication and media student at U-M, did a poster presentation on, “Youth Perceptions on Zero-Proof Alcohol.”
“Working with MyVoice has been an amazing opportunity,” said Tisch. “I have learned so much about research, survey development, content analysis, and more. Our research on zero proof alcohol is super interesting and has the potential to impact many lives. I can’t wait to see where it goes from here!”
Downer, who is majoring in Public Policy with minors in political science as well as law, justice, and social change, did an oral presentation titled, “U.S. Perspectives on the Effectiveness of Hands-Free Driving Laws.”
“Working on the MyVoice project through UROP was an incredibly meaningful experience,” Downer said. “Exploring how young people perceive and respond to hands-free driving laws gave me the opportunity to contribute to research that directly impacts youth policy.
“I’m honored to have received the Blue Ribbon award and am deeply grateful for the mentorship and support that made this possible,” he added.
The UROP Symposium highlights the partnerships created between students and research mentors and serves as a venue where students present their research project and in turn, learn about the research their fellow UROP students have worked on throughout the program.
MyVoice Director Tammy Chang, MD, MS, was also honored at the event as a UROP Outstanding Mentor. She was nominated by Downer.
“It’s energizing for me to interact with young people like Alyssa and Carson, as well as the whole MyVoice team, who are all helping to draw attention to the experiences of young people and the many facets of life that affect their health and wellbeing,” Chang said. “I am honored to receive this recognition.”
