Students in Emerson’s Independent Study and Mentorship program are preparing for the upcoming Research Showcase that will take place at the University of North Texas at Frisco on February 12 and feature the original works of all Frisco ISD ISM students. Currently, these students are working on their display board presentations that will be on display at the showcase.

With topics from equity in education to forensic psychology and gamification of UI UX design, this year’s students are interested in a diverse range of topics. The original work is a culmination of a student’s first semester’s worth of research into a project. This year, original work projects have included lesson plans to diversify band music education and a law guide in three different translations to help clients understand medical malpractice.

Students are currently preparing for the showcase by rehearsing their verbal presentations and peer reviewing trifold boards. With a larger class this year, ISM 2 students have taken a different role, becoming advisors to ISM 1 students and offering feedback on their presentations before the final research showcase.

“The ISM 2 students in our class have been really helpful to me even if it’s small questions about what colors will compliment my board or contacts for possible interviewees and mentors, they’ve been open to helping us out,” first-year ISM student Chloe said.

The organizer behind this event and teacher of ISM: Ms.McCutchen, is occupied with planning the research showcase. Throughout the year, she has guided her students to finish their original work projects and has given constructive criticism to improve their presentations for the showcase. Last year there were only eight students in ISM, but with a new group of twenty five students Emerson’s ISM research showcase will feature a broader range of presentation topics.

“I’m so proud of my students and the work that all of them have put into creating their original works and now their final products,” Ms. McCutchen said. “It’s exciting to have a bigger class of ISM students that are ready to present during the showcase.”

With the upcoming research showcase at the University of North Texas in Frisco, ISM students are nothing short of busy. Alongside working to prepare for the upcoming research showcase, students are also working on their final products: an extension to their original work project that will be presented at the Final Presentation Night later in April. Although there is still much preparation left, students express anticipation for future ISM events and are looking forward to sharing their work.

“ISM has been so fun, but also challenging. There’s hard work involved, but we have such a great community,” Aditi said. “I’m excited for the research showcase. I’m ready to show off everything I’ve done this year.”