St. Mary’s University holds the 16th National Student Research Forum 

St Mary’s University held the 16th National Student Research Forum on Thursday, September 1, 2022. The Forum was exclusively organized for undergraduate students to help recent graduates share their research findings and insights with fellow students and researchers. SMU, through this annual Forum, aims to contribute to the improvement of undergraduate students’ research, leadership and communications skills and also create a unique environment for the recognition and celebration of students who are able to conduct exemplary research in their respective fields of studies.

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An opening speech was made by Ato Tedla Haile, Executive Vice President of St. Mary’s University. In his speech, he indicated that the Forum is one of the most beneficial student-centered events as it is a platform where students share their research findings with fellow students and the University community. “Among the many student-centered campus events, this research forum stands out clearly as the most beneficial to students considering the experiences they get out of it” said Ato Tedla Haile. He added, “… the event creates the opportunity for staving off the stereotype that students do not tell apart fact from fiction. While such an assertion is a generalization, not supported by valid evidence, today's presentations are here to nullify it.” He strongly recommended students should be independent thinkers.  

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At the Forum, eight papers were presented and discussed. The papers covered a wide range of issues such as social media advertisement, competitive market strategy, street vending, E-Banking, employee motivation and job performance, and blind assistance system (Lamba). 

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The presenters mesmerized participants with their presentations. They received appreciation for demonstrating outstanding research, presentation, and time management skills and coming up with practical solutions to the problems they identified. “Lamba”, which is intended to serve visually impaired people, is a case in point. People with visual impairment can get their phones do tasks for them using voice. 

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Finally, a closing remark was made by Misganaw Solomon (PhD), Vice President for Research and International Relations. All the papers presented and deliberated were “insightful, timely and relevant,” Dr. Misganaw added. He also expressed his hope that the proposed suggestions on the identified problems “will be considered by the relevant bodies to improve the situation in the respective institutions where the research undertakings took place.” Finally, he extended his appreciation to paper presenters, chairs, rapporteurs, master of ceremony (who were all students), participants, and different offices for the successful realization of the Forum.