The Mellon Senior Forum during the spring semester provides Mellon Senior Research Awardees with an opportunity to present on their research. Everyone in attendance has the chance to learn what their fellow classmates in an informal and convivial setting. The talks, generally 10-15 minutes in length, are about works in progress rather than a finished project. Works in progress make for some of the most interesting presentations, as questions from the audience can help the speaker crystallize their ideas.
Past talks have ranged from “Detecting Scintillation in Helium Gas: the Search for Dark Matter” to “‘Her Loose Amber Curls:’ Images of Ideal Victorian Women in Lady Audley’s Secret.” Students usually use a slideshow, but some have presented short performances of plays or musical compositions.
The Forum meets on several evenings in the spring semester, usually starting at 5:45 pm for drinks, followed by dinner and dessert (catered by nearby restaurants). There are three presenters throughout the evening, and the event usually finishes by 8:00 pm. Many students have reported that the Mellon Forum is a highlight of their Yale experience, offering them the chance to engage in stimulating conversations and to strengthen their research and bond with the Morse College community.