This year, two K-State Accounting students participated in the university-wide Undergraduate Research Symposium. Emilee Brammer, a senior in Accounting, worked on a research project with Dr. Brooke Beyer titled, “Effects of Cybersecurity Breaches on Future Performance.” Their research investigates the effects of cybersecurity breaches on companies’ future performance. They provide evidence consistent with cybersecurity breaches leading to a decline in future net income, sales, and earnings per share but not a significant increase in costs.
Darian Coen, a junior in Accounting, worked on a research project with Ms. Sheila Coomes titled, “Student Perceptions of Tutoring Programs at Kansas State University.” This research demonstrated overall that while students believe participating in tutoring programs could help improve academic performance, they in fact experience several barriers that prohibit them from taking advantage of tutoring programs that are offered.
On December 10, 2020, both these students along with around 150 other undergraduate students, presented their research project posters at the symposium. Both Beyer and Coomes note the value and impact of the 
undergraduate research experience. “Undergraduate accounting research projects provide students with a great opportunity to develop a better understanding of the research process,” said Beyer. “Further, it improves their analytical mindset, and increases their skills with data analytics software, skills that are critical for success in today’s business world.” Coomes noted that this was a fun way to experience and engage in research with accounting students. “This symposium has helped our students see and understand the valuable contribution of research to Kansas State University,” she said.