April 25, 2008
Welcome to the Ninth Annual College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Poster and Showcase Session. This year we have twenty-eight research posters from a variety of disciplines including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Psychology and English. In addition, we have three software projects from Computer Science/Information Technology majors and one Media Studies and Digital Culture project. For the first time this year we welcome Exercise Science and Athletic Training with two posters each. There are over 70 students participating this year!
A special word of thanks is extended to the faculty mentors who have shared their time and expertise to guide and encourage the students along their respective research paths. Without this nurturing support, the students would not be here today. Thank you also to the judges for sharing their time to help make this event a success.
Undergraduate research provides the students of the College of Arts and Sciences with a capstone educational experience. Regardless of the discipline, it is required that the student investigator be able to draw upon his or her foundation knowledge gained throughout the undergraduate years, and apply it in the context of investigating a new problem or phenomena. In its best sense, it fosters critical thinking skills in devising a research plan, discipline in executing the plan, and care in analyzing the results of that inquiry. It is the process of sifting through results in search of coherent meaning or solutions to the problem that fosters student appreciation for the fact that success in research requires sustained effort over long periods of time. For most of the students, it is the experience of the research itself and not the particular results of their project that will enrich their professional lives.
Congratulations to all of this year's participants. Thank you for sharing your work with the broader University community. As the College of Arts and Sciences continues to raise the flag of undergraduate research across our campus, you provide the tangible evidence of our progress.
It has been an honor and a privilege for us to Chair the Committee for this event. It is the activity that we enjoy and truly believe has been worth the effort.
Sincerely,
Keri Matthews & Nina Tarner, PhD
Co-Chairs of the Poster Session
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