March 24, 2008

Undergraduate research to be highlighted at poster symposium

Viewing for the posters will be 2-6 p.m. in the Purdue Memorial Union North and South ballrooms. Judging will take place throughout the day, and awards will be presented at a ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

"People think of research as only for faculty and graduate students, but there is some wonderful research going on with undergraduates as well," said Robin French, coordinator of the event and an administrative assistant in the College of Science. "This poster symposium gives students experience in presenting their research not just to their peers who understand it, but also to lay people not familiar with the science. That is a skill they will need as they continue into graduate school or their careers."

Each poster must be accompanied by an abstract, which explains their research. Posters can be based on either in-progress research or completed research. Judges, which will include faculty, staff and graduate students, will select winners in the following categories: best in category; dean's and/or student award for each of the four sponsoring colleges; and best abstract in each category, sponsored by Purdue Libraries. The winner of the top award in each category will receive $200.

More than 150 posters will be on display. Examples of research to be displayed in posters this year include airport hangars of the future, dental office ergonomics, wireless sensor node development and radiation in space.

The four colleges, in addition to the College of Science Student Council, are hosts for the event. Awards will be provided by Monsanto, and John and Jane Doddridge. >/p>

Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Source: Robin French, (765) 494-1735, rdfrench@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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