Inside Iowa State

Feb. 9, 2007

Research symposium for undergrads

by Anne Krapfl

On April 11 in the Memorial Union, the University Honors Program is hosting the first annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, but don't let that fool you. It's not just for Honors students; it's intended for all undergraduate students from any academic discipline. The purpose is to give them an early opportunity to share examples of their research with the Iowa State community.

A single session at the symposium will consist of four or five students - if possible, engaged in related research - presenting a summary and responding to questions. Each 90-minute session will be moderated by a volunteer faculty member. Visitors are welcome to come and go throughout the day.

Economics professor Barry Falk, who is coordinating the symposium, said it could accommodate up to 70 student presentations. He encourages faculty and staff to talk to their undergraduate students about taking part.

"President Geoffroy has made undergraduate research a strategic priority," he said. "We hope faculty will support this event by getting their students involved."

The Honors Program will coordinate a number of research-focused events for undergraduates, he said.

Feb. 21 is students' deadline to submit an application and abstract. A submission form, FAQ and more details about the symposium are online.

Faculty interested in serving as abstract reviewers or as session moderators also are encouraged to contact Falk, 4-4372.

The April 11 Undergraduate Research Symposium will give students a chance to showcase their research work.