March 10, 2008

Van Jensen, 404-413-1357
University Relations

Undergrad research takes center stage

ATLANTA – Georgia State University’s second annual Undergraduate Research Conference, which gives students from all disciplines a chance to show off their scholarship, will begin at 8 a.m. Friday, March 14. While professors and graduate students typically earn all the spotlights for research, the event provides underclass men and women a chance to shine.

The students (who can work in groups of up to 10 people) will present their work with papers, posters, oral or multimedia presentations and artistic performances from 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Student Center. Awards will be given to those with the most impressive research, drawn from 158 students presenting nearly 100 entries representing 22 disciplines at this year’s conference.

“Programs such as GSURC encourage and facilitate undergraduate research as an important component of undergraduate education,” said Deborah Garfin, faculty associate for undergraduate research and the conference organizer.

Faculty sponsorship is required for each project, bringing professors and students closer together. Leonard Teel, professor of communication, was selected to receive the inaugural University Faculty Award for Undergraduate Research in recognition of his demonstrated commitment to mentoring and supporting undergraduate students in scholarly activities, Garfin said. He will accept the award and give the keynote address at 11:30 a.m.

Provost Ron Henry will recognize his choice for the GSURC Provost's Award from among the first place winners across presentation categories. Last year the award went to Karma Mehta and Claudia Leitner, biology students sponsored by professor Timothy Bartness.

What: Undergraduate Research Conference

When: 8 a.m., Friday