The Office of Undergraduate Research and the Honors College are holding the 5th annual Undergraduate Research Day at 4 p.m. today at the Rockwell Pavilion in the M.D. Anderson Library to showcase projects of the undergraduate researchers at UH.
‘This year’s event includes exciting projects such as studying proteins in efforts to treat cancer, determining high-ozone days in Houston to study the level of air pollutants, enhancing telesurgery, analyzing the decline of general practice medicine, developing a physical activity intervention program and creating an African cultural center,’ said Karen Weber, program director of the Office of Undergraduate Research.’
Speakers at the event will include Stuart A. Long, associate dean of undergraduate research, John Antel, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost for UH, and Donald L. Birx, vice president for research at UH.’
‘Undergraduate research is a signature program at UH. The administration will continue to support more and more of such programs,’ Antel said. ‘Study abroad and community service are other programs where we need to invest to broaden the experience of our students.’
Project viewings will start at 4 p.m. and will remain open throughout the evening. Awards and guest speeches will also be announced.’
‘The Honors College also needs to be recognized for its work on this program; even non-honors students benefit from this great event,’ Antel said. ‘We are a research institution, and undergraduate research will promote the faculty researchers of tomorrow.’
The Office of Undergraduate Research organized the first Undergraduate Research Day in 2004.’
‘Students from all majors are encouraged to participate in this event,’ Weber said. ‘We started with around 27 students in 2004 and now ‘hellip; we have 90 students presenting; we’re so excited about what our students are doing.
‘Faculty, staff and students alike would have a really fun time attending Undergraduate Research Day. We try to make the event interactive and fun. I strongly recommend that students who haven’t done undergraduate research look into coming to this event. Undergraduate research would absolutely stand out on a student’s r’eacute;sum’eacute; when looking for a job after college graduation.’
Students’ participation grew with each year.
‘Presentations have now reached nearly 100 students compared to past events. Three hundred to 400 people attend each year,’ Long said. ‘Those who attend the event are given the chance to vote for their favorite presentation. Awards are given to students with the most outstanding presentations, which include some cash prizes. Certificates of participation are also given out. There isn’t one big winner, but rather several winners.’
The showcase of work benefits some students in their future vocation.’
‘ ‘Some UH students have succeeded so much that they have become involved in the Texas government, and some even with NASA,’ Birx said. ‘This shows the importance of undergraduate research during a college student’s career. The purpose is not only to learn but rather to succeed now and in the future as well.’
