CONTACT:
Cathy Levenson
(850)-644-4122
cathy.levenson@med.fsu.edu
By Matthew Hunter
Sept. 23, 2009
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Whether it is a biochemistry student who is researching bactericidal therapies, or a student who is studying differences in cultural music from around the world, Florida State University undergraduate students are performing the kinds of advanced research usually reserved for graduate students and faculty.
The Division of Undergraduate Studies will showcase the work of its best and brightest undergraduate students at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Award Symposium from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the College of Medicine.
“It is truly inspiring to see the outstanding work that these students are doing,” said Dean of Undergraduate Studies Karen Laughlin. “I am delighted to have this opportunity to showcase both the achievements of the student presenters and the wonderful support that they are receiving from their faculty mentors.”
“The symposium showcases research conducted by some of the most talented undergraduate scholars at Florida State University,” said Craig Filar, the director of the Office of National Fellowships, which is sponsoring the symposium along with the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (URACE).
The symposium will feature oral presentations by 13 undergraduate students who were awarded $4,000 from the Office of National Fellowships to complete a summer research project under the direction of a faculty member. They will give presentations describing their work in rooms 1301 and 1302 starting at 6:30 p.m.
In addition, 15 students who received the Mentored Research and Creative Endeavors award, which is awarded through the URACE in the amount of $1,000, will give poster presentations throughout the evening, starting at 5:30. These students also conducted research in partnership with faculty.
“We find that having research experience sets our students apart from the crowd,” said Cathy Levenson, the Director of URACE. “Whether a student wants to go to graduate school, professional school, or begin their career right away, having research experience is an asset because it teaches them to think critically, ask new questions, and solve problems.