Campus Research Day by Mark Myers
March 7, 2011
Recognition of the importance of undergraduate research and scholarly activity has been gaining momentum both nationally and here at UAF in recent years. Involvement in research and scholarly activities enhances students’ critical thinking skills and increases their chances of continuing on to graduate studies.
Students across the UAF campus are involved in top-notch research projects with many of our dedicated and faculty and staff members. Last year, UAF joined the ranks of many other campuses across the nation and spent a day recognizing these activities. As my first spring on campus approaches, I look forward to Campus Research Day on May 5, 2011.
Campus Research Day provides our students with an array of important experiences, from practice presenting work in a public venue, to meeting other student scholars to connecting with faculty and staff who are engaged in their own research. These experiences are fundamental to many of our students’ successes.
Involvement in research has been shown to increase retention and engage students at unprecedented levels. It gives our students the hands-on experience they need to be successful as they move into careers. It’s really a win-win for all of us.
Last year over 100 students presented posters or competed in the undergraduate symposium. Hundreds of community members and school children visited campus labs and met one-on-one with scientists.
I hope that all of you will engage personally and encourage your students to participate in this year’s events.
The day will be structured much like last year, with graduate and undergraduate student poster sessions, an undergraduate research symposium, open labs and an award ceremony and keynote. This year, all events outside of the open labs will be held in Wood Center to ensure access to all of the UAF community.
Please take a few minutes to look over the events listed on our website (www.uaf.edu/research) and consider how you can take part in the day, as well as encourage your students to participate.
Here are some important dates to consider:
Poster session registration (open to graduate and undergraduate students): April 1- April 22
Symposium application: March 21-April 15
If you have further questions feel free to contact Jenn Wagaman at 474-5082 or jewagaman@alaska.edu. I look forward to seeing the results of our students’ work this year.